A question on functionality

T

theGuardian

Joined
May 14, 2014
Messages
3
I am a total knife neophyte, shame on me for taking so long, I know. ;-)

I'm looking for a good all-purpose survival/camping knife, at something less than home mortgage dollars. My research so far has brought me to two, a BK2 by Ka-Bar, and an ESEE -4 or 5. They seem to run between $80-$120, and that's near my limit. They both seem to be 1095 steel, and I was told that was acceptable for my needs. So...

1) am I being unreasonably short sighted on price/function?
2) Does either one excel in any given area?
3) I'm not looking for a weapon, as I'd likely not do it right anyway.

Thanks for any help you can offer.
~theGuardian
 
All listed are good choices. Might also want to look at Ontario Rat and Afghan fixed blades. Good knife values. Although my Rat-3 showed up with a pretty full edge. No big deal if you know how to sharpen.
 
BK2 and ESEE 5 are basically the same thing from different companies; a tank that will take a lot of abuse but isn't much of a cutter. Difference in price is based on the sheath and carry options that come with each. These are much thicker, 1/4" versus 3/16", than the other knives either company offers. They are meant to be sharpened prybars.

The ESEE 4, and the BK 15, 16 and 17 are all excellent belt knives, excellent working, cutting knives. Basically they're in the perfect size range for utility. The BK16 is the most similar to the ESEE 4. If you're looking for a good do-all belt knife to always have at your side but need a little size, go with any of these, or an ESEE 6.

If you like really slicey knives that cut like a laser and are lightweight, check out the Becker BK11, 14, or 24. For ESEE check out the Izula I or II, the ESEE 3, or the Candiru.

Hope this has helped. I have a BK16, and an ESEE Junglas, and Izula II currently. Also, keep in mind if you get a Becker, the stock sheath may dull the knife slightly, but aftermarket sheaths are pretty cheap with makers like Azwelke and Godspeed Tactical. The price for outfitting a Becker with the same handles and sheath as an ESEE is comparable to the price of the ESEE itself, so get what ya want cause they'll end up costing the same over time. :p
 
Consider something different.
655B-500x.jpg

(655B) Curved Skinner/Sticker/Boning 6 "
http://www.svord.com/
 
RemyKaze said:
BK2 and ESEE 5 are basically the same thing from different companies; a tank that will take a lot of abuse but isn't much of a cutter. Difference in price is based on the sheath and carry options that come with each. These are much thicker, 1/4" versus 3/16", than the other knives either company offers. They are meant to be sharpened prybars.

The ESEE 4, and the BK 15, 16 and 17 are all excellent belt knives, excellent working, cutting knives. Basically they're in the perfect size range for utility. The BK16 is the most similar to the ESEE 4. If you're looking for a good do-all belt knife to always have at your side but need a little size, go with any of these, or an ESEE 6.

If you like really slicey knives that cut like a laser and are lightweight, check out the Becker BK11, 14, or 24. For ESEE check out the Izula I or II, the ESEE 3, or the Candiru.

Hope this has helped. I have a BK16, and an ESEE Junglas, and Izula II currently. Also, keep in mind if you get a Becker, the stock sheath may dull the knife slightly, but aftermarket sheaths are pretty cheap with makers like Azwelke and Godspeed Tactical. The price for outfitting a Becker with the same handles and sheath as an ESEE is comparable to the price of the ESEE itself, so get what ya want cause they'll end up costing the same over time. :p
Click to expand...

They fixed the Becker sheath issue a long time ago, per others on more knowledgable this forum than I.
 
theGuardian said:
I am a total knife neophyte, shame on me for taking so long, I know. ;-)

I'm looking for a good all-purpose survival/camping knife, at something less than home mortgage dollars.
Click to expand...

Welcome. First thing you should do is figure out what you expect "a good all-purpose survival/camping knife" to actually do. If you tell us that, we can suggest knives that do it.
 
RemyKaze said:
BK2 and ESEE 5 are basically the same thing from different companies; a tank that will take a lot of abuse but isn't much of a cutter. Difference in price is based on the sheath and carry options that come with each. These are much thicker, 1/4" versus 3/16", than the other knives either company offers. They are meant to be sharpened prybars.

The ESEE 4, and the BK 15, 16 and 17 are all excellent belt knives, excellent working, cutting knives. Basically they're in the perfect size range for utility. The BK16 is the most similar to the ESEE 4. If you're looking for a good do-all belt knife to always have at your side but need a little size, go with any of these, or an ESEE 6.

If you like really slicey knives that cut like a laser and are lightweight, check out the Becker BK11, 14, or 24. For ESEE check out the Izula I or II, the ESEE 3, or the Candiru.

Hope this has helped. I have a BK16, and an ESEE Junglas, and Izula II currently. Also, keep in mind if you get a Becker, the stock sheath may dull the knife slightly, but aftermarket sheaths are pretty cheap with makers like Azwelke and Godspeed Tactical. The price for outfitting a Becker with the same handles and sheath as an ESEE is comparable to the price of the ESEE itself, so get what ya want cause they'll end up costing the same over time. :p
Click to expand...

Sorry to nit pick this but the differences in price are not just "sheath and carry options". The ESEE will have a forever no questions asked warranty. The Becker is limited to the original owner and doesn't cover damage from accidents or abuse. Also, the handle scales are much more expensive to manufacture on the ESEE and many consider Micarta to be far superior than plastic.

And a good aftermarket sheath is not all that cheap. This can be anywhere from $30-$60 depending on where you go and what you want. This tuens a $70 knife into a $105 knife. Quite a difference in price. Also, getting good service from an after market sheath maker can be a challenge depending on where you go.

To the OP, I would consider both the BK2 and ESEE 5 too thick for a camp knife. I have had the ESEE 5 and it was terrible at general cutting tasks like food prep. I have the Izula, 4, 6, & Junglas. The 6 is my go to camp/survival blade. Big enough for effective wood processing and thin enough to actually cut stuff too.
 
marcinek said:
Welcome. First thing you should do is figure out what you expect "a good all-purpose survival/camping knife" to actually do. If you tell us that, we can suggest knives that do it.
Click to expand...

Yup. What I do while camping is different then what the next guy does. Where you are and what time of year would also be a consideration. My advice is to go cheap on your first knife and get a mora at about 13-15 bucks. With it you can figure out what you want to do with a knife. Then again a mora might just be all you'll want. I have 200 dollar "survival" knives that sit in a drawer because the mora works better for me. A machete or a pruning saw would also be something to look at. A good machete can be had for 10 bucks. With it and the mora you'll be 25 bucks in and you'll be a lot better off than someone packing just a medium sized belt knife.
 
What will you be doing? Where will you be going? If you do not know you should get a Mora for 10 bucks and then come back when you know what you will be using the knife for.

Also keep in mind that there is no substitute for having the right tool for the job when you need it. Don't go buy the most expensive survival knife you can afford and assume you will just improvise everything else. Any knife even the really cool ones are a poor substitute for a quality tent and sleeping bag.
 
craytab said:
Sorry to nit pick this but the differences in price are not just "sheath and carry options". The ESEE will have a forever no questions asked warranty. The Becker is limited to the original owner and doesn't cover damage from accidents or abuse. Also, the handle scales are much more expensive to manufacture on the ESEE and many consider Micarta to be far superior than plastic.

And a good aftermarket sheath is not all that cheap. This can be anywhere from $30-$60 depending on where you go and what you want. This tuens a $70 knife into a $105 knife. Quite a difference in price. Also, getting good service from an after market sheath maker can be a challenge depending on where you go.

To the OP, I would consider both the BK2 and ESEE 5 too thick for a camp knife. I have had the ESEE 5 and it was terrible at general cutting tasks like food prep. I have the Izula, 4, 6, & Junglas. The 6 is my go to camp/survival blade. Big enough for effective wood processing and thin enough to actually cut stuff too.
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Aftermarket micarta from Tomars and a KYDEX sheath similar to ESEE adds up to around the same cost. I was basing my comparison on the most similar handles/sheath available. Leather sheaths for any knife are always outrageously priced though, usually more than the knife itself. I think I paid $20 for a set of Ipe hardwood scales for my BK16. I paid around 25-30 for a dangler kydex sheath for my ESEE 6 from Godspeed.

Not trying to say you're wrong, at all. Just saying there isn't a big enough gap for OP to choose ESEE over Becker IF they prefer a Becker design. That being said, even though Kabar/Becker will honor most issues barring complete idiocy, they will probably gripe about it as if you did something wrong whereas ESEE will not.

Becker warranty is near the same, as they have replaced accidentally broken blades and the like. Their warranty is stated a certain way to protect them from stupid people, but they stand behind their products as much as ESEE does, and that is coming from an ESEE fan. The forum is littered with evidence that their warranty is on par.


Also, I vote for getting a Mora and a 12"-14" Tramontina Trail Machete from baryonyxknife.com. You can get the machete customized as you want, both knife and machete will perform insanely well, and you will not feel afraid to beat the snot out of them.
 
I want to thank all who replied to me, I really appreciate it. I have learned a lot on this quest. However, I didn't want to mislead anyone. So here is a little more information. I don't know how I'll use it. I don't really camp, and I'm not into the zombie apocalypse. I have hunted white tail, but not in decades, may start again. I just felt that a "good knife" is something I ought to have, so my daughter got me this for Christmas. I feel like I'm kinda running out of time. :-)

I'm on vacation in TN and they have a huge knife store here. So, I picked up the Ka-Bar BK-2 and sent her a pic of it. She's very happy. Maybe that's worth the whole price of it. LOL Thanks again for all the advice. I hope to learn enough to someday be able to contribute too.
Thanks,
~theGuardian
 
The BK2 is a really good knife. I'm a big fan of the RAT line, but you can't go wrong with ESEE, Becker, SW, or RATs.

As for 1095c, it's one of the best steels for hard-use fixed blades on the market, IMO. It doesn't have outstanding edge retention, but it is super tough, resists severe edge damage, is very easy to sharpen, and keeps the price down. Many other steels with more edge retention are going to lack the toughness and be harder to field sharpen, not to mention be more expensive. Like A2 tool steel, 1095 has been around for a while but it is still one of the preferred steels for this type of a blade and it is well-paired for harder usage and easy upkeep.

Sheath-wise, I personally like getting custom leather, nylon, CF, or Kydex sheaths made for knives as I think they make the entire package much nicer, are generally more comfortable, and can be designed/selected based on your needs (ex: I like a pocket that can hold a magnesium firestarter, a few waterproof matches, and sometimes a Spyderco DoubleStuff ceramic sharpening stone with an outdoors fixed blade)
 
theGuardian said:
I want to thank all who replied to me, I really appreciate it. I have learned a lot on this quest. However, I didn't want to mislead anyone. So here is a little more information. I don't know how I'll use it. I don't really camp, and I'm not into the zombie apocalypse. I have hunted white tail, but not in decades, may start again. I just felt that a "good knife" is something I ought to have, so my daughter got me this for Christmas. I feel like I'm kinda running out of time. :-)

I'm on vacation in TN and they have a huge knife store here. So, I picked up the Ka-Bar BK-2 and sent her a pic of it. She's very happy. Maybe that's worth the whole price of it. LOL Thanks again for all the advice. I hope to learn enough to someday be able to contribute too.
Thanks,
~theGuardian
Click to expand...

Heh? :confused:

Your daughter got you what for Christmas? WHy are you running out of time? And for what? Are you buying a knife for you or for your daughter?

Odd. Well...hope somebody enjoys the knife, and it doesn't just sit around not being used. If you helped us a bit we really could have helped you out.
 
marcinek said:
Heh? :confused:

Your daughter got you what for Christmas? WHy are you running out of time? And for what? Are you buying a knife for you or for your daughter?

Odd. Well...hope somebody enjoys the knife, and it doesn't just sit around not being used. If you helped us a bit we really could have helped you out.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry to confuse you sir, She gave me the money so I could pick out what I wanted. My problem was I had no idea just what it was that I wanted.
 
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