Any Reason To Prefer Camillus Over Ka-Bar (Or Vice Versa)?

BluesStringer

BluesStringer

Joined
May 16, 2006
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I've got a chance to buy a BK2 and BK9 that are both new, old stock Camillus models. They are both NIB with all papers, and represented to be purchased from Camillus' auction that liquidated all their assets before they closed their doors in late '07. The only thing "special" about these knives is that they are both from Camillus' early production runs after taking over from Blackjack(? right ?), as evidenced by both of them having leather sheaths. Now, I like the sheaths better in both cases than what comes with these knives now, but that is not a deciding factor for me. I don't buy my knives because of the sheath they come with.

My only question is about the quality between Camillus and Ka-Bar. My BK9 is Camillus and I don't have a single complaint about it. However, all of my criteria is completely user-based, and I don't have a clue about what differences in manufacturing processes might exist, and if any, how they might adversely affect the quality of the blade. I'm thinking heat treating here, or steel alloys, stuff like that.

I already have two BK2s, both of which are Ka-Bars, and I don't have any complaints about them either. BUT, I haven't used either of them hardly at all. (I know, time to get out and use 'em! I'm making plans for that as we type.)

So what say y'all? I'm not really looking at the potential purchase for any collector value. The "value" in a knife for me comes in how useful it is. I'm just asking if y'all have any preferences that revolve around build quality between the two manufacturers?

BTW, the prices of the two blades are close enough to current prices of the modern versions as to not be really relevant to my decision.

Thanks.

Blues
 
well, if the prices are the same... how do you feel about having a warranty?

the KaBar BK2 is thicker and more forward heavy.

the Camillus BK9 is thicker and heavier... some people LIKE that ;)

choose wisely. see the faq/blade database for specs.

if it came from the auction, one thing to worry about IS quality. old stock? seconds? bad heat treats? who knows.
 
Seconds from the die off at Camillus might be a concern, but you point out the two knives in question are from earlier runs.
I remember Ethan posting that the only heat treat concerns at Camillus were some early run Patrol Machetes.
I think you could buy either of those models with confidence.
Hope you get 'em and post up pics of the sheaths.
I have seen an old-school, leather Blackjack BK2 sheath, but not a leather BK9 version.
 
There are differences, but honestly, Kabar does BKT better. Plus you get the Tooojarific (real word, copyrighted) factor, the Kabar Warranty, and that new knife smell.

If you want to go Camillus, you will not be disappointed. I have owned both, and never felt underknifed. Kabar, BKT and ESEE are my 3 favorite production knife companies, I have my preferences, but that should not interfere with yours.

Post up your choice, we would love to see it.

Moose
 
I've got them both and like them both. They do actually feel different. I reground them and the Camillus took a little finer convex edge because it's thinner stock. The Ka-Bar is a little better chopper. The Camillus has a "solid" feel to it. Like I said, I like them both but would choose the Ka-Bar because of the extended tang, weight forward balance, warranty and sheath.
 
Absolutely no preference. I've hear the HT from KaBar is superior to that of Camillus (or at least batches of Cammy's), but mine have performed flawlessly. So I don't care.

As long as Becker's are made in the good ole' U.S. of A, that's all that really matters to me!
 
Cam and Kabar are both great knives in my opinion. If I had to choose I would choose the Kabar ones because of the extended tang butt which I can drive down in wood better and the Ka-bars can be mirror polished better than the Camillus ones.

My Camillus BK2 and my Ka-bar BK2

DSC01654.jpg
 
I do not think that Camillus ever used leather sheaths.....SOOO provenance may be a bit iffy.....I really think that the "Gen2" Ka-Bar mfgd BK2 Campanion is the very best of the bunch....Marvelous steel with the Toojarific heat treat, the skeletonised tang which gives a more forward balance and the extended tang for beating on, all make for a better working blade and I am very fond of the sheath that Tooj designed.....Much as I hate to admit Tooj being more clever than me ownself, at anything, he has IMHO a real flair for sheath design.......

Having said all that the Camillus built knives are damn good blades and will serve you extremely well......

All Best....

ethan
 
I have both and just prefer the Ka-Bar version. The fit and finish is better. Attention to detail to me translates across the board. From heat treat to handle fit and alignment. I also prefer the shape of the Ka-Bar handle. My Cammy's are display case queens.
 
Hey, thanks to all for your opinions. Upon further research, I was able to determine that the knives I was considering buying, with the leather sheaths, were not actively misrepresented, but misrepresented by omission. The seller failed to state that the sheaths were acquired separately from the knives until I actually asked the question of him. So the sheaths had no bearing on whether or not the knives were from early production runs, and as Ethan has pointed out, Camillus didn't pair up leather with knives anyway.

Sooooo, after reading the replies from you kind and knowledgeable folks, I decided to leave those knives for someone else, and instead just bought another Ka-Bar BK2 from Mr. Gannon for what I believe is the best price on the web and with free shipping to boot. This one will be my user-BK2. Not that I actively avoid using the other two that I have, it's just that they're always in dedicated packs in the cars and not handy to grab. The new one will take its place next to its shiny big sis, my BK9, and will show wear shortly after unpacking.

BTW, thought y'all might like to see the sheaths. Here's pics of them:

BK9:
Sheath203960.jpg


BK2:
Sheath7355.jpg


The sheaths went with their respective knives last night on eBay for $84 for the 9 and $84.25 for the 2, along with $8.50 for shipping on each. I liked the sheaths, but not enough to buy either one for significantly more than a Gen 2 Ka-Bar would go for.

Thanks again for the replies, and my wife thanks you too since I spent a lot less than I almost did! LOL

Blues
 
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