Basic 7 vs. BJ?

D

d.weglarz13

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Jun 4, 2008
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Just wondering how you guys think the Basic 7 compares to the BJ(or SJ)? Im thinking about going on a search for a Basic, and want to know what you think the goods and bads are, in regards to comparing the two. And, any links on the Basic 7 would be cool too, if anyone's feeling generous, and of course pics would be nice if ya got 'em. Anyone who has handled the two (i suppose you could substitute a SJ for the BJ too), your opinions are greatly appreciated, as are everyone's. Is it worth going on a search for another of my grail knives?(of course i know the answer to that one!). I have always just had a thing for the SJs, and the Basic 7(or 5 would be cool too. i gotta get me one of those too). Thanks
Dave
 
Old HOGs would have more info on the difference between INFI M for Basic models and today’s INFI.
To me the lines of B7 are ideal, and I can’t see any improvement in the latest offerings like BJ’s and SAR6, newer- yes, improved-not to me. This is just my opinion, of course.
I also prefer the shock absorbing handle of Basic line to the full tang models. Guys chopping with B11 should be able to expand on that.
 
Some comparison pics.

SJ vs B7
sj_B7_1.jpg


Tossed in a B5
B7_SJ_B5_2.jpg


B7_SJ_B5.jpg
 
Very similar. The downside to the Basics is no finger-choil. Something I wanted in that sized blade. . . so I have a BJ now and no more B7.
 
Wow, thanks for the pic!!! I really am digging that Basic Line.....Did the basics come in infi? or only M-infi? I think that B5 is just perfect!!!! i got to get me one of those...
So, how about in terms of use? How do the Basics compare to the SJ's or BJ's??? Thanks again.
Dave
 
Seems to me a smooth coated B7 has less of a bellythan the crinkled one, and looks more like a fighter rather than a camper.

Am I mistaken?

P1020780.jpg
 
Dennis in MA said:
Very similar. The downside to the Basics is no finger-choil. Something I wanted in that sized blade. . . so I have a BJ now and no more B7.
Click to expand...

I love my Camp Tramp (it has a large choil). It is more of a chopper than the BJ.

I love them both!!!:)
 
Dennis in MA said:
Very similar. The downside to the Basics is no finger-choil. Something I wanted in that sized blade. . . so I have a BJ now and no more B7.
Click to expand...

Agreed, the elf choil is worthless.

Another point to consider is the B7 is thick. I prefer thinner knives in that size range. The BJLE takes care of that as well.:thumbup:
 
BigLebowski65 said:
Seems to me a smooth coated B7 has less of a bellythan the crinkled one, and looks more like a fighter rather than a camper.

Am I mistaken?
Click to expand...

Here's a crinkle and a smooth coat, the camera angle kinda screws with the comparison.

basics-7-1.jpg


When I finally put together a 3, 5, 7, 9 set, I realized that there's significant differences between the crinkle / smooth coats :(, a couple of years later, I'd put together a set of each :cool:

Crinkle / smooth 9, 7, 5, 3
basics_no_pants.jpg


and some spares :foot:


Oh, did I mention I like the Basics series ?

d.weglarz13 said:
Wow, thanks for the pic!!! I really am digging that Basic Line.....Did the basics come in infi? or only M-infi? I think that B5 is just perfect!!!! i got to get me one of those...
So, how about in terms of use? How do the Basics compare to the SJ's or BJ's??? Thanks again.
Dave
Click to expand...

The B-7 is a great all around camp knife and chops well for it's size, the SJ can chop, the B-5, baton. The B-5 is more suited to food prep and bush-craft work. The SJ is in between for all those chores, but a great field knife. Think Kabar.

How about a B-6 (Euro 6) ?

crinkle_basics.jpg



Waiting for Will York & PeterPHWS to chime in ;)
 
Last edited:
jimmyjones said:
Waiting for Will York & PeterPHWS to chime in ;)
Click to expand...

All right, then...

Other than the fact the Basic 7 is a lighter (only 12 oz) easier carry, stronger (1/4" thick), more ergonomic (Resiprene-C), with better chopping balance, livelier in hand, and with a superior edge bevel (asym), I think they're about the same. YMMV :D

Of course, there was a 1/4" thick SJ, but now you're talking even more weight differential with nothing gained in chopping power or strength. Again, YMMV.

BTW, that collection shot of yours always blows me away, Jimmy--great, great stuff. :thumbup:
 
The Basics are very nice, I really like my B11.

Jimmy that is a great collection of basics you got there


I'll have to keep my eyes open for a B7 and or B5....
 
drbarnes said:
The Basics are very nice, I really like my B11.

Jimmy that is a great collection of basics you got there


I'll have to keep my eyes open for a B7 and or B5....
Click to expand...

Another nice variation is the rarer Euro 6, with slightly more robust handles on a similar format to the B7, also of M-INFI -- a tad shorter, a tad stouter, with clip point and full choil, in desert tan camo. Shown here are a straight-edge E6 (top) and a partially serrated E6 (bottom) with a crinkle B7. As you can see, the E6 is a horse:

attachment.php
 
Well, I have'nt got a Basic 7 nor do I have a SJ or BJ ... the reason being I find more use from 4-5 inch knives and then go up to a 9 inch blade or more for chopping.

So to answer where I can from the queries you have I can cover off the differences beteen M-Infi and Infi ... in use ... "none" is the answer. The edge retention is the same with my ASM M-Infi and my ASM Infi ... both excellent and the ASM M-Infi will outlast a normal bevel Infi BJ or SJ on cutting by some margin ...

People forget that when Jerry did his cutting rope tests at Blade the Basic 9 M-Infi was used to set the record ...

So for me the choice would be a Basic 7 ... no question about that at all ...
 
d.weglarz13 said:
... Did the basics come in infi? or only M-infi? ...
Click to expand...
The old Basic series was only made with M-INFI. From what others have said (search for a thread on this by "papathud"), there is no significant performance difference between M-INFI and INFI.

One difference between the B5 & B7 is the handle size - the B3 & B5 had a smaller handle than the B7 & B9. My hands are medium size, and I like both handle sizes. The larger handle on the B7 & B9 is better for chopping. I am a huge fan of the Basic series, including the newer B11.

Gene
 
my recollection of the basic 7 vs. the proto choiless boss jack I now have is that the boss jack has a more "chopper" feel to it, as it feels heavier in general and maintains enough of a forward balance to have it feel capable of chopping. The basic 7 felt almost completely neutral in my hand, and light for it's size. I never really liked it because it wasn't just in between like some of the other mid sized busses, it just kind of dissapeared in my hand. It didn't seem to fit catagorizing in my mind when I looked at it, it wasn't ideal for me as a slicer or an edc, it wasn't heavy enough to chop at a level I wanted, it wasn't small enough or large enough, it wasn't 'enough' anything. It just kinda existed o_o

DSC02447.jpg
 
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