Becker BK-2 vs BK-7

ko9 · Mar 10, 2010

Hi, I just placed this in the Becker forum, but realise now that that is mainly aimed at the manufacturers themselves, so figured I'd post here too to ask the community for feedback.

I'm planning to get a good knife for when I go camping. Will probably be using it for some wood-related tasks (everything needed to build a fire), and some small tasks around camp. Also possibly some random chores around the house when I'm at home.
The two clear candidates for me (given my budget) are the Becker BK-2 and BK-7. I'm kind of wondering what the real benefit of either of them is over the other.
They're both the same brand, so should be roughly the same quality. The BK-7 is bigger, which I guess makes it more suited for larger wood work, and less for small cutting work?
Is that correct? And what other reasons are there for choosing one or the other (I'm really torn between the two)?

Thanks in advance,
Ko9

PS. I realise it isn't idea to want to do everything with a single knife, but for now I'd accept that if it means having a single knife

never too sharp · Mar 10, 2010

Blade length is really the only difference*(1 1/2"). The combat bowie(BK7) was designed to fit the needs of the military, while the campanion(BK2) was, well, the name says it all. I'de go for the 2 if you think 5 1/2 inches is big enough for your needs. I like the sheath better, also.

*The clip on the BK7 is not the typical becker clip. It takes some design elements from past military knives, such as the MKII.

ko9 · Mar 10, 2010

I think it's not so much whether it's big enough (more length is definitely useful when chopping up firewood), but whether the benefit there is worth sacrificing precision in smaller cutting tasks.
I'm thinking it isn't, and since I am indeed planning to use it for camping purposes (not planning to get into any knifefights ;-)) I should probably get the Campanion.

Reeek · Mar 10, 2010

I'd get the BK-2 first . . .

ko9 · Mar 10, 2010

Living in the Netherlands, I am unsure how to get one. Shops here don't seem to sell these knives, so maybe shipping from the US is the best option. Anybody know a (cheap) shop that does ship to NL?

hogslayer · Mar 10, 2010

I agree the Bk2 is alot more comforble for me in woods work were the bk7 is more akward in my hand

CL01 · Mar 10, 2010

There's 2 main differences, I believe. Obviously, the BK2's smaller & would be easier to tote around. However, I believe it's also thicker (.25" vs the BK7's 3/16"), so I would think the BK7 would actually slice better.

Personally, I hope Becker/Ka-Bar makes the BK10 Crewman. It has the thumb ramp & thinner blade of the BK7/9, but is smaller like the BK2.

As to where to get one that ships to where you live for a reasonable price, hopefully someone else will chime in as I have no clue.

You could check on the F/S section & see if a knife of similar size is F/S & see if they'll ship to you.

I take it your interest in the Becker, while they're very good knives, is mainly because of their low price, right?

Good luck with what you get.

Jake Bauer · Mar 10, 2010

The BK7 is the better cutter. The BK2 is a better "hacker". You can make more precise cuts with the thinner blade of the BK7. The BK2 will cut well, but with a thicker blade, its harder to make finer cuts. Now the 2 will take any abuse you can throw at it within or without reason, while the 7 will hold up just fine short of trying to pry open a car door. The BK2 feels a little heavier to me than the BK7.

For the outdoors I like the 7 overall better.

Gadgetaholic · Mar 10, 2010

I like my BK-7, it is a good knife capable of damn near anything. That being said I also have a Mora at hand for finer tasks. I wouldn't baton with my Mora, luckily I have a BK-7 to handle batoning.

orangish ducktape · Oct 29, 2011

i own an eskabar and a bahco laplander folding saw.
i am having a hard time to decide between a bk2 or a bk7 to complete my 3 blade set.
ive used a bk2, but i think its a tad heavy, but is 7in too big for everday camp task?
-orangish ducktape

kenk · Oct 29, 2011

Did you know that you can have the best of both knives? Take a look at Doug Ritter's RSK Mk2 Perseverance Fixed Blade Utility / Survival Knife

http://www.dougritter.com/dr_rsk_mk2.htm

It costs more, but it is one fine fine knife with a great pedigree (designed by Doug Ritter & Ethan Becker, based upon the BK&T designs, made by Shon Rowen who also makes TOPS and ESEE knives).

orangish ducktape · Oct 29, 2011

i have seen that knife, and i love it!
but if i were to spend that much money,
than i would pay the extra $25 for the Fallkniven A1.
- orangish ducktape

TwinStick · Oct 30, 2011

Start with the BK2. You WILL NOT be sorry. That said, i also have the BK2-7-9-11-14-10-13-5. You simply can't go wrong with any of them. I like my BK7 & 9 even more now, that i choiled them & jimped them.

FAL'ER · Oct 30, 2011

between the 2 options given, I'd pick the BK 7 every time. Slices better than the 2, lighter than the BK 2. That Bk2 just never felt right in my hand, too thick. Besides how often do you really need .25 inch thick?

Flexxx · Oct 30, 2011

BK7 here also, like what Oregon said....

brians · Oct 30, 2011

I've had both as well, and I still have the 7. It's a versatile blade for it's size - remarkably nimble in hand. One great aspect is the variety of handle and sheath upgrades available. Here's mine in brown micarta and a spec-ops sheath.

If you can find one, the BK10 has the shorter length of the 3, but the thinner blade thickness of the 7. It sells for a premium, as it has been discontinued, but is, as well, a sturdy and versatile blade. Here's mine in kydex bloomers

MrKnifekid · Oct 30, 2011

I say get a 2. I love mine to death. It is an amazing battoner or battonee or whatever.

It's a great pumpkin splitter, too.

clich · Oct 30, 2011

yowza! thread necromancy just in time for Halloween. Its really a tough question, i like em both. hmmm how bout a bk5? but i also second the bk10 crewman...guess im not much help. i just like the walking dead i guess....that and posting pics of knives....get em all

Moosez45 · Oct 31, 2011

Tough call, for me, I would go with the 2.

Some say the thickness takes away from the knife's ablility to slice, I haven't had that problem yet, my BK2 slices just fine, and can do some really good carving and small task as well.

Each person's mileage may vary, and I'm not saying that the BK2 is for everyone, but it is for me.

Moose

Psyop · Oct 31, 2011

Both you will want them all soon......

Becker BK-2 vs BK-7

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