Becker BK16 or Short Kabar? Can't decide which to buy

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LEBRON JAMES

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Nov 12, 2011
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I have been researching for weeks on a good fixed blade to buy. After much searching, I have narrowed my decision down to two knives. I will be using the knife for backpacking, camping, hunting, utility, and survival. I won't be doing much batoning with it because i carry a small hatchet for those types of tasks, so the lengths, between 4"-5" is ideal for me. Not sure about whether or not the serrations are a good addition on the short kabar either. Any input from you more experienced blade forum mambers would be much appreciated. Thanks.
 
short kabar handle is TINY. get the 16 definately. its a better all rounder

indy i would edit your post to somethin different before one of the mods cimes in cause you can sell out of exchange or without at least a gold membership. (sorry if im breakin any rules by sayin this mods)
 
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now thats a whole different idea. it is pretty much the same as a 16. except the 16 is customizable. from wood scales to stripping, cliching (etching),etc.
 
ive been looking on ebay for the bk16, and the cheapest i can find is $65.75, that's more than the BK2. Is it so expensive because it literally just came out a few weeks ago, or is that the price we can expect to see for that knife?
 
I have overlooked the BK2 at this point, because, although an absolutely beautiful piece, and having heard nothing but great things about the knife itself, everyone is saying how much of a P.O.S. the sheath is, and I am not a fan of that grivory handle material. So, by the time i get micarta handles, or even custom zytel handles, and a custom sheath, i will have spend $130-$140, and would be better off buying an ontario or esee rat 5 anyways. Nevermind the grivory handles on the BK2, if it had a better factory sheath, i would buy it in a heartbeat
 
you can always stiple the grivory and the factory sheath isnt THAT bad an aftermarket sheath is not a neccessity
 
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Plus i carry a small hatchet with me when i go packpacking so i find the thickness and heft of the BK2 a bit redundant for the tasks i would need it to do. The BK16, Short Kabar, or Mark 1 would be must better suited for my needs.
 
like i said 16 deffinately. most ergonomic and its the easiest to make your own. plus if you dont like it it would be easy to trade it for a mk1
 
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Get the BK16 or since you have a hatchet anyway, why not something even smaller and lighter for packing - like the BK11 or BK14? Then again, if you get the BK2, you can cover your knife bases and leave the hatchet at home.

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Beckerhead #42
 
Only issues I had with the BK-16 is that is came dull as a butter knife, the sheath kills the edge that I put on it, doesn't keep its edge long in use, falls out of sheath unless in normal vertical carry(which means without those retaining straps your sheath is useless). Other than that, extremely comfortable knife, great blade design, customization makes me happy including custom sheath options...I wish the heat treat were better so I could feel like I haven't wasted my time on it, but I haven't given up yet. I use my Mora Force Bushcraft waaaay more.
 
Bk16. haven't had any dulling issues that the previous has mentioned (perhaps its time to call kabar you may have gotten a dud ) I convexed my edge, and tried to dull it in sheath and it would always come out popping hairs. even after making a few one stick fires it still was shaving sharp. the shape and ergos are great, the sheath is awesome for a factory sheath on a knife under $75 (there are better factory sheaths but not on knives in this price point) its a great bushcraft knife. the other kabars are great too I just don't trust stick tangs and both the short and the mark 1 have just that. I want a solid piece of steel throughout.
 
I have a leather handle shorty and imo it makes a fine field knife. The only iffy about it is that the handle is a bit on the small side for some people, I find it OK. If you have large hands, it may not be best for you.

I haven't handled the 16, but judging by the spec's alone it should also do the job just fine. I think the sheath is a little large/bulky for my taste though, I prefer the leather one with the shorty.
 
clich said:
Bk16. haven't had any dulling issues that the previous has mentioned (perhaps its time to call kabar you may have gotten a dud ) I convexed my edge, and tried to dull it in sheath and it would always come out popping hairs. even after making a few one stick fires it still was shaving sharp. the shape and ergos are great, the sheath is awesome for a factory sheath on a knife under $75 (there are better factory sheaths but not on knives in this price point) its a great bushcraft knife. the other kabars are great too I just don't trust stick tangs and both the short and the mark 1 have just that. I want a solid piece of steel throughout.
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I think I may have....but I've already modded the heck out of it. Not that they won't cover it, but I'd have to do it all over again.
 
RemyKaze said:
I think I may have....but I've already modded the heck out of it. Not that they won't cover it, but I'd have to do it all over again.
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Mabye while you were modding it you got it too hotzand ruined the ht. Not sayin u did. Or you got a dud.
 
anyone know the length of the actual cutting edge on the BK16? I cant find that spec anywhere. The blade length is 4-3/8, and im pretty sure that's not the length of the cutting edge, though.
 
buckmaster96 said:
Mabye while you were modding it you got it too hotzand ruined the ht. Not sayin u did. Or you got a dud.
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So you think filing the spine, stripping the paint off, and stippling the handle would ruin the edge? Lol. No, bad heat treat. Either as a dud or in general. *shrug* I'm still thinking on the trade in.
 
Whats to think ? I have been reading in post after post about how you don't like the sheath, bad heat treat & won't hold an edge. KaBar has a great customer service. Use it. Either get a new one or credit on something else they make that you like. I also have one. Batoned it through some super hard black walnut with a nasty twist in it. It still shaved paper after 4 passes being batoned through it. If they won't honor the warranty because of the mods, sell it or trade it on the forum/net. Get something you like.
 
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