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

I really like the BK2, but not the sheath, and not the handle scales. Now I'm kind of think this.....

RAT-5_Canvas_Micarta_8627__08504_zoom.jpg
 
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TwinStick said:
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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What knife are you talking about here, bro?
 
RemyKaze said:
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.
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No I had no idea what you did to it. I was thinking mabye you were fisking it or something and it got too hot
 
This one is just a matter of personal taste. Same steel, excellent fit and finish,and top shelf customer service.

It's going to come down to what flavor you prefer
 
BePrepared said:
This one is just a matter of personal taste. Same steel, excellent fit and finish,and top shelf customer service.

It's going to come down to what flavor you prefer
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I am just being difficult, I really want to buy the the BK16, and the Rat5, and the BK2, but I am a college student, so my budget wouldnt allow for that to happen . haha. But, another issue I am facing is that there are no stores near my location that I know of that have these knives, so i cant see, or feel them in-person. I am having to simply buy the knife online based on what you wonderful people say here on blade forums, and youtube videos, and hope that I like it, without seeing it in person and handling it myself before i drop $70,$80, even up to $100 for a high quality blade.
 
LEBRON JAMES said:
I am just being difficult, I really want to buy the the BK16, and the Rat5, and the BK2, but I am a college student, so my budget wouldnt allow for that to happen . haha. But, another issue I am facing is that there are no stores near my location that I know of that have these knives, so i cant see, or feel them in-person. I am having to simply buy the knife online based on what you wonderful people say here on blade forums, and youtube videos, and hope that I like it, without seeing it in person and handling it myself before i drop $70,$80, even up to $100 for a high quality blade.
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I know the feeling. but rest assurrd you could trade or resell what you don't like. id stay away from the rat 5. Ontario has cut some corners on HT if I remember correctly
 
i will give you 70% of your purchase cost for any knife you buy on that list should you decide you don't want it... :)
 
haha i appreciate the offer, but i am doing so much research watching youtube videos, and reading posts here on blade forums, so that my first purchase is the fixed blade that i really want, and wont lead to any buyer's remorse, but the more research i do, and more knowledgeable i become, the more difficult the decision to just pick one seems to be.
 
um, yeah... that's what we call "the addiction"

that's why most of us who came here looking for info on one knife now have 30+
 
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The Mk1 is a great knife - so long as you don't have extra-wide hands, the handle is great, and the steel plate on the butt makes a handle light duty "hammer".
The BK16 is also a great knife, and does not have the issue for extra-wide hands.
The hidden tang on the Mk1 is great for cold weather, the full tang on the BK16 is theoretically stronger if you're into working your knives to their limits.

The Kabar Short you pictured in the original post has a short, small diameter handle that some folks find uncomfortable.
 
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TwinStick said:
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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I just give the other side of the story. Really just didn't want to give up the work I've put into it, especially if I get the exact same issues with the next one. I'll give it a shot I suppose. Lol that's the hard part though, I DO like the BK-16. Aesthetically it's the s**t, ergonomically too.
 
I've bought and sold a good number of knives, almost all without trying them in the hand first. The only ones I have consistently kept are the Beckers. Get the BK-16! I seriously doubt you will regret the decision.
 
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alright fellas, i think i am going to go with the BK16, and later on in my backpacking and mountaineering excursions this summer, if a need arises, i can buy the cold steel kukri, i've seen some youtub videos of that thing, and its a beast, and for only $20, you cant go wrong. With that CS Kukri, i wouldnt need a BK2, BK7, BK9, or any other blade bigger than the BK16. I think thats what i will do
 
LEBRON JAMES said:
What knife are you talking about here, bro?
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The BK16.

RemyKaze, if you have a hard time getting a good edge on it, & you don't mind paying shipping both ways, send it to me & i will sharpen it for you & send it back. I guarantee it will shave hair & paper when i am done.
 
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ozgooner said:
I've bought and sold a good number of knives, almost all without trying them in the hand first. The only ones I have consistently kept are the Beckers. Get the BK-16! I seriously doubt you will regret the decision.
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Agreed. My little ESEE 4 can basicly do whatever the 16 can. But, the Becker is different and has it's own charms. Much thought was put into this one and it shows. I like the 16 and I'm keeping mine.:thumbup:
 
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LEBRON JAMES said:
or possibly this.
880220135_260.jpg
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This ^. (In case OP didnt know this is the new Mk1 with Kraton handle)

Ps: Lebrons game 6 was disgusting. I am a Boston fan and I really want to hate LJ but he is so incredible and was super respectful and cool headed after they won, even telling Doc Rivers what a great coach he was. DAMN YOU LEBRON!
 
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