Becker BK4 or kukri or?

T

timbo813

Joined
Jun 24, 2014
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I have been reading about the bk4 and kukri's. I don't have a specific need, this is more of a want. I'd like to be able clear brush, chop small logs, baton, etc. What would be some advantages of different blades in this category? I've never used any of them so I'm just hoping for input before I pull the trigger. Is there anything else I should be considering?

I like my beckers (bk14 and bk15) but this would be my first big one.
 
The BK4 is fantastic, one of my top 3 by Becker (the 11 and 15) share the other spots. I would jump on a 4 if you find one for a good price. Check out Dex at Coyleoutdoors.com . If not, wait for the RBK, the BK21 (the model number designated for the Becker Kukri)
 
Bought a 4 a few weeks ago and it is quickly becoming a favorite. I love my 9. Will always be the King, but when you find the sweet spot with the 4 chips fly. Angle of the handle makes batoning on the ground easier. I also have HI WW2 16.5 in Khuk. Is an absolute beast but very heavy and not as easy to use or carry. Have used smaller khuks and prefer with the 4.
 
BK4 all the way. Ive got 3 huge thick very nice Nepalese Khuks and there is nothing they can do that the Becker Cannot. The BK4 upstages even the "Beast" 3 chirra Khuk from khukri house that I got. BK4 came the sharpest out of all my BKs and I have almost the entire line...BK4 is vastly capable...
 
For what you described, the BK4 should work well. I have had a BK-4, various Kukri, machete type Kukri and huge 5/8" thick, 5 pound Kukri. I usually end up going back to my Cold Steel Kukri machete that I convexed the edge on. It's light, it was cheap, cuts like crazy and is very tough. I would reccomend wrapping the handle in paracord though as the factory handle is thin and abrasive.
 
I just ordered a BK4. Thanks for the input everybody. It seems like most people really like them and they are marked down quite a bit now.
 
timbo813 said:
I just ordered a BK4. Thanks for the input everybody. It seems like most people really like them and they are marked down quite a bit now.
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I would also look to get a ceramic rod or a fine diamond rod for ease of sharpening. The constant curving nature just isn't conducive to a clean and sharp edge on a flat stone.
 
I'm a huge fan of the CS Gurkha khukuri. This is NOT the khukuri machete. The Gurkha is the best khukuri available IMHO. It works well for clearing brush and chopping. I've been curious about the BK4 Machax and would like to try one. I don't think it would replace a full-sized khuk like the Gurkha, but it seems to work well for smaller jobs. It also appears well suited for finer knife-type tasks which would be challenging with a larger khuk. The BK4 is on the small side and wouldn't seem like a good brush clearing tool (a machete of any sort would likely be best here). For pure versatility, I believe the CS Gurkha cannot be beat though. But, the Becker RBK Khukuri has yet to come out and could give CS a real run for their money:)
 
If you are looking for a modern made kukri it's hard to beat the CS Gurkha Kukri. Not the kukri machete, but the real Gurkha Kukri. I haven't handled the BK4 but if it's is as good as the rest of the Becker lineup it could hardly be bad.

I would love to see a Becker Reinhardt Kukri produced. I have a Blackjack Reinhardt kukri and it is one of the most perfect blades I have ever handled.

If you want a traditional kukri go over tot the HI forum and they will hook you up.
 
I'll add some pics and remarks. The CS Gurkha's design allows it to chop tough, hard wood and still slice green vegetation. This can be a tough balancing act and the majority of khukuri just don't do both IMHO.

This is mesquite. It's extremely hard and the Gurkha nibbled away at it with ease.
CSGurkha006_zpsa78d7b2c.jpg


At the same time, its geometry allows it to slice through delicate and flexible material with just the flick of a wrist. Note: That's not edge damage, just stuff on the edge and optics at play. The steel is super tough.
CSGurkha002_zpsb41f9651.jpg


I can't speak to the Machax's capabilities. It's popular and I'd like to get one at some point, but again, I don't think it can replace the CS Gurkha.
 
NJBillK said:
I would also look to get a ceramic rod or a fine diamond rod for ease of sharpening. The constant curving nature just isn't conducive to a clean and sharp edge on a flat stone.
Click to expand...

I ordered one of those as well. That's actually the reason I haven't ordered a BK4 before now.

Thanks
 
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