I would like to say before I start that I'm aware these knives are not all that close to each other regarding specs. I'm comparing them because this is the first 7" knife I've ever owned and the Randall has been my go to blade for a while now.
This is the BK7 I won for the July contest(thanks again E).
Prices: Randall 350-600
Becker ~60
One more thing before we get to the tests: Whoever sharpened this BK7 jacked the edge up, one side is about 15 degrees, the other about 30. I tried taking a pic but cant figure out the macro settings on my cam and how they work. No worries though, itll come out with sharpening.
First I wanted to compare the sheaths, but there really is no comparison. Randalls come with the nicest leather sheath Ive laid eyes on. The pocket on the Becker sheath is pretty spiffy though.
Ok lets show how sharp both these knives are first. Im sure we would agree they are all sharp enough.
Secondly lets see how well they bite into a standing tree. Both did well, Randall actually did a little better than I thought it would.
Next I chopped a sapling about 1.5 inches thick. In the picture the chop on the left that didnt go all the way through was the BK7s chop, the other belonged to the Randall(went through it like butter compared to the becker, and I have a good idea why, more on that later).
Here are 10 chops into a dead limb from each knife. Becker on right, Randall on left. Becker clearly dominated that one.
Next I test basic carving chores. Making shavings and notches. While both knives did this just fine, the Randall feels more nimble in my hand(I'm guessing its due to the shorter blade) and is smoother while carving. While carving the notch I discovered the culprit for why the BK7 didn't just slice right through the sapling. Its the blade coating, it fucking sucks. You can feel the knife dragging ass while carving/whittling. It left the coating behind on the wood while carving the notch, didn't show up in the pic, crappy lighting. I'm fairly certain that once I remove the coating, it will perform as well as the Randall.
Next up is striking a firesteel. The spine of the Randall throws great sparks, getting the shavings to light up was a breeze.
I had to strike the firesteel with the edge on the bk7. It threw sparks fine, but due to the longer blade was a bit more difficult to use, and dulled the edge where I struck the steel. Ill square up a section of the spine once I remove the coating.
Here is a pic of the competitors after its all said and done.
Final thoughts: I think both knives are great. I like how nimble the Randall feels, how well it carves and its just a damn fine looking knife. I like how the becker is built like a tank, chops pretty damn good and doesn't have a guard to get in the way while carving. I'm going to strip the coating, square the spine and put a choil on the bk7, those would be great for this knife.
I'd be happy to carry either into the woods. If ya got any questions just ask.
This is the BK7 I won for the July contest(thanks again E).
Prices: Randall 350-600
Becker ~60
One more thing before we get to the tests: Whoever sharpened this BK7 jacked the edge up, one side is about 15 degrees, the other about 30. I tried taking a pic but cant figure out the macro settings on my cam and how they work. No worries though, itll come out with sharpening.
First I wanted to compare the sheaths, but there really is no comparison. Randalls come with the nicest leather sheath Ive laid eyes on. The pocket on the Becker sheath is pretty spiffy though.
Ok lets show how sharp both these knives are first. Im sure we would agree they are all sharp enough.
Secondly lets see how well they bite into a standing tree. Both did well, Randall actually did a little better than I thought it would.
Next I chopped a sapling about 1.5 inches thick. In the picture the chop on the left that didnt go all the way through was the BK7s chop, the other belonged to the Randall(went through it like butter compared to the becker, and I have a good idea why, more on that later).
Here are 10 chops into a dead limb from each knife. Becker on right, Randall on left. Becker clearly dominated that one.
Next I test basic carving chores. Making shavings and notches. While both knives did this just fine, the Randall feels more nimble in my hand(I'm guessing its due to the shorter blade) and is smoother while carving. While carving the notch I discovered the culprit for why the BK7 didn't just slice right through the sapling. Its the blade coating, it fucking sucks. You can feel the knife dragging ass while carving/whittling. It left the coating behind on the wood while carving the notch, didn't show up in the pic, crappy lighting. I'm fairly certain that once I remove the coating, it will perform as well as the Randall.
Next up is striking a firesteel. The spine of the Randall throws great sparks, getting the shavings to light up was a breeze.
I had to strike the firesteel with the edge on the bk7. It threw sparks fine, but due to the longer blade was a bit more difficult to use, and dulled the edge where I struck the steel. Ill square up a section of the spine once I remove the coating.
Here is a pic of the competitors after its all said and done.
Final thoughts: I think both knives are great. I like how nimble the Randall feels, how well it carves and its just a damn fine looking knife. I like how the becker is built like a tank, chops pretty damn good and doesn't have a guard to get in the way while carving. I'm going to strip the coating, square the spine and put a choil on the bk7, those would be great for this knife.
I'd be happy to carry either into the woods. If ya got any questions just ask.
lol