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BK 11 standard vs. BK11 SAN MAI
- Thread starter FAL'ER
- Start date
I have the San Mai Necker and my best buddy has the standard 1095 model. I have used both of them. The San Mai will hold its razor edge longer than the 1095. It also takes more effort to sharpen but not that much for me. I spent the additional money for the laminated blade because I just like the look. Both knives will corrode if neglected. I live near the Atlantic but I take care of my equipment and I have had no problem with corrosion with either knife. The working edges of both knives are carbon steel. Does one cut better than the other? As long as they are sharpened to an equal degree, the answer is no. So, if you don't mind a regular touch up with a hone, they are pretty much equal to me. If you want an edge that holds up a bit longer without, then the San Mai is a bit better. Whether the San Mai is worth the substantial difference in coast is subjective I guess. For a purely working tool, I would probably get the standard 1095 version and spend the extra money(if there is such a thing as extra money) on other stuff...like another knife. You can buy two of the standard BK11's and have money left over for the price of the laminated model.
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2003
- Messages
- 19,858
oh, it's double the price sexier, i think 
might have to get a second one before they're gone... they get a nice edge, and make a great pocket knife. i'd love an Eskabar version, talk about nifty... but as it is... yeah, i like it. the second one might get a spiffy handle treatment too. we'll see.
i'm told the 1095 and heat treat might be a little tougher overall, if you are say, batoning the thing into hardwood, and doing all sorts of extreme bad things.
kershaw has a not dissimilar thing going on these days. seems to be working for them.
might have to get a second one before they're gone... they get a nice edge, and make a great pocket knife. i'd love an Eskabar version, talk about nifty... but as it is... yeah, i like it. the second one might get a spiffy handle treatment too. we'll see.i'm told the 1095 and heat treat might be a little tougher overall, if you are say, batoning the thing into hardwood, and doing all sorts of extreme bad things.
kershaw has a not dissimilar thing going on these days. seems to be working for them.
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2008
- Messages
- 712
Just my opinion, the BK11 is a great EDC knife that is capable of doing heavier work than you would think from its size.
Mine gets batoned non-stop. I find it is the perfect tool for rough splitting wood to make wooden spoons. I also used it to field dress and then skin a buck this year. Anytime I am using it, it is getting beat on.
Given the great edge holding and overall quality service I have received from the 1095, (other than asthetics) I see no advantage to the san mai at all. It is different, it is prettier, but I would take two 1095's over one san mai any day.
Mine gets batoned non-stop. I find it is the perfect tool for rough splitting wood to make wooden spoons. I also used it to field dress and then skin a buck this year. Anytime I am using it, it is getting beat on.
Given the great edge holding and overall quality service I have received from the 1095, (other than asthetics) I see no advantage to the san mai at all. It is different, it is prettier, but I would take two 1095's over one san mai any day.