BK-2 and 9 observations

RABII

RABII

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I'd like to know why the BK-2 is so overbuilt, particularly with its' length, but the BK-9 is somewhat light (in thickness) for a 9-inch blade? It seems that the specs for the two knives should be reversed. And why such a blunt end on the BK-9. The clip is way out on the end of the blade giving it a stubby appearance. Just some observations.
 
umh, because it's built to survive, that's why?

the bk-9 is basically .25 inches thick too. that's pretty substantial. VERY substantial really.

Becker knows about sharpened prybars...

if you want a thicker knife, you can bolt two together, like a Gillette twin blade system :)


Bladite
 
The BK-2 is overbuilt so it doesn't break, ever, even after 2012. :D

I can tell you from personal experience that the tip on the BK-9 isn't blunt.
 
Bladite, you said the BK-9 is 'basically' 1/4" ? Either it is, or it is'nt. I don't know what system of measurement YOU use, but it ain't a 1/4". My point about this knife is that, for its' length, it could have been a little thicker. The BK-2 is thicker than the BK-9, or is it only 'basically' thicker? It just seemed to me, and GOD forbid anyone should have an opinion that sounds besmirching of any particular product design, that the 2 was heavier duty than the 9.
 
The BK2 is .25 to make it a versatile chopper and the BK9 isn't so it's not too heavy to take out into the field.
There are other brands out there, why not just find a product that appeals to you?
 
The Becker BK-7 DOES appeal to me, it's why I have two (a Camillus and a Kabar), but the idea of the BK-2 being a 'CHOPPER' is ridiculous. It would baton well enough, but I would'nt put it in the chopper class. I like Becker knives as much as the next on this forum, I only had questions concerning a couple of the designs. Most knives made for heavy use (chopping and the like) are at least 1/4", if not 5/16", and/or they have very long and wide blades. So, ain't nobody knockin' Becker here, just askin'.
 
RABII said:
Bladite, you said the BK-9 is 'basically' 1/4" ? Either it is, or it is'nt. I don't know what system of measurement YOU use, but it ain't a 1/4". My point about this knife is that, for its' length, it could have been a little thicker. The BK-2 is thicker than the BK-9, or is it only 'basically' thicker? It just seemed to me, and GOD forbid anyone should have an opinion that sounds besmirching of any particular product design, that the 2 was heavier duty than the 9.
Click to expand...

the original Camillus BK9 was a full .250 inches thick, featuring the "carbon five" type steel, and had the heat treat of the gods.

the current KaBar model is .188 inches thick, featuring a different steel, and heat treat... the new steel is arguably tougher iir and the heat treat superb, leveraging the best of the steel.

so, .062 inches difference is not a lot of difference in a sharpened prybar, that's a whole 1.5748 mm change in a matertial tough enough to take it.

Ethan pretty much invented the sharpened prybar with the BK2 and the BK4 MachAx some 20 years ago? if feels .062 inches is nothing to get excited about, then i'm not worried. iirc, there has never been a Becker thicker than .025

plenty of other makers have produced thicker knives, sometimes to extremes, but that doesn't make them neccessarily better, or tougher.

as to the BK2 being robust? bravo. i guess Ethan figured it hasn't needed to down for performance reasons. the bk9? still damn tough, or tougher, but now easier to carry, a better slicer, and possibly a more awesome chopper.


Bladite
 
I'm all for a limited edition .25'' BK-9.
I would buy two of them straight out !

Come on Ethan.. :)
I'm sure alot of people would buy them
 
Revolverrodger said:
I'm all for a limited edition .25'' BK-9.
I would buy two of them straight out !

Come on Ethan.. :)
I'm sure alot of people would buy them
Click to expand...

it's a nice thought, but the chances are very low and probably not for years. they'd have to aquire stock, set aside line time, probably reprogram, push aside many other knives, and the cost would be ridiculous, let alone distribution, and model numbering. at an educated guess.

far easier to buy some Camillus models from the usual sources. i got my BK9 user, like new, for less than $45 shipped a while ago. bargain hunting, yar.


Bladite
 
The BK-2 was designed as an aircrew survival knife. To be able to hack your way out of something like the aluminum skin of a helicopter after a crash and still have a knife to survive with. Aircraft are cramped so the knives tend to be shorter. The BK-9 at .250" would be a very heavy knife. It's purpose is a little different being used for a camp/utility/survival knife. I used one over the weekend and it chops, batons, and does small chores like making fuzz sticks well. I personally don't see any advantage to making the BK-9 with .250" steel. The BK-9 is probably one of Ethan's best handling knives.
 
I don't think that Becker knives are sharpened prybars. They perform far too well. My BK9 is the same width as my cutlass machete. With calipers it measures 5/32" thick. I think that is plenty. I have abused it plenty. The BK9 will slice a carrot as thin as you want, where a sharpened prybar only splits them. The clip at the end, is where it is to provide the balance and tip configuration. Large knives don't need a super pointy tip that is difficult to manipulate, do to the length. A 4" blade with a more pointy tip is much more versatile. the only sharpened prybars that come thicker than .25" are busse kin. You will pay FAR more for one of those than you will for a Becker. Ethan has designed a fantastic knife that performs amazingly well, and is affordable to a far greater segment of the population. There are custom makers who will make what you want if you can't find a production blade that suits you. For examples of use, check out my BK9 in the kitchen thread..
 
Here is a pic of my BK2 on the left, .25" thick. Center blade is 3/16" O-1, that is one of mine. On the right is the BK9 and it measures in at 5/32" thick. It is listed as 3/16, but I think you can see the difference. I think the Bk9 is perfect the way it is.

002.jpg


001.jpg
 
Old thread i know but i'm reviving it, lol!
So are the new Kabar Becker BK-2s 1/4 inch?
I have two old Camillus BK-2's and they are both 3/16ths not 1/4 inch.
Which begs the questions were the old Camillus BK-9s 3/16ths or 1/4 inch?
 
3/16 actually, on my caliper. It does taper off quickly though, towards the edge. Like above, I use my BK2 to chop, I grab the "ball" on the end with a pinky lanyard and wail away. Just sayin'. Moose (whoops! thought you meant Kabar, I don't have a camillus, so disregard)
 
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