BK 9 or BK 4

N

neeman

Joined
Apr 5, 2007
Messages
6,249
Hi

Recently purchased a 16, and I am very impressed in using it
So ....

I have a simple 12" Imasca machete that chops okay, but is too light to baton
I have a GB Wildlife Hatchet that chops well, but does not baton

I am looking for a bigger knife to both chop and baton
Looked, researched, and watched Ethan on Utube

Could you help me with comparison between the 9 and 4

Thanks
 
I doubt you'll be disappointed with either. I have a couple of both. I'm more sentimental about my BK4s though. The BK9 is King and rightly so. Both are very versatile. The BK4 usually is thought of as bigger in pictures than it really is.
 
Arn't both about the same length?

Why King and why sentimental?
How are they different for chopping and batoning?

Thanks
 
I don't have a 4 but based on what everyone else says they are fairly close performance wise. The learning curve isn't as steep on the BK9. You need a BK9, you can't not have a 9.
 
Sentimental value of the BK4 for me is based on me carrying one my first tour of Iraq. It was my gateway Becker, even though it was a Camillus. I'd say for me the BK9 out chops the BK4, but otherwise they're even.
 
They are 2 completely diffrent tools...cant really compare them to each other...bk9 is knife/chopper...bk4 is machete/hatchet (basically a kukri). For chopping and batoning...the bk9.
 
I have a BK-9 and 2 BK-4's. The 9 is nice, but would never replace my 4's. I've had a BK-4 for 20+ years and it is my favourite knife bar none. And I completely disagree with budazz above (nothing personal). Neeman, check out my BK-4 thread, seen HERE. BTW, the 9 may outchop the 4 but it comes with a cost (weight).

Doc
 
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I've been trying to get a 9 all year, but wanting to purchase it at a local knife shop so he has yet to get one in. However I did buy a 4 from there and honestly after getting it I'm not in such a rush to get that 9.

It chops excellent and batons very well. I have played around with it as a draw knife and I love it. I've also used it to whittle a bit. It's an extremely versatile blade and I have it lashed to my hiking bag as my large blade.

You can't go wrong with either but personally I'd recommend the 4
 
DOC-CANADA said:
I have a BK-9 and 2 BK-4's. The 9 is nice, but would never replace my 4's. I've had a BK-4 for 20+ years and it is my favourite knife bar none. And I completely disagree with budazz above (nothing personal). Neeman, check out my BK-4 thread, seen HERE. BTW, the 9 may outchop the 4 but it comes with a cost (weight).

Doc
Click to expand...

Totally missed that thread in the past, but I'm absolutely loving the read and watching your vids. Thanks!
 
I have both and I use both. They are very similar in overall performance, imho, but the 9 is simpler and the 4 is quirkier. If you want a big simple knife that will do just about anything with both brute force and grace, go with the 9. If you want a lighter, smaller, quirkier knife with more personality and maybe slightly more versatility, then get the 4.

I think they are about equal in terms of chopping (once you get the 4 technique down). I prefer the 4 for finer carving stuff. The 9 is slicier (I use it a lot for slicing big vegetables, like squash or melons). Batoning is about equal.

Most of the time when I head into the woods, my 4 comes with me. Overall I prefer its style, and it is lighter.
 
I have and love both, but when we go to GLIB the BK4 is going to be on my pack. Versatility and weight are the reason.
 

Lucky 13!
Just thought we needed a pic here. Shows good size comparison.
I just love looking at these older pictures of when they were fresh and new, so clean.

 
Just get both. :triumphant: The 9 feels better in my right hand, the 4 better in my left. So dual weilding is all settled. :encouragement:
 
Thank you for all the feedback and advice

Got to see about ordering to get one of them over here
More than likely the 4
Then later the 9......

One last question
Most folk talk about the 4 being lighter
What are the knife weights?
 
Get the 4!


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You will not be disappointed with your choice... From my experience the 4 out chops the 9 in living wood whereas the 9 chops best in dead wood. Both can easily do both but this has been my experience. I do alternate betwee both when I go in the woods... I do have to admit the 4 has the cool factor when you break it out and start chopping and batoning.
 
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