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BK2 chopping when compared to...

Shotgun

Shotgun

Joined
Feb 3, 2006
Messages
8,250
I see a lot of guys here posting that the 2 is a good chopper and this really boggles my mind. It's just hard for me to believe seeing as how it's so short. Now I have NO need for this knife but I have to say the prybar survival type knife always draws me in.:D But, if I'm going to carry this much weight it has to be able to chop. So my question is; compared to the list of tools below that I've had experience with, where would the BK2 fall for shear chopping ability? Does it even compare with anything other then the M6?

I would appreciate responses from people who have actually used the tools below and not what you've heard about them. Thanks.

SRKW M6
GB mini
CS Trail Hawk
Fiskars 14" hatchet
12" Tram machete
14" Tram machete
 
As for the hawks and machetes, I cant say for each in particular (ive owned others though) but ive found that those dedicated choppers bite deeper and thus in reality chop better, but as for chopping control in a short swing situation, or for more controlled chops id give it to the bk2. As for the SRKW M6 i have owned one and the edge goes to the bk2 solely because the handle shape (not sure of the terminology but best description is the return and downward curve of the tang at the pommel) which allows to choke down on the grip, and get a good snap chop, where the m6 handle is flat out to the pommel and doesnt offer as good of a grip for that type of chop, leaving the chop strength in the choppers arm only, not extra help from physics.
 
Compared to the Fiskars hatchet, it chops a little less good. I have a 12" Imacasa which bites a good bit deeper than the BK-2 because it's a lot thinner of course.

The thing is, for me chopping isn't that important, splitting is what I care about. And when I'm in the woods and don't have a good chopping block, I like to baton. Batonning a hatchet? Nope. Wouldn't like to use the machete for splitting either.

Plus, the BK-2 is a great chopper for its blade length. Packing a BK-2 is easy, it will fit into large cargo pockets, your fanny pack or your tactical murse :D
 
Shotgun said:
I see a lot of guys here posting that the 2 is a good chopper and this really boggles my mind. It's just hard for me to believe seeing as how it's so short. Now I have NO need for this knife but I have to say the prybar survival type knife always draws me in.:D But, if I'm going to carry this much weight it has to be able to chop. So my question is; compared to the list of tools below that I've had experience with, where would the BK2 fall for shear chopping ability? Does it even compare with anything other then the M6?

I would appreciate responses from people who have actually used the tools below and not what you've heard about them. Thanks.

SRKW M6
GB mini
CS Trail Hawk
Fiskars 14" hatchet
12" Tram machete
14" Tram machete
Click to expand...

The only one of those I have is the CS Trail Hawk, and my BK2 chops way better. If you hold the BK2 by pommel swell it chops like a tomahawk that has nice steel and a great edge unlike my CS Trailhawk.

Don't hold it like this...
20110212_ac_12.jpg


But rather, like this...
20110212_ac_13.jpg


It has the added advantage of doing lots of knife tasks that the the CS TH and other tools you mentioned won't do. Is it as good a chopper as the BK9 - no but that's not the point. No one is claiming BK2 is the ultimate chopper - it's a 5" knife that does lots of things well and chops better than it has any right to.

Anyway, here's a seasoned oak log I chopped through for no good reason...
20110212_ac_15.jpg


20110212_ac_17.jpg


20110212_ac_18.jpg


... and here's a storm killed tree I dismantled in order to clear a horse trail where I hunt...

20110813_ac05.jpg


20110813_ac07.jpg


I'd rather have my BK9 in that second instance (or a decent machete) but the BK2 did a good job *and* it's easy and convenient to carry *and* it does small knife tasks better than the other choices.

---

Beckerhead #42
 
The bk2 is very capable for it's size but definitely not a axe.
I have the fiskars and CS mentioned and they are both much better at choping.
Like I said they are axes though, I don't know of a more capable blade in that size.
 
My trail hawk chops better but my bk2 batons better.
I like both. Often I use the hawk to make a bit and the bk2 to wedge it apart.
 
GingivitisKahn said:
The only one of those I have is the CS Trail Hawk, and my BK2 chops way better. If you hold the BK2 by pommel swell it chops like a tomahawk that has nice steel and a great edge unlike my CS Trailhawk.
Click to expand...

Sorry man but I can't really take what you have to say about this knife seriously. "WAY better" seems like an exaggeration but then again I'm not in your woods and I don't know the condition of your hawk. Maybe you're right but I'm highly skeptical.

Thanks to everyone else for your comments. When the knife budget opens up I may get one and check it out.
 
I have a CS Rifleman's hawk which has a longer cutting edge than the Trail hawk, and even after re profiling the edge I am not super impressed with its ability to chop, so I would not be surprised to find out that the BK-2 out chops the Trail hawk (with the correct technique) The BK-2 has more cutting edge than the hawk and can be snapped very well and has a better cutting edge and profile. I dont have the BK- 2 but I do have a BK-5 and I can tell you that the five bites much deeper than my hawk, and the 2 is supposed to out chop the five due to grind and weight. Just my 2 cents.
 
Shotgun said:
Sorry man but I can't really take what you have to say about this knife seriously. "WAY better" seems like an exaggeration but then again I'm not in your woods and I don't know the condition of your hawk. Maybe you're right but I'm highly skeptical.

Thanks to everyone else for your comments. When the knife budget opens up I may get one and check it out.
Click to expand...

The BK2 bites deeper for me than the trail hawk. Doubt away. Out of curiosity, what motive would I have to lie about it? My trail hawk is cool and would probably make a pretty good weapon (better than the BK2) but for processing wood? Nah.

Others with better tomahawk technique might have better results with it of course. My Ron LaClair ShrewHawk outchops my trail hawk but I still do better with the BK2. Anyway - you asked for opinions and I gave mine.

---

Beckerhead #42
 
I have a BK2 and a Trail Hawk - the BK2 chops better. Agreed as above, hold the end of the grip and use a lanyard.

Too short to be a great chopper, but is hell for stout.
 
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