BK2 or Potbelly or ?

R

redstripe89

Joined
Feb 13, 2012
Messages
11
With my new EDC taken care of, I'm in the market for a backpacking blade. I usually take a hatchet for processing wood but my trips are becoming more hunting focused so having a "do-it-all" blade on my belt would be nice. I will probably have a Buck Paklite, Bucklite Max, 110 or something similar as well.

Two primary contenders : Becker BK2 and J.A.B. Potbelly, alternatives welcome. My primary concern with the BK2 blade might be too short in a true "do-it-all" knife scenario.

Key Points:

* ~$80 or less
* Won't chop, unless it's an emergency situation
* Batoning is likely, as a companion to a saw
* 1/4" Blade is a definite plus
* If we get lost on a day trip, away from camp, this blade needs to do it all!
* 5" - 7" Blade preferable
* Will be carried along with another smaller blade for processing game, carving, etc.
* USA or Japan made

Thanks in advance!
 
Had both, and both will do what you are asking. Replace a hatchet\hawk in a pinch for wood processing. A Becker BK-7 may be closer to what you are looking for though.
 
Thanks for the quick response! My only concern with the BK-7 is that it's not 1/4", and I plan on splitting wood with it regularly. I take it you prefer the BK-7 to the Potbelly?
 
I'm not familiar with the JAB, but the bk2 is amazing. I would have to say the bk7 might be more what you're looking for though. The guys over at the becker subforum might have some better answers :)
 
Both knives meet your specs. As to worry about the BK2 and it's possible all-rounderness - that's what it excels at. I want to like the Potbelly but those handles bug me (personal quirk - I'm sure they're just fine) but the BK2 rocks out loud. Here's my canned BK2 response...

It whittles tiny spoons and forks and things...
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It chops seasoned oak for no good reason...
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It cleans fish...
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It batons...
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It poses majestically...
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It survives nuclear blasts...
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What's not to love?


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Beckerhead #42
 
The bk2 is a beast but do not fret about the 1/4 thickness. I used to think that way. 1/4 won't break so I don't want anything smaller than a sharpened prybar. But the bk7 is a hell of a knife and can take just as much punishment, believe me. Like I said I was like you, I loved 1/4 for my camp knife, but you know what I carry now as my primary do it all camp knife? A bk5. Yeh. Big difference. Sometimes bigger isn't always better. But you can't go wrong with any of the Becker line really. They all kick ass in the camp.
 
The Potbelly is basically a really powerful chopper for its size, but seeing how chopping isn't your main concern with the blade, I would actually go with the BK7 as your do everything knife.

I have a BK2, and have occasionally found that it is a bit short to baton through some of the wood we have around here when I go camping, although it for sure is a great knife. I also own a BK9 and it is the better batoner because of the extra length that it has over the BK2. The BK7 is the same thickness as the BK9 but in an easier to carry around package. It is also significantly lighter than the potbelly, with a more comfortable handle.

You'll be happy with either, but I think that for what you're looking for, the BK7 would be the best choice.
 
Wow thanks for all of the feedback! I might look into the BK-7 further, perhaps 3/16" is sufficient. As far as the Ontario knives, I did consider them but I'm concerned with the heat treat problems people have posted about. On that note, Noss from knifetests.com is pretty adamant that the Becker series is an over-hyped inferior product. Are there any good alternatives in this price range? I'm really open to all suggestions.
 
redstripe89 said:
Wow thanks for all of the feedback! I might look into the BK-7 further, perhaps 3/16" is sufficient. As far as the Ontario knives, I did consider them but I'm concerned with the heat treat problems people have posted about. On that note, Noss from knifetests.com is pretty adamant that the Becker series is an over-hyped inferior product. Are there any good alternatives in this price range? I'm really open to all suggestions.
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Just throwing this out there, but I've heard of exactly one BK2 that has ever been broken, and I've never heard of a BK7 or BK9 that hasn't been broken intentionally (aka, Noss style testing). Plenty of people beat on their Beckers constantly and have no problems with them.

Here is a list of a whole bunch of reviews on them.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/926889-Becker-Review-and-Comparison-thread

Specifically, check out brabs thread about the BK2 at the very top. He batons it through a refridgerator, lawnmower, a satellite dish and a chain link fence. The BK2 is still going strong.

There are other great brands out there, but for the money, the Beckers are very appealing.

Good luck man.
 
redstripe89 said:
Wow thanks for all of the feedback! I might look into the BK-7 further, perhaps 3/16" is sufficient. As far as the Ontario knives, I did consider them but I'm concerned with the heat treat problems people have posted about. On that note, Noss from knifetests.com is pretty adamant that the Becker series is an over-hyped inferior product. Are there any good alternatives in this price range? I'm really open to all suggestions.
Click to expand...

That's ok - many here are adamant that Noss' tests are over-hyped inferior entertainment.

I still like the BK2, but if you are considering the BK7, my son really likes his. Kid has more knives than I do and BK7 is his goto fixed blade.

If by some miracle you manage to break a Becker, know that they are covered by Kabar's outstanding warranty. Also, if you get one and don't like it, they are really easy to sell.
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Beckerhead #42
 
I just got my BK2 in the mail today took it out for a test run and i like it. not overly heavy, fits well in the hand and the sheath is righty or lefty carry all you need to do it take out a few screws and flip it around. This is my new pack knife. BK5 or a BK2 will do just what you're looking for and the price is right.
 
Being a BK7 owner myself, it is an incredibly well rounded knife, and it really holds an edge well. I care my 7 with a GB Scandi Axe and with that team I can tackle just about anything. I have batoned through lots of wood with the BK7 and that added length can really help. I would highly suggest any of the Becker line.
 
Buy a Becker. I own a BK-2. They call it the Train Wrecker for a reason. I havn't found the blade to be too short for anything. It's a helluva knife!
 
Bobthemotorcycle said:
I am not a big fan of the BK2. I like the BK9 and I will be getting the BK7 after I get the BK16 that is coming out in April.

I just do not like the BK2. It’s too heavy and too short. It requires a lot of work to get the job done. The BK9 is awesome. It chops with ease and feels good in the hand.

I remember that before I got the BK2 I had thoughts in my mind that it was going to be the knife of all knives. I would need no other knife once I got this wonderful gift. My goodness it has a 1/4 inch thick blade and that big curved blade. It is the knife of all knives.

Once I got it I realized that a 1/4 inch of blade is not the way a knife is supposed to be made, it is too thick and heavy. I thought once I got it I would put a really fine edge on it and make it the best shinning knife in the world. Something that can gut and skin a Moose. Once I got it I realized there is no way I am going to spend a lot of time with this heavy knife to wear me down.

You’re going to get it because in your mind it is awesome and it will do anything but in reality it is too thick and heavy.

If you want an outdoors camp and survival knife get a BK9 or BK7 and then wait for the BK16 to come out to satisfy your need for the BK2.

As for the Potbelly and Baconmaker, they are both too ugly to carry around.
Click to expand...

It is also interesting how our knife views change as we better define what we want our blades to do. For a long time I wanted one blade to be a do all. And some can be if you are ok with the compromise. But these days I prefer a smaller (4 inch) or so blade, along with a large 9+ incher. My small light blade is on hip and the big boy is inside or outside a pack. I have given away\traded all of my mid sized blades now, except my BK-2. Which finds use in a B.O.B.
 
Man, tough choice.

BK2 is my go to knife for any and all possible situations. It can do it all and is priced well below your $80 mark.

Come see us over in the BKT forum, there is plenty of stuff to help you make your decision, and if you want to talk to Steve Johnson about the Potbelly, I can arrange that pretty easy and quickly. He's a member here, as well as Ethan Becker.

Moose
 
Noss says beckers are over hyped? What does he recommend then if I may ask?
 
Ha just checked that out. Dumbness. The only Becker I could find was a destruction test on a camillus bk9. Ha. Some people. unbiased my aunt fanny
 
I say BK7 or BK9. At first most think a BK9 is WAYYY too big. I say not. Just get the proper custom sheath (or modify the stock one if you choose) & you wont even know it is there. Seriously, i have worn mine all day long, hunting, walking, entering/exiting vehicles, on/off atv's, standing squating, working. What you need to modify the stock sheath: a rod of steel (to make your own D-ring, a "belt keeper" with 2 snaps & some elastic paracord for a leg tie.

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Here is my custom setup. The leg strap is 1.5" elastic w/QR buckle. Small knife can be removed & worn alone. Options-i love options.
 
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