BK4 vs. BK9

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Jul 27, 2015
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Never been a "big knife guy." To me, the BK16 is ideal, and pretty much all I'd ever need. BUT... i have the bug. I want a larger knife for general camping, wood processing, and all around big knife kinda stuff. I live in the northeast where we have a good combination of soft and hard woods.

So the question is, where does each knife excel and which is better at which tasks when comparing the two. Thinking of things like minor chopping (I have axes for heavy stuff. Not looking to fell trees here), and all around bushcrafty/camp type stuff (think stakes/notches, draw knife use, feather sticks, light batoning). Not looking for a specialty knife, but really a versatile jack of all trades.

Obviously each design will sine over the other in certain ways. As Uncle Ethan has said, each knife is a series of compromises. I know from reviews they are both great. There just isn't a whole lot directly comparing the two.

So what say you?
 
There is more of a learning curve with the 4, but really just when it comes to chopping. Hitting the sweet spot, that is. Since chopping isn't a primary concern for you, it wouldn't be an issue. This is really a tough call. The 4 would more than likely be a better draw knife do to it's blade shape. I thought perhaps the 4 would be more difficult when it comes to feather sticking, but I think it's easier to feather with the 4. I think the 9 batons better, do to a straight blade, but the 4 is no slouch. Damn, this is a tough one. Not really the answer you're looking for, but you really can't go wrong with either.
 
Never been a "big knife guy." To me, the BK16 is ideal, and pretty much all I'd ever need. BUT... i have the bug. I want a larger knife for general camping, wood processing, and all around big knife kinda stuff. I live in the northeast where we have a good combination of soft and hard woods.

So the question is, where does each knife excel and which is better at which tasks when comparing the two. Thinking of things like minor chopping (I have axes for heavy stuff. Not looking to fell trees here), and all around bushcrafty/camp type stuff (think stakes/notches, draw knife use, feather sticks, light batoning). Not looking for a specialty knife, but really a versatile jack of all trades.

Obviously each design will sine over the other in certain ways. As Uncle Ethan has said, each knife is a series of compromises. I know from reviews they are both great. There just isn't a whole lot directly comparing the two.

So what say you?

From my experience there isn't a huge difference between the to as far as performance goes. The BK9 is easier to sharpen and if you have to split wood the 4 sometimes bottoms out before splitting the wood completely. The angled handle on the 4 is a little easier on the wrist if you use it a lot.

I've done some videos recently on youtube featuring both. Here's a link to my channel if you want to check them out.

https://www.youtube.com/user/bigghoss762/videos
 
Yeah, I wasn't thinking about sharpening. :thumbup:
 
Also, the BK4 is cheaper. But a wise man once said "You NEED a BK9. You can't not have a 9"
 
I would get a 4 b4 they are never more. Lol. But, honestly, if you want to skip the learning curve... go for the 9. They're both awesome, so you'll end up with both. Don't be intimidated by the 4. It's really not that big in the hand.
 
Yeah, I wasn't thinking about sharpening.

For what it's worth I just got a WorkSharp KO, so they'll both be getting sharpened on that.

Also, the BK4 is cheaper. But a wise man once said "You NEED a BK9. You can't not have a 9"

I know. The fact they can be had around $60 these days is killing me.

I know it's a tough call guys. Keep the info coming. Looking to see what the thread turns into.
 
The BK4 reminds me a lot of the Tom Brown Tracker...its a pretty specialized blade that's going to require quite a bit of time commitment to it to fully maximize its usefulness....based on the flavor of the OP I'm thinking this is going to be more of an occasional use knife and not a live with it, sleep with it, eat with it till you know what it can and can't do and how to do it best with the knife in your hand......

Because of that, I'm going to recommend the 9 over the 4 because of the more " normal / familiar " learning curve.... I think for the OP it would be the right choice.
 
I know. The fact they can be had around $60 these days is killing me.


I bought two and I prefer the BK9. Just get all of them.

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I have a 4, bought the wife one, and just won one. Always good to have a back up. :thumbup: I was thinking of modding my 9. Of course, if I do, I'll have to buy another, as I like it stock.
 
I would get a 4 b4 they are never more. Lol. But, honestly, if you want to skip the learning curve... go for the 9. They're both awesome, so you'll end up with both. Don't be intimidated by the 4. It's really not that big in the hand.

^ this!^
I have the nine and opted for a 21 instead of getting a 4, I advised my dad, and he recently got a 4.
I love my 9 and she's about the best factory "Bowie style" hard use knife I own, but if money is tight, and you want a classic, get the four.
From what I hear, the 4 can do everything the 9 does; it shaves/drawknifes' easier, and the kukri angle gives less fatigue (Ethan Becker says so) with long use. Other than being perhaps easier to baton with and more simple to sharpen, the 4 is nearly equal in performance to the 9... (That's what I've heard)
They're cheaper too, by like $15-$25....
And being discontinued. They'll be sought after once they're gone.
 
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BK9 - it's more like an extension of your 16 so technique and sharpening will be similar. And they do pop up on the Exchange and the bay at good values.
 
I would personally go with the 9. It feels so good in hand and has no learning curve. The 4 does appeal to me but I can't get myself to buy one because the 9 is so great for my intended purpose--chopping and batonning. You could buy both and which ever you like the least you could either sell it or… What am I thinking...I'm sure you will love both. :D
 
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If you own a BK9 the wiper blades on your car will be more effective, your house will be 9% less likely to get hit by meteorites (be sure to talk to your insurance agent about a discount on your rates), and while you won't be able to command the loyalty of forest creatures, they will be more open to your suggestions. Also, there is a mysterious doughnut shop deep in the woods that offers a discount on apple fritters to BK9 owners. If you can find the place.
 
Take your pick 4 - 9 , you can't go wrong . Plus more then likely , like most of us you will end up with both any way and more .
 
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