BK7 vs BK10 vs RAT 5

J

jonwade92

Joined
Jan 21, 2014
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Trying to figure out which of these knives to go for. Going to be living in the woods for the next few months and I need a good new fixed blade survival style knife. Currently have a CRKT hammond cruiser EDC folder and a Leatherman Surge, both of which I always have on me.

I'm thinking maybe the BK7 for more brutish work and pair it with a Mora Companion (if that's even necessary, considering I have a folder and a leatherman surge already, thoughts?), or either the BK10 or Rat5 without the mora pairing so I have something that can do finer work and more heavy duty stuff, still having my folder and leatherman of course.

Anyway, any input is much appreciated!
EDIT: I should also add that I'll have a tomahawk or hatchet on me depending on what I'm doing specifically, so that takes care of the chopping tasks slightly more effectively
 
What types of use cases do you have in mind for the blade? Also, what other types of tools will you be taking? Are you going to be on the move the whole time, or stationary(meaning, staying at the same campsite/cabin/etc)?

Generally speaking I like Becker knives because of their excellent heat treat, and very ergonomic handles. Personally id actually skip the BK10 though, and would be considering the BK9. The 10 and 7 aren't all that great at chopping, and so kind of fill the same role in my mind. The 9 though is large enough to keep up with a hatchet, while still being able to perform smaller tasks like feather sticks.

I pair my 9 with a folding saw (corona 10in) and a Mora companion. Its a great combo. But if I was out in the wood for months, id likely be bringing at least an axe as well :).
 
"For more brutish work" how about a BK4? And they're on sale - http://www.coyleoutdoors.com/bk-4/

And then you could leave your tomahawk or hatchet at home. Less to carry.

Else, I'd say the BK2. It will out-brute the BK7 and BK10.

Then add a Mora Companion HD.
 
hopefully stationary for the most part if possible since moving tipis is doable but not exactly fun haha. I'd be using it for general campsite/bushcraft type stuff. Gear will largely depend on how much room is left for packing, but I'll have my tomahawk (HB forge large camp axe), a smaller hatchet, a bahco folding saw, possibly a forest axe, and MAYBE a splitting maul depending on space. Then my leatherman and EDC folder on top of that. Chopping will mostly be done with the hawk or hatchet, which is why I'm leaning more towards a medium sized blade.


Why the BK2 over the BK10? Just the added thickness? If I'm sticking with axes for chopping that's not a major factor since from what I've heard the 10 can do everything the 2 can do, it's just more likely to break out of the two (although realistically neither should break)

EDIT: I'll also be with a few other people in this venture, and one of them is already bringing his Kukri. I was throwing around the idea of getting one of those as well but I'm not sure it's as necessary even if it would be nice
 
BK10 or BK16, imo. If you are going to have a tomahawk or hatchet, then using a knife to do chopping is silly.

Either the 10 or 16 will be much better for general bushcraft. Between one of those, the surge, and the chopper, you have all your bases covered.
 
jonwade92, can you elaborate on the nature of the trip? It sounds awesome, but more details would help narrow down the recommendations. At this point, I agree that if you already have a kukri, a hawk, and an hatchet, then go with a smaller belt knife.

On 6 different occasions in my life I've been able to live in the wilderness for 5-6 months at a time. I found that a reasonalby sized fixed blade was a joy to EDC, but the smaller it is, the more likely you are to have it on your person 24-7. The bigger a knife is, the easier it becomes to leave it with your pack, on your pants (if you switch layers, to other pants or shorts), etc. Next thing you know, you reach for your knife but it is back at camp. Based on frequent layer changes with changing conditions and activity levels, I eventually switched to neck carry.

Based on my long trips, I would second the RAT5, BK16, or even one of the Moras. And if you're looking at the BK16, you should look at an ESEE4. Any of the knives in this class will pair well with the larger tools, but not be too unwieldly for everyday camp tasks.
 
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