BK7 vs. Schrade Extreme Survival

J

jefffoxsr

Joined
Dec 24, 2003
Messages
32
I am a beginner. As you may know my only fixed blade, the Benchmade Rant model #10505 4" blade, was sent back to Benchmade because the blade broke.

I have given up on swamp rat and I'm considering the Becker BK7.

However, I remembered today that I had, buried in the basement, a brand new, never used, Schrade Extreme Survival with a 7.25" blade. This is 4 years old.

I don't know what kind of steel is on the Schrade, or if the knife is any good.

Is the Becker BK7 better?
Or, am I all set with the Schrade?
Are the serrations on the back side of the Schrade an advantage or disadvantage?

Thanks for the education.
 
Check out the Manufactures section-There is a Schrade forum with people who know everything about Schrade knives. My limited experience with their knives (2 Uncle Henry lockbacks) suggests that they are well made.
 
Jeff,
Schrade knives were generally well made, though I would find out what steel is used in the Extreme Survival. The BK7 is usually regarded as a great value for someone that wants an inexpensive all-around camp/survival knife.
Depending on your end use (camping, clearing brush from your backyard, processing game), you want to ask yourself some questions:
1. How does the handle fit my hand ?
2. Am I confortable sharpening this knife ?
3. Does the knife have a good feel/ balance in my hand ?

Good luck, Michael
 
Thanks for the responses. I am hoping that someone has tried both of them and can comment on their use and the technical differences.
 
I have several BK&T knives and everyone of them works outstanding for me. At first I did not like the handle but it is surprising how quick it becomes comfortable and usually does not bring out any hot spots.
All this to say that you can't go wrong with any of the BK&T products as made by Camillus.

FWIW
Ron
:)
 
jefffoxsr said:
I don't know what kind of steel is on the Schrade...
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Forged stainless, I have not seen the grade specified, most likely 440A or similar.

Is the Becker BK7 better?
Click to expand...
Yes in many respects :

http://web.archive.org/web/20010216025026/http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/schrade/images/extr.jpg

The primary grind on that Schrade is too shallow which limits cutting ability, plus for heavier work like batoning you tend to want to have the carbon and not stainless steel.

Are the serrations on the back side of the Schrade an advantage or disadvantage?
Click to expand...
Saw teeth / serrations on the spine are usually more of a disadvantage because it is difficult to cut well with a thick spine, they limit grip versatility and overall functionality as you have to take care not to hammer on or with the spine.

-Cliff
 
Yes, that's the knife Cliff.
Thanks for the education Cliff.
By the way, I called Benchmade. Of course they agreed with you that what happened to that blade on my Rant was unusual. They are sending out a replacement.

Thanks.
 
That's good, while I don't think that is the best blade profile for that work I do think the break is a little harsh for what you were doing.

There will be a pass around of a Swamp Rat knife shortly (a couple of weeks), so you may want to sign up for that which will give you the chance to run the knife for a week and see how it cuts, chops and handles in general.

You will notice a pretty large difference between how it performs and a high hollow grind on the Benchmade which as Jeff noted is more of a hunter design. Specifically hollow grinds tend to wedge around the edge and require more pounding to cleave the wood apart.

Even if it isn't exactly what you want you are in a much stronger position to make your next choice because you can now ask for really specific recommendations like "I would like a blade similar to the Ratweiler in cutting ability but with a bit more neutral balance."

-Cliff
 
I have given up on swamp rat
Click to expand...

Why have you given up on Swamp Rat? I have read that their delivery time has gotten longer. Is that the problem?

I read recently that the scales on the Becker line have been improved, and are no longer so slippery.
 
The BK7 is the only one I can speak to. I have one that's about 2 (or more) years old. It hasn't seen a lot of use, but I also originally thought the handles were slippery (although comfortable, I think).

My solution was to spend a couple bucks at the sporting goods store on a role of black hockey stick tape. Works great; just wrapped around the handle, no slip, comfortable, etc. Also still fits in the stock sheath.
 
Yes, communication issues. I have my own business. Communication and access to customers is a huge issue. As many businesses have learned, if customers don't feel appreciated and welcomed then they will go elsewhere.

So far swamp rat has not impressed me in that regard.

No doubt they seem to make a great knife as many have said. Their warranty theoretically is great. However, if communciation is lacking, then so is my confidence in the warranty .

The bottom line is that potential customers like me will just get the Becker so I can use it this Summer.

If it's my business then I'd consider expanding to meet demand. At least I'd communcate with people who inquire so that I can keep them as potential customers as I would become more able to meet product demand.

Also, if you don't take the time to be accessable to your customers then you won't have as many as you could. Nothing New.

With the forum activity these days business owners can't afford to overlook the basics like communication.

Thanks for all the responses, and have a nice day.
 
That's just part or the Busse family syndrome. Many people NEVER get a responce from Busse so I am not surprised that Swamp Rat has the same problems....same family!

FWIW
Ron
:barf:
 
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