BK9 roll stamped vs laser etch

91bravo

91bravo

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Jun 29, 2008
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I'm about to pick up the BK9, but I see there are versions with the stamped logo and some with the laser engraved logo. Any significant differences between these two?? Do they both have the same metal texture underneath the coating?
 
The coating is different (the laser-etched version has a rougher coating) but the metal underneath is the same.

The biggest different is the possibility for stress fractures from the roll-stamping that may cause the blade to break near the stamp itself, which is why Ka-Bar went to the laser-etched logo instead. It doesn't happen a lot, but it's a possibility.
 
Also, any Beckerheads out there have a 9 they want to get rid of?
 
I think I've heard that any of the 9's that have catastrophically failed during a chopping contest were of the roll stamped variety. I actually like the look of the stamp better than the etch, but if it creates a weak point, I can forgo it.
 
KingMC said:
The coating is different (the laser-etched version has a rougher coating) but the metal underneath is the same.

The biggest different is the possibility for stress fractures from the roll-stamping that may cause the blade to break near the stamp itself, which is why Ka-Bar went to the laser-etched logo instead. It doesn't happen a lot, but it's a possibility.
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Thanks for the reply King. It makes sense with the stamp possibly causing potential for stress fracture there. I haven't seen or heard of this yet though, to my knowledge.
 
Pàdruig said:
I think I've heard that any of the 9's that have catastrophically failed during a chopping contest were of the roll stamped variety. I actually like the look of the stamp better than the etch, but if it creates a weak point, I can forgo it.
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Me too, I'll be chopping and batoning with mine, so I'll probably go with the laser etch, although the stamped look is awesome!
 
Thanks for that link Tanker. I saw that @Jonny1280 snapped a bk9 in person at a gathering somewhere. The place where I'm ordering, has the laser etched logo.
 
You need a 9. You'll love it. Light, and nimble in the hand. My all time most used blade.
 
91bravo said:
Now, who wants to sell me a bk9?
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I haven't used my 9 in a long while due to the 20 coming out, but it's definitely my most used knives so while it has nothing physically damaged about the blade itself the coating is beat all to hell. Are you looking for a used blade or a new one?
 
KingMC said:
I haven't used my 9 in a long while due to the 20 coming out, but it's definitely my most used knives so while it has nothing physically damaged about the blade itself the coating is beat all to hell. Are you looking for a used blade or a new one?
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Used would be nice as it will be better on the pocket book! Is it stamped or laser etched?
 
I just picked one up and it should be here Saturday! I don't know if it will be the rolled or stamped though....
 
Ka-Bar switched lo laser etch years ago.
It'll be etched if it's coming from a dealer.
 
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