BK9 vs ESEE Junglas

I have a BK9 that I really enjoy using. I have never owned a Junglas but has a friend who does and I have used it quite a few times. The 9 is much more agile in the hand and weighs less, but I don't think either can really do small knife tasks well; although some will disagree. In my experience the Junglas is the better chopper, its heavier and has more leverage behind it. I've never seen a difference in batoning with either- they both rock in that department. I personally prefer the ergos on the Becker. And not that it matters, but I think the 9 is a much better looking knife. That being said, I wouldn't call the 9 a true bowie- however it is more bowie-esque than the ESEE. If you want a bowie, consider the Ontario SP10 Raider. It's one of the best deals out there IMO and more of a true bowie style. I havent used one but I've held them and it's a chunk of steel- far too piggish for me to find any real use out of it but ymmv
 
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I have both and you cannot make a bad choice! They both take and hold a good edge. They both chop well and fill the role of a large knife, if that is what you're looking for.
 
I've had both.
They're both great choppers.
The Junglas sheath is better. The BK9 sheath isn't junk though. It functions fine.
I find the BK9 locks into my hand while chopping and the Junglas wants to slide forward out of my grip.
And honestly the BK9 wields better for me doing "knife chores", whereas the Junglas felt a little wobbly and harder to control.
I'd take either knife in a heartbeat if it were given to me, but I'd only spend my hard earned money on the Niner.
 
I've had both knives.
I still have a couple BK9's.
Either way you have a great chopper.
 
I think it depends on your usage. Between the two choices, if you want more of a short machete type blade, go with the ESEE Junglas. If you want more of a knife, then the BK-9. With the Junglas, I think you are right at the cutoff between machete and knife in terms of using and hence go larger on "machete" and until now for me, a bit smaller on "knife". I personally lean toward Condor products for value in a short machete and the BK-9 for big knife. Just my opinion.... I have a fair number of Condor machetes and rely on them for chopping, but for the most part, I would only use one as a "knife" in a pinch same as I wouldn't rely on a machete or hatchet to field dress a deer even though both could be used for that in a pinch.
 
I'm sure there are plenty out there already, but when my Junglas arrives I'll (try to remember to) take some side by side pics and post them here.
 
I don't have a single Esee knife, but I can tell you that the BK-9, which was my first Becker knife and therefore started the addiction, is just amazing. It cuts and chops better than anything else that I've ever tried, including Tomahawks and Kukris. Also, I think it is just a beautiful knife. The straight and simple Becker design really shines with the big one. It's a piece of art. Pictures hardly do it justice, the real beauty unfolds when you hold it. Not sure about the Junglas, but you definitely need a 9.
 
I have both. When I grab either of them it is for chopping. In that regard I happen to like the Junglas more. I think that the Junglas is really impressive...because the BK9 is really impressive, so since I personally prefer the Junglas for chopping that says a lot. The sheath being better has already been beaten to death. I wouldn't be unhappy with either of them. You should get a BK9. You should get a BK9 even if you are only going to chop and the Junglas is better. It's a fantastic real world tool.
 
I forgot to mention, after batoning kindling almost daily for a few months last year I was AMAZED at how sharp the BK9 remained.
Still cut paper effortlessly without any touchup.
 
The Junglas is a better chopper -- but you already stated you don't want/need that.
The BK9 is significantly lighter and more knife-like in hand.
the Junglas sheath is for sale as a separate item for a not-heinous price.
psyop does pretty decent leather for not huge $$.
several other beckerheads do fancy leather or kydex.
 
I have and love both.I don't really get the whole " Junglas is more of a machete " thing.I don't see it that way.Its true the BK has a Bowie style blade but that in my opinion doesn't make it more of a knife.Busse ,Scrapyard and other great large knife makers lean towards the Junglas style blade and no one calls them machetes.As for one being better at small knife tasks.I prefer to carry an actual small knife for those tasks.Mine is a Becker/Esse Eskobar that rides on my Junglas sheath.As to the weight.I prefer some weight on a large knife.The downside to the BK9 for me was that once you replace the arguably inferior scales and sheath you've doubled the original cost of the knife and have way more into it than the Esee ( I got mine for $145 )The Esse guarantee is not a small factor either.They don't care if you're the third owner and broke a knife prying a motor out of a Humvee.That being said their both great knives .If I was in the market for a BK9 now I'd probably get the BK39
 
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Great first post...on a 2 year old thread...

Anywho...
At least you get to choose your new scales and sheath and aren't stuck with what they give you for $200...
Or, like me, am satisfied with my stock $80 BK9 with $ left over for more steel!
 
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There's no reason to change the sheath or scales but there are plenty of options if you want to.You can get a Junglas a/sheath for $145 btw .if you paid $80 for a BK9 you probly got 1056 .yes it is an older thread but the info is still relevant and it didn't stop you from putting your 2 cents in .
 
Meh, seems your the one being all defensive, you even had to add a second reply...

1056? Mines about a year old. I'm no expert don't know about any 1056 bk9.

Shop around enough and you'll find deals on just about anything, esp around Christmas.

I did lie I guess... I just got an azwelke sheath with the $25 credit from July 4th GAW, couldn't resist.

If you look at more recent threads you'll see that Ka-Bars warranty is fantastic.

Not sure how anything I said was offensive...I mean, this is the BK&T forum so you should expect that folks around here will support Becker...
 
1056 is a type of steel my friend.saying that you were defensive is different than saying I was offended.the original post asked for info about both knives.i just tried to add some Esee facts to mix since everyone's knowledge base leaned toward the Becker.As I said.i do own a BK9 myself.one with a 1095 blade.i also picked up the Azwelke sheath for it and its perfect now
 
Kryptek said:
... if you paid $80 for a BK9 you probly got 1056 ...
Click to expand...
1056 ... steel???

If it's made by Camillus, it's 0170-6 steel. If it's made by KaBar, it's 1095CroVan steel.

But 0170-6 and 1095CV are really the same steel by a different name.
 
Kryptek said:
1056 is a type of steel my friend.
Click to expand...

Nahhh...really? Well, Mr Obvious...enlighten me some more...when were BK9's made with 1056?

I admitted I'm no expert, maybe there were in the past but I didn't realize I'd have to use so many words to explain that.

I know what I have is 1095 because it less than a year old.
 
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