BK9 woes

K

knife chop

Joined
Feb 11, 2014
Messages
816
First off I just want to say that I love my BK9 but I just can't put it to hard use. I hate the fact the ka-bar does not warrant batoning. I mean what else can a 9 inch knife do besides cutting and some chopping chores?
 
Just use the darn thing as you see fit. If it breaks and you weren't beating the living tar out of it, they will probably replace it like they have other times.
 
I've used mine for batonning many times.

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You know, I never worried about a warranty before Beckers. Used to have a bunch of Benchmades that I'd mod. Turned a black blade tanto grip into a drop point stonewashed blade.

What I'm trying to say is use it, use it hard.
 
Plenty of folks beat on the BK9 without issue. Just be smart about what you're batonning. No knots, nails, etc. Beckers will handle about anything. If you end up needing the warranty and are forthcoming with why it broke, you'll be handled accordingly.
 
I've battoned mine through kiln dried hard oak wood 5 inches in diameter.
It takes A LOT to break a 9.
Look up stress tests if you don't believe me lol.
 
Um.... I think you should go out and baton with it....:D If you manage to hurt it, I cannot imagine that KA-BAR wouldn't help you out. Just be smart about it, 7" is kinda the max, and I wouldn't do anything more than 5" if it's something like Oak, Hickory, or Beach.

Good luck!

The Kid
 
I guess i can just buy another one if it breaks and ka-bar decide not not replace it. I have a very seasoned mesquite in my backyard. I'm going to baton the crap out it...!
 
If you don't use a hammer or beat on the handle :rolleyes: like some have done, you'll probably be just fine.
 
Hey Knife Chop......

There is batonning and then there is dumb batonning.....Having done both my "mature" rule of thumb is, if it is taking a lot of effort then pick on an easier piece and burn the toughy whole......Saves effort and sweat..... The problems usually come when the blade edge is flexed In a hard knot and then whacked again....... See Kephart on hemlock knots and what they do to an axe as well.....seasoned pine knots are a frequent culprit too....... Go for the straightest grain to get the fire going good and burn the knotty parts whole......I occasionally baton with a SAK but very gently....... Listen to what the blade is telling you and you will generally be OK...... Batonning is not a religion...... Try this concept..... If you baton no harder than if you were swinging the blade chances are you will be good to go.......The technique is most useful because of it's safety and accuracy........

I have yet to break a blade batonning and I do it a lot........I should not have said that......I feel a karmic moment coming...LOL......

All Best....

Ethan
 
If you're really worried about breaking your blade, you can use a wedge. As you baton, you tap a wedge into the top of the cut. Baton a little, tap the wedge. Sooner than you know it, that wood is split. I have used this technique to split some tough wood. Good luck!
 
I baton my BK9 without woes. I have no fear of it breaking. If it does, I wont be mad. I'll just tell Kabar and see if they replace it or not. If not, I'll just get another one. And the cycle repeats.
 
I have batoned a bunch... I understand going into this that if my blade breaks I may be outta luck but one of the co things with beckers is that if you don't use a log as your baton or try to use a metal object you should be fine. Look at the wood your about to split and go slowly. Take smaller peices when possible... It is fun to crack a peice right down the middle but this can put extra stress on the blade. I have used my 9 to take apart blade spruce which is very twisty wood without issue...most of the time. I tried too much with a ontario ranger rd9 and it bent to a crazy angle but came back to true luckily cannot say the same for my tops anaconda ... It now curves a little to the left lol. I have split wood with all my beckers but as long as your sensible with the amount you try to split and the manner in which you do it you shod be fine... Try not to hit the handles unless your tapping the pommel to push it back in and you should be ok
 
Ethan Becker said:
Hey Knife Chop......

There is batonning and then there is dumb batonning.....Having done both my "mature" rule of thumb is, if it is taking a lot of effort then pick on an easier piece and burn the toughy whole......Saves effort and sweat..... The problems usually come when the blade edge is flexed In a hard knot and then whacked again....... See Kephart on hemlock knots and what they do to an axe as well.....seasoned pine knots are a frequent culprit too....... Go for the straightest grain to get the fire going good and burn the knotty parts whole......I occasionally baton with a SAK but very gently....... Listen to what the blade is telling you and you will generally be OK...... Batonning is not a religion...... Try this concept..... If you baton no harder than if you were swinging the blade chances are you will be good to go.......The technique is most useful because of it's safety and accuracy........

I have yet to break a blade batonning and I do it a lot........I should not have said that......I feel a karmic moment coming...LOL......

All Best....




Ethan
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Blame it on nutnfancy! LOL....i understand your logic uncle Ethan and thank you for the advice...
 
Guyon said:
Me too. Mesquite is crazy hard, and wavy grain and knots are common. :eek:

knife chop, really listen to the blade.
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Who doesn't the joy of a knife is flexing while batoning and after you split the wood, you see your knife straight as an arrow and no damage. LOL
 
knife chop said:
Who doesn't the joy of a knife is flexing while batoning and after you split the wood, you see your knife straight as an arrow and no damage. LOL
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That's true! It's funny watching a Bk9 become an Olympic gymnast and be fine afterwards!
 
well this decision is much easier than you think. is it a 300 dollar busse that might not get replaced if it snaps. no, it a reliable bk7 by cam. or kabar at a decent price. the fact that you fear snapping it shows you care about your knife. which means you will probably go easy on it and not snap it. and the even better part is. for the price of a busse you can have 3 bk9's. the pretty safe queen, the tactical and the stump beater. if you so desire. but if you really can't bare to beat it through a stump, then buy a second one, or an ax, or a saw.
 
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