Buck or kabar

Z

ZeroTurnDude

Joined
Jun 8, 2014
Messages
294
I have a buck 119 and I'm thanking of getting a kabar usmc but I've been holding back cuz I really don't know it's a step up in steel or in the blade it's self.

So should I stay with the buck or get the kabar.

Thanks

ZTD.
 
I had a 119 snap on me...I also had a Kabar USMC snap on me. So I do not recommend either, but what I would recommend is a Kabar Becker BK#, I can't say enough about them, everyone has to have at least one
 
guess it boils down to steel type.
possible rusting carbon versus stain-less steel.
They are about comparable otherwise.
But nothing beats having a full tang knife for added strength.
guessing the bk7 could be a strong contender?
 
ZeroTurnDude said:
I have a buck 119 and I'm thanking of getting a kabar usmc but I've been holding back cuz I really don't know it's a step up in steel or in the blade it's self.

So should I stay with the buck or get the kabar.

Thanks

ZTD.
Click to expand...

Does the Buck do what you want it to do?
 
I've owned a lot of Buck knives over the years but none of their fixed blades. I know the 119 is something of a legend among Vietnam era GIs. The Kabar also is a legend, a longer one at that. I own an old USMC Kabar that I use as a utility knife in the garden and back yard around the house.

I wouldn't worry about the Kabar rusting. I live in a very humid climate and I keep mine in the leather sheath in cabinet under a covered but otherwise open patio. The only care I give it is to wipe or wash it off after use, make sure it's dry and hit it with a spray of WD-40. The leather sheath sometimes grows mildew but the knife hasn't rusted yet.

Incidentally, I also keep an old Camillus-made BK-9 for a down-sized machete in the same area. Same conditions, same results. These are both tough knives.
 
Well...since they are different sized knives, having different geometries, made of different steel, that were designed for different purposes, I'll say the Buck is better since it isn't coated.
 
AntDog said:
Does the Buck do what you want it to do?
Click to expand...

For the most part yes but I would like something a bit bigger sometimes.

So it looks like most of you guys are saying Becker, so what Becker would you recommend with a 7-10 inch blade

Thanks

ZTD.
 
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It of course depends on what you want it for. But guessing from reading your mind, I'd say...(in this order)

BK7, BK9, BK10, BK17, and possibly BK15 or BK5
 
Stick with the Buck if you're happy. The KABAR is an amazing knife. Buy it also if you want to find out how nice it is. Reality is, they are both legends in their own right. They feel different in the hand, one is HC steel, the other stainless, one is longer than the other. That's it in short. Two different great knives, both work great for nearly all general purpose tasks. Still, unless you have a local retailer of the KABAR, it's going to be a guess as to which YOU like best. If nothing else, order a KABAR from a dealer that will allow a return, touch, look and feel, and then decide if you want to keep it. WARNING!!! if you are like most of us, you will end up with both!

BTW, Becker fans: can you ever answer an either/or that doesn't include a Becker with BECKER!!! ? We know you're homers, but Becker is not the only brand of good knives! About to hide my beckerhead number because of you guys.....
 
If you like the clip points, check out Becker BK 7 or 17--I have both and love them. Can't go wrong. I've stripped the coating, bought Ipe scales, and use Azwelke kydex sheaths for both.
 
ZeroTurnDude said:
For the most part yes but I would like something a bit bigger sometimes.

So it looks like most of you guys are saying Becker, so what Becker would you recommend with a 7-10 inch blade

Thanks

ZTD.
Click to expand...

BK7 and don't look back. There ya go. For sure, no doubt about it. Get one and see the light.
 
ZeroTurnDude said:
Ok guys I got it down to 2

Becker 9 or kabar big brother

Which one would you pick.



Thanks

ZTD.
Click to expand...

Aww man! What happened? You were between two amazing knives, and now you bail on your ideas because nobody gave you input except on Beckers? Beckers are great. I have a few myself and love them. But your original 2 are both amazing knives with legendary history, and both great knives!
My opinion, ignore the beckerheads (of course, I'm one, so you might ignore me too) and stick to your original choices. If you want a new knife, get the KABAR and use it! You will never regret getting a USMC KABAR. Beckers are not everyone's cup of tea, as they have a unique feel and design, nothing like the Buck and KABAR. The Big Brother feels different from the USMC as well.
Stick to your originals for now. You can always Becker up another time.
 
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