Camillus steel Vs Kabar beckers

randalljames6

randalljames6

Joined
Jan 1, 2011
Messages
162
Ive got a older camillus bk7(mod knife) and a kabar bk2. It seems to me that the two knives are equal in using and cutting but the kabar is harder to sharpen. I was just wandering if anybody has a similar experience? Maybe all in my head but I think the kabar bk2 maybe a little bit more abrasion resistance.
 
supposedly the same -- or at least very similar steels, but depending on when Camillus made the blade, their heat treats were inconsistent between batches - so that may be what you're running into.
 
Very similar steels (identical), but if I remember correctly the Camillus Beckers were run 1-2 points harder.

Of course, it's in the FAQ here and here. ;) :D

I guess the Kabar BK-2 is softer than all the other Kabars and all the Camillus? :confused:
 
I am no expert but I was under the impression that the harder the steel the harder the knife was to sharpen. The bk7 might also be easier to sharpen because the blade is thinner.
 
Yes the OP said the Kabar is harder to sharpen. I with csp203 the edge geometry may be different with the BK2 having a thicker edge.

Vin
 
1066vik said:
supposedly the same -- or at least very similar steels, but depending on when Camillus made the blade, their heat treats were inconsistent between batches - so that may be what you're running into.
Click to expand...

Ethan chimed in on this question a while back and said the only batches that were subpar were some early runs of the Patrol Machete.
 
Guyon said:
Ethan chimed in on this question a while back and said the only batches that were subpar were some early runs of the Patrol Machete.
Click to expand...

send all patrol machetes to me for testing and archiving if you aren't sure :>
 
There are some great posts located within the Becker forum that have broached this subject. In a nutshell, Camillus went with a higher Rc on their knives, Kabar has went with toughness.

Both steels are similar, Camillus used the CarbonV (market name) and Kabar uses 1095CroVan. The 1095CV has slightly more chrome vanadium, and gives it more durability.

That said, I have never heard wood, rope or cloth say it felt a difference when being cut by a Camillus or Kabar.:D

Moose
 
moosez45 said:
There are some great posts located within the Becker forum that have broached this subject. In a nutshell, Camillus went with a higher Rc on their knives, Kabar has went with toughness.

Both steels are similar, Camillus used the CarbonV (market name) and Kabar uses 1095CroVan. The 1095CV has slightly more chrome vanadium, and gives it more durability.

That said, I have never heard wood, rope or cloth say it felt a difference when being cut by a Camillus or Kabar.:D

Moose
Click to expand...

Better try it on a person then :D You know to be sure
 
I've got one of each BK2's. Both are stripped/convexed and the steel is a slightly different color. By using and stropping both, the Camillus does seem a bit harder, but like Moose said, nothing I've cut with either has noticed any difference. That includes my thumb, which I have cut with both of them. Both very, very sharp and hold an edge well.
 
HardTripper said:
Better try it on a person then :D You know to be sure
Click to expand...

I have. I didn't notice difference either. Same odd feeling of flesh seperating, same blood, and same burning pain that follows when I screw up and cut myself.

Moose
 
I agree with everybody that wood weasels and squirrel monkeys cut the same with both knives if given the same edge. I think my kabar is a bit softer and doesn't take the hair splitting edge as quickly as my camillus. The kabar drags harder on the dmt sharpener than the camillus. The camillus also has more ring to it than the kabar. Both knives are hair splitting sharp and hold up well to all that I ask of them. Maybe my camillus is just a little extra hard?
 
Guyon said:
Ethan chimed in on this question a while back and said the only batches that were subpar were some early runs of the Patrol Machete.
Click to expand...

There was 1 batch bad (first batch).
I personaly oversaw their destruction!:thumbup:
None of the suspect blades made it to a customer.
 
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