Choosing between a BK7 and a JAB Potbelly

[Moosez45]

So basically, the vibe I'm getting is that the potbelly is a "chopper" for its size, and the BK7 is just a large knife for its size...?

How do they compare for slicy tasks? I mean, I know the blade shape on the potbelly might make it better in some cases, but its thicker.

Also, it looks like the Potbelly might we heavier than the BK7 (and the BK9?).

I've also semi-considered a SYKC 711 as well, but I have a hard time justifying the price seeing how the Potbelly is already more expensive than I'd like.

Potbelly has a deep hollow grind, slices like a Phatbob.

And yeah, its heavy. And it chops great.

Moose

 

[ocnLogan]

Any news on if the rest of the KaBar lineup gets new coating and laser engraving that the Becker line is getting?

I'm thinking I'll likely end up getting a BK7 at some point. I just love the Becker handle. Part of me just wants to like the Potbelly though...

Thanks for the help guys .

 

[Moosez45]

BKT and JAB gets new coatings and laser etching

Moose

 

[Zuluninja]

I'm on the same fence. Probably end up getting both the 7 and potbelly. I really like the idea of an FFG potbelly with bkt handles!

 

[Bladite]

Any news on if the rest of the KaBar lineup gets new coating and laser engraving that the Becker line is getting?

Thanks for the help guys .

yes, yes, everything :> we're installing laser on Ethan too, to go with the sharks with friggin lasers.

go read the major threads, see pictures. see the new tomar catalog listings and even the official kabar catalog pdf (search if you have to, it's FUN), lasers on everything. well, lasered

aiming devices for your knives exist, but are optional

 

[B.Mauser]

BK7. I was working on getting a 7 when I was distracted by Machax- BK14 grivory- Tweeners but once I get those three back to working on a 7 next.

 

[Fonly]

Ha, that BK7 in op is mine is that still on a google search?

I have both, what do you want to know?

Potbelly chops very well. (click pic)


It will shave just fine.

 

[Switchblade61]

And switchblade, yes, yes I do like your photos (and your review). Do you have the BK7 as well?

Yes, I do have a BK-7 as well.

 

[Switchblade61]

I believe the prototype of the Potbelly was saber ground (not hollow). They changed it to the present grind and I think it's for the better.
As for uniting the Potbelly blade with a BK handle... that would take away from the versatility of the Potbelly. It would be a totally different knife.

 

[C_Tanner]

If that Potbelly had a Becker handle....? OOOOOOO! However, that handle sucks something fierce. Granted, I've never held a Potbelly, but I have handled a ZK War Sword and Pestilence Chopper. I HATE those handles!

 

[willworship]

yes, yes, everything :> we're installing laser on Ethan too, to go with the sharks with friggin lasers.

"You know, I have one simple request. And that is to have sharks with frickin' laser beams attached to their heads! Now evidently my cycloptic colleague informs me that that cannot be done. Ah, would you remind me what I pay you people for, honestly? Throw me a bone here!"

 

[ocnLogan]

Ha, that BK7 in op is mine is that still on a google search?

I have both, what do you want to know?

Potbelly chops very well. (click pic)


It will shave just fine.

Haha, awesome, I now have both people that I sourced images from random google images here in this thread. That is amazing.

You have both eh? So, which one would you take with you if you were headed out into the woods and why?

I know thats pretty broad, but I think its a good indicator of what is preferred.

 

[instructed2]

Go for a BK-7. The Potbelly may be a better chopper, but I am willing to sacrifice some chopping ability for the weight saved by going with the BK-7. I love my BK-7, you won't be disappointed.

 

[orangish ducktape]

BK7
I think it's a better all-rounder

-orangish ducktape

 

[SEJ73]

You know, I got to sneek a peek at Steve Johnson's sketch pad, while we were at SHOT.

I really, really hope some of those designs get chosen to go into production.

Moose

how did you get ahold of his sketch book????

 

[Moosez45]

how did you get ahold of his sketch book????

I took it on the many occasions where he came up and said " Cover me, I'll be back in, like 5 minutes"



Moose

 

[NixKustoms]

You sir, are an evil genius.

I know

 

[jwh]

As far as K-Bars go I have a BK2, BK9, BK14, Remora's and a JAB Baconmaker. My next fixed blade (probably) will be either a BK 7 or the Potbelly. I am leaning towards the Potbelly.

jwh

 

[Fonly]

Haha, awesome, I now have both people that I sourced images from random google images here in this thread. That is amazing.

You have both eh? So, which one would you take with you if you were headed out into the woods and why?

I know thats pretty broad, but I think its a good indicator of what is preferred.

I'll put it to you this way, I have been a arctic survival instructor in northwestern Alberta for a little over five years now, I am an instructor with the Canadian forces and teach with local SAR groups.

I would take my BK7, reason?

1.Its lighter, more of a use to ME.
2.I prefer the full flat grind
3.I prefer the handle
4.I prefer that steel comp (cammilus model 0170-c)
5.I prefer the look (yes it needs to be functional, however, I want a knife I feel looks nice)

I have used the bk7 on courses in the past, and have sense moved to an RC6, however I would have no problem going back to the bk7. It has been through hell in back, worked over-sea's, and either side of my country (covering any of the wilds that I would work in) and I am happy with it, it is one of those knives I didn't think much of when purchased, however I will never retire it...


That help?

 

[jim62]

To the OP.

Get the BK-7.

If you like the USMC and like Becker handles, you will LOVE the #7

It's my favorite Becker.

As soon as you pick it up you will think -

"This is my Becker.
There are many like it in the world, but this one is MINE.."

It's a hell of a knife.