Choosing my first Becker

S

Serin 16

Joined
Apr 9, 2013
Messages
148
Hello.

I am new to blade forums; I joined because I wished to look at the different becker blades in order to decide which one to buy. I have already decided on the kabar/becker brand, so please do not give me advice such as "urgh beckers are dumb bro get another knife lolololol". I specifically chose the becker knives because of their full tangs, hammer pommels, and 1095 cro-van steel (for it's durability and ease of sharpening).

I have seen reviews for many of the kabar bk models and spent hours searching thorough forums in order to determine the best knife for me. I was hoping that those on the forum with more experience in terms of knives than I could help me decide on the model of becker. Here is a description of the kind of knife I need:

1. It will primarily be used for wood processing in order to make fires for the houses' fireplace (battoning, shaving wood into tinder, making kindling etc.).

2. I also backpack a significant amount and need something packable in case I take it with me. I do have a buck 119 special, but that is primarily my hunting knife (the stainless steel's brittleness also worries me, and It has chipped on me a little bit before when I tried to baton with it).

3. It sounds silly, and I almost didn't include this use, but… combat knife. I have been practicing traditional japanese karate-do for over 7 years and want a knife that can act like an extension of my body.

Thank you for your input. Now let the advice (and possible trolling) begin.
 
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I was thinking the BK-7 or possibly the BK-5 for points 1 & 2. The girth of the handles on the larger Beckers means that your hand is going to have to be appropriately sized for the scales -- on those 1/4" tangs, the scales make for beefy handles (which is great for reducing fatigue when doing a lot of work, & while heavy, I still say they're of packable weight, though others might disagree).

Point #3 makes for a tough call. Not to mention any knife with a live edge is likely not to be good for the dojo. Do you really think you'll ever find yourself in a situation where you need to defend yourself & your knife will be the only option? If so, shouldn't you identify & avoid those situations in the first place, thus eliminating that need?

I know you can't avoid every dangerous situation in life, but it sounds as though you're planning to carry this knife as a means of self defense, & possibly your primary means of self defense. Is that wise?
 
points 1.and 2 pretty much describe 2 different knives in my opinion. seeing as it's winter and considering where you live, I would make sure to have a good wood processing knife. the bk9 is just about the best possible knife for that. there is a reason why is called the king. then I would recommend saving up for your next purchase ( plus Christmas is right around the corner. For a compact and extremely capable knife, I'd get a bk16. with that pair of blades, you can do anything. as for point 3, whatever knife you have on you will be better than not having one. maybe consider a third purchase of a neck knife. many love the bk11. I prefer the 14, it offers just a little more grip.
 
For wood the BK9 is best. Maybe a BK10 for an all purpose if you dont go with the king. Also come check out the Becker subforum and say hi.
 
so please do not give me advice such as "urgh beckers are dumb bro get another knife lolololol".
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Uh Dude, do you know where you are? I don't think you'll have that comment here. :)

BK9
 
9 is the best chopper, 5 is the best slicer/food prep. 2 is indestructible, 16 and the other tweeners are great general utility knives. For wood processing, I'd probably go for the 9. The main thing that might turn you away from it is that it's a long blade. It's not particularly heavy though, and should strap onto a pack just fine.
 
MplsAtty said:
Not to mention any knife with a live edge is likely not to be good for the dojo.
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I totally agree. I will not be using this knife in the dojo, as that would be foolish and very dangerous. The reason I included point 3 was because I want a blade with proper balance which doesn't feel too blade heavy. However, in hindsight the Becker line seems very will balanced, rendering point 3 pretty much unnecessary.

P.S. Thank you for such quick replies. This forum seems very courteous and I feel that I can go to it in the future. :thumbup:

P.P.S. I understand why those on the forum keep recommending the bk9. However, the seemingly extreme length tends to dissuade me from it. Also, I have big hands, so I am not sure that the "tweeners" would work well. How well do they fill/work in large hands?
 
I would say either the BK-7 or BK-9. The BK-9 will be handier for the fireplace task, but less handy for carrying in the woods. Handle size is the same for the BK-7, BK-9, and BK-2.
 
Thanks for all the advice. In looking at plenty of reviews and with it's multiple recommendations, I'm going to go with the BK-7. The King's longer blade seems slightly excessive to me. However, knowing me I will probably end up getting it later.
 
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