Has anyone compared the ka-bar ek model 4 to the Boker Applegate-Fairbairn?

scotchleaf

scotchleaf

Joined
Oct 23, 2006
Messages
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which do you like better? Why?

Boker 6" blade, 10 3/4" knife 440C stainless:
BO120543AFb.jpg


EK: 1095 6.45" blade.
KAEK44nt.jpg
 
I only have the Boker but, I would say it is definitely the better knife of the two. It is made of better materials, has a better(more full grind) for better cutting performance, and is designed by two of the world's foremost authorities in hand to hand combat. It is a direct desendant of the original Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife(revered as one of the best fighting knives of all time). There are rubber training knives available for the Boker as well if you didn't already know.

I like the EK for the most part. It looks to have a nicer sheath and also may be more comfortable if you have smaller hands(one of my only complaints about the Boker). It has a more full tang. And, It is also only1/2 - 2/3rds the price.
 
I don't care how well designed they are, daggers lack utility. Given that both designs are of limited practical use, I'm taking the less expensive one.
 
Boats said:
I don't care how well designed they are, daggers lack utility. Given that both designs are of limited practical use, I'm taking the less expensive one.
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Thanks for that man, it was real helpful(sarcasm).

Daggers lack utility for you, not for everyone. Maybe you should not waste your time posting if you have nothing useful or helpful to say.
 
Well said Tachead! I myself have always loved Daggers and am on the hunt for one. I love the Spartan George Dagger but not paying close to 500 for one, that's a new pistol...I'm speaking with a few makers to have a dagger made.
 
Did I quote you? No? I'm not speaking to you, I'm speaking to the OP.

Daggers are a waste of money if you like actually wearing a knife because in many jurisdictions they are illegal or have sketchy legality. Not to mention that the sheeple are even more freaked out by daggers than they are by more utilitarian blades.

If you must have your choice of two well-made daggers, get the less expensive one to scratch that itch.

I suppose if we must endure your snark to participate in this thread you should up your game.

"The Boker is made of better materials?" Oh, do tell. The Ek's blade steel is both springier and easier to sharpen than is 440C. The handle materials are very comparable. The Ek is full tang.

But most damning, you offer up the Boker as better based on only owning it. How could that opinion have any validity? My criteria was objective, take the one that wastes less money for what you get, which is a limited utility blade.

Why would I say daggers are limited? It's straightforward. Compared to say a BK-16, or something else comparable to the cost of the Ek, you get:

A stronger tip by design.
A squared off spine for using a ferro rod or batoning.
A single edge design that is unquestionably legal to carry in all 50 states and Canada.
 
I've got the boker, but would like to make handles for a dagger. The EK looks easy to do, whereas the inside of the boker is complex.
 
scotchleaf said:
I've got the boker, but would like to make handles for a dagger. The EK looks easy to do, whereas the inside of the boker is complex.
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I like the handle better on the Boker . their do that one in wood . that would be the one for me .
 
scotchleaf said:
I'm not asking which is better, I'm just asking for a comparison.
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My point about what you've said here goes to making a new handle.

Boker=complicated
Ek=straightforward

Makes your comparison for a home brewed handle a no brainier in favor of the Ek.
 
I'd buy the EK all day long over the Boker... I just prefer it's styling..... Price is a non issue to me so I look only at the knife and judge each by their merits...I do wish however that they had used the brass V guard on the EK that it originally had, more like the guard on the Boker.... but that is a small issue.

I had the Boker and sold it, I bought the EK and it's strapped to my plate carrier... just wish they would come out with the EK boot knife line with a 5.5 inch blade so they would be legal to carry in my state....

as always my opinions are my own.... YMMV
 
I have had the Boker and sold it.
Not fond of the thick handle.
The 1095 cro-van I like much better than the 440C in the Boker.
The edge geometry of the Boker looks better ,but in my experience the Ek-44 actually cuts better.
The Boker was a lousy cutter. The 44 is a sturdy knife, and the tip looks pretty strong as well.

And the talk on daggers being not very well suited for utility purpose .
:confused:
Why come up with that thought , it is made for something else.

Unless you consider sticking pigs/humans utility purpose.

It's like saying, I won't carry a machete, because a machete is not useful for skinning rabbits or peeling an apple.

Many fixed blades are frowned upon by average Joe/Jane.
You don't have to take a double edged blade out to get shocked looks.
:D
 
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