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I want a BK5, but I have a few questions...

O

orangish ducktape

Joined
Oct 26, 2011
Messages
904
I am having a tough time deciding what to buy to replace my Ontario SP-42. I am leaning towards a BK5, but am still open to other choices. The other blades I am debating are the BK7, JAB Potbelly or maybe even the SP-43. The only reason why I hesitate buying the BK5 would be the full length swedge, and I just don't think it would handle light- medium batoning tasks. I know the BK7 and Potbelly can handle batoning well, and all three of them are very capable choppers. Are there any other options I should look at when making my decision?

How does a BK5 feel in hand compared to a BK7, and how does the BK5 compare to the BK7 or Potbelly with chopping?
I really like the design of the BK5, but I am just not sure how capable it is for all camp tasks.

One last question, does anyone know if the Potbelly will fit in a Spec-Ops or THC sheath?

Thanks,

-orangish ducktape
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“Simplicate, and add lightness”
-Colin Chapman
 
The 5 is light in the hand. Maybe one of the fastest knives I own. It's amazing how quickly you can swing one around. The 7 is gonna be heavier.

I think Clich has done some chopping and batoning with his 5. Seemed to work okay. But if you're planning on usiing a knife as a dedicated chopper and batoner, the 7 might be a better choice.
 
I've owned several of the SP series of Ontario knives and the Beckers are finished better and are ground more symetrically...iow higher quality. I wouldn't recommend any of those Ontario knives over any of the Beckers.

The BK5 is my favorite full size Becker but this is very subjective. Firstly it's knife made for cutting, not chopping or batoning buy it can do those well. I think it does all that better than the BK7.

If you buy the BK5 be prepared to upgrade the sheath and I would recommend buying factory made micarta handles because they really really nice and improve the feel of the knife.
 
BK5 very fast...quite light in hand...with proper technique performance will please...
only other big knife I have is Bk9...with Bk5 I'm more conscious of technique since, with full swedge slicing is made easy...to summarize, what Bk5 lacks in mass it makes up in sexiness.
 
The 5 is awesome, super light in the hand. That choil is a gift from God. I had some worries about it before I bought also, so I see where your coming from. I wouldn't beat on it like you would a 2 but it can take and do a lot more than most think. It's an awesome slicer and its a great camp knife. It does do great in the kitchen but that's not all it can do. If you order it go ahead and get some micarta for it. It takes this knife to another level imo. If you get put pics up!
 
I'm sure clich will be in shortly, but if you search youtube I did a review pig the 5 a while ago. If you search here you can fine a few reviews and pass a round threads.

They rock so get one!
 
I've put my BK-5 through hard use for over a decade. It's still my favorite Becker and probably always will be.
 
collecter said:
I've owned several of the SP series of Ontario knives and the Beckers are finished better and are ground more symetrically...iow higher quality. I wouldn't recommend any of those Ontario knives over any of the Beckers.

The BK5 is my favorite full size Becker but this is very subjective. Firstly it's knife made for cutting, not chopping or batoning buy it can do those well. I think it does all that better than the BK7.

If you buy the BK5 be prepared to upgrade the sheath and I would recommend buying factory made micarta handles because they really really nice and improve the feel of the knife.
Click to expand...

My SP-42 had perfect grinds and came very sharp, about on par with any of the Beckers I have handled out of box.

I was going to put it in my THC sheath because the stock nylon sucks. I will probably get micarta for it.

MyWifeThinksImCrazy said:
I'm sure clich will be in shortly, but if you search youtube I did a review pig the 5 a while ago. If you search here you can fine a few reviews and pass a round threads.

They rock so get one!
Click to expand...

How long ago was the passaround?

-orangish ducktape
167a.png

“Simplicate, and add lightness”
-Colin Chapman
 
Not capable of camp tasks? Its the MAGNUM CAMP. Not the magnum doesn't do well in the camp. It can chop, not like a bk9, but it can do it. Better than the bk7 actually since its lighter. Yeh its an inch longer but lighter thanks to the swedge. Speaking of the swedge I.have whacked on mine ALOT and haven't even made a dent. Granted there have been dents in the baton but when comparing it to the bk7, the 7s thinner clip is worse on the baton. The 5 is better balanced. Also the Blade shape of the 5 is better suited for all around including slicing, trap and shelter building, game dressing, etc etc etc etc. Its the Blade shape that WON the west. Timeless. Anything else? O yeh and its the best looking.
 
Get the 5. It is a jack of all trades & master of more than one. Light in hand. Fast in hand. It will slice well. It will chop well. It will stab well. It will slash well. It will baton well. It will do little knife things well, because IT HAS A CHOIL. The BK5 & BK15 are the only Beckers to have a factory choil. Choils, you either love em or ya hate em. I love em.

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After all that, it still shaved hair easily.
 
The 5 will surprise you. I wouldn't think of going anywhere "wild" without a BK-9 somewhere packed up, but for camping and the routine chores you have to do, the 5 is outstanding. Very light, nimble and capable. Choke up for fine work, slice up the goodies for the pot or split all the kindling and cooking size wood you'll need. Much more versatile than the Potbelly.
 
the 5 is awesome. the 7 feels clumsy by comparison.
 
Flexxx said:
Wish I had one........
Click to expand...

Lol, poor Flexxx. Soon enough.

As for the 5, yep it'll chop, and a whole lot better than you'd think. I batoned with it for the log cabin challenge. I wasn't gentle and it never made me nervous. I think the balance and the feel in your hand is incredible, not like any other knife that size I've handled.

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I have mine in the Spec Ops basic sheath and I like it a lot. More lightweight than the Spec Ops combat master and I got mine for only $26.

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Once I got my BK-5, my BK-7 just collected dust. The shape if the BK5 and the large choil make it so much more useful for camp chores and its lighter in the hand. It's definitely not a chopper, but neither is the BK7, get a BK9 for chopping.
 
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