I'm knife ignorant!

crimsonfalcon07 said:
Yep, sounds like you about have it. Becker sheaths aren't too popular (although IMO they're fine, and get the job done). Beckers are also great for customization, whereas if you want to rehandle an ESEE, it's a hair more challenging. You'll probably come out about even in the end if you go for custom scales and kydex on a Becker, so it comes down to whether you feel like you NEED micarta or kydex, or if you want to customize, etc. And really, it comes down to whether or not the various blades appeal to you. They're both great value, and very comparable, so at the end of the day, you should pick the design that appeals to you the most. Be aware though, it's very tough to buy only one Becker.
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yeah it easy to buy one becker. but when it breaks spend the little extra money and get a tops or esee
 
perfectstorm said:
yeah it easy to buy one becker. but when it breaks spend the little extra money and get a tops or esee
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"when it breaks"?

do you find yourself in large explosions on a regular basis? It takes more to break a becker than most people will ever do to a knife.
 
perfectstorm said:
yeah it easy to buy one becker. but when it breaks spend the little extra money and get a tops or esee
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When it breaks? They aren't going to break. Not if you don't misuse them. If it breaks a Becker, I imagine a similar sized knife from ESEE or TOPS would break as well.

Undertow82 said:
Rowen, the company that manufactures the knives for ESEE, has a great heat-treat and a great blade coating. ESEE also has some of the best sheath options and I also like the Micarta/G10 options.

If you want a good value compared to ESEE, check the Becker line out. Apparently, Rowen makes Becker knives as well and they also use 1095. They also sell micarta scales to replace the grivory ones with.
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Since when has Rowen been making blades for Becker? Besides the Ritter?

As far as ESEE over Becker, they come with Micarta, and generally what is considered a better sheath. The warranty on the ESEE sounds better on paper, but in reality Becker and ESEE pretty much have the same warranty. Tops are gears toward their own market, mostly. However, they do make a few good knives that I really like, and will eventually purchase.
 
My money's on him never having contacted Ka-bar. In fact, I'm doubtful of this whole story. In fact, I'm gonna go ahead and say "pics or it didn't happen." Troll, plain and simple. Now, where's that ignore button...
 
BePrepared said:
"when it breaks"?

do you find yourself in large explosions on a regular basis? It takes more to break a becker than most people will ever do to a knife.
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That's kinda my whole idea behind choosing a knife and what it will be used for. While I appreciate the torture test videos I've watched on youtube while doing my weeks of knife research, if a knife breaks then I would have to assume it was being used in a way that it wasn't intended for correct?

I would think some type of a hatchet and prybar should be included in survival/camping gear along with a knife.
 
Ka-bar's 1095CV and Rowen's 1095 are not the same steel. Look up the chemistry if you doubt. I'd pick Ka-bar's if choosing based on raw material, but Rowen makes a very good knife out of plain 1095. Dunno about TOPS - they're a smaller production shop, I think. Their per-blade costs are likely way higher, so they compete on slightly different features (design, etc.).
 
You're still going to have a tough time breaking any of the knives you've mentioned. Did you look through the thread I posted up? Fellow took his BK2 to several concrete blocks, steel drums, a refrigerator, etc, and came out with a useable knife on the other side. Which is why I'm skeptical of our trolling friend. It takes a LOT to break a Becker. Maybe he tried to baton a Remora through a cement block? If you need a pry-bar, the BK2 does pretty well, but the BK3 is actually a sharpened prybar. As for hatchet, there's always the RBK or the BK4 or the 9.
 
daizee said:
Ka-bar's 1095CV and Rowen's 1095 are not the same steel. Look up the chemistry if you doubt. I'd pick Ka-bar's if choosing based on raw material, but Rowen makes a very good knife out of plain 1095. Dunno about TOPS - they're a smaller production shop, I think. Their per-blade costs are likely way higher, so they compete on slightly different features (design, etc.).
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Of course they are not the same exact steel, but through my uses with both KA-BAR's 1095CV and Rowen's 1095, I honestly can't tell a discernible difference in edge holding, obviously not the only characteristic you would be looking for, but I doubt you could break either through normal use, and even slight abuse.
 
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crimsonfalcon07 said:
My money's on him never having contacted Ka-bar. In fact, I'm doubtful of this whole story. In fact, I'm gonna go ahead and say "pics or it didn't happen." Troll, plain and simple. Now, where's that ignore button...
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QFT right here. Guy offers only vague information in an attack on a certain brand for issues he's unwilling to expound on. Seems like we need a wee bit of:

trollspray.jpg


:D

I purchased a BK14 a week or two ago, and have only given it very light use. But it's well balanced, and feels great to me. I'll be using it to try my hand at making scales. However, it felt so good to me that I think the BK7 I have headed my way will also be used as a test bed for making scales. Heck, a BK2 may be next, or an RSK Mk2 if I can find one used and reasonably priced (otherwise, I'll have to save up my pennies again for a new one). :) I've never had a Ka-Bar that wasn't well made and solid. I suggest the OP tries one out themselves, instead of listening to the trolls. If he doesn't like it, he won't have any problem selling or trading it, I'm sure.
 
What are you going to use for scales? I'm pretty fond of cocobolo and bocote, unless you're getting something really nice.

The BK2 is a TANK of a knife. I prefer lighter, quicker blades, so I don't really carry mine often. The 9, 10, 16, and 11 are my go-to blades in each relevant size.
 
[video=youtube;2lwVznVHrwM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lwVznVHrwM[/video]

Here
 
crimsonfalcon07 said:
What are you going to use for scales? I'm pretty fond of cocobolo and bocote, unless you're getting something really nice.

The BK2 is a TANK of a knife. I prefer lighter, quicker blades, so I don't really carry mine often. The 9, 10, 16, and 11 are my go-to blades in each relevant size.
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I'm going to assume (gasp!) that your referring to my post, so I apologize if that's not the case.

I picked up some spalted tamarind and some Arizona desert ironwood, and was given a set of fiddleback curly Koa and a set of Macassar ebony. I'll probably start with the less appealing scales of tamaring, to try and get the hang of things, as I have little experience working with wood (I have a few questions I'm still searching for answers to in regards to working with these woods. I'll make posts soon if I can't find the info I'm looking for). Once I turn out a set or two of half-way decent tamarind scales, I'll try my hand at the others. I've only got basic hand tools, so it may take a while, but I suppose taking my time would only help to reduce mistakes, so I see nothing wrong with that.

As for the BK2. It's thickness and heft was one of the reasons I opted to try the BK7 first, though I'm sure I'll have one eventually. The tweeners are rather appealing as well, but I've made a few purchases of late that were a little high, so I need to wait a bit and rebuild my funds, plus I'll need to have some cash to purchase supplies to finish the scales, as well as for my other hobbies/addictions. So many hobbies, so little time/money! ;)

Eventually I'll get a few pics up as well, so as to prevent my being shunned in the Becker forum (I've seen how you people are when newbs don't post pics, LOL).

Anyway, sorry to hijack the thread!
 
Nice, it's worth mentioning that he does the test with the 5 clamped in the vice as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb62_vd8w38&feature=plcp

Rowen sure does a great job on their heat treat! Also worth mentioning that both ESEE and Ka-bar offered to replace the knives, and as TAGannon declined, they gave away knives to some of our soldiers serving overseas. Two very fine companies, in my estimation.

And that right there should answer the question of whether or not a certain fellow contacted Ka-bar. If beating one knife into another knife with a hammer doesn't count as abuse, I don't know what does. And BOTH companies offered to replace their blades.
 
Blunt Forged Edge said:
I wonder what the result would be were the ESEE is in the vise and the BK-2 being battoned? Would the results be the same?
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I wonder the same. Not a very "scientific" approach if he doesn't repeat the test the other way around. :rolleyes:

ETA: I stand corrected! Still, I don't think the test proves much, really, and I don't feel I've mis-spent my money on the Beckers in any way. I'd gladly use both BK&T and ESEE products if I could afford them both. :)
 
i have to say, i have ALWAYS wondered what would happen if you did that

i would like to see that test with a Busse Battle Mistress and an Esee... that would be worth watching
 
crimsonfalcon07 said:
You're still going to have a tough time breaking any of the knives you've mentioned. Did you look through the thread I posted up? Fellow took his BK2 to several concrete blocks, steel drums, a refrigerator, etc, and came out with a useable knife on the other side. Which is why I'm skeptical of our trolling friend. It takes a LOT to break a Becker. Maybe he tried to baton a Remora through a cement block? If you need a pry-bar, the BK2 does pretty well, but the BK3 is actually a sharpened prybar. As for hatchet, there's always the RBK or the BK4 or the 9.
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why is it when you say something you always have the fanboy calling you a troll?the becker i had last year broke doing normal things id would use a blade like that for.sent it back and yes thet sent a new one.icould have just been a bad temper it happens.use the same esee...rat3 and a couple tops doing the same thing never been a problem
 
perfectstorm said:
why is it when you say something you always have the fanboy calling you a troll?the becker i had last year broke doing normal things id would use a blade like that for.sent it back and yes thet sent a new one.icould have just been a bad temper it happens.use the same esee...rat3 and a couple tops doing the same thing never been a problem
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What were you doing, and what broke? Not that I doubt you... but... they don't just break doing normal tasks. There are freak occurrences and bad heat treats that happen every so often, but I don't see that happening at all with Becker...
 
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