I'm torn between a Becker combat bowie and a Ka-Bar heavy bowie.

savagesicslayer

savagesicslayer

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I'm looking for a heavy knife to put in the saddlebags of my 4 wheeler to take on extended trips to the backcountry.
I've been looking at the Ka-bar heavy bowie for a while but,the becker combat bowie caught my eye.
The knife will be used for some heavy chopping,digging and probably some slicing work that goes along with getting a 4 wheeler un-stuck.
Any pros or cons of either of theese blades for this sort of job would be apreciated.
 
Have had both the Becker and Kabar, still have the Kabar. Becker better for chopping etc although the grips can cause problems. The big Kabar is like a razor, so its the pick for slicing stuff. the Kabar grip can use a little work too.
For the money they are both good value, it comes down to what you are going to use the knife for.
 
I'll be using them for getting my quad un-stuck and everything that that implies.chopping trees,limbing them,cutting sod or peat away from the underbelly of the bike all of this while being wet and or muddy.
 
I dont like Becker handles. The blade on the becker would probably serve you better, but you might not like the handle, which could cause problems. of course, this is the same with the ka-bar, but it general I think most people find them more agreeable. If you can get some hands on time with either knife, id recommend you do so. Both knives are tough, and im sure either would do just fine.
 
You probably allready know, but the edges of both knives will rust pretty quickly if left wet for very long, as they arent coated. Ive never had that problem with mine, but you should at least wipe them dry after you're done and oil their edges.
 
I own both and like both but prefer the Ka-bar. For me it comes down to this they are very similar and preform equally but the Ka-bar has a slightly more comfortable handle.
 
I would go with the becker. I have been using mine for chopping, splitting, batoning, and prying and it is still perfect except for the coating coming off. I don't know why people are always complaining about the handles. I have relatively small hands and find the handles some of the most comfortable out there.
 
RedEdge77 said:
I don't know why people are always complaining about the handles. I have relatively small hands and find the handles some of the most comfortable out there.
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To me it's more of a security issue as the handles tend to be slippery when wet and there's a risk of fingers sliding on to the edge. If the front guard was longer, it would eliminate that risk.
 
I was thinking of having the handles of my Becker bead blasted.Has anyboby done this before?I don't know if the plastic will hold up.If not I'll have the handles changed to Mircarta.
pj
 
patrickjames said:
I was thinking of having the handles of my Becker bead blasted.Has anyboby done this before?I don't know if the plastic will hold up.If not I'll have the handles changed to Mircarta.
pj
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I believe a number of people have done that and it works quite well:D Have a look in the Camillus Forum further down. The only Becker i regrest selling was the fisk designed BK-5
Phil
 
You should handle them both. I went in to the store with a bias against the Becker handle and intending to get the Kabar. After trying them both I left with the Becker.
 
Can't speak for the Kabar handles, but although comfortable, I also found the becker handles to get a bit slick when wet. There are alot of aftermarket handle options for the Beckers though ie. thier factory micarta handles or the ones from Ranger knives. Personally I went with cord wrap on mine. I've you'd like mpre input on the Becker check out the Camillus forum here. I've owned knives from both companies though and you definately get a big bang for your buck. Good luck.

-Lindey
 
Camillus Becker & Tools 77, S30V blade with full tang, satin finished, Micarta Handle, 5mm thick, but not very heavy, I think it is good choice, I had a BK7 two years before, it never make me down
 
After you make your choice, get yourself a small shovel and an axe because it sounds to me like that's what you really need.;)
 
savagesicslayer said:
I'm looking for a heavy knife to put in the saddlebags of my 4 wheeler to take on extended trips to the backcountry.
I've been looking at the Ka-bar heavy bowie for a while but,the becker combat bowie caught my eye.
The knife will be used for some heavy chopping,digging and probably some slicing work that goes along with getting a 4 wheeler un-stuck.
Any pros or cons of either of theese blades for this sort of job would be apreciated.
Click to expand...

I know you mentioned 2 particular model knives but have you considered the Ranger RD series? The 1/4" 5160 steel is tough and has good edge holding abilities. You have a choice of 6", 7", or 9" or for just a few bucks more any custom design.
 
The becker will serve you better in the end (mor ethan liely outlast the kabar). The handles tend to be slippery, but you can roughen them with a little steel wool, or emery cloth, or you can make new handles for it.

Another choice would be one of the rat knives.
 
I like those sugestions guys thanks.
The Rats have a unique look that I like.I haven't looked too hard at Ranger knives but I hear people rave about them a lot here.
 
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