Importance/Preference of Knife Generations?

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Feb 27, 2011
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I see all you Beckerheads make references to the different generations of the BKs you own. Upon casual glance, can you visually tell the difference between them? And is there any particular reason one might want a newer/older gen of a specific model?

Thanks for reading.
 
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Gen 2s have the extended pommel. Only difference I know of.

i think this is covered nicely in the FAQ :)

there's a major other difference: reduced weight tang on the 2's, yes? bit lighter, more choppy.
 
i think this is covered nicely in the FAQ :)

there's a major other difference: reduced weight tang on the 2's, yes? bit lighter, more choppy.

I actually checked out those stickies, but I'm more interested in others perceptions of these blades, why their personal preference pushes them in a specific direction and hearing people's thoughts about them.
 
I actually checked out those stickies, but I'm more interested in others perceptions of these blades, why their personal preference pushes them in a specific direction and hearing people's thoughts about them.

there's virtualy no difference. the quality is there. the warranty.

you might find it hard to buy older ones, as they're typically not for sale new, except as old stock. KaBar has moved on. they sell a LOT of BK2s.

while KaBar has done a fine job in refining the entire lineup, and there's been evolution (finally ;>) after 30 years... i can hold an OLD BK2, and a brandy new one, and see more similarity than difference, esp compared to the Camillus ones (which were thinner).

the pommel is useful. pretty much the entire lineup has been retrofitted to have this now. prior, it was only on the certain models. under-appreciated it is (it's not a skull crusher or glass breaker, by design, yes?)

so, good stuff. hard to go wrong.

except: some modders that prefer full tangs without cutouts might find it better/easier to put new handles on... perhaps not. bolt ons are pretty clever that way.
 
I see all you Beckerheads make references to the different generations of the BKs you own. Upon casual glance, can you visually tell the difference between them? And is there any particular reason one might want a newer/older gen of a specific model?

Thanks for reading.

Right now, the only Becker under KA-BAR that has a Gen 1/2 distinction is the BK2. I've never heard of anyone talk about a BK3 under Camillus as a 2nd gen, the KA-BAR as a 3rd and so on. The BK2 is the only knife under KA-BAR that has had a major change: tang cutouts and pommel extension as already noted. So, yes. A casual glance can show the difference.

I personally want to trade my Gen 1 BK2 for a Gen 2. If Ethan and Toooj think that the changes were needed to make the knife better, I'm inclined to agree. I like a lighter knife and I always dug the extension.

As for ollllder Beckers, like the machete, machax, or BK10, I can wait until KA-BAR puts them out. I have no desire to buy any Becker that is not KA-BAR (although my Camillus BK10 is a sweet knife that you can pry from my cold dead hands).
 
As for ollllder Beckers, like the machete, machax, or BK10, I can wait until KA-BAR puts them out. I have no desire to buy any Becker that is not KA-BAR (although my Camillus BK10 is a sweet knife that you can pry from my cold dead hands).

don't forget the next to last gen Blackjack Machaxen are perfection :) Until later this year :> though i personally loved the hard-chrome models. lust.

as for cold dead hands, remember the quote from men in black :)

Edgar: You can have my gun when you pry it from my cold dead fingers.

The Bug: Your proposal is acceptable. [A long arm with long, bony digits grabs Edgar, pulls him into the crater and consumes him.]

be careful what you ask for, some THING might agree with you :D

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Men_in_Black
 
The differences are slight. As mentioned above, some may prefer the extended pommel, which according to Part 1 of the Equipped to Endure interview with Ethan, was more to keep from tearing up your baton, if needing to drive the knife point into something. It may also keep one from bashing the end of the handle in that situation.

The latest BK2s with the more skeletonized handle are slightly lighter in the handle, which makes it slightly more blade heavy, which might be preferred for chopping.

Some may prefer older models manufactured by someone other than Kabar for the sake of a more complete collection, or a different steel or heat treatment. I'm happy with the current steel and heat treatment (except I'd like to see a stainless option for Neckers). I also think both Kabar and Ethan are lucky that he escaped the Camillus bankruptcy disaster and they got to partner up. And we're all lucky, too.
 
The main difference with Gen1 and Gen2, is that Kabar actually began making the BK2 without the pommel extention, then, started making it with. There was also a sheath change from kydex to Injection molded plastic, with design changes in the sheaths.

There will be a Gen2 BK3, with a pommel extention, coming soon if not out already.

The other BKT knifes that Kabar makes are all in their first design rendering. No changes, so no new designations.

The BK2 factory changes, were a huge plus in my eyes,the pommel extention greaty improved the workablility of the knife and the hollowing of the handle made he balance perfect, and gave the knife "the feel" of a heavy, well balanced knife.

Moose
 
The main difference with Gen1 and Gen2, is that Kabar actually began making the BK2 without the pommel extention, then, started making it with. There was also a sheath change from kydex to Injection molded plastic, with design changes in the sheaths.

There will be a Gen2 BK3, with a pommel extention, coming soon if not out already.

The other BKT knifes that Kabar makes are all in their first design rendering. No changes, so no new designations.

The BK2 factory changes, were a huge plus in my eyes,the pommel extention greaty improved the workablility of the knife and the hollowing of the handle made he balance perfect, and gave the knife "the feel" of a heavy, well balanced knife.

Moose

the BK13 is second gen as well (and shifted manufacture location as well)

the Camillus handles were afaik, hollow as well; the KaBar versions are slimmer though.

there have also been here and there quiet sheath upgrades and design changes for the various knives. just better, more refined, good.
 
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