Ka-Bar/Becker BK7 or RAT RC6?

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OldArn

Joined
Dec 13, 2004
Messages
7
Lately I've been shopping around for a good BOB and camp knife. After trying to do as much research as possible, I've narrowed my choices down to either a Becker BK7 or RAT RC6. I'm looking for a direct comparison between these two specific knives, if possible. Since it seems that they're both praised for their cutting ability and sturdiness, my main concerns are handling, balance, and versatility. Yeah, I know you're all thinking "Buy 'em both!", but until I get around to building a 2nd BOB for the car it's going to be just one of them for now. Thanks in advance for any replies.
 
I have the BK7, not the Rat RC6. You have a win-win with US mfg. of both, and judging by their forum presence and loyal following, a solid company backing both. Steels are both 1095 variants. Its actually almost a shame to have to pick between both companies. For me it would come down to price at this point, and at that point you can buy a BK7 and the BK11 necker and have a slick combo, with a few bucks left over for more kit. Although the pink izula haunts my dreams still. Wonder what that says....

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There is only one thing to do ! If you already have the $ for the RAT6 then purchase it & start saving for the BK-7 :D You can't have to many blades ;)
 
I have the BK7, but the old model, from Camillus, that basically is the same shape and weight than the Becker/Ka-Bar model. I don't have the RC-6, but I do have the RAT-7 from Randall/Ontario in D-2 not 1095. I would say that this is a fairer comparison. Both knives are 7" and designed pretty much for the same purpose, although the Becker is also considered a combat knife. The RAT-7 is also manufactured in 1095, that gives you almost the same characteristics in both knives. What can I say... I love them both. The sheath is better in the RAT though. Tough decision.
The BK7 gives you the chance to buy a second knife in the 4" range to make a good complement. Just because of this I would go for the BKT/Ka-Bar maybe.

Good luck... and good choice.:thumbup:
 
I dont have any Becker knives but I've got all the RAT line. The RC-6 is perfectly balanced, super tough, and the flat grind makes it a great slicer. It might be a little light to be a full-fledged chopper but it would definitely do in a pinch. I'd say its very versatile. Very comfy in the hand as well. I'm a huge RAT fan but I've always wanted a BK-7 as well. I think that, like many of us, regardless of which you choose first you'll probably end up with the other at some point also :)
 
Haha, thanks for NOT making this any easier. At least the idea that I can't go wrong with either choice has been reinforced. Looking at the blade geometry, it looks like the BK7 might have slightly better piercing capability due to its point being closer to the center line. Any input on this? How does the handle feel on it? I'd probably end up trying to rehandle it in micarta anyways.
 
OldArn said:
Haha, thanks for NOT making this any easier. At least the idea that I can't go wrong with either choice has been reinforced. Looking at the blade geometry, it looks like the BK7 might have slightly better piercing capability due to its point being closer to the center line. Any input on this? How does the handle feel on it? I'd probably end up trying to rehandle it in micarta anyways.
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As I said before, the Ka-Bar/Becker is considered a combat knife also, so it has a false edge in the front spine (not sharpened though). The handle is really comfortable, and Grivory is a very sturdy material, so I don't think rehandle would be necessary, unless you feel more comfortable with Micarta.

Good luck
 
I owned both a Camillus BK7 and the RC-6. I now only own the RC-6. In my opinion the only thing the BK7 does better than the RC-6 is chop. After comparing them for a while I sold the Becker and am saving for a chopper. Then I'll have the chopper for chopping and the RAT for everything else.

I should say that the Becker was my first "real" fixed blade I bought about 3 years ago. I liked it very much and I still like it. I think the Beckers in general are a great line of knives and offer a fantastic value. However I didn't love the handles. I much prefer the RC's micarta scales. I also prefer the drop point with a little more belly.

I still have a soft spot for the Beckers and find myself looking at them every so often but on my budget I couldn't afford to have two knives so similar when I was lacking a nice chopper.
 
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DMD08 said:
I still have a soft spot for the Beckers and find myself looking at them every so often but on my budget I couldn't afford to have two knives so similar when I was lacking a nice chopper.
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Have you looked at the Ontario SP5 and SP10? They are really affordable and great choppers. I have the SP10 and all that I did was reprofiling it a bit to get a better edge. It has a great feel and a nice belly which it makes it heavy where its needed if you want to chop.
 
I think the BK-7 comes with the BK-13 as a freebie. Check out the Becker forum. I've got a BK-9 and purchased a RAT-3 for my bag. I'm sure you'll probably have a decent folder in your pocket too. Both of your choices would serve your purpose.
 
You cant go wrong with either. I have handled several BK7s, (and I got a BK-2 and BK-11 today) and I love them all! The handles are very sturdy and FAT. makes them real easy to hold onto. The Rat handles are slimmer but a bit grippier. Both of them would do absolutely anything you needed them to do, but the Rat does have the better warranty. Both are US made by fantastic makers/designers. I'm actually having this same debate in my own screwed up little mind. I'm almost leaning towards the Becker. I Like the warranty on the RAT, but I dont think you're gunna break a Becker easily.

Sorry, this probably didn't help you much either. :)
 
I guess I'm going to have to use looks as a deciding factor and go with the BK7 for now. On a purely visceral level, it just looks like a freakin' serious blade. I know, looks aren't a good measure of a knife, but all things being nearly equal... Anyways, I know that it comes with the BK13, but I do plan on supplementing the big knife with a small 3" to 4" blade. The RC3 is high up on that list, but are there any other bomb-proof small knives at a lower price point? I guess I'm going to have to do some more research and probably post a new thread when I'm ready.
 
OldArn said:
Anyways, I know that it comes with the BK13, but I do plan on supplementing the big knife with a small 3" to 4" blade. The RC3 is high up on that list, but are there any other bomb-proof small knives at a lower price point? I guess I'm going to have to do some more research and probably post a new thread when I'm ready.
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How about its little brother the BK11 necker? Again, you can afford both for the price of the RC6. 3.25 in blade length, as bomb proof as its bigger brother. Thats my new combo. In fact, my plan is to hit up one of the board kydex makers for a piggyback sheath setup. Its my "go back to work after layoff" present. If you wanted to still throw some love RAT's way, you should pick up the izula for the smaller knife.
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If you're going with the BK7, then get a RC3 for your smaller knife, you'll learn to love it. I have a BK7 and a RC7 in D2, I find the BK7 handle less comfortable although I agree with a previous post where they stated that it would probably be a better chopper.
 
OldArn said:
are there any other bomb-proof small knives at a lower price point? I guess I'm going to have to do some more research and probably post a new thread when I'm ready.
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There are a lot.
Mora of Sweden has a lot of different models of Scandi style knives with very good Carbon steel or Sandvik Stainless for ridiculous prices... an example, the Mora 860mg Clipper (around $ 11):

f860mg.JPG


Buck has a couple of small and cheap models too, like the Diamondback 473 (3 1/8") or 479 (3 7/8") (both less than or around $ 20). I have the 471, the longer model and the grip is very nice:

bu473.jpg


Good luck
 
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I have been researching the same question. My conclusion: there is no wrong answer here; either the Becker or the RAT will do the same jobs and do them just as well. The tie braker: which one costs less.
 
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