Ka-Bar Becker Quality Control Issues

bld522

bld522

Joined
Feb 3, 2004
Messages
7,119
I've read in some threads that the fit and finish on the new Ka-Bar BK2, BK7 and BK9 are excellent. Then I've read on other threads that the fit and finish on them are extremely poor. I was ready to purchase a BK2 until I read about the handle and grind problems some people seem to have had with them. I don't want to buy a BK2 only to have to turn around and send it back to the factory to make it right. So what's really going on? Should I consider purchasing a new BK2 right now or should I bide my time and give Ka-Bar the opportunity to work out their QC issues? :confused:
 
The new Beckers are almost as well-made as the Camillus Beckers. I've had a Camillus BK&T BK7 for years, and I recently purchased two Ka-Bar BK&T BK2 Campanions and a BK9. I think the fit and finish is quite comparable, but I fell as if the tool steel Camillus (0170-6C or whatever) was using performs better than Ka-Bar's vanilla 1095. Again, just my opinion. :)

The BK2 Campanion is definitely worth adding to your collection. It is very well made and can be had for less than $70 if you shop around. If you don't like the scales, you could always make your own, or find somebody that can fashion you something out of Micarta or G-10.
 
cpio said:
The new Beckers are almost as well-made as the Camillus Beckers. I've had a Camillus BK&T BK7 for years, and I recently purchased two Ka-Bar BK&T BK2 Campanions and a BK9. I think the fit and finish is quite comparable, but I fell as if the tool steel Camillus (0170-6C or whatever) was using performs better than Ka-Bar's vanilla 1095. Again, just my opinion. :)
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I've read conflicting descriptions of the steel type used in the Ka Bar Beckers - some say it's 1095, others say it's 1095 cro van.
 
The ad literature on New Graham's website read as 1095 cro/van, as it did at the Ridge Knife Shop. I found the fit and finish to be remarkably good on my knife---especially for a USA made knife at the price point of only $70 USD. It really is a sleeper in the knife industry, much like Spyderco's $40 USD "Wal Mart" Native was.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Becker knife---my experiences with them thus far (although that has been limited to only two, unless you count that miniature BK13 that came with my BK9 :D) have been excellent.

:thumbup:
 
ITs great quality for the money. Ive pounded on my BK7 and its held a great edge no chipping or anything.
 
My BK-2 Campanion has a messed up edge. But that is my fault. I tried convexing it and ended up rounding it off too much, now I'm working (unsuccessfully so far) to get it back to the V-grind that is shaving sharp. Then maybe I'll try convexing it again.

But this has nothing to do with KA-BAR. The quality on my two Becker blades is great and only limited by my poor sharpening skills. :(
 
KA BARS 1095 cro-van is one of the best 1095s out there. It the cro-van adds more strength.

My bk2 came with very small gaps (barely noticeable) at the hilt and pommel, but that doesnt matter to me because the knife feels great in my hand.

The edge on mine isnt superb.. but I'll soon take care of that with my lansky :)

My BK11 is slightly crooked to the left, but again, barely noticeable, and it doesnt effect the way it feels in my hand, or how it performs.

The edge on it was even worse than the BK2, but again.. I'll fix that.

Go with Becker. They are awesome.
 
Just my two cents, but, if Ethan is behind a product it will be made right. If one slips by the QC department, he will make sure they make it right.
I wouldn't hesitate to order.
 
I have received a BK-2, (3) BK-9s, & a BK-11 in the past few weeks and haven't really saw a major QC issue with any of them. Maybe a minor scale fitting, but no warped or crooked blades. It's been said before, if Ethan is backing it, it will taken care of. I'll be getting some more as soon as he comes out with some different designs.
 
My Kabar/Becker BK-9 and BK-11 both have no issues whatsoever. Scales on the BK-9 both fit perfectly and both the blades are straight and came with nice edges straight outta the box.

francis castiglione said:
Im sure its the exception rather than the rule. Vocal minority and all that.
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my thoughts exactly.
 
 
rifon2 said:
I've read conflicting descriptions of the steel type used in the Ka Bar Beckers - some say it's 1095, others say it's 1095 cro van.
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knarfeng said:
The Ka-Bar web site clearly states that the blade alloy is 1095 Cro-Van.
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Yes, knarfeng, I know that. :)
But elsewhere I've seen the blade steel referred to as plain 1095.
That's why I simply said I've read "conflicting descriptions" of the steel type.

I certainly take the Ka-Bar website info as dispositive on the issue. :cool:
 
I picked up a Ka-bar BK2 for my son & compared it to my Camillus BK2 and looks Good to me, No fit or finish issues with my son's Ka-bar BK2...
 
I got the BK9 and necker first. Both were perfect. Later I got the BK7 and the scales had gaps on either end but I'm not bothered by that. The blade is coated so rust shouldn't be an issue. My old Camillus BK9 has those same gaps. These knives are a great value. You shouldn't expect perfect fit and finish. You should expect a comfortable knife that cuts/chops well and holds a good edge.
 
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