Ka-Bar Becker Quality Control Issues

I just ordered and received a BK2 from Tomar's.

I've got no quality or fit/finish gripes. The grips fit flush and you'd have to use the knife as a leaf spring on your truck to bend it. This is one heck of a chunky blade, exactly what I was looking for.

I bought it in part based on the other QC thread where Mr. Becker responded personally to correct the issues other people were having with their knives.
 
Decided to spend some 'tinker time' on the workbench tonight and see if I could figure out the scales gaps talked about here. I have very slight gaps on the bottom pommel and guard areas on both my 2 and 9, but like Bauer, they feel too good to me to be disturbed by them. Well, I took them off and then put them together without the knife in between. Tightened then down just as much as if on the blade and the 'gaps' were pretty evident - but only on the bottom end edges of the guard and pommel areas. IMHO these are not warped. I think they were molded that way. The way the back sides (insides) are shaped and reinforced, I don't think warping is the problem. If not warped, then how can they be 'fixed' without getting new ones that were molded better (differently ?) Question: Who makes the scales? KaBar? If not, it may not be a KaBar QC problem (other than passing them on to the shipping dept), but as I said, to me it really isn't an issue so someone (Becker and KaBar) will have to decide what meets the quality standard for the $$$$. I think they're fine for the value. If they are to be someone's showpiece, custom scales should probably be considered. I would appreciate hearing comments on my 'test' - any validity?, how to fix 'problem', or whatever. BTW - every surface is black coated; inside the tang holes, the machined bolts. Some small pits near the guard of my bk2 show just in front of the scale but they look like they were tapped in by some needle pointed object??? and they are of course filled with the black coating. Biggest surprise was under the scales of my bk9. Someone obviously was having some fun when the metal was hot ?? looks like termites or moles were making tracks all around the perimeter of the tang but neatly all contained under the scales. Wish they would have signed it. I may take some pics at a later time, just for the record. I also had to cut (used the bk2, naturally) sharp edges off the inside top of the bk2 sheath. Like I said when I started, I'm a 'tinkerer', so I take this all in stride. But if Ethan feels the majority of his clients may not be tinkerers, maybe a few tweeks are in order.
ciao
bill h
 
snorkels, great read! I also have a BK2 from KB and thought I may have been the only one with razor sharp edges inside the sheath. I actually got a decent slice on my thumb due to the inside top edge of the sheath. A few minutes with a file cured that, but still a PIA. I took my grips off, stripped the coating, sanded the grips for a near perfect fit and sharpened the edge.
All in all a good stout knife.
 
FWIW...just received bk2 and bk9 (both kabars) and they are really nice. Everything put together well and very sharp. Haven't chopped anything yet but they are good to go.
 
chewbacca said:
I would say the grind and fit on my KaBar BK9 is better that that on my BK1 from Camillus.
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Towards the end at Camillus, the grind lines were getting sloppy. My brother has one of the last Camillus-made BK7's and the grinding looks like it was done by a drunken monkey.

BUT it's only aesthetics. The knife performs flawlessly.
 
Wolf_1989 said:
Towards the end at Camillus, the grind lines were getting sloppy. My brother has one of the last Camillus-made BK7's and the grinding looks like it was done by a drunken monkey.

BUT it's only aesthetics. The knife performs flawlessly.
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My CBK7 came from the drunken munkie production line also, but it still cuts so I don't care.
 
Hello!
My BK9 arrived from Tomars with the back notches poorly done......will probably return to Kabar for repolacement!
Otherwise a beauty!
 
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Just a quick note to say my BK-2 arrived today also from Tomars.
The top radiused edge has waves going to the point of blade!.....guess I have two to send back now!
Am I having bad luck, or what?
 
maybe tomars prices are so cheap because they get the ones that come out of the factory a little less than perfect? Seems like most of the ppl with probs are getting them from tomars. Mine came from tomars and like I said, have small gaps toward the front and back of the handle, but it's no big deal to me.
 
Funny you mention that, my BK2 came from Tomars. I just ordered a BK9 on Friday from Tomars, I hope my BK2 issue was a fluke. I will see how the 9 comes in and will post pics, good or bad, when it gets here.
 
Jake Bauer said:
maybe tomars prices are so cheap because they get the ones that come out of the factory a little less than perfect? Seems like most of the ppl with probs are getting them from tomars. Mine came from tomars and like I said, have small gaps toward the front and back of the handle, but it's no big deal to me.
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Was wondering if some websites got 'seconds'...........mine came from New Graham, down south, and I have the 'gaps'. However, most of these places also sell over the counter so who knows what's in each box...? regardless if bought online or at a store. Would be interesting to hear if there is a '2nds' market..........good place to get the ones used for banging, pounding, etc. ....but isn't that what all Beckers are bought for.......;-)........doin' the work!

ciao

bill h
 
The gaps are common. If you're using the knife I don't see why a little gap would matter. Truth is even if you don't see a gap there is enough space for moisture to form between the slabs and the tang. The tang is coated so I don't see why there would be an issue. Bottom line for me is that these knives are low priced. You're getting a lot for your money, gaps or no gaps. If you want a show piece, the Beckers aren't for you.
 
well said AF. I think It's clear that Ethan designs knives that are made to be brutally used.. not placed on some shelf for ppl to look at.
 
My BK9 arrives yesterday. Nice knife, however, blade is slightly curved to the left and the scales looked as if a blind chimp lined them up. I reset the scales and am good to go. The bend to the left should not be a problem as this is a field knife. All my knives see use for hunting or camping. No safe queens allowed.
 
Not expecting a "show piece"......would be nice to see an American made product to show some pride in workmanship.
The poor finish grinding looks as if someone did not care/or know about what they were doing! A one second pass on the belt sander and it would have been fine....no excuse for shoddy workmanship at any price, especially from Kabar.
JMO
Jeff
 
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I talked to Linda up at KA BAR a few moths ago; Linda told me that KA BAR scraps any seconds, they will not sell them to anyone. I believe that because There is one wholesale company that I know of that has the power to buy any and all the seconds that come around. They have never had a second from KA BAR in their catalog.

I have had 3 or 4 dozen of each model come through my shop since the first of the year and I must say that at a glance they looked every bit as good as the Camillus BK&T Knife.

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Tom
 
Sent both BK-2, and BK-9 back to Tomars. Upon inspection they paid my return shipping, and are sending two visually inspected blades in exchange.
Way to stand behind what you sell Tomar's! Kudos!
Guess my two slipped by quality control.....
Jeff
 
Just received two BK11s and was blown away with the quality and expecially the black finish. Good value for the money.
 
I just received my BK2 today and I scrutinized it far more than I would of because of this thread. Perfect grip to steel fit, no grind marks anywhere, nice smooth epoxy coating and the edge is very sharp. The only flaw I found was two tiny sharp spots on either side of the sheaths opening that were eliminated with a small piece of 400 grit in a few seconds. This will be my second Becker, a BK11 being my first and both knifes have surpassed my expectations.
 
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