Recommendation? Ka-Bar Becker/Reinhardt vs. Zombie Tools Vakra

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dr0

Joined
Apr 3, 2007
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I've decided to spring for a new knife and want to get something a bit bigger than any of my current fixed blades, which top out around 7" currently.

The kukri appeals to me, I do spend a lot of time in the forested mountains near my home, and I usually take a hatchet for making fires when that's on the agenda.

Looking through them the two mentioned have caught my eye. Anyone have any experience with these. The ZT is more unique and a little heftier looking, which is appealing, but I don't know much about their knives, other than they build a lot of wicked looking stuff.

I've used a friends Becker Campanion a few times. The handle seems a bit blocky for 5" blade, but it's stout and well made, for sure.

I know people love the Himalayan ones, I have a smaller (but heavy) one a friend brought me from Nepal 20 years ago, with genuine buffalo horn sheath. It looks nice but the handle and sheath are not really confidence inspiring to put it mildly.

So, sure I'll look at your links but lean towards made in the USA.
 
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Zombie Tools: 12 inch blade, 19 inch overall. .25 inch stock. Wt. 1lb 15oz. $280. Has a nice Kydex sheath, too.

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Ka-Bar Becker/Reinhardt Blade length: 13.25" and 19" overall. weight: 1lb 6oz. stock: .188 inche 1095 steel. $200

This one looks the best of the Ghurka House ones:

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10" blade. $60 on Amazon. There are a few variations, mostly different handles.
 
I have used the Reinhardt Khukri from Ka-Bar/Becker, and it is a great chopper and with the thinner stock than the BK2 the handle is thinner and more comfortable.

That being said, I doubt it'd outchop a 12" long 0.25" thick khukri like what that Zombie Tool thing looks like. I will say the Becker probably has a more comfortable handle based on looks alone, and will certainly be less fatiguing to work with long-term.
 
The weight and length of the blade you pick will be, in large part, a function of what you plan to do with the knife.

Will it need to be more like a machete, cutting through tall grasses and brush? Will it be replacing your hatchet have to chop through trees and thick branches? Will you baton with it?
 
It's mostly evergreens and ferns up here in the Cascades. There really isn't the thick brush you need to hack through, like you have in California and places south. There is a lot of fallen dead wood to rip apart to get stuff to burn, even in the winter. Cedars, firs, some poplars.
 
I really like Becker knives, but I've not had the pleasure of using the BK21. From what I hear, its great.

I personally really like the ergos of the handles. Its secure, comfortable, and I've never had a blister, even when using one for an extended period of time (chopped for an hour clearing some saplings in the backyard last week actually). So for me that would be a reason to get the Becker over the zombie tools. Also, you can get a BK21 for ~$130, which is well under the $200 MSRP.

Zombie tools makes knives that I guess if I had to categorize would say appeals most to "fans of the walking dead". However, unlike many other "zombie" knives that you find online, they actually seem to be made well. So if you like that aesthetic, and its a price you can live with, then go for it.

Other ideas.

Have you considered a heavier machete like object? Usually those are going to be longer, cheaper, and chop as well, or better than any of those (14+ in parangs/goloks primarily). They'll also be able to baton quite well if needed.

Also, what about a folding saw instead? I like chopping as much as the next guy. But honestly, for just cutting wood, if its over about ... forearm thickness, I'd rather be using a saw anyway, and then will baton it down if I need to.

Just something to think about :).
 
I don't believe I'm saying this...
Cold Steel Magnum Kukri Machete. It comes dull; but throw a quick and dirty edge on it, and that thing chops. Don't spend a lot of money on a beater.

Now that that's out of my system, the BK21 is a nice piece.

I won't deny that I've eyed the Vakra for a few years. Zombie Tools handles are surprisingly comfortable...and I just love the look of the thing; but I think you'll find that it's probably a bit thick behind the edge. (Which you'll feel when you try to put it to work).

Now that I got that CS foolishness out of my head... find yourself a McCurdy kukri (or buy one of the two you mentioned)
 
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I have one of the Beckers on order, can't wait to try it out. Comfortable handles on these beasts are hard to find.
 
Of the two mentioned, I'd go Ka bar/Becker. I'd stick with the more established company.

I just visited the ZT website. I hate to say it but it comes across as "mall ninja-ish". I really don't mean to offend you Dr0. The Kukri is a traditional and viable blade that has been around a long time. I'm just tired of this zombie crap myself. In the end, buy whatever pleases you.

TOPS also has some kukri in 1095 that made in the USA too.
 
Caveat - I have and use theBK21. Never held the ZT.

My comments are based on expected targets of light brush, limbs and tree trunks not grass.

While the ZT looks usable, I'd lean towards the Becker.

The Becker handle is very comfortable, especially for extended use. While a thicker, heavier knife would be expected to bite harder and "better", I have found that slimmer blades bind less than thicker blades. My usage of the BK21 has been on mesquite, elm, hackberry, pecan, giant ragweed, Mexican plum, Texas persimmon, tie vine - a tough woody vine. Diameters range from 1/4" on the tie vine to 1-1/2" for limbs. Anything bigger than that is chainsaw or band saw fodder.

And you can get 2 BK21s for the price of the ZT. Double the fun!!!!
 
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