Ka-Bar BK-16 Quality Control : UPDATE

Status
Not open for further replies.
pantherguy said:
i will most likely never buy a kabar again
Click to expand...
I would venture a guess that you don't like blades that are made to work for a living? Unless the thing is 100% done by machine, nothing is ever going to be exactly the same. Knives are like snowflakes.

FAL'ER said:
My very first BK16 that I got when they first came out (laser etched) was/is a stubby.
Click to expand...
I'll be totally honest, I never really examined mine. But they all work! They all cut stuff! So I'm happy.
 
I understand not being happy with some of those pictured 16's. I guess I view them a little different for a couple of reasons. One, I like the price point for the performance in these knives. I don't want to pay a premium for quality control that I don't see as important when compared to the value the knives currently bring to the table.

Two, I see them as great "working knives" that I don't mind using hard and getting messy. Part of that is due to the steel and design, and part is due to what I consider the great value they are because of the current pricing.

My 16 came with a shape that I think is correct and I like, although I've never compared it to others. It did, however, have a weird, somewhat incomplete grind that you can see in the second picture. I didn't give that much thought, as it's easily fixed, and I'd rather fix it myself than pay more to ensure I don't have to.

IMG_3207.JPG

IMG_3206.JPG
 
pantherguy said:
i will most likely never buy a kabar again
Click to expand...

Yes... cause if my general mentality in life was to stop doing something every time there were tiny issues I definitely would go far! :rolleyes: These couple of issues are completely indicative that everything KA-BAR puts out is going to be bad... Thank you for your time.

Sorry, your loss. :thumbup: ;)
 
pantherguy said:
i will most likely never buy a kabar again
Click to expand...

I didn't post this to detour anyone from buying Ka-Bar knives. That is your choice to never buy again but I have had had only 4 major issues with Ka-Bar products out of over 50 purchases. The Broken sheath was replaced and the bent blade on my potbelly was not only replaced but they changed the design due to multiple failures I believe. That is Awesome.
The Two 16's that were not replaced are a bummer and I'm not happy with Ka'bar's decision, but at least I know what their quality control specs are and I will not expect near perfection anymore.

I do know that if a blade or product breaks or malfunctions they will always replace it, from what I've seen. That is a good thing.

We can all learn something from this experience. Ka'bar is a little lax on the tolerances to keep prices reasonable for us.
Kabar does take care of failed blades. If you really care about or want the best example of a blade, buy it at a local dealer where you can examine multiple knives and pick the best one, or call your internet dealer and ask them nicely to please please please send you a blade with good grinds.





Bladite: Here is a pic of my bent blade. I have heard rumors that this is not the first time this has happened so a flat grind was to toughen the design. I believe the original design was flat grind but they switched the production to hollow just to do it. lol
752935abe5603553c45c7799ff2f0a2f_zps4bd9c10a.jpg
 
It seems like what Dex noticed most was a CHANGE in the former consistency of the 16. That's noteworthy, even if within ka-bar's designated spec. After all, he's handled a lot of them. Ka-bar should take note of that regardless.
 
daizee said:
It seems like what Dex noticed most was a CHANGE in the former consistency of the 16. That's noteworthy, even if within ka-bar's designated spec. After all, he's handled a lot of them. Ka-bar should take note of that regardless.
Click to expand...

ha..... I believe you just hit the nail right on the head! Excellent observation....... you are so correct. :thumbup::thumbup:
 
NikkiR said:
Maybe, going out on a limb, don't call a Mod an a-hole.
Click to expand...

Where do you come up with such sage wisdom? :D

If you don't get those blades replaced, Dex, maybe you can use them to try some blade mods? That stubby one, especially, I think should be replaced our reground.
 
mrn8 said:
If you don't get those blades replaced, Dex, maybe you can use them to try some blade mods? That stubby one, especially, I think should be replaced our reground.
Click to expand...

Yep, I've been drawing out some designs this morning to see what I can make out of it....... Gonna turn one into a skinner I think.
 
Dex, on the stubby I think there are at least two good options:

1) straight-clip it from the current tip
2) straight-clip it down to 1/8" or so below the current tip.

I'd do both to a good 0.5-1.5" behind where the current drop meets the spine.

Both would result in a badass looking FFG blade. As Trade used to say, "send it to me and I'll re-grind it for you."

The flat-faced one could simply be sharpened back into the correct curve. Obviously nothing will replace missing metal.
 
Not sure why people result to name calling... An educated debate is much more interestig or such as dex has done and show details outling the issue and discuss it amongst peers.

Anyways Dex if you decide to modify the blades i would love to see the results.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top