Ka-bar BK2 Questions?

tueller

tueller

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Mar 16, 2012
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After reading all the positive reviews, I have decided to buy a Ka-Bar Becker Companion BK2. It will be my mid-size "go to" for camping/wilderness survival and yes the big fight if needed. I came across a new older model one for sale that is a little cheaper than the newer models. The only differences that I noticed was the blade is not blackened and the grip covers the butt/puna of the handle therefor not leaving that little piece exposed. So my questions are:

1. Are there any other differences betwean the older models and the newer ones that I am not aware of?

2. What are the pro's and con's of the differences.... blacked out blade vs plain steel... exposed butt vs covered... and any other differences thay may be pointed out?

Thanks.
 
I know myself and many others have removed the coating on the blade. Some people do that because it's their preference for the metal look, other people do it because after some heavy use the coating looks horribly ugly (again, opinion). With the coating removed, it will rust pretty fast, but I put a patina on mine so no worries here.

As for the end of the handle being exposed, I think the primary use is for hammering things without having the scales exposed on impact, and possibly to break glass windows if needed? Some people actually don't like the extra bit of steel poking out because it makes the handle more uncomfortable in the hand when attempting to get your grip far down to do some chopping.
 
Stop on by the Becker forum, tons of info there. But since your here ill answer your questions.

The first Gen bk2 had a round pommel and a solid tang. That equals more weight in the rear.

The second Gen has an extended hammer pommel (and Ethan Becker will tell you its meant to hammer on, not with) and a skeletonized tang. That makes it weight overall less, but also distributes the weight forward which aides in chopping ability.

The coating is there to protect the high carbon steel from rust, but it also causes friction as it behind to wear so many strip the black coating and just oil it for protection.
 
tueller said:
After reading all the positive reviews, I have decided to buy a Ka-Bar Becker Companion BK2. It will be my mid-size "go to" for camping/wilderness survival and yes the big fight if needed.
Click to expand...

Have you handled a BK2? It weighs a full pound and it's thick. It's certainly not a "mid size" knife! If you want a "mid size" knife you might try the BK16 or 17. If you're set on the BK2, just get a new one from Tomar's. The black coating comes off fairly easily with use so some people like to strip it off and then force a patina.
 
Thx guys. That helped a lot. I went with a new 2nd generation bk2 (with micarta handle accessory). I was not so concerned with the black blade but I wanted the exposed tang at the butt for the glass breaking / impact weapon abilities and for better weight distribution. I also saved about 10 bux by using Tomar's which I was not previously aware of. As for it being a heavy "mid-size" knife. Yes, I guess it is all relative but I was referring more to blade length than weight. The 5 inch blade fills a gap I had in between my 3 inch 4 inch and 7 inch solid users. But even if smaller in blade length... I prefer a thick, heavy knife. I appreciate the information and recomendations. I think it helped me make the right choice for me and save a little dough at the same time.
 
Tomars is the way to go for becker and ka-bar knives. He's highly recommended here on the forums.
 
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