Ka-Bar Fighter Mod. No. 1271 or Becker BK9

L

Lover of Blades

Joined
Nov 9, 2010
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197
Hey all,

I'm new to the forums, and joined because I think it could really help me with knife purchases, and hopefully I get the chance to help some of you guys.

Anyway, on to the question. I've no idea why, but I can find absolutely nothing on Ka-Bar's
Fighter Model No. 1271. If anyone has it, could you give me some feedback on it? Do you like it? I'd like to purchase it, because it has an extremely thick 1/2-inch blade that I believe would be good for batoning (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong), and I'm in love with the Ka-Bar look - the stacked Kraton handle, and buttcap. And because it's only $55. I am concerned about the narrow tang on it, though, as far as how well it will hold up to batoning and chopping. But, everyone seems to be in love with the Becker series. I can see why, but it is more expensive, and it has a thinner blade, will it hold up? I'm mainly going to be batoning and sheltercraft. I have a Mora for finer work, so I don't need anything of that type, so I just need advice on this. Thanks again, guys, I really appreciate your advice. Also, if you can recommend any other great 7"+ for a reasonable price (less than $80, I think), I'd definitely take those into consideration. But if you could, I'd really like information on the Fighter and Becker. Thanks, guys.
 
Wrong sub forum for this type of hardware. I'm sure your thread will get moved soon. This belongs in wilderness and survival. As to your question, I am not sure why you would want a half inch thick blade. Over kill IMO. Kbar knives have a good rep for being pretty tough so I would think you'd do ok with one.


Jason
 
Lover of Blades said:
Hey all,

I'm new to the forums, and joined because I think it could really help me with knife purchases, and hopefully I get the chance to help some of you guys.

Anyway, on to the question. I've no idea why, but I can find absolutely nothing on Ka-Bar's
Fighter Model No. 1271. If anyone has it, could you give me some feedback on it? Do you like it? I'd like to purchase it, because it has an extremely thick 1/2-inch blade that I believe would be good for batoning (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong), and I'm in love with the Ka-Bar look - the stacked Kraton handle, and buttcap. And because it's only $55. I am concerned about the narrow tang on it, though, as far as how well it will hold up to batoning and chopping. But, everyone seems to be in love with the Becker series. I can see why, but it is more expensive, and it has a thinner blade, will it hold up? I'm mainly going to be batoning and sheltercraft. I have a Mora for finer work, so I don't need anything of that type, so I just need advice on this. Thanks again, guys, I really appreciate your advice. Also, if you can recommend any other great 7"+ for a reasonable price (less than $80, I think), I'd definitely take those into consideration. But if you could, I'd really like information on the Fighter and Becker. Thanks, guys.
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The blade is 1.5" wide. It's not 1/2" spine thickness as far as I know. I looked at one at SMKW once (it's been a while) and I don't remember it being that thick. I'm sure that it would have stuck in my mind if it was. I'd imagine it's either 3/16" or 1/4" spine thickness.

It should do fine, but if all you want is a log splitter, I think that go for the Kabar Heavy Bowie myself.
 
Directly from Ka-bar's website :

"The Black KA-BAR Fighter, featuring an extra wide blade that measures 1 1/2”, is
constructed with an epoxy powder coated, 1095 high carbon steel blade and powdered
metal butt cap. Carbon steel guard and oval shaped Kraton G_ thermoplastic elastomer
handle insure a non-slip grip. Fighter measures 12 13/16” overall, blade length is 8”.
Offered with black leather and Cordura combination sheath."

It is NOT .5 inches wide! That would be like carrying a dumbell on your belt. I could not find the blade width, but i am sure it is 3/16". The blade is full tang, but as the tang goes into the handle it is significantly smaller. Under hard use this can break. Not likely, BUT is more likely to break than the Becker series (which is a subsidiary of Ka-bar). The tang on the Becker series is the same from belly to pommell. The Ka-bar tend to be more tactical while the Becker series knives tend to be more outdoor/survival ! Beckers are built to be tougher tools, and to be used under more rigorous use. There is a dedicated area of Beckers under the "Manufacturers" Section.
 
Of your choices, I'd definitely recommend the BK-9. If you're willing to expand your choices and spend just a little more money (but still less than $100 if you know where to look), I'd also suggest you check out the Ontario Ranger RD-9. It's a whole lot of knife for the money. :thumbup:

.
 
You're not breaking the Becker unless you are doing something really dumb - throwing it or something. That's a heck of a knife.
 
For batoning ~ hands down ~ cold steel recon scout. And no, the kabar's blade is nowhere near 1/2" thick. The scout's is 5/16 thick though, and (forgot the technical term for it), but it's wedge shaped, which is perfect for batoning/splitting.
 
Yeah, thanks, I was wondering about that. Haha. Will the Becker's .210-inch-wide blade work, though? It seems a wee bit thin.
 
Where should I look? Amazon (who usually sells things for the best online price, I've found) has it $149.99. And most other places it's even higher.
 
yea i dont think you want something over 1/4 inch(.25)... at that point start looking into hatchets lol no im kidding but i see on amazon a Becker BK7 for $61.99 and free shipping and BK9 for $68.49 free ship
 
i do have to say tho that Amazon isnt always great it is cheaper but with places like Sargent 666 named you have good customer service and reputable products... many times have i purchased knives off amazon and got different then what is pictured.. sometimes in my research i have found that it was an older or newer model than the picture...i mean its not so bad but still i like the picture to be correct
 
Yeah.. I know what you're saying. My friend purchased a Gerber LMF II off there, and they ended up giving him a Taiwan-made one instead of the newer Chinese ones. Good for him, but it's odd that they give him an older knife.
 
Lover of Blades said:
Yeah.. I know what you're saying. My friend purchased a Gerber LMF II off there, and they ended up giving him a Taiwan-made one instead of the newer Chinese ones. Good for him, but it's odd that they give him an older knife.
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Hasn't the LMF II always been made in Portland, OR?
 
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