I've never held a BK9, though I've handled a BK7 in a store. Remember that most people (self included) don't have much love for the BK handles, which many find awkward, slippery, and uncomfortable. Hence people's inclination to drop another $20 or so for after-market micarta grips.
I have held, handled, and used a Ka-Bar 1277 (large "heavy" Bowie). The handle is comfortable, the knife is surprisingly lighter than expected, and I've given it some not-insubstantial abuse without any problems whatsoever. The sheath is functional, and though it's not what I'd design if I were going to wear the knife on my belt every day of my life, replacing it hasn't been any kind of urgency issue. With all sheaths that have leather components, in my dry climate, I like to soak the leather with mink oil and leather conditioner, to avoid having it dry out and crack if I leave it in my car (temps hereabouts inside a closed car will routinely vary from below freezing to 160 degrees F in the course of a year)--but, thus far, I've got to say that this knife has exceeded expectations, and seems to hold up much better than knives that have captured a lot of favorable attention on the forums.
