Ka-bar or BKT for outdoor use?

M

ml100

Joined
Jul 19, 2005
Messages
766
Hi guys,
please help me decide. Ka-bar heavy Bowie or BK-7 for general outdoor use?
 
ML..

I find the Becker handles a little on the large size for my hands..Good knife,, but just find them a bit uncomfortable..

Can't comment on the KaBar..

Have you looked into the Ranger line of knives ??
Like the RD7 or RD9 ?
Much more comfortable handles, Awesome blade...

www.rangerknives.com

For nearly the same price,,your getting a semi custom knife with one on one customer service..

ttyle

Eric...
 
I went with a BK-7. I haven't used it yet but I really like the ergonomics. It has an almost neutral balance so I am left thinking I might should have opted for the BK-9 for a little more chopping ability.
 
I have the bk-9:thumbup: . One of the best fixed blades out there. I've used this thing for batoning, chopping, spiltting, and shaving (bark:D ). Still sharp though not as sharp. The handles are great for me! Most comfortable i've ever handled. Great all around blade:thumbup:
 
See if you can find a place to handle them. Much to my surprise the grip was the biggest issue for me. For me the Becker grip was much more comfortable.
 
i have both of the knives that you speak of . the ka-bar sucks , you cant baton with it[sharpened top edge] , it doesnt chop [too light],and it has a miserable excuse for a tang . in comparison the bk7 out performs in terms of durability, chopping and batoning . i also have a ranger rd7 and it outperforms all of the above by a long shot . if you use a fixed blade long enough youll probably start to appreciate the larger handles in hard use . the slightly ovalized handles of the ka-bar tend to role around a little in the hand and can be a pain while chopping espessially. the bk7 chops better than what you might think , even better if you re-profile the edge a little thinner . itll serve you well im sure . gotta try the rd series from ranger man , they are truly awesome.
 
Yeah, the BK-7 is a really good (surprisingly good) chopper. I just tested it out tonight on some wood in the yard. It outchops my cheap Lowe's brand hatchet by a long shot. And the edge doesn't roll or dull too easily. I thought I might should have gotten the BK-9 but the BK-7 performs so well for its price and size that I am going to keep it.
 
Another vote for the BK7.
I've tried to put a hurtin' on mine and all I've managed to do is wear off some of the coating.
The ergonomics of the Becker make the Ka-Bar feel old and unbalanced IMO.
 
I'd advise going with the Becker, but don't count out the BK10. It is a real nice general camp knife too. The smaller size and lighter weight makes it much easier to carry, and at least so far it suits my needs well.

There are rumors out there that Doug Ritter is working with BK&T to come out with a modified BK10 - more of a drop-point blade shape, which I would like much better. No word lately on the status of that knife though.
 
I liked the BK-7, bet whwn you handle the BK-7 and the BK-9 together, the BK-9 wins.
 
I have the Ka-bar. It looks cool, but I've found it really hard to get sharp.
I have a sharpmaker.
I generated the 30 degree back bevel and I have been working and working on trying to get the sharpness I desire. Just dissapointed by the effort.
I think part of the problem is due to the thick coating on the blade.

It may be the steel is just harder than what I am used too, or it may
be me, but I am not a huge fan.

Like I said this could be me, as a lot of folks here love thier Ka-bars.
 
ive actually tried to push my bk7 beyound its means in seasoned wood and it just wouldnt fail , even batoning with a large log with FULL force swings . just keeps going . cant wait for the ritter.
 
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