ka-bar tac tool

[lokiman123]

does it have any place in the woods or bush?

 

[Mentor]

The Tactool has the potential to be a decent chopper, and I'm sure it would do the job, but it strikes me as being less than ideal as a woods knife.

Some features that recommend against this knife for W&SS stuff: It is too big to be a useful all-around bushcraft knife, and the shape and grind are not well suited to finer cutting and woodworking tasks. Many people like to have very little space between the handle and the primary cutting blade of a buschcraft knife, and the half-serrated edge - much like a choil - might get in the way. Finally, I have yet to use a gut hook like that in the bush.

So, definitely less than ideal. If you're looking for a good chopper from Ka-Bar, I would go with a BK-7 or BK-9. I'm a big Becker fan, and I have used my BK-9 as a dedicated chopper on a number of extended outings.

All the best,

- Mike

 

[Steel-Junky]

Personally I think the idea of only taking a small bushcraft knife into the wilderness is silly. A small knife cannot do large knife chores and the opposite is also true... I would think a large chopper and smaller utility knife make a fine combo. If you like the Ka-Bar Tac Tool and can see yourself using it as your main large bladed work horse... then by all means grab it up. Ka-Bar is a good company that makes usable tools... The rest lies in your ability to use it well.

 

[Mentor]

I did not say that one should only take a small bushcraft knife into the woods, so I'm not sure where that 'silly' remark is coming from.

What I did say is that the features of the TacTool are not ideal for woods use. If one is seeking a long-bladed and heavy chopper, there are other knives in the KaBar / Becker line that would be better. I speak from personal experience.

- Mike

 

[Steel-Junky]

I did not say that one should only take a small bushcraft knife into the woods, so I'm not sure where that 'silly' remark is coming from.

What I did say is that the features of the TacTool are not ideal for woods use. If one is seeking a long-bladed and heavy chopper, there are other knives in the KaBar / Becker line that would be better. I speak from personal experience.

- Mike

Well one... I wasn't directly replying to you but to both of you as a whole... but I see no reason why the tac tool wouldn't make an OK outdoors chopper. The tip looks like it would make a wonderful pry tool... and perhaps even an improvised shovel. I don't like the serrations... but other than that... looks solid to me. And if the tang is exposed on the bottom (Which it looks like it is) then the flat tip looks like it might even be useful for some chisel type chores... great for making notches in traps and such. I think that only thing about the knife that would make it not useful in the woods is the stupid name Tac Tool.

Better is a matter of opinion. What might be better for me might not be better for others... I think if the OP can use this tool better than some others... then it's perfect for him.

 

[DOC-CANADA]

In one of Karen Hood's videos, she uses it as a foraging tool and I thought it might work well for that. Digging and cutting underground stem parts with the end, chopping through roots, etc. with the edge. The gut hook also might work for cutting underground roots that are in your way. I've thought about getting one before for this purpose, but haven't as yet and may now be leaning more to something like a pick mattock, shown here, although on a smaller scale.

The original Tac Tool was developed for LEO's as a tool for gaining access to places, thus Tac(tical) Tool.

Doc

 

[jca21]

i personally dont see it as a tool for the woods. while i can be used out there, on a personal level i'd rather take an axe and a knife. if the tac-tool was a trunk monkey and i got stranded some where then sure, i would use it out of necessity.

it doesnt really dig well, it doesnt chop all that great and it isnt really for bushcraft or woodchores. if i wanted something for foraging i'd rather get a hori hori knife as i think i'd be a much better tool

JC

 

[Joezilla]

So up until I used the thing I would have said no.

Then I had a chance to review it for TK. Completely changed my world about "broken tip knives" as Terrill likes to call them.

It can chop, but man can it pry! Here is a picture of it keeping my fingers away from a 7 inch scorpion.

This tool really does has potential to be quite a good bush buddy, and will come with me on future snake hunting trips.

To find out how it really did, check out my article coming up in TK, check it out!
(if I put any more up I'll spoil the suprise!)

 

[Fonly]

So up until I used the thing I would have said no.

Then I had a chance to review it for TK. Completely changed my world about "broken tip knives" as Terrill likes to call them.

It can chop, but man can it pry! Here is a picture of it keeping my fingers away from a 7 inch scorpion.

This tool really does has potential to be quite a good bush buddy, and will come with me on future snake hunting trips.

To find out how it really did, check out my article coming up in TK, check it out!
(if I put any more up I'll spoil the suprise!)

Thank you!

Now im not the only who think chisel grounds have some what of a place.

 

[Fonly]

What I did say is that the features of the TacTool are not ideal for woods use. If one is seeking a long-bladed and heavy chopper, there are other knives in the KaBar / Becker line that would be better. I speak from personal experience.

- Mike

I agree, Its not Ideal, but with a small knife, and mabye a saw, why not?:thumbup:

 

[Mentor]

I agree, Its not Ideal, but with a small knife, and mabye a saw, why not?:thumbup:

Oh, absolutely. Certainly not the worst design for the job, and it comes from a very dependable line. It just doesn't have the features that I look for in a woods knife.

All the best,

- Mike

 

[DWK2]

It can also make a decent dive knife. One of several I've carried underwater.

DancesWithKnives

 

[The REAL Commander]

Any knife is better than no knife, and I like 'em all.