KA-BAR Tech Talk

Hi Toooj,
I am a huge BK2 fan, like a lot of other guys. I first had an issue with the hardware which holds the scales on. The issue was that they were rusting faster than the blade itself. I contacted Ka-Bar via the website and asked what the specs were so I could buy some stainless hardware. They told me that the hardware was stainless and asked for my address. Well, I live in Europe. When I got something, it was an empty envelope (the screws fell out). Anyways, what are the specs on the hardware for the Becker series? I can't just go down to any hardware shop and pick these up so it kinda is important.

Is there any discussion about making a clip point version of the BK2? By this, I don't mean remaking the BK10, but making a 1/4" thick clip point, BK2? Is there any talk of bringing the BK10 back?

Also, you guys there at Ka-Bar are top notch. I can vouch for you being known for tough knives all over the world and when people here see "Ka-Bar", they know it is a tough tool! Also, one more thing, I know it is tough to ask, but please keep producing the BK micarta scales because I can't seem to find a place that has 'em in stock! Oh, and one more thing, PLEASE, do not change the steel you use in your knives (1095CV). It works great and is a great steel. Many knife companies are changing their steels because of cost factor. Please don't do this cause you make great tools!

Thanks a ton!
 
EOM,

The Becker fasteners are NOT stainless steel and they will rust; even with the black oxide coating. One of the neat things about the fasteners is that one can go to the nearest hardware store and get replacements if they are lost.
The Fastener specs are: Hexhead capscrew; #10 x 24TPI x 5/8"L. You can also use a 32TPI screw. Remember to buy the nuts that correspond to the proper TPI. You can find 308/316 stainless steel capscrews just about any where.

We usually don't divulge our New Products plans but we do show protos at the gatherings we attend. BK-2 Clip point is noted.

Here's a funny story about the Becker Micarta handles; We originally ordered 50 sets to put on the website thinking that they would last maybe 10 years before a reorder, after a month they were gone. 3-4 years later, they are one of our best SKUs.

We were one of the first knife companies to use Sharon 0170-06 (AKA; 1095CV, Cro-Van, Carbon V) way back when it first came out back in the 1920/30s. Needless to say, we love the steel and while we may use some other steels, we will not go away from 0170-06 as our core steel.....not as long as I have a say and not without a big fight. Most of the other Cutco/KA-BAR tech people feel the same way. BTW; 0170-06 is cheaper than most of the other knife steel out there.
Hope all of this helps.

Best Regards,

Paul Tsujimoto
Sr Eng
Prod Dev and Qual
KA-BAR Knives
 
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Thanks very much! Some may argue, but I think 1095 is one of the best steels out there. Holds an edge well, keeps it well, and easy to sharpen.

What about a FFG USMC? Or maybe a more robust version? I seriously beat my knives. It would be cool to see a .200" thick USMC with a thicker tang in the handle area.

This is what I was thinking about the BK2 clip point:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ed-Oh-My!-(Photo-Heavy)?highlight=clipped+bk2

Also, I have heard that there will be a new coating applied to the Becker line along with laser engraving. Any thoughts as to when this will be available? Would Ka-bar consider putting jimping on the BK2? Maybe also, if possible, Ka-bar could have a series on knives lets say a high end BK2 with S30V or 154CM and a normal one with 1095cv.

Sorry for all the questions and comments, but it is really cool to be able to get straight answers from a guy who really knows his stuff.

Much appreciated. Thank you.
 
EOM,

Suggestions noted.
The new powder coating is available now, as is the laser marking. They will be on the Becker Line. It may expand to some others.
We may expand to other steels but the new powdered metal steels are VERY expensive (7-10 times higher than 1095CV). We have an issue with that. And I think most consumers will too, when they see the pricing.
One of the KA-BAR/Becker charms is the very reasonable pricing; due in a large part to the low costs of carbon steel.

Best Regards,

Paul Tsujimoto
Sr Eng
Prod Dev and Qual
KA-BAR Knives
 
europeanoutdoorsman said:
Awesome! Ka-bar and Ethan need to make this! I have already bought my 3rd BK2 and other Beckers are on the way. Ethan, pweez make this!!! :D
Click to expand...
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-Oh-My!-(Photo-Heavy)?p=10670117#post10670117

europeanoutdoorsman said:
Is there any discussion about making a clip point version of the BK2? By this, I don't mean remaking the BK10, but making a 1/4" thick clip point, BK2? Is there any talk of bringing the BK10 back?
Click to expand...

Wow, great idea, where ever did you get that idea from, haha. :rolleyes:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...quot-Swedged-quot-BK2?p=10617512#post10617512

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...and-Stripped-and-Striped-Oh-My!-(Photo-Heavy)

It is nice, if I do say so myself.

063.png


008.png
 
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I also would like to see a full flat grind USMC model. The sabre grind on your USMC keeps getting lower and lower, it seems, and is thus harder and harder to get super sharp. I wish you all would follow the original spec and start the grind midway down the blade, like Camillus, PAL, and Robeson did. In lieu of this, please give us a .165" thick FFG so we can get these things truly sharp.
 
Gday, well the title says it all. Is there any truth to this, Ive heard the tang is thicker (taller) on the Kraton handled knives than on the stacked leather handled USMC styled knives? Cheers, Scott.
 
obe-wan,

The width of the 1211 tang is the same as the 1217 tang.
There have been models that have/had the wider tang. These include: 1245 Tanto, 1280 combat Khukri, 1281 (current product). 1221/22 nextGen, 1270, 71, 72, 73, 44, 47, (discontinued product) also had the wider tangs.
Hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Paul Tsujimoto
Sr Eng
Prod Dev and Qual
KA-BAR Knives
 
Toooj said:
obe-wan,

The width of the 1211 tang is the same as the 1217 tang.
There have been models that have/had the wider tang. These include: 1245 Tanto, 1280 combat Khukri, 1281 (current product). 1221/22 nextGen, 1270, 71, 72, 73, 44, 47, (discontinued product) also had the wider tangs.
Hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Paul Tsujimoto
Sr Eng
Prod Dev and Qual
KA-BAR Knives
Click to expand...


Thank you very much Paul.

Cheers, Scott.
 
Toooj, do you know what type of steel was used in the 1210 J. Bowie model of knife? I've seen several on various sites and am rather interested in the pattern. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 
hh,

The steel was/is chrome plated 1095CV.
Hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Paul Tsujimoto
Sr Eng
Prod Dev and Qual
KA-BAR Knives
 
If I go on a hunger strike, will you reintroduce the saber ground BK16?

Petty whining aside, thanks for making my favorite knives!

Oh...factory Becker handle liners would be nice....and JAB micarta. With the assistence of my Beckerhead brethern, I'm leading the charge to show JAB (even ZK) are worthy customizable knives, just like Beckers. My time in the Becker forum has shown me people are attracted to the customization factor.

2012-04-29_21-24-55_21.jpg
 
Mr. Tsujimoto,

This isnt very technical or anything but how are the micarta scales for the Becker knives made? I'm interesting in everything from how the contours are done to how you guys keep the dust down. The reason I'm asking is I've made several sets of G-10 and micarta scales and to get the contouring right and keeping the dust from blowing everywhere is ANNOYING. I probably have enough dust in my eyes alone to squeeze out a new set of BK-11 scales. Also, is this you?

[video=youtube;26LI1l1HZxQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26LI1l1HZxQ[/video]

Thanks in advance for everything.
 
C Tanner,

We are looking into JAB Micarta but the programming of the bumps is driving us crazy. We may keep the profiles and contours and nix the bumps. BTW: nice job on the nekkid Potbelly.


CamH,

The micarta scales are made to our specifications at a subcontractor in WNY.
They are CNC routed out of solid sheets of Micarta. KA-BAR supplies the 3-D files. A very big vacuum system keeps the dust levels to a minimum. Milling the contours instead of sanding will help reduce the dust. (also feeds, speeds, chip load, etc can be adjusted to minimize dust.)

Yes that is me. I teach Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Chi Gong and Daoist Philosophy at Vivace String Camp at Houghton College each summer. My son's violin teacher (Martha Thomas) runs the camp.

Hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Paul Tsujimoto
Sr Eng
Prod Dev and Qual
KA-BAR Knives
 
Toooj said:
CamH,

The micarta scales are made to our specifications at a subcontractor in WNY.
They are CNC routed out of solid sheets of Micarta. KA-BAR supplies the 3-D files. A very big vacuum system keeps the dust levels to a minimum. Milling the contours instead of sanding will help reduce the dust. (also feeds, speeds, chip load, etc can be adjusted to minimize dust.)

Yes that is me. I teach Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Chi Gong and Daoist Philosophy at Vivace String Camp at Houghton College each summer. My son's violin teacher (Martha Thomas) runs the camp.

Hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Paul Tsujimoto
Sr Eng
Prod Dev and Qual
KA-BAR Knives
Click to expand...

Thanks for the quick response!
 
Toooj....definitely lose the bumps....not needed for micarta. Wouldn't look good anyway, and some people like to polish the micarta.
 
C Tanner,

Then you'll probably get your wish. We are working on converting several KA-BAR handles over to Micarta. These days, it's not as big a deal as it once was. If you have the 3-D rendering files, it's easy to load into the CAM program and start producing parts.

Best Regards,

Paul Tsujimoto
Sr Eng
Prod Dev and Qual
KA-BAR Knives
 
Hi Toooj, hope you're well. Not expecting specifics, just a general answer... Will KA-BAR be introducing any new products at BLADE 2012? Thanks in advance.
 
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