I've been enjoying my BK2, and have been considering getting a 7, 9, 11, 16, and maybe another 2. I'm concerned about the laser etch though.
Stripping the coating off seems to be the norm, at least judging by most of the knife forums out there. I stripped mine and love the way it looks. With the roll stamped knives, stripping them still leaves the logos nice and clear, and allows the brand to be displayed very proudly. On the etched ones, as far as I've been able to tell, they are hardly visible, or very shallow. I read in another thread that Mr. Becker said that it was more of a "Theoretical" improvement than a necessary one. That theoretical improvement is really the only thing keeping me from buying the rest of the line.
Could you tell us anything about what went into the decision to switch to the etch? I hope I'm not offending anyone, but looks are just as important as functionality. I don't know if you guys take suggestions/recommendations to the table, but I really don't understand the need for the change, and I'm curious. Since the new etched ones don't seem to be in wide circulation yet, I haven't seen much outcry, but when people do discuss it they all seem to say the same thing - the etch looks cool with the coating, but without it the blade looks really bare, can't hardly see the etch. Since customizing these knives is so popular, it surprised me to see that one of the most common customizations (removing the coating) essentially wipes the brand recognition from the metal. Is there a way to etch it deeper at the factory? At least as deep as the stamped version? What are the benefits as well as the limitations of the laser etching? IMHO, the Beckers were instant classics that didn't really need any change, much like the USMC F/U. Anyway, I'm just curious about what went into deciding on the changes. Thanks!
Ok, Toooj is still on vacation, so, I'll try to handle this one. Or at least it may satisfy you until Toooj brings some info.
Roll stamping puts tremendous pressure on the blade during the manufacturing. The steel is annealed, stamped, then re hardened. Then, it must be straightened. If it is not properly straightened, then when it goes to be cut, the "grind" is not even. There were several instances of blades going out the door, "bent" from the roll stamp process.
Laser etching, takes all that out. Its a one step process, that is done now, on a completely finished blade. Also, designers must build in "real estate" in a knife's design, to allow for roll stamping. You need an area large enough to support a roll stamp. Laser etching, can be done in an area the size of your pinky nail, and still have extremely crisp clarity.
As for stripping, the laser etch is still there, in the steel, its just golden. It blends in with a stripped blade. If you wish to see it stand out, pull the old "Glock" trick, and color it whatever color you choose, then take some steel wool and remover the excess. The etching, will now be very detailed, and will give you the stand out you desire. Or you could use a crayon. Works just as well, and can be easily removed and modified.
Lasers are hot. Deep etching, say, as deep as the roll stamp, are going to begin to mess with the temper and hardening of the blade, plus, you'll have more slag and additional cleaning required to make a completed blade.
The idea behind every change, are in effect, brought on by customers. But the ultimate goal is to produce a fantastic product, here in the USA, for the least amount of money as possible, allowing everyone to make a profit and the end user have a fine, American blade, that didn't dent their wallet. With BK&T, it is a fundamental aspect of the knives and the designs, affordable, high quality steel.
Not all of Kabar's knives sport the laser etching, the original Marine Fighting Knife will always have a roll stamp. Why? Because the always have, its part of the heritage, and iconic value of the blade.
ZK knives, have had laser etching from the start. JAB blades started with roll stamping, but will eventually have laser etching.
Less expensive to make, shortening the process by 3 procedures, and allowing the designers more flexibility, are the fundamental reasons for the change from roll stamping, to laser etching.
Hope this helps.
Moose
