Kabar BK2 vs Kabar BK10?

J

JDX

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Mar 2, 2014
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Just curious which knife would be better for batoning and heavy duty tasks
 
I've wondering the same myself and leaning more towards the bk10, and further narrowing it down to something between the riitter becker, bk10, and esee 5. It's a tough decision, the ritter becker may win out, although that esee warranty can't be beaten.
 
Theres a good reason the bk 2 is still one of the most popular blades of its type. It batons well, sharpens easily, and slices good too. It was designed (so I have read) to be as much a survival knife as a general camp knife. I have yet to find an account of a bk 2 breaking due to regular use or abuse.

Likewise the bk 10 is a strong blade as well. Not quite as thick, and maybe a little less capable because of this. I wouldnt go prying with this blade like you could with the bk 2. Unlike the bk 2, which has a drop point blade, the 10 has a clip point blade which can break of under extreme pressure. This knife was designed to be used both as a woods survival tool and a weapon for protection (hence the mini bowie look to the blade). According to an interview I watched on youtube with Ethan Becker, the bk 10 was originally designed as a pilots survival knife. It was made light enough and compact enough for airforce pilots to carry it in their kits.

Both are excellent blades for the price and would serve you well. However, much as I love my bk 10, I think for a general camp/hunting knife or even as a shtf knife you would be better served with a bk 2.
 
The 10 has a clip point, jimped thumbramp and is made of .188" stock. The 2 has a drop point, no jimping or ramp and is made of .250" stock. Other than that, they're "essentially" the same knife and can accomplish the same tasks. Same blade grind, same steel, same HT, same coating, same handles. Your hand isn't going to know the difference between the two, and neither will whatever you cut.

I'd be happy to have either one in either a fun camp-out or SHTF situation (assuming of course that for some reason I couldn't have one of my own ;) ). If you manage to break either one, I guarantee you were doing something stupid. So just buy whichever one appeals to you more. :)
 
At .250" thick, the BK-2 is an incredibly strong knife; however, it's heavy. At .188" thick, the BK-10 is noticeably lighter, yet it's still a very strong knife. No, it's not as "bomb-proof" as the BK-2; however, it's still very strong.

In my opinion it comes down to how strong you feel you need your knife to be. Does it need to be "incredibly strong", or is "very strong" good enough. If "very strong" is acceptable, then I'd opt for the BK-10, since it's lighter. And remember, the BK-10 is the same thickness as the BK-9, and guys baton the heck out of that thing without issue.
 
I didnt mean to imply that the bk 10 was prone to breaking, just tht if either of them would break under extreme use I would epect ti to be the bk 10. The bk 10 is a wonderful knife that continues to prove itself evertime I pick it up. However, i haven't tried batoning with it yet as I leave that to my bk 9 (which handles it flawlessly). Both would be a fine choice.
 
Are the 1/4" thick knives still in vogue or have people gotten tired of lugging them around yet? I'd personally go for the BK10, the blade is more than capable to handle anything you'd need it too and you'll appreciate the lighter weight if you actually have to carry it.
 
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