kabar NG/BK2

[jamaljahda]

Hello everyone, I am stuck. I am going to purchase another knife and cannot decide between a Kabar next generation or a BK2 (Becker Companion). This will be my so called SHTF knife and will most likely reside in my BOB. Currently my BK7(camillus) is playing that role. What I like about the BK2 is the full tang, ergonomics of the handle if it is the same as the BK7, and the drop point for strength. What I like about the Kabar NG is that it is lighter, the look just appeals to me as a kick *** knife and has more stainless properties to it. I expect it to serve as food prep, cutting, rope, plastics, opening cans and food packets and possible if necessary self defense. If necessary shelter building but I live in a primarily urban area and I do not think that in a SHTF situation shelter will be a problem.

 

[jay2pointoh]

I would go with the next gen Ka bar only cuz it has more versatility with the pomel. If your talking shelter then a nice little hammer on the same blade as you're using would be handy. Also it has better grip and can be a better self defense tool especially the way some humans act in a SHTF situation. Protect yourself and the shelter you worked hard on with the Ka bar.

 

[dawsonbob]

Go with the Becker BK-2 Campanion. It is stronger and more versatile than the Ka-Bar Next Gen. Yes, it is a little heavier ... and that's a good thing in this instance. I've had both Ka-Bar's (which, incidentally, I really like) and a BK-2. In a SHTF scenario the "looks" factor comes in a distant second to the "useful" factor. The BK-2 is an incredibly strong, versatile knife: you can use it to tear down a house, build a new shelter, dig holes in the ground, and still use it for food prep. If I could have only one knife in a SHTF scenario — urban, suburban or wilderness — it would be the BK-2.

 

[jamaljahda]

Go with the Becker BK-2 Campanion. It is stronger and more versatile than the Ka-Bar Next Gen. Yes, it is a little heavier ... and that's a good thing in this instance. I've had both Ka-Bar's (which, incidentally, I really like) and a BK-2. In a SHTF scenario the "looks" factor comes in a distant second to the "useful" factor. The BK-2 is an incredibly strong, versatile knife: you can use it to tear down a house, build a new shelter, dig holes in the ground, and still use it for food prep. If I could have only one knife in a SHTF scenario — urban, suburban or wilderness — it would be the BK-2.

Will the BK2's drop point configuration lend itself to self defense with such a wide plade though. How is its piercing ability. I do like the fact that it is a full tang solid knife, I just question the ability to get all pokey pokey if I have to. Plus in a SHTF situation the Kabars NG stainless with serrations will stay sharper longer, yet the BK2 will be much easier to sharpen with crude methods. Oh wow, both are great such hard choice. I am leaning towards the BK2 depending on reviews of its defense capabilites.

 

[dawsonbob]

Will the BK2's drop point configuration lend itself to self defense with such a wide plade though. How is its piercing ability. I do like the fact that it is a full tang solid knife, I just question the ability to get all pokey pokey if I have to. Plus in a SHTF situation the Kabars NG stainless with serrations will stay sharper longer, yet the BK2 will be much easier to sharpen with crude methods. Oh wow, both are great such hard choice. I am leaning towards the BK2 depending on reviews of its defense capabilites.

As far as defensive capabilities, no knife would be my first choice . After 9 years in the Marine Corps — several of them in combat — I can honestly say that, if you're reduced to using a knife, you're in deep, deep, doo-doo. Okay, having said that, the Ka-bar has better stabbing penetration than the BK-2, but the BK-2 has better "hacking" power. 99.999 percent of what you would need the knife for in that situation doesn't involve close combat anyway, it involves making things (shelter, traps, etc.) and food preparation (and procurement).

My advise? Forget about basing your choice on defending yourself with a knife (that's what shotguns are for), and think about all the other things you need a good heavy-duty knife for. Yes, the knife will probably be your most important tool for staying alive, but not through close combat. The BK-2 is easy to sharpen, and holds an edge rather well. Don't worry so much about stain resistance under those circumstances: it really won't matter. I carried a non-stainless knife in jungles for a long time (a Ka-Bar, as a matter of fact) and — with a little oil — never had a problem.

 

[cpio]

Why not check out the Ka-Bar Extreme fighter? It's the same design as the Next-Gen but in D2 instead of 440A.

 

[jamaljahda]

Cool thanks this is what I was after advice from people with real use of those knives. I will probably still end up with a Kabar NG but for now it is going to be the BK2. Thanks I will place the order today. I usually order from knifecenter.com they have it for 65 bucks plus shipping with that said, does anybody know of a better deal or is that about as low as I will get it?

 

[dawsonbob]

Cool thanks this is what I was after advice from people with real use of those knives. I will probably still end up with a Kabar NG but for now it is going to be the BK2. Thanks I will place the order today. I usually order from knifecenter.com they have it for 65 bucks plus shipping with that said, does anybody know of a better deal or is that about as low as I will get it?

You might want to investigate Tomar's Ka-Bars first ( http://www.tomarskabars.com/Becker_Knives.html ). That's where I got mine.

 

[Jake Bauer]

I have heard reports of KABARs 440A not being very good. Personally I dont think 440A is a good steel in any hard use FB. For defensive purposes the NG would be better, but if you have a 7in blade knife on you, you should have enough room for a compact .380 or 9mil.

The BK2 is a GREAT shtf knife. Not a great defender though. If you like the grip on the BK7, just wait til you hold the BK2. due to the thicker stock of the blade and it being full tang, I think the BK2s handle fills the hand a lot better than the 7. You can really tell a difference. Of course, no BK handle is uncomfortable....

 

[jamaljahda]

I recieved my BK2 today. It is a beast. It is a very heavy knife and the only one I own that has a blade that thick. I used to think that my kabar short had a thick blade. Wow this thing is massive. I see why everyone says that you could not break it doing normal knife work. That you would definitely have to be trying to break it in order to accomplish that task. Anyway, upon inspection I did notice the scales had two spots where it did not fit flush with the tang and had a couple of gaps, but it does not hurt the performance in anyway. I keep holding it amazed at the weight. Yet the more I look at it the more I like it. One thing I did not know was that the full tang is skeletonized. Will this weaken the blade in the same manner as the rat tang on the kabars? Mine came with this corrosion resistant grease in the box and a actually pretty nice keychain from the vendor. As I said before it is heavy but I like the heft and compact size. It has essentially the same size blade as my kabar short yet gives me a more secure feeling that this blade will hold up to whatever is thrown at it. For the comment concerning it i have room for a 7 inch blade then I have room for a compact .380 or 9mm. Well this is supposed to be my SHTF knife. In most cases if I will have a compact .380 or .45acp but once ammo has been diminished I was looking for the save my ***, one knife do all utilty blade. I must admit that I am happy with my purchase but as with everything I must test it in some use before I actually put it in my BOB. I look forward to working with this blade for the next couple of weeks. I paid a little more because of the next day air shipping in total it cost me 84 dollars.

 

[Jake Bauer]

congrats. Mine has small gaps between the handles at the tang too, but I'm with you.. it doesnt hurt performance at all.

 

[dawsonbob]

I recieved my BK2 today. It is a beast. It is a very heavy knife and the only one I own that has a blade that thick. I used to think that my kabar short had a thick blade. Wow this thing is massive. I see why everyone says that you could not break it doing normal knife work. That you would definitely have to be trying to break it in order to accomplish that task. Anyway, upon inspection I did notice the scales had two spots where it did not fit flush with the tang and had a couple of gaps, but it does not hurt the performance in anyway. I keep holding it amazed at the weight. Yet the more I look at it the more I like it. One thing I did not know was that the full tang is skeletonized. Will this weaken the blade in the same manner as the rat tang on the kabars? Mine came with this corrosion resistant grease in the box and a actually pretty nice keychain from the vendor. As I said before it is heavy but I like the heft and compact size. It has essentially the same size blade as my kabar short yet gives me a more secure feeling that this blade will hold up to whatever is thrown at it. For the comment concerning it i have room for a 7 inch blade then I have room for a compact .380 or 9mm. Well this is supposed to be my SHTF knife. In most cases if I will have a compact .380 or .45acp but once ammo has been diminished I was looking for the save my ***, one knife do all utilty blade. I must admit that I am happy with my purchase but as with everything I must test it in some use before I actually put it in my BOB. I look forward to working with this blade for the next couple of weeks. I paid a little more because of the next day air shipping in total it cost me 84 dollars.

Congratulations, jamaljahda. When we told you that this was the SHTF knife, we weren't kidding. No, the skeletonized grip will not weaken it. It's really pretty beefy compared to the stick tang on a Ka-Bar.

Go ahead, work it. Feel free to give it some tough chores. Keep us advised of how you like it after you've used it for awhile.

 

[syltetoy]

I recieved my BK2 today. It is a beast. It is a very heavy knife and the only one I own that has a blade that thick. I used to think that my kabar short had a thick blade. Wow this thing is massive. I see why everyone says that you could not break it doing normal knife work. That you would definitely have to be trying to break it in order to accomplish that task. Anyway, upon inspection I did notice the scales had two spots where it did not fit flush with the tang and had a couple of gaps, but it does not hurt the performance in anyway. I keep holding it amazed at the weight. Yet the more I look at it the more I like it. One thing I did not know was that the full tang is skeletonized. Will this weaken the blade in the same manner as the rat tang on the kabars? Mine came with this corrosion resistant grease in the box and a actually pretty nice keychain from the vendor. As I said before it is heavy but I like the heft and compact size. It has essentially the same size blade as my kabar short yet gives me a more secure feeling that this blade will hold up to whatever is thrown at it. For the comment concerning it i have room for a 7 inch blade then I have room for a compact .380 or 9mm. Well this is supposed to be my SHTF knife. In most cases if I will have a compact .380 or .45acp but once ammo has been diminished I was looking for the save my ***, one knife do all utilty blade. I must admit that I am happy with my purchase but as with everything I must test it in some use before I actually put it in my BOB. I look forward to working with this blade for the next couple of weeks. I paid a little more because of the next day air shipping in total it cost me 84 dollars.

So KA-BAR's quality control still sucks. I wonder about the defects you cannot see?

What is SHFT?

 

[dawsonbob]

So KA-BAR's quality control still sucks. I wonder about the defects you cannot see?

What is SHFT?

No, actually, Ka-Bar's quality control is pretty darn good — just ask the many hundreds of us who are satisfied. On top of Ka-Bar's QC, there's Ethan Becker's quality control. If there's any kind of failure with a Becker knife, Ethan will make sure it gets taken care of. I don't know what your problem might be, but Becker's are outstanding knives, period.

 

[syltetoy]

No, actually, Ka-Bar's quality control is pretty darn good — just ask the many hundreds of us who are satisfied. On top of Ka-Bar's QC, there's Ethan Becker's quality control. If there's any kind of failure with a Becker knife, Ethan will make sure it gets taken care of. I don't know what your problem might be, but Becker's are outstanding knives, period.

Wrong.

I sent two back to KA-BAR because of defects and they sent me two more with other defects and now here in this thread is another example of defects.

At $7 to $9 for shipping to send them back and get more defects that sucks.

Ethan Becker talks a good game but the fact is KA-BAR's quality control still sucks.

 

[dawsonbob]

So, syltetoy, you're one guy who, apparently, has a grudge. I have seen Ethan do a lot more than talk a good game, I've seen him take action— and Paul from Ka-Bar, too, for that matter. Like I said, there are many hundreds of us who are completely satisfied with Becker quality control. Let's see, you're claiming what — three knives out of how many shipped? Yet you're condemning all Becker quality control? Give me a break. I'm not sure if you're for real, or not, but either way, it's pretty sad.

 

[syltetoy]

So, syltetoy, you're one guy who, apparently, has a grudge. I have seen Ethan do a lot more than talk a good game, I've seen him take action— and Paul from Ka-Bar, too, for that matter. Like I said, there are many hundreds of us who are completely satisfied with Becker quality control. Let's see, you're claiming what — three knives out of how many shipped? Yet you're condemning all Becker quality control? Give me a break. I'm not sure if you're for real, or not, but either way, it's pretty sad.

Who said I was a guy? You assume and disregard facts not just from me but from many others who have posted about KA-BAR' knife defects recently.

Maybe Ethan and Paul will sent you a free knife for your support. I would settle from them covering the shipping costs because of their lacking quality control.

My father always told me if you argue with a fool you'll have two fools arguing.

 

[dawsonbob]

Who said I was a guy? You assume and disregard facts not just from me but from many other who have posted about KA-BAR' knife defects recently.

Maybe Ethan and Paul will sent you a free knife for your support. I would settle from them covering the shipping costs because of their lacking quality control.

My father always told me if you argue with a fool you'll have two fools arguing.

My apologies if you're not a guy. We'll substitute "person" for the word "guy." Actually, I don't disregard facts: facts are something I take into consideration. What many others who have posted about Ka-Bar knife defects? I generally only respond to Ka-Bar as it relates to Beckers: I have very little knowledge of other Ka-Bar knives, other than the Marine fighting knife.

I would be delighted if Ethan and Paul wanted to send me a free knife for telling the truth, but that's not the way the world works — or should work. I support Becker knives because they're damn good knives, and for no other reason. I reiterate: you're only one "person" talking about a total of three knives, yet condemning an entire highly respected company: what would your father say about that?

 

[syltetoy]

My apologies if you're not a guy. We'll substitute "person" for the word "guy." Actually, I don't disregard facts: facts are something I take into consideration. What many others who have posted about Ka-Bar knife defects? I generally only respond to Ka-Bar as it relates to Beckers: I have very little knowledge of other Ka-Bar knives, other than the Marine fighting knife.

I would be delighted if Ethan and Paul wanted to send me a free knife for telling the truth, but that's not the way the world works — or should work. I support Becker knives because they're damn good knives, and for no other reason. I reiterate: you're only one "person" talking about a total of three knives, yet condemning an entire highly respected company: what would your father say about that?

My father would say that you are a fanboy and full of beans.

 

[dawsonbob]

My father would say that you are a fanboy and full of beans.

Your father would be correct in that I am a fan of Becker knives. Beans? No, I had a Subway Sandwich for dinner. Okay, it's been a long day, and it's time for me to go read a book and go to sleep. If you actually have a problem with a Becker knife, go over to the Becker board and contact Ethan. I'm sure he will work it out.