Kabar replacement

Insipid Moniker

Insipid Moniker

Joined
Feb 28, 2011
Messages
27,509
I'm new to the forum, but I was hoping to pick some brains for a recommendation on a new knife. I love my old full-sized kabar, but I'm currently searching for a higher-end (not crazy expensive, I draw the line at about $275) option with similar blade length. I have some background in martial bladecraft, but I also recognize that, for me, this is largely a hobby so I'm looking for utility and toughness more than anything else. That being said, balance is an important factor. I would love both suggestions and the reasons behind them.

Thank you so much for your time.

(Two quick notes to end: A. This place is great, but horrible for my productivity and wallet B. I'm mildly obsessive about reviews/opinions, so if you are kind enough to give me a lot to read I'll be forever grateful.)
 
Welcome to Bladeforums, glad you're here. I love my Kabar 1217 as well, and when my last one broke, I tried Becker Knife and Tool. That was well over 10yrs ago. I've been a fan ever since. We have our own subforum here as well, with lots to know.

The BK77 is a 7" blade, S30V steel, micarta handles, and comes in well beneath your stated price of $275.

There are some other very viable choices out there, but I like my Beckers. Come over and read some of the reviews and FAQ's, just to see if you might like to check further.

Once again, welcome to BFC, good to have you on board.

Moose
 
Are you looking for a fighting knife, tacticool, or one for the woods? What uses will it see?
I love my Beckers, ESEE's, Fiddleback Forges, and Bark Rivers. They are all different knives, I use them, but for various purposes.
 
An ESEE-6 would fit the bill very nicely and run you significantly south of your limit. Likewise an ESEE-5. There is a lot the distinguishes these two knives beyond the one inch. The 5 is a big heavy .25" thick sabre ground survival knife. The 6 is way closer to 7 inches in blade length .188" thick and full flat ground...more of a camp or woods knife.

The Becker line, which are made by Ka-Bar (there's some relationship anyway) would be suitable as well but I do not own one of their's.

ESEE is a great knife, the have great sheath options, and a killer warrenty.
 
foxx said:
Are you looking for a fighting knife, tacticool, or one for the woods? What uses will it see?
I love my Beckers, ESEE's, Fiddleback Forges, and Bark Rivers. They are all different knives, I use them, but for various purposes.
Click to expand...

Honestly, I'm looking for something that would probably fall into the 'sharpened prybar' category, but one with decent balance. I pretty frequently misuse and abuse fixed blades (prying, digging, cutting wire, etc.). I would prefer some ability to fight with it, but that's a distant second to abuse and chore driven utility. Basically the reason I'm looking high-end is for something that's very difficult to break and/or if broken (even by some of the stupid stuff I do with it) will be covered by the warranty. I am, sadly, more susceptible to tacticool than I like to admit, but I want function before form.
 
the esee5 with molle back and pouch would fit your requests very well. heavy duty thick blade, micarta scales with bow drill divot. designed by sere instructors. wonderful warranty and customer service. holds a great edge and is pretty hard to beat.

take it easy
cricket
 
Insipid Moniker said:
Honestly, I'm looking for something that would probably fall into the 'sharpened prybar' category, but one with decent balance. I pretty frequently misuse and abuse fixed blades (prying, digging, cutting wire, etc.). I would prefer some ability to fight with it, but that's a distant second to abuse and chore driven utility. Basically the reason I'm looking high-end is for something that's very difficult to break and/or if broken (even by some of the stupid stuff I do with it) will be covered by the warranty. I am, sadly, more susceptible to tacticool than I like to admit, but I want function before form.
Click to expand...

Oh - then I rescind my BK7 chatter. For a more prybar-like tool, have a look at the BK3 but for a knife (possibly to end all knives), look no farther than the mighty BK2.

It chops...
20110212_ac_16.jpg


It carves...
20110212_ac_28.jpg


It facilitates snacks...
20101126_ac_04.jpg


It poses like a model...
20101215_ac_06e.jpg


Mmmm... BK2.

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Beckerhead #42
 
Sharpened prybar with a 7" blade,hmmmm.Why don't you look up Ontario Ranger RD series of knives.They make an RD6 and RD7,which would suit your needs.
 
I would definitley go with a Koster in 3v or a fehrmann in 3v , they all fit your budget. 3v will cut those 1095 blades in half , I know because i use both and it is not hard to sharpen once you reprofile it a little.
 
Bark River just released a new line of fighting utility knives. Over built and stainless to boot:

STS5 and STS8

Either that or Fallkniven A1:

IMG_0358.jpg
 
GingivitisKahn said:
Oh - then I rescind my BK7 chatter. For a more prybar-like tool, have a look at the BK3 but for a knife (possibly to end all knives), look no farther than the mighty BK2.
Click to expand...

GingivitisKahn - don't take this the wrong way, you've got some great photos but I see the same ones over and over again. Why don't you get out and take some new ones to show off the BK2? :thumbup:
 
A. Thank you guys for the quick, helpful feedback. B. Crap. Now I want a BK-7, STS-8, Ranger Night Stalker 6 or 7 and a Grayman Pounder. As well as the majority of Mr. Koster's designs and a few of Mr. Fehrman's.

I shall ponder what you've given me so far. All seem to be solid suggestions. If more suggestions are forthcoming, I welcome them as well.
 
HandofCod said:
GingivitisKahn - don't take this the wrong way, you've got some great photos but I see the same ones over and over again. Why don't you get out and take some new ones to show off the BK2? :thumbup:
Click to expand...

I've got a crapload of them but you're probably right. Some new ones wouldn't hurt much. Here ya go... this isn't a particularly great pic but I don't believe I've posted it anywhere yet.

20101206_dc_08.jpg


Asked and answered. :D

Insipid Moniker said:
A. Thank you guys for the quick, helpful feedback. B. Crap. Now I want a BK-7, STS-8, Ranger Night Stalker 6 or 7 and a Grayman Pounder. As well as the majority of Mr. Koster's designs and a few of Mr. Fehrman's.

I shall ponder what you've given me so far. All seem to be solid suggestions. If more suggestions are forthcoming, I welcome them as well.
Click to expand...

Yep - that sounds about right. :D

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Beckerhead #42
 
Bark River makes the Blackjack Knives HALO Attack. If you want a bigger Kabar, check it out. Knivesshipfree.com has them.
 
Anything from Swamp Rat Knives, Scrap Yard Knives, or Busse Combat that fits your budget. Knives to consider...

Swamp Rat - RatManDu or RatManDeux LE
Scrap Yard - Scrapper 5 or 6, Regulator or Deregulator
Busse - Boss Jack, Desert Storm Fighter, Satin Jack Tac, Team Genesis (if you find an extra $100 bill in the street)
 
Thank you for all the recommendations. I actually talked myself into and out of four of the suggested knives before pulling the trigger on the Bark River STS 8.
 
Well I know it’s out of your price range… but.. I carry the Winkler Knives Belt knife as part my operational gear, it’s a great all around knife bout as a utility knife and a weapon. I have some training in the application of the knife in combat and I have found that this knife is just perfect for it. I have tried it out on a few old Kevlar vest and the point on the knife just went right through it.
A lot of professionals carry it. You won’t regret it.
IMG00138-20101028-1345.jpg
 
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