Kabar USMC and Buck Vantage Pro

Definately go with the BK-7 or USMC. Like I said, whichever you like better, get because they're both great knives and it would take a lot of abuse to break them.
 
A picture is worth of a thousand words. I do like Becker BK 7 tad more than I do from Ka-Bar as in camping / surviving utility. Both are very fine as I have said before but in terms of usability and ergonomics BK 7 is better.

DSC_0243.jpg
 
Here are a few I considered, top down; KaBar, Gerber LMFII, RAT RC-5, and Buck 650 Nighthawk.

IMG_3518.jpg


The RC-5 is a great choice - .25" thick 1095 - but twice the other's cost. I'd tie the Nighthawk with the KaBar at second, with the Gerber at a distant third place. That last place is primarily due to the serrated blade - I like plain blades, as I have saws for sawing. The blade's 'mystery metal' is also a rationale. It's a keeper, however, as it was a gift from my son. As to the Nighthawk vs KaBar, I guess I'd guide my choice by the environment - wetter = Nighthawk (SS 420HC blade), dryer = KaBar. In all honesty, I used a KaBar for my camp knife for years and was completely satisfied - in fact, I often thought it was 'overkill'.

I love my early Buck 347 Vantage Pro - great pocket knife - but I'd consider a SAK or Multi-tool as a 'bug out bag' knife first. The 'tools' might be very welcome in an emergency.

Stainz
 
thejamppa said:
A picture is worth of a thousand words. I do like Becker BK 7 tad more than I do from Ka-Bar as in camping / surviving utility. Both are very fine as I have said before but in terms of usability and ergonomics BK 7 is better.

DSC_0243.jpg
Click to expand...

Very nice picture comparison. I need to consider weight also and I think the Kabar USMC is about 6 ounces lighter than the BK7.



"Jpalmer1988"

"I'd suggest looking at the Ka-bar next generation."

I believe the Kabar Next generation has a 440A blade steel. From what I understand from gathering information from this forum is that 1095
would be a better blade choice over 440A but please correct me if I'm wrong. Also isn't AUS8 a higher quality stainless steel as compared to 440A?
 
Stainz said:
Here are a few I considered, top down; KaBar, Gerber LMFII, RAT RC-5, and Buck 650 Nighthawk.

IMG_3518.jpg


The RC-5 is a great choice - .25" thick 1095 - but twice the other's cost. I'd tie the Nighthawk with the KaBar at second, with the Gerber at a distant third place. That last place is primarily due to the serrated blade - I like plain blades, as I have saws for sawing. The blade's 'mystery metal' is also a rationale. It's a keeper, however, as it was a gift from my son. As to the Nighthawk vs KaBar, I guess I'd guide my choice by the environment - wetter = Nighthawk (SS 420HC blade), dryer = KaBar. In all honesty, I used a KaBar for my camp knife for years and was completely satisfied - in fact, I often thought it was 'overkill'.


I love my early Buck 347 Vantage Pro - great pocket knife - but I'd consider a SAK or Multi-tool as a 'bug out bag' knife first. The 'tools' might be very welcome in an emergency.

Stainz
Click to expand...

Being a noobie to knives I never even knew about the buck Nighthawk. Which would be a better choice, the Nighthawk with 420HC steel or the Cold Steel SRK with AUS8A?
 
Its funny... in my hands BK-7 feels a lot lighter than USMC Ka-Bar. Its probably USMC has a lot weight on its back while BK-7 is more balanced.
 
According to Ag Russell, the USMC is 10 oz. and the BK-7 is 13 oz. But really, you're not going to notice the difference much between a 25 lb. bag and a 25 lb, 3 oz bag. I'd probably have to flip a coing on a desision between the two of them.

The Buck nighthawk is also very nice, although you will notice a difference in performance between that and something larger like the USMC or BK-7 for your intended use.
 
mikellen said:
I believe the Kabar Next generation has a 440A blade steel. From what I understand from gathering information from this forum is that 1095
would be a better blade choice over 440A but please correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...

You are correct!!!
 
Although the Becker BK7 is highly recommended but at 13 oz. I think I'd like a lighter knife but I'm not sure if that should be the deciding factor.
I think I have to add another brand into my choice considerations and that is the Cold Steel SRK. Its even lighter (8.2 oz.) than Kabar USMC (10.5 oz).

I'm really torn between these three knives and I only need one. I know this thread primarily focused on the Kabar and BK7 but how does the Cold Steel SRK (AUS8) rate with these?

Thanks.
 
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Wait til you get the BK7 in your hands. It doesnt feel like 13oz. It feels very light. It has near perfect balance.
 
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