My first Becker - BKT7 Combat Utility

Daniel L

Daniel L

Gold Member
Joined
Nov 2, 1998
Messages
1,975
Hi all,

It will be a while before I can take the guy out for a workout, but just to let you all know that this knife is great - sharp, relatively light, great sheath and handles and an affordable price to boot. I have always wished Cold Steel would flat grind the SRK (the edge is too thick as it is not very deeply sabre ground - Kabars also have a shallow sabre grind) - the Cold Steel Bush Ranger was my other pick, but I don't like the handle since you can't put your thumb on ramp because the guard gets in the way. Besides, the BK-7 is less $$$, but more knife more the money!

All in all, I was looking for an affordable remote outdoors knife that has good cutting geometry, but tough enough to do larger tasks like splitting wood (with a baton). I wanted to be able to cut and slice, but still have a decently beefy blade - and not weigh like a brick.

I think I found what I'm looking for in the BK-7 - the handles are about as filling as I'd want (I have small-medium sized hands), and sheath is great with the pocket for other goodies. The edge was hair popping sharp NIB - just chopping and slicing thru some cardboard has proved that this knife is a great cutter with a very wide sabre grind on a 3/16" blade. I haven't tested lateral / prying strength but I'm pretty sure it will be fine for the majority of tasks.

The balance point right where the front guard is - just slightly front heavy when you hold it in hammer grip. Just right for my preference. I haven't used the thumb ramp on wood, but it seems fine for utility cutting tasks where you need a little more control.

Overall - a great buy. I'll probably get the Patrol Machete next!
 
Daniel - the BK7 is one heck of a knife for the money, huh? :) I received mine a few weeks ago and it's quickly worked my way to the top of my list of favorites. I'm planning on posting a review later on after I've had time to use the piece.

Get the Patrol Machete...you will NOT regret doing so!
 
Glad to have you as a customer! Keep us posted as to the adventures of the C/U7 in far away New Zealand! :D
 
Will,

Can you post the specs. on this knife. I am very interested in it.
Will this knife make a good chopper to make a shelter?

Thanks
 
A quick check at www.camillusknives.com provided this:

Spec.'s
Blade: 7" 0170-6c carbon steel, .188" thick stock.
Grind: High, flat saber grind.
Finish: Coated in black epoxy-powder coating.
Handle: Full tang, with trademark BK&T ergonomic scales of GV6H.
Sheath: OD green PROPEX nylon w/ kydex insert. Will fit GI pistol belt, and has ALICE clip attachment points.
Weight: 12.9 oz.s
 
Something in Mr. Fennel's picture caught my attention. It looks like some of the tang extends below the guard portion of the handle to give the knife a longer guard than is found on the other BK&T models.

This improvement was sorely needed. I cut myself with both of the BK&T knives I own, due to the slippery curved guards. Both knives now sport improvised guards, tied on with wire and tape. I am glad to see Camillus has addressed the problem.
 
Hi Guys,
First a note of thanks to Daniel L. on his very kind words about our latest baby–the CU7. You, sir, are obviously a person of extremely good taste and rare discernment. I think you will like the Patrol Machete as much.

Now a word to Backpacker: “good chopper” can be used to describe most of the other BK&T knives. The CU7 is, for it’s weight class, is about as good a chopper as it gets. With speed it does fine on the small green stuff you would want for a survival shelter, but anything larger, you will want to use a maul (baton). I prefer to think of it as a hacker not a chopper. If you are a primitive camper, and can afford the length and weight, get the Patrol Machete. For a more in-depth description of the CU7, check the Camillus Forum. You will find a post from me where I go into some detail about the design intent of the CU7.

Finally, a word to W.T. Beck. I extended the guard slightly as this is the first Becker design in which thrusting was a real consideration. And since it added almost no bulk or weight, the guard was added. Last me say that I hope you were at worst only slightly injured by your other BKT knives. I must admit that I have never had this problem, even though I have used a Campanion to repeatedly thrust at and pierce a 50 cal U.S. ammo can without mishap.

Enjoy.
Ethan Becker;) ;)
 
Hello, Mr. Becker,

Both of the accidents occured when I was holding the knives with blades pointed up and inadvertently relaxed my grip. The knives slid down and the curved smooth forward guard rolled over my hand, allowing the blade to come in contact with my finger.

Of course, this involved carelessness, and I am sure someone can maintain a firm grip on your handles and stab steel drums and other hard objects.

My own personal preference is for knives with guards that provide a bit of compensation for human carelessness. I like straight guards or even those which slant backward a bit, as on the Kabars. These types would more likely stop a knife from continuing to slide as happened in my accidents.
 
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