Need opinions BK7 vs Companion

M

mwelch8404

Joined
Feb 10, 2002
Messages
604
I've posted here rather than Camilius since I see this as an outdoor/wilderness/camping/hunting knife.

Money is a concern for me, and after reading various threads on BF, I changed from an SRK to the BK7. Now, as I continue to read older threads I hear much good about the Companion.

I like and use hatchets and axes, and will generally have one available for chopping and splitting.

Under these circumstances, is their enough "chopping" utility in the Companion to make this an effective "survival" knif if it's all I've got?

Whate about blade geometry, edge, weight advantages of the BK7 over the Companion, or visa versa?:confused:
 
I rarely (shower, church and even sometimes churh)am without my LM Wave. Additionally, I generally have at least one other - sometimes SAK, LM Micra, and usually a "locking knife" - right now a BM551 while my 690 is in for repair.
 
I have a Campanion and have given this some thought recently.

I think if I had it to do over I would get a Magnum Camp.

I might anyway.

Ben
 
My son really likes his Campanion. I traded mine and picked up a BK-7. IMHO, the Campanion is actually a better chopper. It may be shorter but has better balance for chopping. The BK-7 is a great general purpose utility knive, for the price. The Campanion is a heavy knive, easily sharpened and nice blade shape for skinning. The BK-7 handles like a lighter knife, does not convey the same solid heft of the Campanion but has more reach and more of a cutting edge. It also has a pointier point if that is of import to you.

The BK-7 seems like more of a general purpose cutting knife while the Campanion appears to be a stout, chopping prying knife that also can cut.

Hope I didn't muddy the waters too much for you.

Happy Hunting!
 
I was actually trying to make the very same decision recently, and I have decided that I would be better off with an "old school" USMC Mark 2 Fighting/Utility knife. I've done a lot of research and these seemed to be better suited to general utility use than any of the Beckers; which are great knives but a bit too specialized for my tastes. I have seen several statements that the Becker handle is great for standard use, but isn't comfortable in any other grip.

I've really been trying to convince myself to spring for the C/U 7, but the old Mk 2 is just too good and too cheap. Some things just can't be improved upon. I've been told the Camillus version is the best among the various producers.
 
Its a win-win situation. You need both. I recently purchased the Campanion and couldn't be happier. The Combat Utility was a close second but I picked the blade least likely to start a panic on a hiking trail. While I like a longer blade, I wanted to pick one belt knife to use whenever I head out in the wild. These trips will include many trails near the city. These places are still rough enough to merit planning ahead and bringing gear that will get you out of a jam. Even so, you still encounter enough people who only use knives for spreading cream cheese on a bagel. The "Combat" part of the Combat Utility is just a little to much for that crowd.

I haven't done any heavy duty chopping with the Campanion but so far I can't believe the way it has handled the few chores I've tackled. If you have the means, add the Campanion to your collection. Then the Patrol Machete..the Brute..Magnum Camp......
 
Now I don't know what to think! I was hoping the BK7 would be a better chopper than the Campanion. I didn't think the Campanion chopped as well as my Cataraugus 225Q. But it sounds like the Campanion is better at that task than the BK7. I guess I'll stay with my Campanion for a while longer and see if it grows on me.
 
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