Thanks for replying, Ethan.
Did it? I must be mistaken then; I've only recently discovered your great designs. If kydex is such a high cost material, why is it offered standard on so many other Kabar Beckers? The 2, 3 and 13 come to mind. Please feel free to correct me again if I'm still wrong. Anyway, I'll take a peek at those custom guys but I'd rather not spend more than my knife on a sheath.
Cost vs Utility was a major factor in my decision to buy your fine product. That said, I'd have been happy to pay another $10 or $15 if it came with a good positive retention sheath. Maybe it's time for me to start learning how to fold kydex myself...
Reviewing the BK9 from Point to Pommel:
Good strong point. I like that the swedge is shallow and not too pronounced. Good thickness further up the blade than many survival knives. It has been left powder coated by the factory and that's good; I don't want a sharpened swedge on a big blade like this.
Belly is good as well. Curved enough to get a good rolling push cut while the sweep remains obtuse and strong.
Body is well thought out in a no-nonsense way. No goofy 'blood grooves' that do nothing but weaken the blade body. No million relieving grinds making sharpening a pain.
Spine seems thick enough for strength without being excessively heavy. No complaints there and I like the jimping above where my thumb sits.
Choil area is fine, although I wouldn't mind seeing a 2nd lanyard loop at the index guard. If it were larger, I'd be able to choke up further for finer control, but I guess that's what smaller knives are for. Just a thought, but maybe increase the size of the index guard and sink a lanyard hole in there, killing 2 birds with one stone.
The Grivory grips work in a no-nonsense kind of way. Some complain that it's slippery but I don't have that problem. It fits my hands well both naked and gloved. Pommel is fine; I have no issues there.
On to Use:
My BK9 has been used a few times, doing both light limbing/thorn clearing tasks and chopping down seasoned poplar of up to 6 or 7" in width. Haven't tried clubbing yet; maybe tomorrow.
Swinging for limbing and brush clearing is good because there's enough mass to let it power through, but not enough to make it hard to check my swing. Perfect.
Chopping was excellent. I've never had a knife that chops like this! I like that the spine extends as far as it does. It puts enough mass far enough forward to build momentum, but not enough to annoy my wrist when lifting for another swing. This thing takes nice big bites! Again, perfect.
After a cumulative hour or so of use, I don't see or detect any real change in the edge. Still nearly shaving sharp. I'll probably have to touch it up after the next use, but there's good edge retention.
If you've read though my ramblings this far, let me take this opportunity to say Thanks, Ethan. You put out an awesome product and I love that it's made in the USA. For roughly $80 to my door between shipping and tax, it's a hell of a value. I know I'll enjoy using this knife for years and years.
Here are a few pics I took before whanging up the finish.
