Outcast vs. BK-9 which is the better chopper?

knerd

knerd

Joined
May 10, 2009
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I need a decent chopper. I've minimized my search down to the Kershaw Outcast or the Becker BK-9. I've heard the Outcast is a superb chopper as long as it gets re-profiled and that the D2 blade holds an edge for a long time. I have heard some negative things about it however. Such as the blade twisting?

I haven't heard anything negative about the BK-9, except maybe the coating scraping off easily. And the fact people say you can't get only one Becker. These knives are around the same price so I'm wondering which one to get.

Input would be appreciated.
 
I have a Kershaw Outcast and am a little disappointed with it as a chopper. I did re-profile the blade and that helped. Have you considered a kukri? I've read that they make excellent choppers. I don't have personal experience with one though.
 
I would choose the outcast for softer bushy type growth under 2" diameter, and the bk9 for larger hard stuff.
 
why anyone would put money into a kershaw outcast is beyond me. the bk-9 will chop better and it was built to deal with way more than that.
 
So far I've been leaning to the BK-9, I won't be batoning (and if I do it won't be heavy) so I'm not worried about it shattering. I've seen a test on the BK-9 showing it shattering, but that was a ridiculous test. I'm going to be using the knife to chop through some 1" to 3"-4" diameter limbs/saplings.

I just saw the thread about the shattered BK-9, seems like he was batoning too hard or it was a dud.
 
AKnife said:
So far I've been leaning to the BK-9, I won't be batoning (and if I do it won't be heavy) so I'm not worried about it shattering. I've seen a test on the BK-9 showing it shattering, but that was a ridiculous test. I'm going to be using the knife to chop through some 1" to 3"-4" diameter limbs/saplings.

I just saw the thread about the shattered BK-9, seems like he was batoning too hard or it was a dud.
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All evidence points to a bad heat treatment, so far. I've only heard of two BK-9's ever shattering: one was the older Camillus model in that ridiculous test you refer to, and the other was the one in the recent thread. Out of all the BK-9's out there, that's not a bad ratio (IMHO).
 
J_Curd said:
I would go with a convexed Outcast...mine is wicked.
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++++++++1 :thumbup:

Whatever you have heard about D2 is most likely not true, I have abused my outcast many times and it just keeps asking for more. It will flex a little on some hard chops but not enough to worrie about. Its a tough beast, the kind of knife you won't need to worrie about sharpening on a long weekend trip.
 
I'd get an axe as well. Dont pay too much attention to that shattered BK9. The wood the user let his son baton with it was way to hard for any blade.
 
double man said:
Have you considered a kukri? I've read that they make excellent choppers. I don't have personal experience with one though.
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I've picked up a couple of cheap Khukuris and have been pretty impressed with the job they do. Though I did have to clean the edge up some it held it's edge well after chopping this downed (10" diameter) oak branch in two.

3569517358_ce2b66f3db_o.jpg


Since then I've put a wicked sharp convex edge on it and have picked up a Camilus blank to try to make my own Khurkri.

If your needing something for some serious work int he field I would look at the more popular Khukuris here on the BF, but what I got was good enough to satisfy my curiosity.
 
It's looking like I'll be getting the Becker. Anyone know about the new micarta handles for it?
 
I own both and the BK-9 is the best by far...and I batonned alot with it without any problems. The Outcast is still a good blade!!!
 
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