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- Feb 18, 2009
- Messages
- 4,573
You're welcome. No promises though, on how soon after the Blade show they'll be available. I'm waiting for them, too. Keep checking over on the Becker forum: I'll be banging the drum to let everyone know.
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Outcast vs. BK-9 which is the better chopper?
- Thread starter knerd
- Start date
You're welcome. No promises though, on how soon after the Blade show they'll be available. I'm waiting for them, too. Keep checking over on the Becker forum: I'll be banging the drum to let everyone know.
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2009
- Messages
- 51
I have the Ka-bar heavy bowie, the 9 1/2" version and so far i have been very impressed with it!
While the steel might only be 1085, for its intended use it works beautifully!
True, it might be a tad softer than "better" steels, but that works both ways, sharping is a breeze, though you might have to do it a bit more often.
Today, i went outside and cut some 2-3" green bamboo without any problem.
I did roll the edge a bit, but that was because i hit some rocks...20 sec with a file and it is as good as new!
Hope this little info helped
While the steel might only be 1085, for its intended use it works beautifully!
True, it might be a tad softer than "better" steels, but that works both ways, sharping is a breeze, though you might have to do it a bit more often.
Today, i went outside and cut some 2-3" green bamboo without any problem.
I did roll the edge a bit, but that was because i hit some rocks...20 sec with a file and it is as good as new!
Hope this little info helped
Have you seen the part in that thread where Mr. Becker said he was very surprised to see than and the part where one of Ka-Bars senior engineer's is taking a look at it?
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2009
- Messages
- 650
Have you considered the Ontario RTAK? It's very similar to the two knifes mentioned and is a great chopper.
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2007
- Messages
- 2,588
I'd hazard a guess no problem with heat treat (regarding the becker), at the hardness in the product specifications then if it is the same all over the blade then I personally would have liked it differentially hardened with the spine being softer.
A bowie of other knives have the task of slicing, cutting, dicing etc instead of hatchet or axe which is just chopping. Axes or hatchets are typically softer than a bowie or hunting knife cause edge retention and etc is not as important as toughness.
This is my take on it, forgive me for not going any further, 3 hrs sleep in 48 hrs you see (continuous pour concreting for a floor slab cannot and must not be stopped!).
I personally recommend getting a custom maker to forge one out for you and differentially harden it. I'm getting Bob (Robert) Alderman make me one out of 1/4 inch 5160 with copper riveted leather handles (swelled rear for grip) and kydex sheath for 190 bucks. It is pricey but from my experience with 5160 properly done, I'll be using it till I pass it on to my grand kids
A bowie of other knives have the task of slicing, cutting, dicing etc instead of hatchet or axe which is just chopping. Axes or hatchets are typically softer than a bowie or hunting knife cause edge retention and etc is not as important as toughness.
This is my take on it, forgive me for not going any further, 3 hrs sleep in 48 hrs you see (continuous pour concreting for a floor slab cannot and must not be stopped!).
I personally recommend getting a custom maker to forge one out for you and differentially harden it. I'm getting Bob (Robert) Alderman make me one out of 1/4 inch 5160 with copper riveted leather handles (swelled rear for grip) and kydex sheath for 190 bucks. It is pricey but from my experience with 5160 properly done, I'll be using it till I pass it on to my grand kids
- Joined
- May 10, 2009
- Messages
- 1,686
I have, but due to the price tag I reconsidered going for a cheaper but good value knife.
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2007
- Messages
- 4,293
Ontario's heat treat is also very sketchy. Sometimes its good, sometimes its bad.
You might want to take a look at the new Ontario Ranger lineup. The RD series is really nice, and the largest, RD-9, can be had for under $100 if you loo around. These are made from .25" thick 5160 blade steel. The consensus over on the Ranger Forum, at KF, is a thumbs up with Ontario's finished product. I have a RD-4, and a RD-7.