rc-5 vs. kabar bk2

J

joninthetolet

Joined
May 26, 2009
Messages
97
ok, heres the deal, im allowed to spend 300 bucks on what ever i want on my birthday, (no party) and im looking for a good large survival knife, my current one, the kabar large heavy bowie just has a weak tip, i really want an rc-5, but, with its price i wouldnt have alot to spend on other stuff, iv been concidering the ka bar bk2 campanion because of the similarities to the rc-5 and its much lower cost, what do you think, concidering the value of the ka bar?
 
The rc5 is most likely better (I don't own one) but I do own the bk2. It is very nice, holds an edge great, has handled a years worth of LIGHT brush chopping, and feels very good in hand. The grips don't seem to be the best for wet work but it feels really balanced and with the addition of a wide lanyard for wrist wrapping it has never slipped out of my grip. For the price it really can't be beat. Be advised it really does compare to a butcher's cleaver in feel though, very heavy duty knife but I love it.

One more thing, the rc5 is probably overkill for most urban dwellers. I live about an hour outside a major city on 5 acres and the bk2 paired with my rc3 have yet to meet a task they couldn't handle. Unless you are going to be stabbing insurgents and making bow fires day in day out that is.
 
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I think the RC-5 also compares to a butcher's cleaver, and thus the reason it is not my favorite from our line.

You WILL NOT go wrong purchasing a KaBar Becker knife and it will save you a few bucks over the RC-5. And that will save you enough money to spend on a woman for your b'day! ;)
 
you could go BK2 & Izula combo ? The RC5 is a sweet blade and similar to the BK2 in alot of ways but the RC5 comes w/ a top notch sheath and micarta scales and color options... either knife will serve you well. but I would toss an Izula with which ever blade you purchase for the utility factor.
 
My brother gave me the Kabar BK2 on my b-day (before I left for Iraq). My first 1095 knife ... and it is massive! I used it to chop wood in the backyard and it performed great. I don't own the RC 5, but I do have the RC4, which I like a lot.

My only concern is that my BK2 might catch rust since I won't be home for 10+ months. Will it?
 
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R.A.T. said:
I think the RC-5 also compares to a butcher's cleaver, and thus the reason it is not my favorite from our line.

You WILL NOT go wrong purchasing a KaBar Becker knife and it will save you a few bucks over the RC-5. And that will save you enough money to spend on a woman for your b'day! ;)
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It never ceases to amaze me and how cordial you guys are to knives in general, not just your own. I would just like to thank you for that.
 
I think anyone who would think that there are not good knives among most all the companies is a plain idiot. Further, I don't want anyone around me that thinks RAT Cutlery is the only knife to buy. If they are that brainwashed in believing we're the only company who makes a decent knife, they're too stupid to breathe my air.
 
R.A.T. said:
I think anyone who would think that there are not good knives among most all the companies is a plain idiot. Further, I don't want anyone around me that thinks RAT Cutlery is the only knife to buy. If they are that brainwashed in believing we're the only company who makes a decent knife, they're too stupid to breathe my air.
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You know, the attitude that you have is one of the reasons that I will probably buy a RAT blade. I'm a huge fan of Becker's, but I'm becoming a fan of RAT's, too, without even owning one.
 
I own both so maybe a side by side will help you decide.
They're both great blades, I don't think you could go wrong with either providing you want a heavy bladed, indestructible knife.
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I think you can get the Becker now with Micarta handles, right?
 
I thought KaBar was selling replacement Micarta slabs at the Blade Show???
 
dawsonbob said:
You can now get the micarta handles from either Ka-Bar or Tomar's Ka-Bar.
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http://www.tomarskabars.com/BK-HNDL-INFO.html
BK_Micarta_Handles__2_-INFO_EDGE.jpg
 
I'm not sure if you can get the knives with the micarta already on there yet, but you can order them.
 
NorCalMtn2 said:
I own both so maybe a side by side will help you decide.
They're both great blades, I don't think you could go wrong with either providing you want a heavy bladed, indestructible knife.
click image to enlarge:
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Wow I never realized how similar they are.

Also, that's an interesting wear pattern on the RC5 finish.
Do you do a lot of batoning with it?
 
I don't own either...yet. But just from a viewing stand point the handle on the RC-5 looks way more comfortable. Even with both being micarta. I do wish the RC-5 had a full flat grind to it or maybe a 3/4.
 
NorCalMtn2 said:
I own both so maybe a side by side will help you decide.
They're both great blades, I don't think you could go wrong with either providing you want a heavy bladed, indestructible knife.
click image to enlarge:
Click to expand...

Did you strip that bk2? I really like the look of the blade in silver. Also nice call on the replacement handles, will be placing an order soon.
 
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