rc-5 vs. kabar bk2

Here's some pics with the BK-2 wearing micarta scales. If I had to chose one, it would be the one closest to me at the time, cause I like them both. I will say that the RC-5 has everything going for it with the micarta scales and the sheath, those were extra for the BK-2, plus the fit and finish on the RC-5 is better.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2799.jpg
    IMG_2799.jpg
    93.1 KB · Views: 67
  • IMG_2802.jpg
    IMG_2802.jpg
    76.8 KB · Views: 71
sd550 said:
Here's some pics with the BK-2 wearing micarta scales. If I had to chose one, it would be the one closest to me at the time, cause I like them both. I will say that the RC-5 has everything going for it with the micarta scales and the sheath, those were extra for the BK-2, plus the fit and finish on the RC-5 is better.
Click to expand...

It is true. The BK2 with sheath and micarta handles comes out to be pretty much the same price as a RC5 with all that. I think if you had a BK2 already, it is obvious to keep it. If you don't have it....why not the RC5?

I was surprised how similar the blade shape was. Though I can't say I like the shape overall that much, both great knives.

Edit: The BK9 is sweet with those handles. I think I'd favor the RC5 over the BK2, but the BK7 and BK9 are hard to pass up.
 
Last edited:
Cpl Punishment said:
Personally, I'd go for an RC6 over either.
Click to expand...

I thought the RC-5 was a really good knife, thats why I ordered one. the way some are talking makes me think that was the wrong choice. I havnt gottn it yet, so I cant really say how its gonna work. I guess I could return it for something different. :(
 
When the RC5 came out I decided to hold off because I had just gotten a BK2. I Love that blade. I dont really think I need 2 1/4" thick, 5" blades. I'm happy with my decision, and dont plan on getting an RC5 anytime soon (mostly because I think for most tasks, an RC4, or 6 would be better).

The sheath, fit/finish, and warranty is absolutely better than the BK, but the value and available new handles make the BK2 a great buy as well.

You couldnt go wrong with either, but if you got a BK2, you'd have a lot more $ to buy other survival gear..
 
For what it is designed for the rc5 is very good. i got caught out on Sunday and was a bit brutal with my 5 in order to get some kindling together in very wet bush. Knives are not levers but it handled it great, splitting some old beech for the inner wood. I still like my plain edge 3 for the bush and Izula for edc (as you American types refer to).
 
Jetblack said:
I thought the RC-5 was a really good knife, thats why I ordered one. the way some are talking makes me think that was the wrong choice. I havnt gottn it yet, so I cant really say how its gonna work. I guess I could return it for something different. :(
Click to expand...

I think the knife is really good and many like it. The shape of the blade isn't necessarily for me, though I haven't used the or handled the knife. I wouldn't worry, chances are it'll be great.
 
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.
Click to expand...

You got that right, R.A.T.! Since coming in here and learning about the different styles of knives, makers, manufacturers, I've been looking around to see if there's one, or two, or three that I like. Right now, I'm looking at the Ontario RD6, which is 5160 because I don't yet have a 5160 knife. That'll probably be my next purchase.

I do like my RAT RC4! I'm trying to start a field knife collection made from D2, 1095, 5160, etc. Should be fun! (Shhhhish ... don't tell my wife)
 
Jetblack said:
I thought the RC-5 was a really good knife, thats why I ordered one. the way some are talking makes me think that was the wrong choice. I havnt gottn it yet, so I cant really say how its gonna work. I guess I could return it for something different. :(
Click to expand...

No, no, there's nothing wrong with the RC5. It is a good knife. It's a preference thing. For me, the RC6 is my survival knife -- rides in my car kit, and is for the in extremis circumstance where I may only have one knife (har, har), that has to do it all. Knives of this length suck at chopping, so i optimized for more slicing type chores, which the .187" thick RC6 does better, but will still survive some serious batoning.

But when it comes down to it, my second favorite bushcraft knife is my HI R-10, which is roughly the same size as the RC5 (5 inch blade, .270" thick at the scale/blade juncture, low scandi grind), and it gets scary sharp and does a really great job. I suspect the RC5 will do just fine.

But, as with all blades, learn how it likes to be used, don't force how you want to use it on the blade..

ETA: Before someone jumps in and says it. . .YES, it's just like a woman!
 
Cpl Punishment said:
No, no, there's nothing wrong with the RC5. It is a good knife. It's a preference thing. For me, the RC6 is my survival knife -- rides in my car kit, and is for the in extremis circumstance where I may only have one knife (har, har), that has to do it all. Knives of this length suck at chopping, so i optimized for more slicing type chores, which the .187" thick RC6 does better, but will still survive some serious batoning.

But when it comes down to it, my second favorite bushcraft knife is my HI R-10, which is roughly the same size as the RC5 (5 inch blade, .270" thick at the scale/blade juncture, low scandi grind), and it gets scary sharp and does a really great job. I suspect the RC5 will do just fine.

But, as with all blades, learn how it likes to be used, don't force how you want to use it on the blade..

ETA: Before someone jumps in and says it. . .YES, it's just like a woman!
Click to expand...

Ive decided to keep it... seeing as how I plan on getting them all anyway.
 
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! ;)
Click to expand...

That right there should be plastered all across blade forums and in every knife magazine in the world.

Not as a statement about the quality of either of the knives, but as a statement about the quality of the man who said it.

There are not many, if any, who are willing to speak that highly of the competition--for whatever reason.

That you did speaks volumes of your character.

Awesome.

Where's the gawddamn "applause" emoticon when you need it?!

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:





ETA: Reading that makes me want to buy RC products even more.
 
Last edited:
SuicideFO said:
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.
Click to expand...

I have a BK9, which i think uses the same handle, it is extremely comfortable.
One of the selling points of the knife IMHO.

By the same token though, I don't have any of the larger RAT knives so i can't compare directly.
 
The handle on the Becker BK-2 is the most comfortable of any knife I've ever used. bar none.
 
The Necker was my favorite Becker in the old line. It had the wire-bending-bottling-whatever on the end of it that I didn't much care for, but it was an awesome neck knife. I also had a Becker 7. Held an edge very well and was easy to resharpen and cut VERY well. I always felt like the knife was going to get away from me though. I just never liked those scales on that knife, they were too thick for me. But the blades were awesome. That's when I started looking at Ontario's RAT Line of knives, because I was disappointed in the grip of the Beckers.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top