Sad BK5:

J

J.Davey

Joined
Feb 10, 2004
Messages
1,620
BK5: I remember picking up a stainless version (EK) years ago at a knife and gun show; much sturdier. This is supposed to be 18.8 thick. No way. This is nothing more than a camp kitchen knife.

WHY IS KABAR AVOIDING USING 1/4 INCH STEEL??? Sorry, but in a blade for woodland use, I want 1/4 inch steel. Maybe that's why your CAMPANION is so loved; because it is SOLID, which inspires confidence.

This was one (BK5) that I've wanted for years, and it made me sad. i'm "very" poor, and the discontinuation of this knife allowed me to purchase this knife for under $60 from "Ka-Bar" on Amazon.:confused::(
 
I completely disagree. 1/4'' thick is completely unnecessary and makes a knife less useful as a knife.

Don't get me wrong, I like my BK2 alright. I just never carry it in the woods because the weight/performance ratio pales in comparison to thinner blades.

I've often battoned blades that are 1/8'' and even 3/32'' thick and never broken one. I don't go easy on them either.
 
The BK5 is my favorite - punches above its weight in many regard.

It has a blade shape that suits many camp chores, to include food prep, of course but is also good for heavier duty chores notwithstanding its seemingly slender appearance. Yes I adore my BK2 and, of course, you "can't not have a Nine", but the BK5 is truly my favorite Becker as it is so good at so many things that I need a knife to do.
 
I think JD really needs a BK-20. FFG, swedge, and made from 1/4". The 5 is deeelightful as it is, and made from appropriate stock for its design.
 
CoolBreeze135 said:
I completely disagree. 1/4'' thick is completely unnecessary and makes a knife less useful as a knife.

Don't get me wrong, I like my BK2 alright. I just never carry it in the woods because the weight/performance ratio pales in comparison to thinner blades.

I've often battoned blades that are 1/8'' and even 3/32'' thick and never broken one. I don't go easy on them either.
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+1
Whatever the BK9 thickness is, is my max. Don't ever see me getting a BK2 for the reason of it being 1/4.

Same I have few 3/32, tons of 1/8, and again few 5/32 from various makers. I'll go ahead and say my LTWK bushcrafter HC in 3/32 is a hell from a machine, beaten, pryed, baton still not broken or chipped straight as a missile.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
 
Well, I've got an original BlackJack Campanion in 1/4" 1095, and while it would do fine for cutting apart a Buick (according to one test, using a sledge hammer) or splitting wood, or for prying open a safe, and it does take a hair-shaving edge, a thinner blade would work better for actually cutting stuff. Just my 2 cents. BTW, it lives in my car emergency kit, just in case...
 
I think the 5 is better with the thinner steel - but for me, it's not thin enough. I've got plenty of beefy woods knives, but for camp K.P., thinner is better, IMO. BK5 certainly hits some sweet spots on the versatility scale, but for wood butchering and general camp abuse there are, in my mind, better choices. Then again, I always have a couple, so.....choices, schmoices....BK9/RBK/Bundock/Machax for the timber thrashing and BK5/15 (15's awesome, BTW) for K.P. As for the "why" of not ¼", look in your kitchen knife block/drawer/counter....thickness is not a requirement for a "General Use" knife. Plus the lighter weight of less steel = speed in hand, though the 5 will DEFINITELY make the wood chips fly - less mass than a 9, say, but bites just as deep (owing to the thinness) as the beefier Beckers. I'm sure I could add more (opinions) to the discussion, but I'm done. Use it, enjoy it (or don't)......but it is called the "Magnum Camp" for a reason.
 
I recently bought a spare 5 while I still could, just in case. I never really thought I'd like one until I bought and used my first. The blade thickness is perfectly matched to the blade design. I've never bought a spare 2. The internet is a wonderful tool to research anything you ever might want to buy before you buy it. I'm confused as to why you bought your 5 knowing it wasn't 1/4" thick like you say all blades for woodland use should be, only to turn around and complain about it. If you really want a 1/4" thick blade, google is your friend.
 
I would want absolutely nothing to do with a BK5 with .25 stock.

You got a good deal so just sell it and get what you really want.
 
How about you get out and actually use it then come back and bash it or whatever...
 
NCSlice said:
How about you get out and actually use it then come back and bash it or whatever...
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This. :thumbup:

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Creaky Bones said:
Dubs you know that blade is way too skinny to do any of the things you did with it, right? It's probably broken in about 4 places now.
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Wouldn't know, I sold it, haha! I had 2 BK5's, and while it's an excellent blade, the BK9, and BK4 gets used way more.
 
J.Davey said:
This was one (BK5) that I've wanted for years, and it made me sad. i'm "very" poor, and the discontinuation of this knife allowed me to purchase this knife for under $60 from "Ka-Bar" on Amazon.:confused::(
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If not completely satisfied I'll take it off your hands to the penny what I can buy it for off Amazon also.




Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
 
NCSlice said:
How about you get out and actually use it then come back and bash it or whatever...
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I hate these type of posts. Another kid that wants to latch on to the group that supports the first "real" knives he's ever owned. Hey, is that your truck?

Don't judge.
 
I LIKE THE KNIFE overall,and have no intent of getting rid of it! I just wish it was a bit more heavy-duty. Using the flat grind, 1/4 inch wouldn't take much away from the slicing ability. It would just be a bit sturdier.

SETTLE DOWN, HATERS.
 
J.Davey said:
I hate these type of posts. Another kid that wants to latch on to the group that supports the first "real" knives he's ever owned. Hey, is that your truck?

Don't judge.
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I can understand why you hate them...you must get them a lot if all your posts are whining about something without what is obviously any experience with the product.

Then you come here where most of us are very acquainted with said item and post a big boohoo based on nothing. You catch a tiny bit of flack and respond with calling people children which in itself is most infantile.

Lots of folks don't care for the BK5 for various reasons.
All you say is you don't like the thickness AFTER receiving it when I'm sure the specs were posted, if not there's only 100's of other places to find them.

Now, you can lie and say you've been using it and don't like this or that but it's too late...it's obvious that you have not.

Beat the snot out of it and report back. You'll probably find a completely different response no matter which way your opinion swings. Douchebaggery begets further douchebaggery.
 
Notice the flat spot along the swedge. Mine doesn't have that!
 
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It ISN'T the posted thickness. 18.8. I believe I made that clear. Kid or not, you're still the kind of person that makes people leave BF. I've seen it again and again over the last 12 years. Dink.
 
Chill, dude, nobody here is trying to drive you away from BF. You have come into a place where everybody is a fan of the knife you're giving a negative review of, and thus you'll get many people who will try and help you out on ways that maybe you could get a better experience with the knife or to reassure you that the knife is indeed better than you feel it is.
 
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