San Mai Becker Necker

1

14Tango

Joined
May 5, 2007
Messages
108
Aloha to all of you forum regulars out there. It's been a while since I've checked in (too depressing when you have no $$ for buying new knives) but I just found out that Ka-bar released the new becker necker. I saw on another thread that it's being made in china and that's a huge let down for me. I've been waiting to get one since I heard that Ka-bar was going to produce the new becker line. I haven't bought a chinese made knife in years but damn I really planned on getting a necker. Is there anything else out there that might fit the bill that's around the same price?:confused: I saw that New Graham was carrying it for about 80$ I think. Has anyone had a chance to test the new imported version? I've kicked myself in the rear a bunch of times for losing my first one on a camping trip a few years ago. Should've bought another one immediately.
 
I just checked the ka-bar website and the becker necker is manufactured in Japan and the sheath is made in Taiwan. I think I might be making a purchase soon. Has anyone purchased a new necker? Curious to see if it cuts like the old one. My first one held a good utility edge and was a really handy knife to have around. Can't wait to see what other Becker knives they start producing.
 
My bad on the china thing, I found some bad information in an article from Blade 2008. I have to apologize to ethan and kabar. I guess the best way to do that is buy as many of the new KaBar-Beckers as possible!;)
 
Look, a knife that is carried around the neck is most often used as a weapon; a last ditch thing that can be quickly retrieved and used for defense. They're not for cutting threads off your shirt or opening a bag of potato chips, nor are they used for most other cutting chores and they make lousy offensive weapons.

That said, the steel doesn't have to be a super quality steel, and edge retention is not usually a major issue. Weight, size and ease of use are what makes neck knives work, and paying for premium steel is generally a bit of a waste in my opinion. You can get these knives in a variety of shapes and sizes and, like any other knife, you may just get it because you like the look and feel.

So as much as you might not like Chinese blades, I don't see that neckers need to be high ticket items. (In fact, I love my Smith & Wesson neck/boot knife, plus you can get smaller, lighter ones that are just as reliable as more expensive ones.) The Becker seems to be a nice, light design, but I'd go for a double edge or a small, well made knife like the Buck Mayo Kaala. You didn't mention blade length, but the Kaala should have a lot of good cutting power, though it's a bit on the small side.

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Becker Necker

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The Buck Mayo Kaala has an S30V blade.
 
I don't think the becker necker or the buck kaala were intended as last ditch defensive weapons, or that a neck knife in general is supposed to be a weapon. The design of these knives seems more utility oriented, or for hunting/outdoor use.
 
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