shopping for my first ka bar

[kalifornia]

what is the next larger knife to the bk14, and maybe the next larger to that? 1095 steel and fixed blade thanks

 

[sabk3]

Well the bk14 's blade is around what 3 1/4" you could take a look at the tweeners bk16, bk17 which have 4 3/8" blade

 

[kalifornia]

so the bk 16 does not have a roll mark on the tang?

 

[bigghoss]

Next up from the BK14 is probably the 1117 clip point neck knife. Next up from that is probably the BK16 and 17.

 

[Tdhurl1103]

so the bk 16 does not have a roll mark on the tang?

Recently KA-BAR switched from a roll stamp to a laser etch on most of the BKs. The reasoning is that with the laser etch there is no longer the possibility the blade could break, or during stamping the blade becoming bent slightly, in the area of the stamp. I wouldn't knock the laser etch, sure it's not as deep as a stamp but it keeps the blade strong, reliable and able to pass QC.

Of course, you are going to get what you want regardless. If you want the roll stamp out of some nostalgia or coolness, then you are going to pay for it.

On the BK&T sub forum there are a few threads where BK owners have deepened the laser etch by using an etchant or some other process and the results were impressive. Personally, I'm a snob about it and prefer the laser etch because I'm not concerned with the laser etch disappearing due to modding. I still know what it is, I don't need a label to remind me.

To answer the other question. The 16 and 17 are the next longer blades in the BK line up from the 14. I have several 16s and.......honestly, you will NOT EVER REGRET getting one. I mean, not ever!! They are awesome!!!

 

[1066vik]

next up in size from the BK16 would probably be the Navy Mk1

 

[Tdhurl1103]

I want a Navy MK1 as well. Awesome!!

 

[kalifornia]

thanks I held my first ka bar yesterday, a 16 very nice, unfortunately during my searchings I have run across the Esee 4. So Im deciding. thanks again

 

[1066vik]

handle the ESEE4 before buying -- I had one and even with the aftermarket scales on the ESEE I like the BK16 handles better.

 

[Tdhurl1103]

thanks I held my first ka bar yesterday, a 16 very nice, unfortunately during my searchings I have run across the Esee 4. So Im deciding. thanks again

Eh, you'll choose the ESEE, because if the 16 don't do it for you at the counter then you had something else in mind all along.

Esse are great blades none the less. Have fun.