Should I buy the BK-10?

[pharminator]

After buying three excellent EDC blades (Spyderco Dragonfly2, Spyderco Cat, and a Kershaw Leek), I now have an itch to buy a fixed-bladed survival knife. I would like to spend more time outdoors, and would like to have a knife to help with that. I would like to start with a decent knife, one that would grow with me as I learn more bushcraft skills.

The knife that began this hunt was the original Ka-Bar combat knife. What a timeless, classic design. That said, though it is a most excellent blade, I think for survival purposes, there may be better choices. That brought me to the Ka-Bar/Becker BK-2. On every list of survival knives I read, it kept coming up. Apparently this is a bomb-proof, SHTF, bug-out knife extraordinaire (and can cut through lawnmowers). That said, as I started watching videos about the knife, it seems like a ¼” thick steel is just a tad more that I need. Which bring me to the BK-10. I have watched numerous video reviews, poured through pictures, read reviews, and it seems like it’s a awesome knife. While it may not necessarily be as bomb-proof as the BK-2, it nonetheless seems like a great survival tool, and one could be the last survival knife I would have to purchase. From a practical point of view, it’s a great knife, and I would say that it’s design just ‘speaks’ to me. I love the geometry, and it looks well suited to many bushcraft tasks, and could probably be a solid tactical knife if the need arose.

Credit to user SaturatedShadow for the pic

I just want to ensure I’m not overlooking something better around a similar price point. I have heard great things about the ESEE-6, though it is a bit more than I want to spend. On the other end of the budget spectrum, I have read about Mora knives. I can see myself getting one of those as an ‘add-on’ knife. They seem like spectacular deals.

So, I pose this question to the forum: Am I overlook something, or should I just go out and buy the BK-10? On the site I have been watching, it appears to have gone on short-term sale so it would be a good time for me to buy.

 

[Lost Cosmonaut]

Just be aware that the average BK-10 you buy isn't going to look like that. That's the uncoated LE. I own one and it is an awesome knife but I can't bring myself to use it because it's so pretty.

The normal BK-10s just have the black powder coat and plastic handles like the usual Beckers.

 

[pharminator]

Yeah, I know that it was not a stock BK-10. I just wanted to put a pic with the thread, and that's what popped up in a search. I'm perfectly fine with the stock look of the BK-10.

 

[Jonny1280]

The BK10 is an awesome knife.
You'll be happy with it I'm sure.
Beckers are easy to modify and just great all around tools.
A lot of value across the entire BK&T lineup.

 

[bigghoss]

After buying three excellent EDC blades (Spyderco Dragonfly2, Spyderco Cat, and a Kershaw Leek), I now have an itch to buy a fixed-bladed survival knife. I would like to spend more time outdoors, and would like to have a knife to help with that. I would like to start with a decent knife, one that would grow with me as I learn more bushcraft skills.

The knife that began this hunt was the original Ka-Bar combat knife. What a timeless, classic design. That said, though it is a most excellent blade, I think for survival purposes, there may be better choices. That brought me to the Ka-Bar/Becker BK-2. On every list of survival knives I read, it kept coming up. Apparently this is a bomb-proof, SHTF, bug-out knife extraordinaire (and can cut through lawnmowers). That said, as I started watching videos about the knife, it seems like a ¼” thick steel is just a tad more that I need. Which bring me to the BK-10. I have watched numerous video reviews, poured through pictures, read reviews, and it seems like it’s a awesome knife. While it may not necessarily be as bomb-proof as the BK-2, it nonetheless seems like a great survival tool, and one could be the last survival knife I would have to purchase. From a practical point of view, it’s a great knife, and I would say that it’s design just ‘speaks’ to me. I love the geometry, and it looks well suited to many bushcraft tasks, and could probably be a solid tactical knife if the need arose.

Credit to user SaturatedShadow for the pic

I just want to ensure I’m not overlooking something better around a similar price point. I have heard great things about the ESEE-6, though it is a bit more than I want to spend. On the other end of the budget spectrum, I have read about Mora knives. I can see myself getting one of those as an ‘add-on’ knife. They seem like spectacular deals.

So, I pose this question to the forum: Am I overlook something, or should I just go out and buy the BK-10? On the site I have been watching, it appears to have gone on short-term sale so it would be a good time for me to buy.

Blah blah blah. TL;DR. Yes you should buy a BK10. And a BK9. And the rest.

Kidding aside, the BK10 sounds to be right up your alley. I agree the BK2, or any 1/4" thick knife, is probably overkill for the most part. Plus thinner blades cut better. Ontario also makes good knives for under $100. I think I like my SP46 over my BK10.


There is a sub-forum just for Becker knives, might be worth checking out.

 

[Guyon]

pharminator, I prefer the BK-10 over the BK-2 because of the thickness factor you mention. That said, you're not going to go wrong with the other main knife you indicated, the ESEE 6. I don't have the 6, but I know a lot of people who like that knife. Are you near a dealer where you can handle both? Such decisions usually boil down to feel and balance, everything else being pretty equal.

Lost Cosmo, go beat that 10 "LE"! Heck, I even deramped mine!

 

[mec003]

I haven't used a BK10, but the beckers I own are fantastic. I would recommend them to anyone. Getting a BK10 and a Mora companion to pair with it would be a good idea. Or if you want to stick with the beckers, a BK 14/24.

 

[TBL]

Wussies

BK2 = win.

But if the 10 is more of your thing.... you can't go wrong with it.

 

[LG&M]

Get the 10 .I love mine.
Get it, use it, love it.

 

[pharminator]

Many thanks to the great replies. I really appreciate the input. I likely will pull the trigger and purchase the BK-10 over the weekend. Unfortunately, I don't live close to any store that would allow me access to handle any of these knives before purchase. Unfortunately, that means I have to buy them sight unseen, that's why I like to ask people who have had a chance to use them. So, hopefully in the near, near future I will be the proud owner of a BK-10, and join the ranks of the Beckerheads.

Also, the Mora Pro C looks like a fantastic blade... I may have to pick one of those up too at some point soon! (Any recommendations within the Mora line?)

 

[bigghoss]

Also, the Mora Pro C looks like a fantastic blade... I may have to pick one of those up too at some point soon! (Any recommendations within the Mora line?)

I've only tried the Companion and the thicker Companion HG. I prefer the regular companion with the thinner blade. The BK10 can take the abuse so get a thinner bladed Mora for detail work. They can take a lot more than people expect anyway.

 

[pharminator]

Just pulled the trigger and sent my order in! I can't believe I just dropped $100 on a knife... first time crossing that threshold! (Canadian prices are higher than US). Now I need to buy a book on bushcraft so I can learn how to use it.

 

[22-rimfire]

Just pulled the trigger and sent my order in! I can't believe I just dropped $100 on a knife... first time crossing that threshold! (Canadian prices are higher than US). Now I need to buy a book on bushcraft so I can learn how to use it.

Yeah. Pick up a couple books. I don't have any particular advice there. The US Army Survival manual I believe is free to download and that might be a place to start. Free you know.... Wander over to the Outdoors section and I believe you'll find discussions or recommendations on woodscraft books.

I think you made a good choice with the BK-10. I wish Kabar would offer uncoated versions. The BK-16/BK-17 is a great all around woods knife. And I like the BK-15 for that purpose too. Honestly, any of these would probably suit you unless you are really trying to baton thick wood slabs. Folding saws work for those if you are so inclined.

 

[mec003]

I would strongly recommend a bk14/24/11 to pair with your 10 at some point. I like having a smaller blade also. They are very reasonable in price and you can attach it quite easily to a belt or pack with paracord (I find my 14 to be too heavy for a neck knife).

The 16 is my favorite, but probably not necessary with 10, and the 14/11/24 is cheaper.

 

[Guyon]

Many thanks to the great replies. I really appreciate the input. I likely will pull the trigger and purchase the BK-10 over the weekend. Unfortunately, I don't live close to any store that would allow me access to handle any of these knives before purchase. Unfortunately, that means I have to buy them sight unseen, that's why I like to ask people who have had a chance to use them. So, hopefully in the near, near future I will be the proud owner of a BK-10, and join the ranks of the Beckerheads.

One of the things that shines about Beckers is the handle design IMO.
Some folks want more traction on the Grivory and do things like stippling with a soldering iron, sand blasting scales, or using inner tube.
Caveat: If you stretch inner tube onto the handle, do so with the knife securely in a sheath!

I've upgraded to micarta on a lot of my Beckers, but that said, I find the stock scales to be just fine out of the box.
Congrats on the purchase! Once you get your knife, let us know how you like it, either here or over in the dedicated Becker subforum.

 

[Blue Sky]

I think you made a good choice. I have both, and while the 2 has a great blade shape it is just a little overbuilt for my taste. The thinner 10 makes the handle feel a little better to me too.

 

[collim1]

I may have a bigger and heavier knife on me in the woods but my Mora no 1 is always around my neck.

Hard to beat a mora for camp chores and wood processing.

 

[pharminator]

I really appreciate the advice everyone has given on this thread. I'm really excited to start learning to use this fantastic knife. As I haven't done much wilderness survival, I have a lot to learn. I'm originally from a small, rural fishing viliage, so I have ample area to go and try things out when I go home to visit my folks.

As for a knife to pair with this one, as 22-rimfire and mec003 mentioned, the BK-16 looks like a great knife. As I'm new to this gig, I'll probably begin by adding a Mora Pro to the mix (for cost effectiveness). From all accounts, it's a steal of a bargain and would probably be able to handle everything the BK-10 couldn't.

On that note - if I were to add a Mora to the mix, would it be best to get the stainless steel version, or the carbon? If edge retention and other properties were similar between the two steels, would the stainless be a better option? Swedish 12C27 Sanvik vs Swedish high carbon steel. Both are 58HRC.

 

[pharminator]

I may have a bigger and heavier knife on me in the woods but my Mora no 1 is always around my neck.

Hard to beat a mora for camp chores and wood processing.

I just looked it up and the Mora No1 does look like a great knife. I wish I could handle the Mora Pro, vs the No1 and No2. All I have is pics to go on....

 

[SALTY]

The BK10 is an awesome knife.
You'll be happy with it I'm sure.
Beckers are easy to modify and just great all around tools.
A lot of value across the entire BK&T lineup.

Gotta agree with Jonny1280 on all that he said.

The 10 in particular is a very nice knife for it's size. The weight, thickness, grind, thumb ramp and, of course, handles all just seem to work. The 10 and the 7 are very similar except, of course, for length so take a look at both and get the one that sings to you.

In the long run, it really doesn't matter which Becker you get first - as you will surely get more!