So, something has been nagging at me......

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Moosez45

Moosez45

Custom Antlers, Factory Knives...
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For some reason, folks seem to think that Kabar is lowering the quality of the BKT knives. Whether it be the steel, handles, sheaths, or grind, for some reason, folks aren't seeing it.

So, I wanted to point out a few things, mostly, the quality upgrades that YOU GUYS AND GALS have helped make happen.

Steel, 1095CV, sure it ain't some hyper new super steel, but its been around a long time and Kabar has the best HT in the biz.

Coatings, ya'll said the old coatings wore to easily, so, you got a newer, tougher coating.

QC, some of you got a bent blade, we that was due to roll stamping and now that is gone.

Switch from Grivory to Zytel, THEY ARE THE SAME THING, JUST A DIFFERENT NAME!! both are equally durable and adaptable, just don't put them in an open flame.

The sheaths suck, well, have you seen the new ones? They are better material with tougher stitching, more options, and are on going to be one every blade soon.


Oh, and did I fail to mention that the price has only gone up 4% in the last 5yrs? Yeah, that is it, even on the most expensive BKT knife, that's only an increase of $4.

SO, all the new quality upgrades, a slight increase in price, and the same tough as knives as before.

If you are not seeing the quality upgrades, then you simply are not looking.

Bottom line, Kabar is bending over backwards to increase every level of the the BKT line, except the price, which, is not going to break your wallet.

Sorry for the rant, but these things need to be pointed out sometimes.

Feel free to comment, but I won't let this turn into a debacle, anything other than cordial discussion, and I'll close this thread and issue warnings.

Moose
 
I think that as Becker moves from a relatively obscure company into the limelight, you are going to encounter more issues of this nature as BK&T is being exposed to more people than ever that have no clue what they are doing, nor what to look for in a knife, nor what a quality knife even is. As this community grows, I think that is one of the various "pains" we are going to have to deal with here, mainly due to ignorance. (There is nothing wrong with ignorance btw, it can be educated, and that is what we aim to do here.)
 
I have yet to see anything to complain about...not at the price they charge. It's not as if most of use are using them "as-is" out of the box. Anyone that complains, I would challenge "show me on knife company making something better at this price". I'd take a Becker over most stuff twice the price.
 
Although I am a newb to the BK&T product line and yes I may have got my first Becker knives at a steal of a price from some uninformed girls, I am very pleased with not only the product quality but also with the Becker community here on this forum. I will gladly play full retail when I purchase my next Becker and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a great knife. Thanks for letting me share and be a part of this.
 
Mr. Moose, all of those pluses are what keeps me reading this sub-forum. And trying to figure out which model to get. A brutish indestructible 2 or an all-around good 7. There's no other knife brand I know of that has me really wanting more than one of their models. Sure I lust after certain other knives and have purchased them. But the quality and value is apparent in the Becker line of knives to anyone who cares to look.

That said, some people will not feel content with their purchase unless they pay an exorbitant amount of money. No matter what. They're hung up on "you get what you pay for", and "I paid big $$$ for this 'cause I'm rich". I believe this is why some people make statements about Becker knife quality.
 
The big thing Moose pointed out that should have been the big, bolded line is the price really hasn't gone up. The new stuff with the heavier coating, fancier etching. and better sheaths...and for what, $2 more?

I got the BK7 with the new sheath....Still a no frills sheath, but the quality upgrade is very noticable. And the knives are made in in the US. Again I ask...If there is a better knife for the money, show me!
 
Haters gonna hate.

I'm happy.

I'll be even happier when I get another Becker (BK15?) :D
 
Best value blade made in America. Compares easily to knives that are much more expensive. Also I like not paying for a knife with all the frills because I like most of you like buying handles sheaths and accessories to keep me busy. Moose you nailed it.
 
I like Becker knives... I am pleased with all of the models I have, and intend on buying more.

Some people just like to piss and moan about anything and everything....

mmOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOooo...

Not I gotta go piss....

Doc

*chortle*
 
Moosez45 said:
If you are not seeing the quality upgrades, then you simply are not looking.
Click to expand...

quoted for truth.

AND expanding the line-up by 6 AMERICAN-MADE blades in two years. (4, 5, 14, 15, 16, 17, ...?)
Put THAT in your tank and quench it.

-Daizee
 
I have no complaints over BKs, hell I actually liked them better when they were roll stamped and had that easy to remove coating. Anyway, people will always hate on something no matter how perfect it it you will never be able to change that.
 
Moosez45 said:
Switch from Grivory to Zytel, THEY ARE THE SAME THING, JUST A DIFFERENT NAME!! both are equally durable and adaptable, just don't put them in an open flame.

Moose
Click to expand...

Just maybe strategic communications mis-match, but to say "they are the same thing" and then say "both" is to indicate that they are not quite the same. I know it's nit-picking in the highest order, but as consumers, we are often critical of the subtle name changes that have in the past been associated with a declining quality. If the Grivory and zytel are the same, why change the name?

Again, great value, great product, great community. Just offering feedback as to what some of the issues with consumer perception may be.
 
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CamH_16 said:
I have no complaints over BKs, hell I actually liked them better when they were roll stamped and had that easy to remove coating. Anyway, people will always hate on something no matter how perfect it it you will never be able to change that.
Click to expand...

yeah, but the new coating is a better coating, by the standards of coatings.
and the laser etching is a better process by the standards of manufacturing which require a low defect rate.

This adds up to mean that Kabar is focused on making GOOD decisions, not EASY decisions, and are investing in the long-term viability of BOTH the brand AND the product (how often is that true anymore).

-Daizee
 
CCMI said:
Haters gonna hate.
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That's how you know you're doing a good job.
At this price point for the product you get (especially the heat treat); I wouldn’t care if they painted it with Krylon, threw it in a dryer full of rocks, wrapped it in a used baby diaper, and threw it on my drive way as they sped by at 75mph. I would still be happy with my purchase. (and I would probably leave it in the diaper for a bit to see what type of patina I could get from baby seconds.) I know that Becker knives occupy the top 5 spots in my “to buy” list of knives and I have yet to see something that would knock any of them down.

haters2.jpg
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swonut said:
If the Grivory and zytel are the same, why change the name?
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Since neither name is descriptive, presumably they are trademarked names, like 'Kydex', 'Kleenex', etc.
Same material, different supplier. This happens ALL THE TIME in manufacturing. You can only buy 'Velcro' from 3M, for instance.
Though I'm not the authority here.
 
Well, you can't please all the people all the time. There will be some who just look for something to complain about.

As Tanner pointed out - Show me a better knife in the price point Becker's are at, I dare ya!

As CCMI stated - Haters gonna hate.
 
swonut said:
If the Grivory and zytel are the same, why change the name?
Click to expand...

From a recent thread:


Toooj said:
Basically Climbing rock gave you the technical description of the plastic we use. I'll try to put it in layman's terms:
"Grivory" is the name of a Swiss Plastics company. Their Formula: GVH6 is the plastic used in Becker handles. It is basically Nylon with mixed with fiberglass. It produces a very hard and strong plastic.
Because of the current exchange rate, we are bringing many things back to the US. So the Becker Handles will now be made with Zytel. This is a Glass filled Nylon trademarked by DuPont. Basically the same thing. Either way, I don't think you'll go wrong.
Hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Paul Tsujimoto
Sr Eng
Prod Dev and Qual
KA-BAR Knives
Click to expand...



So, same EXACT material......... eh maybe not 100%.

BUT, there are not any practical differences between the "two" materials.


EDIT: just came across this post as well.....


Toooj said:
bearcrusher,

GFN-PA66 is the generic description of the thermo-plastic being discussed. Glass Filled Nylon- Poly Amide 66
Zytel is a DuPont Trademarked name for GFN-PA66, Grivory is a Company name; GV6H is their product number for GFN-PA66.
Hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Paul Tsujimoto
Sr Eng
Prod Dev and Qual
KA-BAR Knives
Click to expand...
 
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daizee said:
yeah, but the new coating is a better coating, by the standards of coatings.
and the laser etching is a better process by the standards of manufacturing which require a low defect rate.

This adds up to mean that Kabar is focused on making GOOD decisions, not EASY decisions, and are investing in the long-term viability of BOTH the brand AND the product (how often is that true anymore).

-Daizee
Click to expand...

I know, I just liked having the logo prodly stamped on and going nowhere rather than a slightly visible laser etching when strippred thats all.
 
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