Some help deciding (Ka-Bar vs Benchmade)

J

Jgcxelite

Joined
Mar 30, 2012
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25
Posted this erroneously in fixed-blade discussion, was told to post here, so here goes.

I can't decide whether to get a Ka-Bar Short Tanto or a Benchmade 158BK CSK II. I'm looking for a knife with a good balance between fighting and survival, probably favouring fighting if I had a choice.

I think prefer the Benchmade: it's longer (6 inch as supposed to 5.25), and from what I see, the handle's a better shape. Unless I'm mistaken, Benchmade has a better reputation than Ka-Bar?

However, I prefer the tanto shape of the Ka-Bar, although I'm not sure if I want the serrated part. More importantly, the Ka-Bar is only 50 pounds (77 dollars), which is just under half the price of the Benchmade (when considering postage as well), and I'm really not sure the slight advantage (from what I see) justifies being double the price. Perhaps someone here might know better?

FYI they're both the same material, 1095.

Links if you need more information:
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Benchma...Survival--2431
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Ka-Bar-...Utility--16653
 
I would say Kabar has a " better reputation " than Benchmade however they are both perfectly good manufacturers. Based on blade profile alone I would take the Benchmade, it sounds like this knife might not get a ton of use from you so I say Kabar for the price.
 
I didn't even know there was a Benchmade in that style
Handles look comfy
 
Only you know how much knife fighting and survival that your lifestyle demands. I'm guessing you would probably be best off saving some money and getting the KA-BAR. KA-BAR has a damn good reputation and those handles are well-liked.
 
zl1 said:
I didn't even know there was a Benchmade in that style
Handles look comfy
Click to expand...

Me neither, I'd definitely give it a shot. Don't discount the Kabar though, they've been around for ever, and for good reason. Don't think you could go wrong either way.
 
Alright, asked my brother's advice (he's more experienced). We agreed that the Ka-Bar tanto didn't have enough potential to be used as a survival, which I do need, so he suggested the Ka-Bar Becker BK9. It looks really good and should pack a punch (~1lb). Only problem is where to get it - I could buy it from a UK shop for 100 pounds, or I could try ebay for the US - cheaper, but shipping and customs... Decisions, decisions...
 
Get the serrations only if you really need them....
My experience, the fit / finish is nicer with Benchmade knives compared to Kabar, although they do make great knives...
 
Ka-bar makes tough, reliable production knives. Their knives are worth every bit of their modest prices. Benchmade, on the other hand, is a high end production company. Their knives are often made of more expensive steels, use innovative designs and arguably have better fit and finish.

Personally, I don't care for "modern" tanto blades like that Ka-bar. The offer questionable advantage over a drop or clip point fore self defense and are IMO inferior for most utility and survival uses. Some people do like them, though.

If it was me, I'd go with the Benchmade if only for its superior (to me anyway) blade shape. Of the cost still puts you off, you could look at the traditional Ka-bar USMC knife. A reasonably priced, proven combat/survival design.

http://www.bladehq.com/item--KaBar-USMC-Fighting--2446
 
Jgcxelite said:
Alright, asked my brother's advice (he's more experienced). We agreed that the Ka-Bar tanto didn't have enough potential to be used as a survival, which I do need, so he suggested the Ka-Bar Becker BK9. It looks really good and should pack a punch (~1lb). Only problem is where to get it - I could buy it from a UK shop for 100 pounds, or I could try ebay for the US - cheaper, but shipping and customs... Decisions, decisions...
Click to expand...

Your brother is a smart man! Might I also suggest pairing the BK9 with one of the Becker tweeners. It should cover all your bases quite well.
 
I have the CSK-II. It's a great knife, but I wouldn't pound on it in the woods (blade or handle). The handle, blade, and blade coating are all excellent; however, I would be reluctant to baton with it or attempt to split wood. It's an excellent knife, just not something I would call an all around survival knife.
 
go Ka-bar, like everyone else said, great Rep.

save your money, you wont get any worse quality or durability saving a few extra $$
 
also, why do you want a tanto knife for survival, get a spear, clip, or drop point.... more potential
 
Good balance between the two I'd probably opt for the M95 Sissipuukko which was specifically designed for what you want. Another would be the Ratmandu. I've always thought of the Swamp Rat Ratmandu as a fighting knife first and utility second. On a budget I'd go with the Becker BK5 or the "tweener" version. Those I see as weapon first as well.


Sorry, I'm not a fan of either of those knives you mentioned and couldn't help myself. :D
 
Hooray! Bought the BK9 for only 82 pounds! (125 dollars)
Bargain! (considering it's being sent to the UK which is an extra 30 quid/45 dollars for postage)
 
The Benchmade looks to me like the far superior knife. If you are buying a knife to stick people with, whatever you like the 'look' of is all that matters. If you're buying it for camping, backpacking, whatever, and just like the look of warlike tools, I think the handle of the Benchmade and the lack of a guard at the spine of the blade will make it the more successful tool.
 
Just came in.

...Except now I have to pay 24 pounds for Customs & Imports. *sigh*

Would have been cheaper (by about 5 quid) to buy here. Bloody customs & import tax.
 
Hooray!
DSC_0454_zps9bb25046.jpg
 
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