The BK9

[Petelele]

So i have been looking into buying A Becker BK9, looks radical, seems like its build like a tank and is just about the perfect size for me (alongside a Mora kniv).
Now i also saw the BK20 but since i cant buy it in Europe i think the BK9 is the best option for me.
I would just like you guys' opinion on the knife and its alternatives.
Also if there is still a way to get the BK20 in Europe is it the better knife?
What are some flaws of the BK9 because i cant seem to find any except the sheath and that's an easy fix by making my own kydex sheath.

 

[daizee]

The BK-9 is more versatile than the 20, and weighs less. It's an excellent blade.
If you want a dedicated chopper, there are larger choices, but in its weight and capability class, it's hard to beat the BK-9.
And the sheath isn't terrible, so you can hit the field right out of the box.

-E

 

[TinyDog]

THe BK9 is a fine knife that works well. A very fair price as well.

 

[Petelele]

So is it really damn near perfect? what are the alternatives? what are its flaws that other knives do better?

 

[knifejunkie1928]

I'm not going to say if one is better then the other. But I think if you call Kabar on the phone they will take your order for the bk20 and ship to Europe.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[TinyDog]

So is it really damn near perfect? what are the alternatives? what are its flaws that other knives do better?

So then Petelele, There are pros, cons on every knife ever made IMO. And there are plenty of Alternatives as well. If you truly want a beast of a knife at a fair Price point, you should be happy with the nine. There are so many opinions on knives today anyone could be overwhelmed with feedback good or Bad. Take the leap And move on, I think you will find out the BK9 will be perfect! next to the mora

 

[Gaston444]

It is a good user, but there is better for the same price or less, notably the Ontario SP-52 or SP-53. The BK point and edge are sharp, and this gives the BK-9 unusual versatility for a cheap big knife.

I've often wondered why BK-9s are so often slightly cooling warped (curved when looking down the spine): A very interesting explanation came up, on a Youtube comment section if memory serves: The sabre grinds are very loosely ground in height, so you have vastly different surfaces of full thickness from right to left in that the height of the sabre grind is very different, due to loose grinding tolerances: This means, as the blade cools down from the heat treat, that it is susceptible to cooling curving, because there is more mass on one side of the blade than on the other.

I find the blade stock is too thin at 4.9 mm, and that 6 mm like on the Ontarios is way better.

Be prepared to deal with a humongous amount of handle vibrations while chopping, this because of 3 factors: 1-thin blade stock, 2-Exposed metal in the handle, 3-Large skeletal handle slots (not a solid full tang)

I don't know if the SP-52 or 53 have had breakages, but be assured breakages are a long way from unknown on the BK-9, and hand vibrations from Ontario's full-surround Kraton handles are nil in comparison...: I have used the BK-9 extensively and I would consider this a major issue.

The best thing about the BK-9 (besides the edge) is the well-fitting sheath. It is really is quite good for what it is.

Another good thing is a fair level of edge finesse, 17 degrees per side on a roughly sub-0.040" edge shoulder, which means it is one of the few big knives with some small work versatility, especially in this price range: My recommended SP-52 will likely have somewhat less versatility in small task slicing.

The BK-9 is not a bad knife, but blade heat curving is unacceptable in my view. Chopping power is very likely less than half that of the SP-52-53s, although a side by side test would be nice to see. I have no doubt the Ontario knives will utterly pulverize the BK in chopping, for an identical weight in the SP-52 case (18 ounces, the 53 is 22 ounces).

Gaston

 

[Petelele]

Can anyone verify Gastons claims? and can anyone share their opinion on the SP-52?
EDIT: the SP-52 doesn't seem to be available in the EU/discontinued . I think my preference would go to the BK9 as far as my research went.

 

[Xr6x]

Can anyone verify Gastons claims? and can anyone share their opinion on the SP-52?
EDIT: the SP-52 doesn't seem to be available in the EU/discontinued . I think my preference would go to the BK9 as far as my research went.

You would be wise to ignor Gaston's claims as the name implies he is full of hot air. The 9 is a great blade and you will be happy. You won't go wrong with any Becker blade imo.

 

[Guyon]

Flaws? They're addictive.

 

[SALTY]

The BK9 is a very good knife and a fantastic knife at its price point and warranty.

Coupled with something like a Mora, you'd be G2G (good to go) for just about anything.

When you asked about other knives, I am a fan of the BK5 for slicing and dicing but it is not a BK9, despite the fact that it is very capable and I am in a love affair with mine.

There's a reason why Beckerheads have an expression that says, You can't not have a Nine!

 

[Guyon]

It is a good user, but there is better for the same price or less, notably the Ontario SP-52 or SP-53. The BK point and edge are sharp, and this gives the BK-9 unusual versatility for a cheap big knife.

I've often wondered why BK-9s are so often slightly cooling warped (curved when looking down the spine): A very interesting explanation came up, on a Youtube comment section if memory serves: The sabre grinds are very loosely ground in height, so you have vastly different surfaces of full thickness from right to left in that the height of the sabre grind is very different, due to loose grinding tolerances: This means, as the blade cools down from the heat treat, that it is susceptible to cooling curving, because there is more mass on one side of the blade than on the other.

I find the blade stock is too thin at 4.9 mm, and that 6 mm like on the Ontarios is way better.

Be prepared to deal with a humongous amount of handle vibrations while chopping, this because of 3 factors: 1-thin blade stock, 2-Exposed metal in the handle, 3-Large skeletal handle slots (not a solid full tang)

Can anyone verify Gastons claims? and can anyone share their opinion on the SP-52?
EDIT: the SP-52 doesn't seem to be available in the EU/discontinued . I think my preference would go to the BK9 as far as my research went.

Gaston has been beating this dead horse for a while. For instance...

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-want-a-9-Must-buy-myself-a-christmas-present

Most folks, including me, do not see the same "faults" that he does.

 

[SALTY]

I have a gaggle of BK9s and every one of them is literally perfect ... or at least as perfect as my naked eyes can see.

 

[NCSlice]

Can anyone verify Gastons claims? and can anyone share their opinion on the SP-52?
EDIT: the SP-52 doesn't seem to be available in the EU/discontinued . I think my preference would go to the BK9 as far as my research went.

No, and neither can he. In fact...the only time he EVER chimes in here is with this exact same broken record statement with zero evidence to back it up. Also, he has soft hands...

The 9 is amongst the favorites of the line along with the BK2. With a companion Blade, youre pretty well covered for any task. Even without a companion the 9 is a fantastic go to.
It sounds like you've done lots of research already and are ready.

It was my second Becker after the 2, and really what got me addicted.

Good luck, welcome to the BK&T forums, and be sure to report back!

I think there's a few others around here from your neck of the woods, hang out for a bit and poke around, lots of great people and info here!

 

[granitestateofmind]

I have a "factory second" BK9......and aside from the little drill indent they put in it, it works fine. Are the grinds perfect? No. Is the coating a little uneven? It sure is. And although this was a gift from Ka-Bar (Northeast Gathering swag), there isn't much that can even come close to the 9 at it's commonly available price point. I own a couple blades that are twice to three times the MSRP of the 9 and none of them have perfect grinds. Ethan's handle ergos are pretty damned good for a LOT of folks and Ka-Bar's HT is excellent as well. There have been some problems, but they are few and far between and Ka-Bar generally takes fantastic care of its customers. IMO, the 9 paired with a Mora will cover just about anything you might want to do knifewise. I'm sorry you aren't able to get a Bundock (20), but if you get a 9 and never hold a 20 you'll be happy as can be. Hell, even if you are able to procure a 20, you'll STILL be happy with the 9. It's a stellar choice for an all-around woods blade that, in the right hands, is capable of just about anything. As for the claims of our good friend Gaston.....they are one (......edited......) person's opinions, and should be taken as such. Ka-Bar has thousands of BK-9's out there in the hands of thousands of happy users. I sincerely doubt you'd be disappointed with the King.

 

[J W Bensinger]

I also have one of the BK9 "seconds"-it's dead straight, nothing wrong with the grind, and I zero-convexed mine so if the HT was off believe me I'd know.
I've never experienced any handle vibration either.
Perhaps somebody doesn't understand a) the concept of point of percussion, and/or b) hex wrenches

 

[Gaston444]

Can anyone verify Gastons claims? and can anyone share their opinion on the SP-52?
EDIT: the SP-52 doesn't seem to be available in the EU/discontinued . I think my preference would go to the BK9 as far as my research went.

You can order it here from Ontario's own store. (Cheaper than the Bk-9 at around $75)

http://ontario-knife-store.com/spec-plus-gen-ii-sp52-knife/

It's amazing to think it does not weight any more than 18 ounces, or about the same as a Trailmaster or Bk-9.

I forgot to mention that my Bk-9 had the edge veering off to one side near the handle, not at all centered to the spine, and others have confirmed this on theirs as well. That is pretty egregious...: I don't think I have seen this on any other knife...

Performance wise I cannot find my old pictures with the Jereboam matching the Bk-9 blow for blow, but you can see the Jereboam here versus a Randall Model 12, and keep in mind the Model 12 is likely way behind what an SP-52 is capable of at the same 18 ounces weight:

I have owned the Bk-9 for a long while, but never the SP-52: What I say about the SP-52 is based on the design and reviews I have read or seen, and my experience with the handle of the Ontario SP-8 and the handle of the BK-9: Believe me, that is plenty enough...: You might need to cut off the hook shape at the end of the SP-52 handle, but at least that is easy to do with an exacto blade...: Try doing the same thing on the BK-9, and that is a huge ordeal in comparison...

Some claim the SP-52 sheath is bad, but I have a similar sheath for another knife, and I don't think it is in any way bad: The liner is 1 mm thick rolled plastic that will not crack at all, unlike the thinner plastic of the TOPS sheath liner, and it has true snaps, not Velcro snaps. This sheath does not look as overbuilt as a Spec Ops sheath, but if it is similar to my generic 10" blade sheath (which looks to be the same), it is quite good in design and durability: Unlike Cold Steel's secure-ex, the liner's soft plastic will not dull the edge, and that is a very big issue: Soft non glass-loaded plastic is exactly what you want in a sheath liner, and this sheath has it: Even Kydex is way too hard.

In the 18 ounces range for chopping performance, there is no point in bringing up any of my favourite knives, which the SP-52 is not (just not my thing, style wise): None of my favourite knives would have a chance chopping against it, and neither would a similar size and especially similar weight Kukri: In the words of one reviewer, it is the best chopping knife they ever tested, and the second place knife was not even close... I don't think even a heavier Busse would be anywhere in the ballpark either, but shh!

As another example, the Trailmaster is known to be similar in performance to the BK-9 (maybe a little behind), and that in itself is not that great a thing...:

I don't own the SP-52 because I require fine points on my knives, and I like thin edges that are slicy despite being on a big knife. The SP-52 may not quite fit those point/edge finesse requirements, but for a BK-9 the requirements are usually those of a low-price chopper, and at that game the SP-52 is simply way better and cheaper. To be fair, the BK-9 does offer a small amount of the same versatility I look for in my own overpriced knives...

I know the SP-52 would beat all my favourite knives in chopping, while being about 10-20 times cheaper, but keep in mind BK fans are not so objective...: A chop off between a BK-9 and an SP-52 would not be a pretty sight... If you have a lot of chopping work in mind, the BK-9 will do it, but it will be a very discouraging prospect: I found the Chris Jereboam pictured above (Cerakoated in ugly green in the picture) far less tiresome to use over the long term, in particular because of the vibration issue in the BK-9 handle.

Gaston

P.S. And yes I did own a BK-9, but that is the only pic I have left of it:

 

[Ferahgo]

I don't see any flaws with the 9 what so ever. For the price, you would be hard pressed to get a better blade.

 

[Battleship]

Did your wife leave you for a BK 9?

 

[Spameater12003]

Came to this thread to see if gaston had chimed in. Sure as sh** he has. Never see any "others" back up his claims.

I have the 20 and the 9. The nine is a better knife. The 20 is a beast but I haven't had enough time in the woods with it yet... so can't say any more than that. If I had to give one away it would be the 20.