Three reasons why I like the Kabar BK2 better than the Camillus BK2

[AfghanWarrior]

I own both. I am surprised, but I like the Kabar BK2 Campanion better.
The KaBar BK2 is 1/8" longer.
The KaBar BK2 is thicker (.257") thickness vs Camillus at (.216")
Full tang is flat at butt of knife and sticks out beyond handle
KaBar is flat: better for hitting with wood sticks in fieldcraft.
Camillus is pointed

I do not really know how to judge the Steel:
KaBar: 1095 High Carbon 56-58 HRC
Camillus: 0176-6C High Carbon Steel 58-59 HRC

 

[NixKustoms]

Hey if you don't want that Cam BK2 I'll take it and dispose of it for ya.


Welcome to the boards!! Stick around its a fun place to be!!

 

[Bladite]

it's pretty much the same steel

KaBar's heat treat is much better (modern!)

the KaBar has a skeletonized handle, so the resulting knife is more point heavy

the KaBar retains the more original thickness of the Blackjacks

other than the BK7, BK9, and BK10, there was little good about the Camillus era

 

[quint38]

I don't have a Camillus BK2, but have a Kabar BK10LE and a Camillus BK10 and I also noticed that the BK10LE seems more refined than my Camillus BK10. The overall fit and finish of the Kabar version is much nicer. I had always thought that there must be something "special" about Camillus era Beckers since they command such a high price on the open market. I guess to some that Camillus roll mark is worth the extra coin.

 

[AfghanWarrior]

I don't have a Camillus BK2, but have a Kabar BK10LE and a Camillus BK10 and I also noticed that the BK10LE seems more refined than my Camillus BK10. The overall fit and finish of the Kabar version is much nicer. I had always thought that there must be something "special" about Camillus era Beckers since they command such a high price on the open market. I guess to some to that Camillus roll mark is worth the extra coin.

Camillus is gone! So all Camillus Becker knives are now rare and will command more $$ if NIB. KaBar will make hundreds of thousands of Becker knives we all hope!

 

[AfghanWarrior]

Hey if you don't want that Cam BK2 I'll take it and dispose of it for ya.


Welcome to the boards!! Stick around its a fun place to be!!

Thanks for the offer, but I could not part with one of my children

 

[Wolf_1989]

I miss Camillus. Most of my Beckers are Camillus. But Mr Becker's wonderful knives are in good hands with KaBar. KaBar's 1095 IMO is the best in the industry, and 1095 is one of my favorite blade steels.

 

[AfghanWarrior]

I miss Camillus also. They were the largest and cheapest knife maker. I think the BK7 was $69.95 MSRP....beat that.:thumbup: Sadly, it is gone and I am glad Ka-Bar took over the Becker line. Ontario would be my first pick, but Ka-Bar is excellent.

 

[FAL'ER]

it's pretty much the same steel

KaBar's heat treat is much better (modern!)

the KaBar has a skeletonized handle, so the resulting knife is more point heavy

the KaBar retains the more original thickness of the Blackjacks

other than the BK7, BK9, and BK10, there was little good about the Camillus era

You forget the BK6

 

[Guyon]

Ontario would be my first pick, but Ka-Bar is excellent.

Recall that RAT knives were made by Ontario, and Randall & Perrin went elsewhere for a maker, in part because of the inconsistencies in production. I'm glad Ethan and Ka-Bar got together.

 

[C_Tanner]

Recall that RAT knives were made by Ontario, and Randall & Perrin went elsewhere for a maker, in part because of the inconsistencies in production. I'm glad Ethan and Ka-Bar got together.

Youtube "RTAK II fail"....it stopped me from buying one. I looked and looked and looked just to mix it up a bit, but nothing I could find topped Becker in terms of quality bang for the buck.

 

[AfghanWarrior]

Youtube "RTAK II fail"....it stopped me from buying one. I looked and looked and looked just to mix it up a bit, but nothing I could find topped Becker in terms of quality bang for the buck.

All good points. I do have the RTAK II also. It's huge and blade thickness is not 1/4" it is closer to 3/16" I think it is too thin for its mass size. The Becker BK9 is tiny compared to this knife. The Kukri is one tough sob for a reason using spring steel and 3/8" (9mm) blade spine thickness.