which one is better? from these 3 kabar knives

V

vicooo

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Jun 5, 2010
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I am getting one of these knives but still don't know which one is the best choice, could you guys help me on this ? thanks:

kabar 5600
8972344d8ba2e98bad578a4e84c75d73.jpg


kabar1217
KA1217.jpg


kabar BK7
KABK7.jpg
 
The Potbelly is the best chopper, the USMC probably doesnt perform as well as the BK7 for general use, and isn't as durable by design. It really comes down to what your intended use will be. For camp tasks I'd go Potbelly. For combat I would go BK7. For something pretty to hang on my wall I'd go USMC fighter.....etc
 
I'd go bk7... I don't like the handle on the potbelly, yes I have held it, and the Becker is a better all around knife than the usmc IMO...
 
The more important question is what are your uses for the knife? I've had a Camillus-made BK-7 for almost ten years, and it's handled anything & everything I've ever had to do with it. The #1217 C/U is great for historical value & general use, but I definitely wouldn't use it like I would the BK-7. The Potbelly is on my list, so I have no experience with that one.

~Chris
 
Better is a pretty relative term. To restate orcas question, what do you want to do with it?

I was planning to get a BK7 till a buddy got me a 1219. The more I used it the more I realized it does everything is expect a fixed blade, all-purpose knife to do. Plus the classic look and feel make it even more enjoyable to handle. Sorry BK7. You're out.

In my years of back country living, I've never batoned, but if I did. I'd buy something else... Like an axe or maybe one of those swabby things... Something meant for that. For a chopper, maybe the potbelly but more likely a machax or kuhkri. My point is that once you have a realistic idea of what you'll be doing, the choices get easier.

Fwiw I do think they are all great blades and any one is gonna make you happy so nice work narrowing you choices to those three.
 
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hey guys, thanks so much for the replying. I am using it for the general purpose in outdoor circumstance, such as deal with woods etc..
but regarding to the name , BK7 is also designed for combat isn't it? can we say it's also better for the combat purpose compare with 1217?

Thanks,
-V-
 
Depends on what you mean by "combat", and your combat style.. The bk7 is a bit heavier/bigger, same blade length, but a taller blade, 2 oz heavier... The 1217 is more agile, and obviously has the guard... But as I said before, I'd go bk7, the extra weight is meh to me, I see no need fir a guard, and a know the Becker handle is awesome
 
For camp tasks combined with wood processing and food prep I would grab a BK7 and be a happy man!
 
For processing firewood and overall camp/survivalist knife, the BK7.

For a lightweight camp/hiking/survivalist, the KaBar.


The KaBar is more a 'fighter'. The BK7 is more a heavy duty 'utility' stabber.

100_3032.jpg

(Pic snagged from moosez45)
 
By virtue of the fact that the usmc is stick tang
And has had a known history of tang failures
Places it at the bottom three.
Potbelly seems more "friendlier" to the hand.
Whilst the Bk7 is the undisputed heavy duty workhorse of the lot.
And Having less dexteriy by virtue of its scales.
Other than that its your top pick.
 
The potbelly will actually be tougher than the bk7. Its 1/4in thick, and has a low saber grind. The bk7 is 3/16in thick, higher saber grind.

If you want a compact chopper/batonner, the potbelly is a great choice. The bk7 won't chop pr baton as well, bit will still do the tasks, while weighing less.

The potbellys handles are ok, but its mostly the texture I didn't like about them. The bk7 handle ergos are better imo.
 
For me the BK7 has to be the #1 draft pick. The handle is ultra comfortable in my hands, it's balanced, full tang construction, and is the perfect jack of all trades survival knife IMO. It's aptly named a "combat knife" NOT a fighter.

My second pick has to be the legendary USMC Ka-Bar. It's a fighter with a long legacy, and it's as 'Mercian as mom and apple pie. It might not be the most versatile knife you ever own, but by God it's a Ka-Bar, and it'll get the job done.

Last but not least would be the potbelly. To my eyes it's a niche knife, and very "Condor-ish." Not a slam to Condor............I've got several of their knives, I just expect certain styles from certain companies I guess. Might be a helluva knife, and I was going to buy one last year until I read spotty reviews about heat treating and decided to wait a while. I'll still probably buy one because it's an interesting design and I've already got enough BK7s to supply my great grandchildren with. ;)
 
52100 said:
Last but not least would be the potbelly. To my eyes it's a niche knife, and very "Condor-ish." Not a slam to Condor............I've got several of their knives, I just expect certain styles from certain companies I guess. Might be a helluva knife, and I was going to buy one last year until I read spotty reviews about heat treating and decided to wait a while. I'll still probably buy one because it's an interesting design and I've already got enough BK7s to supply my great grandchildren with. ;)
Click to expand...

Just as a heads up, they're on closeout right now (running about the same price as the BK4/5).

The early versions were hollow ground after the saber, but that was changed to flat grind due to what you're likely talking about. People had edge damage/etc, and it was determined that a flat grind would be more robust (the part after the flat saber portion at the top). So you "should" be good to go if you want to pick one up.

Myself, I just don't see much need for a 7in blade. Maybe if I was restricted to just one blade when I went out I'd be more into it, but I usually take 2-3 with me, and having one that size just seems less efficient than the longer choppers, yet it weighs the same.
 
I don't have any of these. If they were layed in front of me to choose only one, I'd grab the Becker with zero hesitation...
 
After using a Parangatang and a BK9 for all my camp work a weekend ago, I'd have to say the Becker handle is much more comfortable than the JAB handle, and given the blade shape the BK7 would be the most useful for normal knife duties. If you need a chopped, the Potbelly might be a little heavier, but the BK7 would be almost as good and you could chop for longer without your hand getting tired.

I'd go for the BK7
 
May want to consider the Large Bowie a usable chopper and very good at Ribs, Porterhouse, Prime Rib, London Broil, Lobster, oysters, you get the picture

 
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