Which would be better?

exRonin1949

exRonin1949

Joined
May 28, 2018
Messages
72
I've been out of circulation for quite some time. Now living in an assisted living facility.
I'm a die-hard Ka-Bar/Becker/Ek fan. I won't buy anything else. So, I need your advice...

Last night I watched a YouTube video of Mr. Becker on Kukri's, one of my favorite of all blade designs. Before last Christmas, I was hospitalized, with all sorts of problems... I gave all of my knives to my daughter, thinking I wouldn't need them, if I checked-out. With them, went some Kukri's I'd had for years. Seeing, and hearing Mr. Becker, and his rationale for designing his Kukri's, I was hooked, yet again, on that wonderful blade design.

I live in a no-firearms facility, but they are okay with my D2 Exteme and other Ka-Bar's I've acquired since returing from the hospital. They're great, don't get me wrong. It's just, they aren't Kukri's. Mr. Becker gave a wonderful talk on Kukri's, and I'm smitten with the Reinhardt/Becker Kukri. It appears to be lighter than my previous Kukri's, longer, more slender, yet the balance seems to be extraordinary, coupled with an extremely large "sweet spot" on the blade.

Mr. Becker's blade, reviewed by others, seems to be well regarded as a chopper, and as a potential martial arts type blade. At the back half of sixty-nine, with the residents being "gun free (gag, spit...), where I'm the youngest resident, I'm the only one that is "armed" with my Ka-Bars.

The Reinhardt/Becker Kukri would give me extended reach over my D2 Extreme. Likewise, shock value when wielded properly, should be sufficient to address serious social difficulties of the close encounter kind.

Does anyone here have experience using the Reinhardt/Becker Kukri, either in fieldcraft, or in the martial arts field?

Any and all information, greatfully accepted.

In advance, Thanks!
 
Hm... That's what I did, when carrying multiple Glock's in .45acp, as well as later, two Sig Sauer P226's. More is definitely better.

What grip pannels do you use? Factory, Micarta, or VZ? I might not have time to put on gloves, but don't believe I'll have time to develop "hot spots." Main concern is not losing control of the blade at any time.

Thanks for your rapid response!

Your avatar is striking!
 
Go for the Ka-Bar/Becker Micarta handles.

They're the same size as the original black (hollow) slippery handles and definitely give the Reinhardt a better feel. They get a little sticky when moist, which is good. I hardly ever wear gloves. Sweat and Micarta work well together.

One day, I'll get a couple of sets checkered (or get a Checkering File and do it myself) just to dress them up, a little.

In my opinion, there are no other ways to improve the BK21 (other than stripping the coating). It really is that good.

A 710 Kydex (Diez Knives) sheath with a dangler makes life better if you're going to take it out to the woods
 
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OnceBitten, may I ask how you carry your two Reinhardt's? My physical limitations, (due to two strokes, a seizure, and four heart attacks, with a host of lesser challenges) make me an old, one bite, or two, sheepdog. Being the only armed person in a facility where I'm the youngest resident, 69 and hopefully counting, I don't expect to survive, if I'm between the brown smelly stuff that hits the opposing, oscillating, rotary impellor, and an opposing bulkhead. In other words, I'll truly be SOL. I've never been a "wolf," just a protector of those who can't protect themselves.

Your advice is most appreciated. Thank-You!

exRonin1949
 
Hi Ronin, great inquiry. I find the 21 to hit exceptionally hard. It’s very powerful and has a noticeable weight forward balance when swinging repeatedly. For me, and my medium sized hands, it leads to fatigue setting in a bit quicker than with some other blades. Don’t get me wrong, I do like it a lot and appreciate that every aspect of it is imposing. I prefer the long discontinued and hard to find BK6 Patrol Machete. It would be very cool if that became a production piece again.

You can see my 21 below...
GTrjK7b.jpg
 
GeofS,

Thanks for your rapid response! Your "functional art" collection is beautiful! I have heard of the BK6, yet never seen one before. To my former military trained mind, Mr. Becker, along with the rest of the wizards at Ka-Bar, design the best knives I've ever seen, or owned. Your collection is awe inspiring! Form truly does follow function!

exRonin1949
 
I couldn’t agree more with your sentiments about Mr. Becker’s designs.

Here’s a much older photo when she was new...
kNFAhf6.jpg
 
I guess I lucked out my 21 is my favorite Becker Chopper :D
IMG_4843.JPG IMG_4846.JPG IMG_4847.JPG
Had a little chop off between my 20 and 21 a couple weeks ago with some little Cedars. The 21 wins every time between the 20 and 21 that I have. I keep comparing them to see if things change but the 21 takes less swings every time I've never chopped anything other than pine and cedars maybe different wood things might be different o_O
 
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exRonin1949 said:
I've been out of circulation for quite some time. Now living in an assisted living facility.
I'm a die-hard Ka-Bar/Becker/Ek fan. I won't buy anything else. So, I need your advice...

Last night I watched a YouTube video of Mr. Becker on Kukri's, one of my favorite of all blade designs. Before last Christmas, I was hospitalized, with all sorts of problems... I gave all of my knives to my daughter, thinking I wouldn't need them, if I checked-out. With them, went some Kukri's I'd had for years. Seeing, and hearing Mr. Becker, and his rationale for designing his Kukri's, I was hooked, yet again, on that wonderful blade design.

I live in a no-firearms facility, but they are okay with my D2 Exteme and other Ka-Bar's I've acquired since returing from the hospital. They're great, don't get me wrong. It's just, they aren't Kukri's. Mr. Becker gave a wonderful talk on Kukri's, and I'm smitten with the Reinhardt/Becker Kukri. It appears to be lighter than my previous Kukri's, longer, more slender, yet the balance seems to be extraordinary, coupled with an extremely large "sweet spot" on the blade.

Mr. Becker's blade, reviewed by others, seems to be well regarded as a chopper, and as a potential martial arts type blade. At the back half of sixty-nine, with the residents being "gun free (gag, spit...), where I'm the youngest resident, I'm the only one that is "armed" with my Ka-Bars.

The Reinhardt/Becker Kukri would give me extended reach over my D2 Extreme. Likewise, shock value when wielded properly, should be sufficient to address serious social difficulties of the close encounter kind.

Does anyone here have experience using the Reinhardt/Becker Kukri, either in fieldcraft, or in the martial arts field?

Any and all information, greatfully accepted.

In advance, Thanks!
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I hope you start feeling better :thumbsup::thumbsup: I think your pretty lucky that the assistant living facility your staying at allows you to keep your KaBar Extreme . That sure is a nice Knife and probably all the Knife you need :thumbsup: You might want to show someone in charge there the video and see if the 21 meets there blade size requirements. You might be at the limit already. Good Luck exRonin1949 :thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
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Kabar Micarta grips probably are the best and more affordable way to go. There are G-10 ones available from The-kNife-coNNection if you want those types.

I just went with Kabar Micarta, I like its warmer feel at cold temperatures around -20 F.
 
I personally didn't have much luck with the 21. Not saying it's a bad blade, just saying it wasn't for me.
 
GeofS said:
As usual, the Warrior is correct. The 6 just wants to be swung. It’s surprisingly nimble too. I like the 6 better than the 21, 20, and 29.

GeofS,
Good Morning! What a beautiful brace of Beckers! Each photo I see, reinforces my belief that Ethan Becker is amongst the best blade masters of all time. No frills, no weaknesses- just quality. If Ka-Bar Becker reissues the BK6, I'll be sure to buy one!

Thanks!
KSJFZfs.jpg
Click to expand...
 
Roguer said:
Kabar Micarta grips probably are the best and more affordable way to go. There are G-10 ones available from The-kNife-coNNection if you want those types.

I just went with Kabar Micarta, I like its warmer feel at cold temperatures around -20 F.
Click to expand...

Good Morning, Roguer!

I used to live in southern Maine, where knowing of the Micarta versus Factory versus G10 would have been very important. Here in SW MO, the coldest I've seen over forty some odd years, was -5. That's certainly reason enough to go with the Micarta. So, that's what I'll get! Thank-You!

This is the kind valuable info that can only be found here, at Blade Forums, especially the Ethan Becker Section...

God Bless You All!!!

'Ronin

P.S. Anybody know of a more robust, perhaps Kydex sheath for the BK21? That would be most helpful. When reading OnceBitten's first post, I toyed with the idea of opposing/crossed back baldrics/sheaths for carriage. Then, blast it, remembering my new limitations, have decided to wear one or two, on opposing thighs. Will get my first BK21 within two weeks, pensions you know, then save for number 2.

Your input has been spirit raising, and I Thank-You, All...
 
The Warrior said:
I personally didn't have much luck with the 21. Not saying it's a bad blade, just saying it wasn't for me.
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With this in mind Ronin, I just want to reinforce that the 21 is a heavy blade and it’s not for everyone. Considering the medical conditions you’ve faced, you may want to look at something a bit more nimble. Knowing your affinity for KaBar, I would suggest checking out the parangatang which seems to be universally liked. I’ve never seen anything bad written about it. It’s longer than the 21 and significantly lighter and more nimble. I REALLY like it. :thumbsup:
 
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