Why Would Anyone Buy a BK12?

S

Serin 16

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Apr 9, 2013
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148
With the reintroduction of the BK10 and the preexisting bk2 and bk7 (which the 12 was supposed to fill the gap for) why would anyone spend $125 for an RSK2/BK12? Is the quality of the heat treatment, sheath, and overall knife that much more valuable than that of a bk2, bk7, or bk10 (especially the 10, as it seems like that was built to bridge the 2-7 gap)? Upon examination, the sheath seems exactly the same as the kabar one but with a RSK logo on it. COuld somebody please compare these knives for me and understand what the draw of the BK12 is?

P.S. I'm not trying to hate on the 12; it seems like a great knife. However, it also seems a bit overpriced. I just want to know if it is worth buying over a 2, 7, or 10.
 
I think it has to do with the fact that Rowen makes the blade(same company that does the blades for ESEE. This in conjunction with having been collaborated with Ethan Becker for the handles gives those people that love both companies the chance to own something really special.
I thoroughly agree with you though. Now that Im getting to know my 10 and love it as much as I do I wouldnt buy the 12. Im sure its a great blade, I just dont want to spend that kind of money. Beckers work for a living, and are absolutely hands down the best value going in knives.
 
Some people prefer clip points, some people prefer drop points, some people prefer spear points... <-- That's the reason I can think of.

There is also the fact that the money (some, I think) goes to Doug Ritter to help with Knife Rights which is an organization EVERYONE on here needs to be a member of.
 
TBL said:
Like the children's Pokemon...you "gotta have em' all"!
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Oh this is too funny! With 10 and 6 year old sons, I get bombarded w/those shows. My youngest decided he needs to watch all things Power Ranger lately. Wow, talk about crap!!!

Not that this helps the discussion of the 12, but once the obsession bites you, you may not be satisfied until you get 'em all!
 
There are a couple reasons the knife is a bit more expensive. They are not made in large batches like the KA-BAR Beckers are, the company doing the HT is Rowen, which again is not a huge company and they do a fantastic job. This is some of what equates into pricing with blades like ESEE and the BK12. The knife is a collaboration, so I am sure there are issues there. Also the handle has a fancy weight balance system allowing you to make the knife blade heavy, balanced, or handle heavy. Long story short it is just economics. The KA-BAR Beckers have a larger demand and a better ability to supply bringing price down, while the BK12 Is not as in demand and production is not as large hence higher price. I could be completely wrong and talking out my butt, but to me this kinda explains it. When you look at the large scheme of thing for what you are getting its not that much. Most Beckers are right around the 60-80 dollar mark, add in a few more details and the price could go higher. There are some forumites who swear by the 12. Its been stated its better than the 2, 10, or 7. All of that is opinion of course but the fact still remains the 12 has its place. ;)
 
Two words: brass counterweights. :p

Or to get your Beckerhead number. :D

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I've got them all, and I love my Ka-bar Beckers, but I have to say that the fit and finish and overall quality of the BK-12 Rowen blade is top notch. It's worth the extra coin.

And from a knife prospective, it is my favorite blade of that size. I really don't like my 7, I really do like my 10, But I absolutely love my 12.

Blade shape is very practical and nice to use. Not to mention sexy as hell.

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It's not for every one tho, I kind of think of it as the high end Becker, and yes the BK-10 or BK-7 will do you just fine for a lot less money.
 
Dexwithers said:
And from a knife prospective, it is my favorite blade of that size. I really don't like my 7, I really do like my 10, But I absolutely love my 12.

Blade shape is very practical and nice to use. Not to mention sexy as hell.
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I don't love the 12's shape, but that comparison pic with all the bare tangs is GREAT. It also shows why the 9 cuts so far beyond it's numbers: The grind begins at the same elevation, but the blade edge comes down all the way to the bottom of the guard, which means the bevel angles are shallower than all the others.
 
I don't have a 10, but I'll take the 12 over the 7 any day. Not that I have a whole lot of experience with either....but I just like the size and shape of it, and it is finished quite nicely. Holds an edge (so far) really well. The sheath actually has a Kydex (or similar insert) that tapers near the tip; there's less rattle and movement than any of my others. My 7 sheath is cavernous....prolly the first Becker I'll Kydex myself.

That, and everything fly and dex said. But I did find mine newsed for ~$100. Totally worth it, IMO....just like micarta slabs, everyone runs it through their own price/value calculator. Mine said "yes".
 
I'm not in the market for either, but if I were, I'd choose the BK12 over the BK10. Mostly because I have no use for the swedge on the ten.
I'd have to grind the thumb ramp off of either of them. Guess I'm just not all that into stabbing things...
 
I love the blade design of the 12... Great for making divot's for bow drills if your into that kind thing. I think it would be a great all around blade for bushcraft and camp chore activities. I have used my (pardon the vulgarity) esse laser strike on lots of outings and it has preformed great. I think the becker bk12 would be a more robust variant of it... And finally cost be damned ... You can't take it with you.... Just my opinion.
 
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I, too, like the design of the 12 over the 10. I don't have either, but I like a nice drop point. :)
 
The funny thing is that the 10 has more of a dropped point than the 12 and it seems the swedge would make drilling bow drill divots a little easier. I know the 10 will easily carve out one of them there divots.
 
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