Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Shlomo ben Maved on March 22, 2012 at 22:14

Along the same lines you have the ESEE (formely RAT) line of excellent blades and Ontario Knife Company (who used to make the knives for RAT) have their RAT and Ranger series which are quite good.

Also look at Knives of Alaska, Condor Knife and Tool,  TOPS, SOG and Bark River

Permalink Reply by Robert Jump on March 23, 2012 at 5:09

I am a Viet Nam Veteran and have always favored Ka bar knives. I have BK-2, BK-9, BK-11, BK-14, a Viet Nam Commemorative Fighter, a Large Heavy Bowie, a Pestilence Chopper, a Mule folder, a Dozier folder. Ka Bar knives come loaded with heritage for the hunter and the warrior. Their best knives are still made in the USA. I am anxiously waiting for the new BK-15, 16, 17 and the Machax.

Permalink Reply by Todd Helmkamp on March 29, 2012 at 17:33

Smoky Mountain Knife Works is the only place I've found so far that has the new Beckers, FYI.  I guess the official release date is April 1st, unless it's a joke!  :)

I've looked at ESEE and Ontario.  One thing I like about the Beckers is that they're still reasonably priced.  I have one TOPS and love it, but they're so expensive.  I haven't looked at Knives of Alaska before, pretty nice stuff.  Thanks for the links, Shlomo!

Permalink Reply by Brad T. on September 29, 2014 at 16:58

I have the BK2 Campanion and what a Beast. I have stripped the the Epoxy coating and forced a patina, I also added some 301 Stainless to the flimsy belt loop to firm it up. Total weight 1-1/2 lb.

Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on October 15, 2014 at 14:05

I have always kind of looked after Becker Knife but up to now not pulled the trigger on one. Not sure exactly why either?

Permalink Reply by Shlomo ben Maved on October 15, 2014 at 14:42

I'd strongly suggest handling one prior to purchase...They are overbuilt, overly thick and with not the greatest blade geometry but they batonne like crazy (which is all the rage, don't you know!)...The BK2 is a great blade that can't fillet a fish and doesn't do well skinning a deer but is considered a survival knife...The Condor Rodan does the same things better and is half the price.

I had the complete series but after a confrontation with Ethan's production manager on Bladeforums I bloody well sold the whole damn collection and I'm not missing them in the least and I made a nice, tidy profit on the deal as well...His newest series the BK15, 16 and 17 are about the best knives he's made in the last ten years.

If you want a knife that can replace a hatchet then go with them as they are very well made kit...I prefer redundancy and carry both a knife and a small axe and a saw.

Steve Hanner said:

I have always kind of looked after Becker Knife but up to now not pulled the trigger on one. Not sure exactly why either?

Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on October 15, 2014 at 14:52

Ha! OK thanks for the heads up! Don't need a knife that won't work and chopping 2x4's may be sport, personally I'll use a chop saw or possibly a chain saw. I actually prefer my knife to cut!

Permalink Reply by Brad T. on February 17, 2015 at 13:31

So Steve, did you elect to purchase a BK?

Steve Hanner said:

Ha! OK thanks for the heads up! Don't need a knife that won't work and chopping 2x4's may be sport, personally I'll use a chop saw or possibly a chain saw. I actually prefer my knife to cut!

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on February 17, 2015 at 14:15

Brad,

Nice Mods, seems to make it more user and carry friendly

Brad T. said:

I have the BK2 Campanion and what a Beast. I have stripped the the Epoxy coating and forced a patina, I also added some 301 Stainless to the flimsy belt loop to firm it up. Total weight 1-1/2 lb.