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Haas KaBar Custom 3

Sometimes, it's fun to take a good production knife and customize it. Such is the case with the blade shown in this photo; my customized KaBar BK2. From day one, I've really liked the stock BK2. Ethan Becker's core design is an exceptional one. In particular, I loved the blade shape, it's thickness and general "burliness". Still, the knife needed a little character. Enter the Steel Doctor, Randy Haas.

My favorite knife physician put the patient on the bench and fixed him up quite nicely. A great set of Cottonwood burl handle scales, mosaic pins and some nice file work later, my coolly intimidating BK2 was transformed into something a bit more inviting, inspiring and enjoyable.

As can be expected of Randy's amazing skill, the handle scales are a real thing of beauty...and the finish on them is a true tactile pleasure!

Additionally, the file work adds a little extra class to the overall package. It also provides a handy bit of traction for my thumb to rest on.

This personalized knife is a real fun piece of steel...thanks to Randy!

If you haven't checked out Randy's page here on iKnifeCollector, you should; it'll give you a very impressive sampling of his work. Also, you can check out his web site at: www.hhhknives.com.

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Tags: BK2, Customized, HHH, Haas, KaBar, More…Knives, Randy
Albums: Fixed Blades

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Comment by Ms Data on April 28, 2013 at 9:54: Very nice! I love my BK2 and my BK7 but they are working knives and I never thought about putting pretty handle scales on them like that. That is a very handsome knife!

Comment by Chris Stookey on July 14, 2012 at 16:21: Yes...Alexander...it is stabilized. It's holding up beautifully and doesn't look much different than it did the day I received the package from Randy. He did an outstanding job. Oddly, the black coating that Ka-Bar put on the BK-2 is holding up shockingly well. Very surprising...

Comment by Alexander Noot on July 13, 2012 at 9:23: Me, I'm just blown away by that wood every time I see a picture of it. I assume it's stabilised wood?

Comment by stephen tungate on October 1, 2011 at 10:08: what a great knife randy knows how to bring the character out on all the knives he does with your thoughts and his hands made this knife a peace of art.great job.....

Comment by Chris Stookey on March 19, 2010 at 23:31: Update on the Haas KaBar Custom! This burly knife and I have been spending a lot of time together. This extremely BRAWNY knife is a true outdoors companion! Prior to having Randy Haas customize my KaBar BK-2 Companion, I was impressed by the factory's fit, finish and general build quality. It lacked some things that make me gravitate to a knife. Since Randy's huge shot of steroids, this knife has become a serious "companion" on my excursions. The grivory handles scales that KaBar puts on this knife look good, but tend to be very impractical (not much in the way of traction). You'd think that the wood handle scales that Randy put on wouldn't change this dilemma much...but they did. Some of this is his shaping of the scales...but more of it appears to be in the satin finish. Somehow, it seems to grip quite well. I'd explain it "better" to you if I could, but I can't. Suffice it to say that this stocky fixed blade knife has quickly become one of my all-time favorites!

Comment by Trent Rock on March 15, 2010 at 20:19: Not everyday you see filework on a KABAR!!

Comment by Terry Waldele on January 31, 2010 at 23:54: Super cool! I know what you mean about customizing a production knife. I guess "perfection lies in the eye of the beholder." IMHO, every knife can be improved upon. But, this is such a beautiful piece, I can't find much to improve on it. The handle, especially, is really beautiful.

Comment by Stan T on January 31, 2010 at 15:21: Wow, I really like what you did to the KaBar. That is a great looking knife. Cool handle and excellent file work.

KnifeMaker Comment by CaptJeff Saylor on January 30, 2010 at 17:10: i agree Randy makes some great knives! this is a beautiful looking knife, i just love it!