Let me say what I said recently in another place (more bushcraft oriented). A bit from European perspective too. It all depends on what one needs. If youād be looking for a heavy duty survival knife, which still can cut stuff (itās not always the case with many so-called āsurvivalā knives) then classic BK2 in coated 1095 is awesome. But not everyone likes coating and sometimes you just want it stainless. For us, here in Europe, even standard BK2 costs a lot (about 165 EUR). However, that BT72 comes with custom-made kydex sheath, which is way better than injection molded standard one (at least doesn't dull the edge). Custom kydex for a knife of this size in EU costs at least 50 EUR. And what about micarta grips? Another 65 EUR here! So if you buy BK2 and make a true kydex sheath and add canvas micarta scales you end up with 280 EUR price tag. For 5 EUR more you get all that AND stonewashed S35VN blade. So that price makes some sense, at least in Europe. But I agree, it's not a budget knife... but it was never meant to be, otherwise why to add premium options like micarta grips, kydex sheath and expensive blade material with a nice finish? From US perspective it can be a bit different, but kydex and micarta (and exluded VAT) could make it more logical than you think when you see "BK2 for 285 EUR". YMMV
I've been using knives in many price categories, starting with knives like Mora Basic (dirt cheap), Garberg (100 EUR or so) and like them a lot. Still, I also enjoy cutting branches with both my TRC Apocalypse (500 EUR) and even CRK Impofu (even more $) - both of which play the same role in my quiver of blades - thick survival knives with micarta handles, and nicely made sheaths. And all of them used mostly "for fun" and not for a real need - I'm not a jungle survival instructor. The finish on TRC is nicer, kydex is a bit finer too, but itās almost double the BT72's price! So for EU enthusiast this package at 285 EUR makes sense... IF one needs that sort of knife, of course. Or wants one, then the price is usually a secondary parameter.
And How I use it? Chopping and splitting with this knife is a lot of fun - of course it excels at this. And nothing ruins blade finish as quickly as old dirty logs of oak... except stupid games of course, like chopping bricks.
I used it for feather sticking too, and with that knife it is surprisingly easy, especially with the 'knife stuck in the log' variant. BK72 comes super sharp out of KaBar factory. At least mine did.
Now about kydex... it clicks well, can be attached to multiple carry options, doesn't dull the blade, but some say it is a bit tight... and that is true also in my case. As you can see in my first photo there are some kydex marks on the blade of my knife. That is not just kydex, but a result of dirty blade AND kydex. But for me with this knife, it is no problem. Check other photos and you can say why I don't care... I just use it. This knife will get many more marks from my use than it does from kydex.
But also I've been making kydex sheaths for about 15 years now (locally, mostly for friends, it's not my job) so I made myself one in OD-Green, for fun and knife personalization. Well, I don't like black sheaths too much... they are simply boring. And now my BK72 is just as I want it
P.