Becker BK9 as primary woods survival knife?

JDMiller, do you chop with it or cut with it? What are you using it for?
I'm asking because thats the reason to carry one.
 
JDMiller said:
.....Heck No, the bk9 in not too much blade for the woods? I need it where a smaller blade is practically worthless for my hikes
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What do you actually cut during your hikes that requires a 9" blade and the smaller blades are practically worthless? I do think the big ones are cool. I just never or seldom ever carry one, and the world as we know it hasn't ended just yet. I do use blades longer than 9" for chopping on a fairly regular basis however, just not on most hikes. Most of my hike cutting is handled quite well with a SAK, and I usually have a BK-15 or similar with me that if I need to notch something or split a little wood for kindling, it handles it.

My guess is that you simply got used to using the BK-9 and you like it. I have no problem with that.
 
The BK-9 covers a bunch of bases. If you like it, go for it! If you feel certain that chopping is on the menu, take the BK-9 and don't look back. Any way you cut it, the BK-9 is one big, sweet, hunk of a knife that can compete with a variety of bowie style blades out there.

I just love that old MK2 (Blackjack Marauder) that is being used by our British affiliate. I have not seen one on the secondary market either...wonder what they go for these days?

GREENJACKET...ever tried one of those old MOD knives? I believe they were used by the SAS back in the day.
 
My replacement Marauder MK2 cost $160 plus post. They go for $160-260 now. Originally they were $80 or so.
MOD Survival Knife, yes, and one of my pet hate knives. The first models almost had a decent grind and then they cut another penny off the manufacturing costs to produce a bar with an edge. Saw quite a few of them as most buyer/soldiers just didn't know better. Only positive is they are "soldier proof", probably bomb proof literally. Rubbish at chopping, rubbish at cutting and a brick. The SAS might have used one but more likely a Martindale Golock. (SAS when buying a knife privately buy like anyone else, cheap as they can get away with; beer is better). I think there are better knives for getting mud out of tank tracks: Glock or Sissipuukko M95 Ranger knife.
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22-rimfire said:
What do you actually cut during your hikes that requires a 9" blade and the smaller blades are practically worthless?
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Really depends on where you're hiking.

On trails, nope, probably never need one unless you like using it for firewood tasks if camping for the night...and maybe not even then.

Going off trail, which is where the real fun is at, I find a 9 or ten inch blade works as a small machete, suitable for clearing thorns and other annoyances out of my face.
I don't live in a rainforest or jungle, so I don't need a full machete...but thorns in the face really ruin a nice day out, and the outer edges of wooded areas can be chock-full of them.

I always have a smaller knife on me too, for small knife tasks, but a big knife can certainly be handy. :)
 
I carry a 9 into the woods all the time. I find it to be one of the most useful tools I have.
 
I am seriously thinking about a BK-20. It's a "9+". Only problem is you get three knives (at least for now)..... But I don't have any of those either. I have no problem carrying my Condor Kumunga (has sort of a machete sheath) which has a 10" blade in the woods, just not often or maybe often enough. That is the only reason I am hesitant to get the BK-20 plus I have larger short machetes.
 
22-rimfire said:
I am seriously thinking about a BK-20. It's a "9+". Only problem is you get three knives (at least for now).....
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I could heroically help out by accepting one of those extra knives. :D
Or both, if that would be more helpful. :p
 
Stabman, you are a true gentleman! So willing to help a fellow member. I applaud you for your selflessness sir.
 
Travelling through thicket, off trail, then I had the same dilemma. European forests can have a lot of thin growth, which is springy and whippy and gets you in the face. The thin machetes sort of works but not much good for anything a little thicker, they vibrate horribly. Probably why the CS Kukri is popular though I'm not a particular fan.
Here we call it snedding, well thats the kind of work. What I find I need is something keen that catches the cut on this tricky growth; has to slice through. Tough enough for some thicker stuff too. Anything not keen and sharp just bounces off. The Martindale golock isn't bad if it keeps an edge, which its not famed for being made from a soft spring steel.
Anyhow, the following are my preferred solutions: a Ben Orford snedding parang and the Skrama. The Skrama is very good and I've a write up on it elsewhere on the forum.
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Here is one of Ben's vids on his parang:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=133Ts86T-R8
Nothing wrong with the BK's but to me they are a truck knife. I prefer something a little more refined.
 
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GREENJACKET said:
Travelling through thicket, off trail, then I had the same dilemma. European forests can have a lot of thin growth, which is springy and whippy and gets you in the face. The thin machetes sort of works but not much good for anything a little thicker, they vibrate horribly. Probably why the CS Kukri is popular though I'm not a particular fan.
Here we call it snedding, well thats the kind of work. What I find I need is something keen that catches the cut on this tricky growth; has to slice through. Tough enough for some thicker stuff too. Anything not keen and sharp just bounces off.
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Snedding...neat!
Learned a new term. :thumbup:
 
In the context of a kit I'd take into the backcountry none of the big knives meet weight efficiency requirements. I'd rather pack a smaller knife and put the difference towards other essential backpacking kit. Tarps, tents, stoves, maps, compasses, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, warm clothing, rain gear, water, food, fire kit etc etc.

But that is my preference. People go out with everything from razor blades (it'll open food packages and dig out splinters) to custom built competition choppers. If you like a big camp knife get a big camp knife. The BK9 is a solid choice for that. You could do similar work with a saw, or ax. Or you could de-emphasize fire in your camping system altogether. But in the end it's whatever works for you.
 
Last year I put together a 50lbs pack; good for a week in the woods including food, water and shelter...and the kitchen sink.
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Far too heavy for trekking. Next year I might put a 25lbs pack together, which means binning all those knives, axes and saws. At my age its a hobby; when I was younger and fitter I just got on with it... and then they gave me a heap of ammo and a radio with spare batteries just in case it wasn't heavy enough.
 
...and some days they'd give you a buddy with all his kit to carry on top of everything else. :D
 
Greenjacket and Sideways, your heading or have gone the same direction I've moved. I remember carrying a 65 lb pack loaded with ski equipment up into my first trip tonTuckerman Ravine. UGG!

Some jobs require big blades. But all my time above tree line or learning from the backpacking/UL crowd shows me that in most places, big knives are a choice not a necessity. I see them as unecessary weight and I see all unnecessary weight as an encumbrance.

It's all good so long as you leave it in good shape for the next guy. But I'll pass. I've got places to go and things to see.
 
For most, yep. I would choose the Bantam myself if I am really trying to reduce weight and still have a reasonable usable knife. I have been carrying the little Leatherman Squirt since I got it. It comes in handy but mostly for non-cutting activities. One of the things to remember is that in some cases in parks and so forth, you are not allowed open fires and you need to carry your cooking stove with you. Good to check regs in an area you are planning to hike.
 
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