Becker BK9 Versus Ontario RD 9 G-10

J

joebonny

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Oct 13, 2006
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HI, IM wanting to buy one or both of these knives, Could anyone give me an honest opinion on one or both of these knives. An have you had hands on cutting or chopping experience with either, an to some it up, Which do you think is the best an which would you buy. They both claim 1095 steel, don't know the exact heat treatment giving to either. There both in the same price range. I want these for chopping an camp use, an to give as gifts to some Filipino friends in the Philippines, an they will work the heck out of them. So I want comfort in the hand an ability to stay sharp after a goods day workout on coconuts an bamboo. Any input will be appreciated. PS- ON some adds for the Ontario RD ,they say it made of 5160 steel. So IM not sure what there made of: One add say 1095 another says 5160 so any help would be appreciated. Joe
 
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No experience with that particular Ontario model, but I've dealt with loads of Ontarios, mostly military stuff, no complaints other than not much love for their handles. Keep in mind you're in Beckerland. Plenty of folks round here love their Bk9's. I have a BK9 and I don't plan on parting with it, ever. It is an amazing knife! You won't find a much better chopper out there. I vote 9. Borrow mine if you'd like.
 
No experience with the Ontario, but I DO have experience with my BK9, and the HT on KaBar products is great. I have a ZK War Sword with the same HT (well, theoretically, seeing how there is no guarantee on the HT always being the same), and I was batoning with it and got roughly 30 degree bend in the blade. Took me about 10 minutes to get it loose, and the blade snapped back to straight. It keeps an edge as well.

So no other experience that would be relevant, but I will say that my BK9 out chops my hatchet, and thats good enough for me :).
 
I have no experience with the ontario. What I can say is that you will not be dissapointed with a BK9. I beat on mine daily baton chop all kinds of stuff. The steel is great holds an edge. I have hit knots frozen wood all kinds of stuff. Even my stove once it took a huge gouge out of my cast iron stove but the knife was fine.

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That is a branch I chopped in half. You can see that the finish has worn off, but the new ones are supposed to be tougher. Dosnt seem to be a problem though.
 
BK9 is a GREAT chopper. VERY tough. I have put a choil & some jimping on mine & still no issues, even after repeated batoning. The RD9 is 1/4" thick steel, so it will be heavier & a little more tireing to use for extended periods of chopping. The handle is no where near as comfortable as a BK9. Modified---? maybe it would be, IDK. Both are good knives. This is BeckerLand, so you gotta go BK9 or both. LOL :D

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I've used both, and I'll be honest, I like the BKT handle and Heat Treat better.

The both chop about the same, close to the same weight, but there the similarities end. The BK9 beats it for ergos, price, and overall quality.

For less money.

I vote for the BK9 aka "King".

Moose
 
If you're going to use the knife for any length of time you will find out the Becker handle design is the best one in the business. It's a proven overall performer.

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I like the RD Bush series from ontario, but I wouldn't choose it over my BK9.
Becker has great handles.
 
Both are quality knives Camillus BK 9 & 7s, & Ontario 6 & 9, so I have tried both. The Becker handle design and shape fit my hand much better than the Ontario. I agree with the others, the handle makes a big difference.
 
My vote goes to the BK9.
Not only is it a better knife in my opinion, but you get a lot more than just a knife. Support from a great man, company and community that loves everything becker. Plus, many people make amazing sheaths and accessories for beckers. You will not be disappointed!

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The RD9 is 1/4 but they make the Bush Series that comes in a little thinner at 3/16. For me the handles are a little blocky but can be ground and shaped to perfection. The full height grind may make it a better slicer? My only Becker is a BK2 with micarta that feels great in hand. The BK9 does look like a beast of a chopper. Good luck
 
I have big hands and still find the Ontario RD series handles to be too blocky to be comfortable.
I had an RD4 (same handle, shorter blade) and hated it.
If you get a chance to pick one up, see how it feels -- you may like it.
1/4" thick slab of 5160 will definitely be a monster chopper.
 
Thanks for the replies men, sounds like the handle is the most agreed upon part of the becker , an I have to have a good comfortable grip, so I think I will get a becker first an test it for a while. I like the idea of having different handle grips an sheaths to choose from also. Thanks to all who helped me on this matter . Joe
 
No experience with the Ontario but here are some reasons you want a BK9...

See it chop!
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Marvel as it snap cuts!
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Cringe as it goes all tactical on your backside!
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Salivate as it prepares snacks!
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Rest your buns on the ad hoc outdoor furniture it prepares!
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Bask in the warm glow of the fires it helps you ignite!
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Hear the angels sing as it pops its Excalibur pose!
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Heck yeah you want one. :D



---

Beckerhead #42
 
Your Right Beckerheads, I have to have about three of the BK9's - one for me an two for friends over seas, I just know its what I need an want. I make knives also, an I have a big western style bowie on the table almost ready for heat treat. but I still love to buy all knives, because we are Brothers of the Blade an knife nuts also. -----Joe.
 
I have The BK 9 and a RD 7. The BK 9 is a steal for the price. I am very disappointed with the RD 7. The blade chipped while cutting pampas grass, not touching anything but grass.
 
I have no experience with the bk 9 but plan on having it soon, however i do own an ontario rd9 and i am very impressed by the blade. It has great edge retention is a good chopper and i have seen mine bend to approx 40 degrees while batoning through maple and the blade bounced back to normal. I have a bk 2 and i would assume that if the edge retention is the same then it will be a great knife as well. Either way you will not be dissappointed by your decesion. I will give gredit to the fact that there are more after market items available for the bk series as well as the hollow handles on the beckers are great. i have a small survival kit inside of mine just in case everything goes sideways.
 
wildnewfie said:
I have no experience with the bk 9 but plan on having it soon, however i do own an ontario rd9 and i am very impressed by the blade. It has great edge retention is a good chopper and i have seen mine bend to approx 40 degrees while batoning through maple and the blade bounced back to normal. I have a bk 2 and i would assume that if the edge retention is the same then it will be a great knife as well. Either way you will not be dissappointed by your decesion. I will give gredit to the fact that there are more after market items available for the bk series as well as the hollow handles on the beckers are great. i have a small survival kit inside of mine just in case everything goes sideways.
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