BK2 vs BK9

The BK2 is a great all around knife, and it will indeed chop. However, that is not its main purpose. So if you're wanting a chopper, then its not the best knife for the job. The BK9 was the right choice for that.

The other things you mentioned are opinions. I actually prefer the BK2 handle to the BK9 handle, and added liners to my 9 to make it thicker.

Also, if you want, you can sand down the grivory to be slightly thinner. Or, you could just get a BK10 if you want a BK2 that is thinner :).
 
If you find the BK2 too heavy and thick give the Condor Rodan a look. Much much lighter and thinner in the blade. It's not going to chop like the BK2 but it'll slice a lot better. Mine is my go-to woods knife.
 
If choosing only one for a first purchase, I might suggest the BK7. But since you already have the BK9 and like it so much, I wouldn't expect the BK7 to be an improvement for you.

If choosing two Becker Knives for every purpose imaginable, I'd pick the BK7 or BK9 for chopping and the Eskabar for small tasks.

Of course if you just like buying knives and tools and want to try the BK7, go for it. Can't have too many. I have the BK2, BK7, and BK9 myself.
 
You may want to post this in the Becker sub forum for some more “informed” opinions. I.e people that own all of them.

Lucky for you, I do own them all:) If I had to pick one out of my BK9 BK7 and BK2, it would be my BK7.

The BK2 is just not my cup o' tea. To thick, and to short.

The BK9 is a great, and I mean great blade. But still, its just not as well rounded as the BK7.

The BK7 has the length you need to baton some good sized wood, while being extremely nimble in the hand. In fact, it carves just about as well as my 4” bushcraft knives. But you can still hold it like a traditional Finish Leuku, and chop pretty well.


I understand that this has nothing to do with your question, but after almost two years of trying to find that do it all blade, I have found there is not one.

The best combo for me is an axe the size of the Scandinavian Forest Axe (just ordered my Scandinavian forest axe:D), a 4” bladed bushcraft blade, and if I can take it, a good sized saw. I really love axes. I guess its in my blood:) Although I can appreciate a good big blade, and have many of them.

A trick to a good axe/hatchet; keep them as sharp as you keep your knives, and use them with the same care as you would use your knives.
Do not drive them into the ground, do not let the edge touch the concrete/cement of your driveway/walkway. Etc etc.
Obviously a splitting axe can not be kept that sharp. But a good hatchet or axe should always be maintained just as you maintain your knives. Edge wise that is, the handles are a little different:)

Sorry for such a long ramble, and I hope I answered at least part of your question.

Take care,
Wood Splitter
 
Come see us if you get a chance, always something new and fun going on.

New Beckers this year, for one.

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Moose
 
Barbwire68 said:
I The BK9 worked batter then a hatchet. It was just so easy to use. Just reach out and let the tip of the knife do the chopping and in no time the root was chopped in too. The BK2 was just too short and not a great chopper and it’s too heavy. Do you guys agree or is this just my experience?
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Well....ya. The 2 is on the heavy side, and it is short, and only a moderate chopper. But I love it and will never sell or give it away. After putting Ka-Bar micarta grips on it..................... damn. This is one of very few knives that I put total trust in.
:thumbup:
 
BK-7 is the most versatile in the line imo. It's big enough to chop reasonably well, splits as well as the bk9 (same stock thickness), and best of all it is light for its size. I also own a BK-2, and I can tell you that you will not be disappointed with a BK7.
 
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instructed2 said:
BK-7 is the most versatile in the line imo. Its big enough to chop reasonably well, splits acceptably and best of all it is very light for its size. I also own a BK-2, and I can tell you that if you go for a BK-7, you will not be disappointed.
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Quite right. A better choice indeed.:thumbup: I just really like the lil' stump buster. :) If only it had a semi hollow grind...........................
 
I think what you observed about the difference in chopping performance between a 9 inch blade and a 5 1/4 inch blade will be similar going from a 9 inch blade to a 7 inch one.

I'd also like to suggest that you may want to consider knives for skinning that are not a quarter of an inch thick.
 
The BK2 is an outstanding chopper... for a 5" knife. In no way will it ever compete with the BK9 at that task but it will chop as well as or better than any other 5" knife out there. I've gone through some pretty outsized stuff with my BK2 but had I known I was going to be chopping, my BK9 would have gone with me instead.

As to skinning (and field dressing and general game processing), you might consider something a bit shorter - the BK11 or BK14 (or perhaps one of the tweeners when they come out). My BK11 is my deer processing knife (and my eating knife and my general small-scale mayhem knife, etc.) and I couldn't be happier with its performance in that regard.

You asked about the BK7 - fine knife. It's my son's favorite fixed blade and he uses the living heck out of it. You will also find that it's no where near as good a chopper as your BK9 (also not as good at that task as the BK2 in my opinion). It's a great knife but chopping isn't it's thing.


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Beckerhead #42
 
These two have totally different applications. While I personally favor the BK9 the 2 will go most often due to its size. While it is heavy I can carry this and stay within the Texas 5 1/2" limit on blades. Plus living in a urban area I might need to pry. So the 2 rides in my car for BOB duties and utility, but it I head to the woods and need a chopper the 9 comes in the winner. Oh and I have a 7 (camillus) version this is a totally different animal too. All great but useful for different purposes. If I had to choose one for the best all arounder I would go the 2. because the thickness will let me baton without worry. it is big enough to do most jobs and small enough that I can still carry legally. While they all excel at different task. The 2 IMHO is the best all around knife of the group.
 
The BK2 works fine by me. It can pry, slice, shave, chop and split wood by batoning decently. Coupled with a compact folding saw and small folder, I can get most cutting chores done while still packing a knife that will be easily concealed in a pouch or small pack. Cant say anything about the BK9 since I dont own one. All my longer knife needs are met by some Khukuris, Parangs and Machetes.
 
I suggest you have someone or yourself, thin the edge. I was impressed bigtime with the robustness of the BK2, but the out of the box chopping performance---not so much. The more i sharpen it & thin the edge, the better it chops & the more i like it. I would trust my life to the BK2, it is like the Power Wagon of small/ish fixed blades.
 
Two Beckers but with very different strengths. I have a BK2 and like it. Not the greatest chopper but it works. Ditto for batoning, and it is mediocre for "small knife" uses. In other words a great all-arounder and extremely tough.

I wonder if you would be happier with the Ritter knife that is based on a Becker design? Thinner blade, 6", thumb ramp like the BK7. Has a neat, stone washed finish too.

Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk
 
I have both and although the 9 is just a magnificent blade, I find myself drawn back to the 2. I love that little tank, it is rock solid and up to any task I can throw at it. If I could only take one, it would be the 2, every time.
 
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