Camillus Campanion or Ka Bar BK2?

allyourblood

allyourblood

Joined
Sep 3, 2003
Messages
2,432
Hey folks!

I have a fella local to me who's selling a Camillus BKT Campanion (lightly used, partial serrated) for about the same price as a new BK2. I've been staring down the barrel of a BK2 for a while but before I commit I thought I'd ask about that Campanion. Are there any advantages to it other than it being slightly desirable as a collectible (if that's even a thing)? I've never held a BK2 in hand but that used one feels amazing in-hand, so I'm hoping they're very similar. Any thoughts?
 
I prefer the current Kabar version myself, although from what I have seen it is slightly thicker than the Camillus versions.
 
The Camillus version is different steel and thinner according to the database thread. Check out the Becker blade database sticky for more details.

That being said, you might not run across another one for sale. I doubt that Becker will drop the BK2 from its line up. Also, do you want a serrated blade? That might be the biggest factor.
 
Thanks for the quick replies!

I really don't care for a serrated blade all too much, so that had me leaning away. If it were plain edge, I'd'a already bought it just on a whim. Hearing that it's thinner isn't really doing it any favors either. I wasn't really looking at it as a collectible; I'm just planning on picking up a Becker before my next outing and didn't want to miss out on anything. Still, it might be fun to have an older one. I'll check out the database now. Thanks again!
 
The serrated version is a cool one to own.....after you have a plain edge version. The plain edge is better all around, unless your a ship hand who cuts alot of rope, the serrrated version isnt useful enough on its own.
 
Wish I had enough cash lying around for both. I think I'll go with a new BK2 for now and maybe see if the older one is still available down the road. Thanks very much for the info, gang.
 
clich said:
The serrated version is a cool one to own.....after you have a plain edge version. The plain edge is better all around, unless your a ship hand who cuts alot of rope, the serrrated version isnt useful enough on its own.
Click to expand...

As a ship hand who cuts a lot for rope I hate serrations.
But if rope cutting is your game look at if the serrations are on the left or right side of the blade. If you're right handed and the serrations are on the left side, expect to be cutting toward your chest a lot.

Though from the sounds of things you want the Ka-Bar anyway.
 
Serrated blades suck for Bushcraft use.

The Current made KABARS are better steel and QC overall and have current warranties.

Support Kabar and buy a knife from them. They are the ones doing the heavy lifting carrying on the Becker name right now.

You are not missing anything by passing over that Camillus BK2,IMHO.
 
All mine so far are the older Camillus versions and I have no complaints. BUT Kabar makes top products themselves.

The Camillus one will probably be more valuable as a collector's item, but either one will be a great user.
 
Yeah, I need a user first and foremost -- heck, the whole reason I want a Becker in the first place is that I need something I can beat on that can do it all. I'll definitely go for the Ka Bar, and if I trip in the street and land face first on a fifty, I'll go back and pick up that Camillus.

Thanks!
 
I'll just say what others have said.

I hate serrations. Kabar offers a warranty and is still in business. Better design and better steel on the Kabar side, but that is just my opinion.

I don't have any Camillus era BKT's anymore. They are all Kabars.

Moose
 
You guys are awesome. Once again, thanks for all the advice and perspective. Definitely going for the KB BK2.
 
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