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K78

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Sep 22, 2018
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Im looking to buy a good general purpose knife.

In the past I’ve just bought generic rubbish from amazon based primarily on looks and price. The last one was awful and broke after one day on site.

I never bought a half decent knife before and was ignorant towards different steel types.

I’ve been looking at mainly KA-BAR and SOG knives. Prices are really high in the UK (that’s the price of independence ) and I don’t want to buy some made in China rubbish with a big brand name.

I’m leaning towards KA-BAR. Seem better quality and the price is reasonable.

They all look similar to me so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I’m open to other brands too.

Thanks
 
Im looking to buy a good general purpose knife.

In the past I’ve just bought generic rubbish from amazon based primarily on looks and price. The last one was awful and broke after one day on site.

I never bought a half decent knife before and was ignorant towards different steel types.

I’ve been looking at mainly KA-BAR and SOG knives. Prices are really high in the UK (that’s the price of independence ) and I don’t want to buy some made in China rubbish with a big brand name.

I’m leaning towards KA-BAR. Seem better quality and the price is reasonable.

They all look similar to me so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I’m open to other brands too.

Thanks
If it's Ka-Bar you're after, a good buy is the USN Mk1. A bit over five inch long blade, robust 1095 steel coated for rust resistance, thick rubber handle and Kydex sheath on the newfangled one, stacked leather washer handle and leather sheath on the traditional model. I've been carrying mine for a week now and I'm enjoying it. It's a thinner blade than the USMC Ka-Bar so it slices better. It's shorter as well so it sits on the belt better for me.

Then there are lots of Beckers out there.

Just what is it you're looking for in a knife, anyway? "General purpose knife" covers a lot of ground!

Zieg

RqWzORO.jpg
 
If it's Ka-Bar you're after, a good buy is the USN Mk1. A bit over five inch long blade, robust 1095 steel coated for rust resistance, thick rubber handle and Kydex sheath on the newfangled one, stacked leather washer handle and leather sheath on the traditional model. I've been carrying mine for a week now and I'm enjoying it. It's a thinner blade than the USMC Ka-Bar so it slices better. It's shorter as well so it sits on the belt better for me.

Then there are lots of Beckers out there.

Just what is it you're looking for in a knife, anyway? "General purpose knife" covers a lot of ground!

Zieg

RqWzORO.jpg

Thanks for the recommendation. Looks really nice.

I’m doing a self build so a good adaptable knife is what I need. Something that will stay sharp and stand up to winter weather and take unintended abuse well.

I was looking at the 3268. What do you think?

It doesn’t look as good as your USN Mk1
 
the 3268 has an additional 2" of blade and is partially serrated - it is the same size as the Kabar 1217 "Fighting/utility knife".
the 1317 is the same blade as the 1217, but a different shape to the guard and pommel - I actually like it a little better.

the navy mk1 pictured above also comes with a neoprene handle which is more weather resistant, but not as nice in the hand.
If you have medium sized hands, the navy mk1 should fit you well.
if you have large/XL hands, the metal pommel can be uncomfortable but the 3 "big brothers" I mentioned above will fit.

Another one I like a lot is the Kabar Becker BK16 -- slightly over 4" blade, less pointy, so less threatening looking, but extremely capable and fairly lightweight.
if you want a larger, heavier knife for a variety of tasks, the Jarosz Turok, BK10 or BK7 would also meet your needs.

good luck!
 
Buy the KaBar Becker BK16, it’s a wonderful all purpose knife. Then, pick up it’s bigger brother the BK9 and you’ll see why it’s known as the King. :thumbsup:
 
Welcome to the Forum K K78 as The Zieg has stated the Mk1 is an excellent choice. Anything in the KaBar line is going to be excellent quality. Check out the Beckers also. The BK2 is pretty much indestructible. I can on occasions be spotted carrying my Kabar 1211 which I am quite fond of.
 
Thanks for all the replies. Greatly appreciated.

Some of the knives mentioned are not so easy to come across in the uk. Knife laws are really strict now, not that it seems to make much difference as knife crime is on the increase.

I’ve stumbled across these.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ka-Bar-Sho...e=UTF8&qid=1537658066&sr=8-12&keywords=ka-bar

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ka-Bar-Sho...ie=UTF8&qid=1537658066&sr=8-8&keywords=ka-bar

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ka-Bar-Ser...ie=UTF8&qid=1537658066&sr=8-5&keywords=ka-bar

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ka-Bar-Uti...ie=UTF8&qid=1537658066&sr=8-1&keywords=ka-bar

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ka-Bar-Uti..._rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=MV9EHKH8XKP19JTTVKWP

Which one would you guys say is the best value?

I’m thinking the last one?

I know we get ripped off in the uk

I hope this isn’t addictive. The only thing I collect are Makita power tools.
 
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Thanks for all the replies. Greatly appreciated.

Some of the knives mentioned are not so easy to come across in the uk. Knife laws are really strict now, not that it seems to make much difference as knife crime is on the increase.

I’ve stumbled across these.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ka-Bar-Sho...e=UTF8&qid=1537658066&sr=8-12&keywords=ka-bar

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ka-Bar-Sho...ie=UTF8&qid=1537658066&sr=8-8&keywords=ka-bar

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ka-Bar-Ser...ie=UTF8&qid=1537658066&sr=8-5&keywords=ka-bar

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ka-Bar-Uti...ie=UTF8&qid=1537658066&sr=8-1&keywords=ka-bar

Which one would you guys say is the best value?

I know we get ripped off in the uk
I wear a L to XL glove and I have found the KaBar shortys handles a wee bit tight for me. So they are off my short list:D Did ya like how I did that:thumbsup: Ok back to being serious. I'm a big fan of the Kraton G material very comfortable. But for shear elegance and beauty and still tough as Hell it's the Dogs head as my winner. But any one that you pick out of that line up will serve you well. Picture show time:)
 
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