Ka-bar BK2 - Is it a fake ?

G

GB2014

Joined
Jan 17, 2014
Messages
21
Hi to all.

New to the group and just after some advice.

Just received a new Ka-Bar BK2 Campanion in the UK. The Ka-Bar and BK2 name on the blade looks like some cheap Chinese name in some sort of powder coated transfer (apologies if this causes offence to any chinese people). When ordering and looking at other images on-line, the blade I see has got a professional etched, indented name in the blade itself, so could never be removed or scratched off in the field and this is what I expected to receive. The coating also looks extremely thick and coarse to touch, which may create drag when cutting and chopping.

Are the issues highlighted signs of a fake?

I just cant see why Ka-Bar would adopt the coated name option compared to the professional indented, etched version, just does'nt make sense or look professional. Is there a reason why the black coating would be so thick and coarse?

On another point, could the BK2 be provided with serrations by a professional knife person - say about an inch in length from the handle. Would be nice to see a few serrations to assist in cutting rope, without adversley altering the overall knife.

All comments welcome.
 
Pictures would be helpful for verification, but sounds like you got the newer version - laser etched, powder coated. Newer technology, better materials. Kabar wanted to get away from roll stamping (pressed stamping?) to preclude the possibility of causing stresses and micro fractures at the location of the stamp. If you go back thru the threads, you can see a few examples of knives that have broke right thru the stamp. The laser etch stops this from happening.

Yes the powder coat is thick, but it is a lot more durable than the older painted on coating, which seemed to rub off after a hard stare. Use the blade a bit, and the coating will smooth out. Too impatient? Do what I did to my 16 and take some fine steel wool to the coating - made it much more smooth, yet still retains it's protective qualities. Or do what most everyone else does here and strip off the coating all together, and put your own patina on it. Several options here, and a good starting point to make you knife your own.

No idea about serrations, I'm sure other more knowledgable members will jump in...

Congrats on your new knife - I'm sure it'll give you years of great service. With everyone else seemingly picking up a 2 lately, I just might have to get one myself...Welcome to the forum!
 
Aikiguy said:
Pictures would be helpful for verification, but sounds like you got the newer version - laser etched, powder coated. Newer technology, better materials. Kabar wanted to get away from roll stamping (pressed stamping?) to preclude the possibility of causing stresses and micro fractures at the location of the stamp. If you go back thru the threads, you can see a few examples of knives that have broke right thru the stamp. The laser etch stops this from happening.

Yes the powder coat is thick, but it is a lot more durable than the older painted on coating, which seemed to rub off after a hard stare. Use the blade a bit, and the coating will smooth out. Too impatient? Do what I did to my 16 and take some fine steel wool to the coating - made it much more smooth, yet still retains it's protective qualities. Or do what most everyone else does here and strip off the coating all together, and put your own patina on it. Several options here, and a good starting point to make you knife your own.

No idea about serrations, I'm sure other more knowledgable members will jump in...

Congrats on your new knife - I'm sure it'll give you years of great service. With everyone else seemingly picking up a 2 lately, I just might have to get one myself...Welcome to the forum!
Click to expand...

Yeah... What he said.... Use it like you stole it and you will be fine
 
Guys, thanks for the replies on the BK2.

Here are some images just to confirm this is an original or not, as I dont want to do anything with it until I am confident its legit.

http://s1123.photobucket.com/user/GB114/slideshow/Ka-bar

This is truly a chunk of steel, but a very good chunk. Cant wait to "use it and abuse it" as it certainly look like it will stand the test of time as reported by everyone and certainly a nice little birthday present from the Mrs that I wasnt expecting.

Once I get any further comments to confirm authenticity, I am thinking may be to strip the bottom ground section and pattina that part. Would also like to get any feedback on perhaps getting some serrations onto the blade if any knife makers or if even Ethan Becker can advise the best way if he happens to read my minute post.

Anyway, would apprecaite feedback on the images.

On a side note, can anyone reccomend the best acidic liquid to force a patina. I seen one guy on Youtube using mustard, but a little unsure what to use for the best result.
 
Odog27,

If its laser etched, does that mean it is etched into the actual steel blade or just onto the surface coating, as it just looks like a surface coating to me?

I have a feeling that if the coating was stripped or even with use this will simply come off. So dont understand how it is etched, as etching surely eats into the actual steel?
 
it's not very deep, but there we go
 
Congrats on the new Steel! The BK2 was my first Becker as well and it is truly a Beast of a blade. Welcome to the forum, since you are new here, you might not have seen this epic thread of just what a BK2 can take.
 
GB2014 said:
Odog27,

If its laser etched, does that mean it is etched into the actual steel blade or just onto the surface coating, as it just looks like a surface coating to me?

I have a feeling that if the coating was stripped or even with use this will simply come off. So dont understand how it is etched, as etching surely eats into the actual steel?
Click to expand...

The etch does not go very far at all into the metal. A lot of guys etch it more before you strip it. Put some PCB etchant on the logo there are several threads in detail on how to do this.
 
Psyop,

Thanks for your comments.

Just tried searching for FAQ on the etching, but didnt come up with anything. Do you have a link?
 
that looks like the real deal.
it'll cut rope *just fine* if you simply keep it sharp.
 
Psyop,

Thanks for the link.

I have looked at that and also tried a search on google and come up with some good posts back to this site, but thanks for the initial link.

Really pleased with all the comments from everyone. Makes it really worthwhile to join the forum when receiving good feedback.
 
Daizee said it right. No serrations needed. Keep it sharp and it will cut anything. I hate serrations, hence why I won't get a 3....at this time.
 
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