KaBar BK2 Sheath

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BusaDave9

Joined
Oct 2, 2011
Messages
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I am thinking about getting a KaBar BK2. It seems to be an excellent knife but I hear mixed reviews about it's sheath. I hear it dulls the knife, it's hard to remove the knife. I think there are at least 2 different sheaths that come with this knife. One is symmetrical and the knife can be inserted either way.
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There is also a asymmetrical sheath that needs the blade pointing a certain way.
SAM_1927.jpg

I think this 2nd sheath is the 2nd generation sheath that comes with new knifes. Is that right? Is this the sheath that dulls the knife and is hard to remove?
What do you guys think of this knife and it's sheath?
 
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Plus it looks like there is a third option for a BK2 Sheath. The Tek-Lok.
DSCN0277.jpg

I think i know what knife to get but I am confused about the sheaths. I hear all kinds of criticism about the sheath and I don't know which sheath is good and which is bad. Are all 3 available?
 
If the edge hits the sheath. the Kydex will dull the blade. I am running into that on my regular Ka-Bar, but that is from an off-center blade. If you are really afraid of the sheath dulling your knife, you can look into grinding the blade down a little (if it is hitting).
 
You could also just sand inside the edge of the sheath, leave the blade alone.
Or, get a custom leather sheath, or the Armouralleather sheath for the ESEE 5 works like it was made for it, al least mine does.
Or, get the custom kydex from Chestnut Ridge Knife Shop, it does not touch the edge, or dull it.
 
That second sheath is one sweet lookin sheath......:D

Kabar is now making new sheaths without the glass mixed in the sheath, there new sheaths will not dull the edge of your blade.


Welcome to the forum.
 
I just got a new one it's not glass filled and doesn' dull the blade. but I don't know how many glass filled sheaths are still out there.
 
Welcome to the forum :).

You're correct. The new sheath (bottom one in your first post) only allows you to insert the blade one way, and it comes with all of the second gen BK2's. They originally were glass re-enforced nylon, but they have since been removing the glass due to the dulling problem. My BK2 came with an old sheath (with the glass), and I called and told them about the sheath dulling issue, and one other defect it had (broken snap around the handle), and they sent me a new one that was glassless.

The glassless sheaths look and feel exactly like the old ones with glass, so its pretty hard to tell which one you have, unless you have shipping documentation/invoice looking info.

I've never really had an issue with the sheath retention strength, but my neighbors wife had a hard time getting the blade out, so it might be a bit hard to draw. You can fix that with a hairdryer though (or drill out a rivet in the sheath).

Good luck with whatever you do :).
 
foxx said:
You could also just sand inside the edge of the sheath, leave the blade alone.
Or, get a custom leather sheath, or the Armouralleather sheath for the ESEE 5 works like it was made for it, al least mine does.
Or, get the custom kydex from Chestnut Ridge Knife Shop, it does not touch the edge, or dull it.
Click to expand...

Thanks Foxx. Good information there. According to ocnLogan and others I may not have a problem as long as I get the new style.
 
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Just remember that just because you buy a new knife, it may be old stock and still have the old glass filled sheath. Like fox said rubbing/sanding down the spot the the blade touches fixes it. I personally upgrade all sheaths for every knife since the sheaths are usually an after thought in the production. Getting a kydex or a leather one is always a nice addition. Yeh it costs you a few bucks but it makes me happier in the end. Welcome
 
BusaDave,

As you surmised the current factory sheath is a mixed bag. The sheath - the part that encloses the blade - is actually pretty good and I don't see any need to move to a Kydex replacement. However, the hanger portion of the sheath - the part that connects the sheath to your belt - leaves a LOT to be desired. There are several easy mods you can do to modify the hanger. I've got a Tek-Loc on the way and I plan to modify the sheath using it similar to what you see in this posting:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...k-lok-on-BK2-vertical-carry?highlight=tek+loc

Of course, a Kydex replacement is not a bad option. I've got a Kydex replacement for my BK-7 made by Azwelke and it is great.

Brian
 
One thing that bears mentioning is that although the stock sheath only allows the blade to be placed in it one way, it is reversible, so there are no issues if you are right or left handed, or if you wish to change the orientation of how your knife is sheathed.

The stock sheath with glass reinforcement is known for dulling, but this stops with use as the knife will wear it's own path in the plastic. Also it can be filed or sanded out a bit in that area.
 
Thanks everyone. I plan on getting a BK2 and I verified that the sheath is this style:
SAM_1927.jpg

I hope that means it is the new style without the glass. I will also get the Tek Lok. It seems like a great way to hold the sheath.
Thanks everyone for your advice.
 
See that rivet nearest the blade on the bottom of the sheath - take that puppy out. Makes it much easier to draw, but still good retention and alleviates and dulling concerns.
 
How long ago did the switch happen? Also what's it called now? I tried to ask a place if their mk1s had the new sheaths but I believe I just confused the man.
 
The easiest way to tell is to look at the knife - the older BK2 did not have the exposed 'striker' pommel and came with the symmetrical sheath. The newer ones have the asymmetrical sheath.

Honestly, people make a big deal about the sheath. Look at the price of a BKT vs other top of the line hard use knives. You can have your choice of custom kydex or leather made, as well as add the micarta and still be under the cost of a comparable knife. The included sheath is perfectly serviceable and can easily be modified to suit your needs. Is it perfect - no - but the knife and sheath cost under $70.
 
paperairplane said:
The easiest way to tell is to look at the knife - the older BK2 did not have the exposed 'striker' pommel and came with the symmetrical sheath. The newer ones have the asymmetrical sheath.

Honestly, people make a big deal about the sheath. Look at the price of a BKT vs other top of the line hard use knives. You can have your choice of custom kydex or leather made, as well as add the micarta and still be under the cost of a comparable knife. The included sheath is perfectly serviceable and can easily be modified to suit your needs. Is it perfect - no - but the knife and sheath cost under $70.
Click to expand...
^^^agree^^^ I like the sheath itself...it's just the strap I needed to modify to my liking.
 
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