Fixed Blade Knives

KA-BAR Fighting Utility / USMC Full-Size Fixed Blade Knife Review

Knife, Fighting Utility. That’s what the U.S. Marine Corps lists as the knife they adopted for issue in 1942 when soldiers demanded a replacement that would hold up to the rigors of more than just battle. The previous version was an excellent fighting knife, but wasn’t good for much else. Soldiers began carrying civilian models until the official versions caught up to their standard of use. The Fighting/Utility knife, sometimes called the “USMC KA-BAR”, has been in place ever since 1942 for the U.S. Marine Corps, and has also been issued to U.S. Navy and U.S. Army soldiers.

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While some thought that a multi-use knife would not be ideal for fighting, soldiers reported differently when returning from combat over the years from WWII and Vietnam through Afghanistan and Iraq. It’s hard to argue with that kind of deployment longevity and I have a soft spot for military issued equipment that comes as a result of listening to the troops in the field.

The story behind the KA-BAR name is also hard to ignore. A fur trapper sent the owner of Union Cutlery a letter where he detailed using one of their knives to kill a wounded bear when his rifled jammed. The letter was not completely legible and “k a b ar” were the only letters they could make out from the phrase “kill a bear”. The bear story and their adoption of the name as a result is now printed and sent along with knives from the factory. KA-BAR is now also proudly stamped on one side of the blade right over Olean, N.Y. opposite whatever branch you choose to support.

I hope to never have to take down a bear, but I’ve used mine for virtually every camping task and it has performed exceptionally well. Dead branches still hanging in the forest can take a toll on an edge. I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the durability of my knife after using it to clean up older trees and to gather dry timber for firewood.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The standard (or “full size”) version of the Fighting/Utility Knife has an overall length of 11.875 inches, a 7-inch blade, and weighs 11.2 ounces. The Fighting/Utility knife is made in the USA. KA-BAR makes a shorter version with a 5.25-inch blade that I also picked up thinking it would be perfect for me. Unfortunately, the shorter blade option is coupled with a smaller handle, and I actually prefer the full-sized knife due to its larger and more comfortable handle.

The black coated, flat ground blade comes to a bowie style clip point and is made out of 1095 Cro-Van steel. The chromium and vanadium add both resistance to elements and edge retention over plain 1095. Plain and serrated edges are available based on your preference. Edge retention and ease of sharpening usually have an inverse relationship, but they’ve done a nice job of walking that tightrope here. 1095 Cro-Van takes slightly more effort to sharpen over regular 1095, but is worth that tradeoff for an edge you can count on in the wild.

There is also a 2.5 inch fuller built into the spine side of the blade to keep weight down to what feels lighter than 11.2 ounces. Blade thickness comes in at a perfect .17 inches for the intended use. It’s strong enough to baton firewood, open ammo cans and cut wire without adding weight to a soldier that needs to be mobile to stay alive.

Originally the swedge of the blade was shipped out sharpened from the factory, but double edged knives are frowned upon in some states and that practice was eventually put to a halt.

Pommel, Crossguard, and Handle

The full tang of the knife is visible as it protrudes through the pommel where it is securely pinned into place with a stainless steel pin you can see from one side. The pommel itself is steel and appears ready and able to withstand a reasonable pounding.

On the blade end of the handle a slightly curved crossguard lightly protects the hand from danger. It doesn’t cover my full knuckle, but it does offer the end user some protection. Plus making it larger would have been a nightmare in the sheath.

You have options for the handle that rests between the pommel and crossguard. The oval shape of the handle is 1 inch by 1.25 inches in circumference and tapers slightly at top and bottom so the meat of your grip is full. While leather washers are the traditional material, and I personally think make the knife “pop”, another option is the version in grippy Kraton. Kraton is far superior in regards to both resisting the elements and staying in your hand. The leather is purely beauty over function for me, but it will weather over time and that in combination with oils from your hand will generally result in a better grip than a factory new knife. The good stuff just gets better with age, right?

Ergonomics and Sheath

There’s something about a stacked leather handle. Like that pair of jeans that fits better every time you break them out, you just have to appreciate the things in life that get better with age. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the uniformly cut notches that may line up with your fingers. It turns out the notches enhance the grip and provide cooling channels that are handy when performing field work. The length of the handle suits a blade of this length nicely, and the knife feels balanced and capable in hand.

When handling the knife you will notice that the 7-inch blade feels surprisingly light and easy to wield. This is the result of two things. First, the blade is just under 1.25 inches wide and is slightly offset when looking at it compared to the handle. The result is a counter effect to the lighter, tapered blade edge versus the heavier spine. While I haven’t come across anything outright from KA-BAR saying this was intentional, I have to believe it is. This offset isn’t built into the smaller 5.25-inch version, but was easily identified on every picture I pulled up while searching full-sized versions online. Second, the balance point between the blade and handle favors the handle somewhat. This makes accomplishing fine tasks more manageable than comparable knives with longer blades.

Sheaths are available that generally match your choice of handle material. The version with the stacked leather handle comes with a leather sheath. The leather sheath can come stamped with your chosen branch of service. The KA-BAR logo includes “U.S.A” if you opt out of the military service versions. Plastic sheaths are standard for those that choose the Kraton handled version. For use in saltwater or very humid regions, the plastic/Kraton version is the obvious choice. Both sheaths are well made and pair amiably with the knife from both a functional and aesthetic standpoint.

The knives I own both came with leather sheaths. The leather is of high quality and the stitching is excellent. I assume the plastic versions are made to the same high standards.

KA-BAR USMC Fighting/Utility Knife Review – Final Thoughts

Finding a more historically rich knife that has proven itself times over and is still in production today (at a VERY reasonable price) would be a challenge.

The KA-BAR Fighting/Utility line boasts a variety of options that will suit the vast majority of users. I’ll be first in line if they come out with a hybrid between the full-sized 7-inch version and the shorter 5.25-inch one. With all the variety in Ka-Bar’s lineup, I still would prefer the blade to be about an inch shorter. I’m pretty sure I’ll be happy to have their standard 7″ version by my side if I ever do run across that legendary wounded bear in the woods. That extra blade length also comes in handy when using the knife to baton firewood. Quibbles about size aside, the fit and finish of my knife is outstanding, and the construction is clearly built to take a lifetime of punishment.

If you are looking for an all-purpose outdoor adventure knife the KA-BAR Fighting Utility knife is one of my top picks in the value category. It’s just a solid all-round knife. Plus, you get to hold in your hand a functional piece of history that helped win World War II and other engagements. I have a couple children to pass this knife on to, and I’ll have to make sure the kid I don’t pass this one down to gets something amazing to compensate. Then again, at this price you can afford to buy one for each kid.

Ka-Bar 1220 US Army Straight Edge Fighting/Utility Knife with Leather Sheath , Beige, 7" Blade

The traditional KA-BAR marked for Army personnel
Blade features U.S. ARMY tang stamp
Leather sheath included
Made in the USA

I recommend purchasing the KA-BAR Fighting/Utility Knife at Amazon or BladeHQ. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

KA-BAR BK14 Becker Knife and Tool EsKabar Review

by Chad McBroom 3 Comments

During the 2016 SHOT Show, I had the great opportunity to meet a man named Ethan. Ethan was working at the KA-BAR Knives display and approached me as I was viewing some of KA-BAR’s newest designs. We began talking about knives and telling war stories, and before I knew it, almost an hour had passed. When I shook his hand to say goodbye, he handed me a nifty little knife to take with me. He also handed me his card, at which point I finally realized that I had been talking with Ethan Becker.

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Ethan Becker is a household name for many. His grandmother is Irma S. Rombauer, author of one of the United States’ most widely published cookbooks—Joy of Cooking. Ethan assumed authorship of this popular book from his mother in 1976, which is why his name is familiar to so many in the kitchen.

As an avid outdoor enthusiast who was in constant search for the perfect knife, Becker founded Becker Knife and Tool in the early 1980’s and began designing and manufacturing hard-use knives right out of his garage. His knives have always been highly regarded among knife experts and critics and in high demand amongst users. To attest to this is the fact that he won the 1990 Blade Award for Most Innovative American-Made Design. While the demand for BK&T Knives has far outgrown Becker’s garage, KA-BAR Knives continues to produce his best-selling designs.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The knife that Ethan handed me during SHOT Show was the BK14 EsKabar, a hybrid collaboration between BK&T/KA-BAR and ESEE Knives. This unique little neck knife (which KA-BAR allowed one of its customers to name) features the blade design from the BK&T/KA-BAR Becker Necker and the handle design from the ESEE Izula. Made in the USA from 1095 Cro-Van steel, this seven-inch long lightweight knife, featuring a drop-point blade makes for a highly functional everyday/survival knife.

Of course, those familiar with the ESEE Izula will want to know how these two knives compare with each other. To answer that question, the dimensions of the EsKabar and the Izula are identical from the handle, which measure 3.75” long. The EsKabar incorporates the large quillon from the Becker Necker, as well as the larger Necker blade. The blade on the EsKabar measures 3.25” as opposed to the 2.63” blade on the Izula. The EsKabar also has a larger belly than the Izula. The difference in thickness is only 1/100th of an inch with the EsKabar being the thicker knife at 0.165”.

For those who may be wondering what the difference is between 1095 and 1095 Cro-Van, 1095CV is essentially the same chemical composition as 1095 with the addition of small amounts of Chromium and Vanadium for better hardening and bonding (hence the term “Cro-Van”) and smaller amounts of Nickel and Moly for added toughness and edge holding. The actual AISI name for this steel is 50-100B. KA-BAR has been using 1095CV for years, even though there was a period where they actually listed it as 1095 in their literature.

Handle and Ergonomics

As I mentioned previously, the EsKabar handle is identical in every way to the ESEE Izula with the exception of the 1/100” difference in thickness. The skeletonized handle has a good feel to it, but gets even better when you wrap the handle with 550 cord. The handle has a nice angle to it, which offers some excellent cutting ergonomics. It is a simple, yet functional design.

Editor’s note – you can also purchase OEM scales from ESEE for the EsKabar. I imagine they make the knife feel real similar to my Izula II (excellent).

Sheath

The EsKabar comes with a MOLLE compatible, injection-molded plastic sheath that can be worn around the neck or lashed to gear using the accompanying 550 cord. It is also cut to fit the KA-BAR TDI metal belt clip, which is available from KA-BAR for $10.35. The sheath comes equipped with a safety lock to ensure that you don’t lose your knife when things get rough. This feature can be removed if you prefer a more streamlined setup.

Personally, I found that I prefer to carry the EsKabar as a neck knife using a 550 cord lanyard. When wearing a neck knife is too cumbersome or inconvenient, then I simply create a belt loop on the sheath by running a piece of 550 cord vertically through two rivets on the inside of each side of the sheath and crossing the cord on the outside in the same fashion as one would lace up a shoe. This creates a nice belt loop attachment that does not add any extra bulk to the sheath. If you use a cord lock to secure the cord rather than a knot, then you have the added option of a convenient quick release.

I also prefer to remove the safety lock from the sheath. It adds some unnecessary bulk to what is otherwise a nicely streamlined system. The knife locks so securely into the sheath that most people will find the presence of the lock unnecessary unless going into the harshest of environments.

BK&T / KA-BAR BK14 EsKabar Review – Final Thoughts

I was very pleased with the quality and design of the EsKabar. I love to see knife-makers work together on projects such as this one. One of the things that I have always appreciated about the knife industry is that there is such a level of camaraderie and appreciation for each other’s work. Knife makers understand the blood, sweat, and tears that go into transforming a chunk of steel into a functional work of art. The joint effort between BK&T, KA-BAR, and ESEE that resulted in the EsKabar is a testament to the benefits of such companies working together to reach a common goal.

If you are looking for an economically priced, fixed-blade survival knife, then you can’t go wrong with the EsKabar. With a retail price of around $60.00, the EsKabar delivers high-end quality and functionality to a price point that most people can afford.

Sale

Ka-Bar BK14 Becker Knife and Tool Eskabar Knife, Black, 7-Inch

Becker knife design with high quality 3 1/4" blade made from 1095 Cro-Van steel
Heavy-duty hard plastic sheath
Overall length of 7"
Made in the USA
Becker knife design with high quality 3 1/4" blade made from 1095 Cro-Van steel

I recommend purchasing the BK&T/KA-BAR EsKabar at Amazon or BladeHQ. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Ka-Bar Becker BK-9 Review

by Dan Jackson 6 Comments

With the weather turning cooler here in Florida, it was high time to get outside and to start tearing into the yard. We had an especially hot and wet summer this year, and the back 40 was taking over the entire house. I wanted to try out something new to tame the jungle, and settled on the Becker BK-9. After acquiring a BK-2 a year ago, I wanted to explore the Ka-Bar / Becker line further. I favor choppers, and quickly landed on their iconic BK-9.

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This is a popular knife for Ka-Bar, and for good reason. Designed by Ethan Becker, made in the USA with a 9″ 1095 blade, full tang, and sub $100 price tag, the BK-9 is a lot of knife for the money. It’s a staple in Becker’s lineup and I have waited too long to acquire one. I was curious to see how it would stack up to my trusty Junglas, and also test the knife in its own right.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The BK-9 has an overall length of 14-3/4″, a 9″ blade, weighs 16.8 ounces (~1lb), and is made in the USA. This is a hefty knife that borders on short sword territory. Your needs from an large outdoor fixed blade will drive whether this is a camp knife, “survival” knife, combat knife, or back yard tool. For me, this has mostly been a back yard tool. There are some invasive ficus trees in our back yard, and despite judicious pruning they continue to grow like weeds. I have used my BK-9 multiple times for limbing, chopping, and preparing wood for camp fires. Those experiences have informed the majority of my opinions on the BK-9.

Dubbed the Combat Bowie, the BK-9 features a long clip point blade. The clip point is no joke. Towards the end of an especially vigorous chopping session, I somehow managed to poke myself in the inner thigh with the tip of the BK-9. The blade only sunk a eighth of an inch, but it opened my leg efficiently, and sent a small stream of blood down my calf. I would not want to be on the business end of this thing. I recommend that you exercise extreme caution in use, as this knife strikes me as a more dangerous than your typical camp knife thanks to the fine tip.

The blade is 3/16″ thick, and has a high flat grind with black powdercoat (although a premium clear-coated version is also available). The powdercoat is thick, and protects the knife from rust. It slowly wears down with use. This knife is not the best slicer, and those hoping to use it to prepare dinner are likely to be disappointed with the performance (it is really too unwieldy for those kinds of jobs anyways). The BK-9 is more at home buried in a tree limb, and it does an admirable job chopping and batoning. Compared to my larger Junglas, I wish it had a little more heft for chopping, but the BK-9 still performs well and it is a lighter package.

The BK-9 comes in 1095 high carbon tool steel. I have written dozens of articles on fixed blade knives in 1095, including reviews of a lot of the ESEE lineup, and of Becker’s own BK-2. So I’m no stranger to the steel. I have come to appreciate its hearty nature.

1095 is ideal for processing wood. It is tough (although it will still chip if you strike a rock with it), and holds a good edge against wood. It is less ideal if you are breaking down boxes, cutting yards of rope, or dealing with other abrasive materials. In those situations, I prefer a good stainless or semi-stainless. Plus 1095 is cheap, and it helps keep the cost down. I’d love a knife like this in 3V, but I wouldn’t want to pay $300 for it. So 1095 strikes a sweet spot for a number of reasons.

I oil my BK-9 down after each use with a little WD-40, and store it in the garage. I haven’t had issues with rust on the blade. A couple of the bolts on the handle have developed a little rust, so don’t make the same mistake I did, and be sure to oil those as well.

Handle and Ergonomics

The BK-9 shares the same handle of the entire Becker line up. This is a proven handle design and is a smart idea. The standard handle material is Ultramid, a high density plastic that has likely been glass reinforced. Micarta scales are also available and this is a popular knife for customization. The Ultramid is tough and attractive with its smooth matte black finish. It’s not the most exotic material in the world, but it’s inexpensive and is well executed here. The scales bolt on to the handle so you can disassemble it for cleaning or to swap on some aftermarket scales. Fit and finish is good. The pieces line up well, and there are no sharp edges to speak of (save the cutting edge).

Ergonomics are everything on a tool like this. A poorly designed handle on a chopper is a recipe for blisters and discomfort. Ethan Becker has given the handle a lot of consideration, and it shows. This is a comfortable handle. After extensive use I did not notice any hot spots, and my hands were blister free. I will say that the Ultramid does not offer a ton of texture, and prefer micarta because of the nice grip it provides – even when wet with sweat. While the plastic handled BK-9 never flew out of my hand, I still prefer micarta.

Sheath

The BK-9 comes with a black nylon sheath with a molded kydex insert. I think the sheath is well executed. It’s lightweight, durable, and has thoughtful touches like a belt loop that doesn’t require you to take your belt off to use, and there is a little velcro under the retention strap to hold the strap out of the way of the blade as you draw the knife. These kinds of details are often absent on less expensive nylon sheathes.

Also, the materials used is of a higher quality. I am not an expert on fabric, but when you compare this with the sheath of the Schrade SCHF9, the difference is immediately apparent. Everything is tighter and of higher quality. There is also an external pouch with a second kydex insert for a small fixed blade, and a pocket for a whetstone (or some other smaller piece of gear). The sheath is fully ambidextrous. The kydex insert does not hold the blade in place with friction alone, but if you engage the snap closure the knife is held securely in place.

While there is a lot to like about the BK-9 sheath, I much prefer the sweet kydex sheath found on my Junglas. Sure, the Junglas is significantly more expensive, but the sheath on that knife is beyond compare. The knife makes such an awesome “thwack!” every time you sheath the blade – it is arguably the most satisfying “knife experience” in my entire collection.

In conclusion, I think the BK-9 sheath is nice, especially given the price and when compared with other fabric sheathes, but it still leaves me pining for kydex. Apparently Ka-Bar is attempting to scratch that itch and has a kydex style sheath for the BK-9 listed for sale on their website. It’s offered for $50.00. There are plenty of after market sheathes also available.

Becker BK-9 Review – Final Thoughts

The BK-9 is another workhorse in the Becker lineup. It strikes that delicate balance between quality, utility, and price. For under $100 you get a substantial and well made knife. The design, materials, fit, and finish are all on point. The sheath is great for a nylon sheath. Ethan Becker has massaged this design thoroughly, and has squeezed out every ounce of performance that he could given the knife’s size and budgetary constraints. Also, the BK-9 is made in the USA. This always brings a twinkle to my eye.

Here is a shot of the BK-9 next to the ESEE Junglas:

That said, for my money I would pay the premium for the ESEE Junglas. The Junglas is just a little bigger and a little badder in every way. I think it’s worth the extra dough. If you buy a BK-9 and then upgrade the scales and sheath, it will cost you as much as a Junglas anyway. However, none of this is said to make light of the BK-9. It is still an excellent knife in it’s own right, and it has developed a loyal following. But I am a huge Junglas fan boy and I know that the “Junglas vs. BK-9” battle has come up many times before. This is simply my opinion.

If you want a tough chopper and are looking to keep things under $100 you can’t go wrong with the Becker BK-9. It gets a lot of things right and it won’t be leaving my collection any time soon.

Ka-Bar Becker BK9 Combat Bowie Fixed Blade Knife , Black

Used by all branches of military and service members
Great for collectors and outdoor services
Tested to ensure quality and durability
Bowie knife with 1095 Cro-Van steel blade
Ergonomic Grigori handle minimizes user fatigue

If you would like to buy a Becker BK-9, I recommend buying it at Amazon or BladeHQ. Please consider that buying anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Fallkniven F1 Review

by Dan Jackson 10 Comments

Last Updated: September 25, 2018
I am not sure if I have the patience for a compact survival knife. I tend to favor a brute force approach when working in the outdoors. Maybe I am lazy, or stupid… or lazy and stupid… but when in doubt I often find myself reaching for the biggest, heaviest tool I can find.

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That’s probably why I get such a kick out of knives like the Junglas and Ontario Machete. I get that heavy piece of steel in my hand and say, “Hey, I can probably chop down a tree with this thing,” and then proceed to blast whatever lies in my path. Hours later my shoulder is aching, my shirt is soaked through with sweat, but I still have a smile on my face. What I lack in technique I try to make up for with pure stubbornness. I have the same problem when I go fishing.

So I may not be the best guy to review the Fallkniven F1. It’s an elegant smallish fixed blade designed in Sweden, and made in Japan. The Scandinavians are folks who really seem to appreciate the great outdoors. The Japanese are extremely passionate about pretty much everything, and have an extraordinarily rich culture of blademaking. Both have a zen like approach to nature (and life) that I could never match.

I have previously reviewed the Fallkniven A1, and offhand the A1 seems to be more my speed. It’s not a big chopper, but it’s a meaty knife and a solid performer. The F1 is much smaller, and working with it has forced me to slow down for a moment, explore the possibility that less is more, and, god forbid, try to cultivate some technique when using my tools.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The F1 has an overall length of 8.3″, a 3.8″ blade, weighs 6 ounces, and is made in Japan. Fallkniven calls the F1 the Pilot’s Survival Knife, and this is the standard issue fixed blade for the Swedish Air Force. So this is a knife that presumably needs to be small enough to fit on your person while in the confines of a military aircraft, yet be effective enough for soldiers to rely on worst case scenarios like a downed airplane deep behind enemy lines. For us civilians this could be a camp knife, or a knife for hiking, hunting, and exploring the great outdoors.

Here is a shot of the F1 next to the S1 and A1. The F1 is of course on the bottom:

The blade of the F1 is a simple drop point with a full convex grind. The blade shape is simple. There are no organic shapes, no swedges, no jimping. Just traditional drop point awesomeness with your choice of a bright satin finish or a black CeraKoted blade. This is about as simple as it gets.

Blade thickness is a generous 4.5mm, and this combined with the full convex grind allows the F1 in some ways to function like a larger knife. I adore the convex grind. It can be used to pop open small pieces of wood, yet it cuts deeply into material and can be used for more detail oriented tasks.

The F1 features a laminated VG10 blade. Twin slabs of 420J stainless flank a VG10 core (also stainless). 420J is tougher than VG10, whereas VG10 is harder and better for edge retention than 420J. The idea is to combine 420J with the VG10 to make an overall tougher knife with the edge holding qualities of VG10.

Using VG10 for a survival knife is a hotly contested issue. I have found that VG10 is fine for little EDC knives like the Dragonfly 2, but if you troll the forums there is great debate as to whether it is an appropriate choice for an outdoor fixed blade.

Personally, I think that this is an instance where geometry makes the biggest difference. The convex edge gives the VG10 greater resilience and durability, and belies it softer qualities. Still, you need to be careful with this knife. If you are batoning with it, make sure you aren’t batoning on top of sand or a rock pile or something. Put a piece of wood underneath whatever you are trying to cut and understand that if the edge comes in contact with a rock, the edge will likely lose. With this strategy in mind, I have not had issues with the edge on any of my Fallkniven knives chipping out.

Here is another size comparison with the F1 next to the ESEE-3:

As far as edge retention is concerned, I have found that the VG10 blade holds up well to wood and meat. It doesn’t last as long when cutting fibrous materials like cardboard. Sharpening is very easy. I mostly strop the knife, and occasionally freehand the edge with a fine Sharpmaker stone. I know that the sandpaper and mousepad method is a popular way to sharpen a convex edge.

Fallkniven also offers this knife in their “3G” configuration. 3G is another 420J laminate with a core of Super Gold Powder Steel (SGPS), a high end powdered steel by Japanese manufacturer Takefu. They heat treat the SGPS to 62HRc. By way of contrast the VG10 version is taken up to 59HRc. The main benefit to the 3G version is it gives you greater edge retention. Apparently durability is about the same although I have no hands on experience with this version of the knife. The downside is that the 3G version retails for $100 more than the F1.

Personally, it was not worth the extra money to spring for the 3G version. If I used this knife every day I could see where the upgraded version has its appeal. I look forward to checking out the SGPS in depth when I eventually pick up a Fallkniven U2.

Handle and Ergonomics

The F1’s handle is made of Thermorun, a high density plastic. Thermorun has a slightly rubbery feel to it, and the handle all but completely encases the tang of the knife. About an 1/8″ of tang sticks out from the pommel, which can be used for hammering/crushing things. There is also a large sleeved lanyard hole that easily accommodates 550 cord. The handle has a strong diamond texture on the sides, while the top an bottom of the handle are left untextured.

All said construction of the handle is very simple and solid. I can’t detect any gaps in between where the handle and blade join together. There has been no cracking splitting has occurred after months of ownership and use. Like the rest of the knife, the handle has a very basic and utilitarian feel to it.

The F1 is a comfortable knife to use. The diamond texture helps lock your hand in place, and the broad flat spine is perfect for your thumb. The handle shape is simple and it will accommodate all sorts of hand sizes. There is no jimping. I mostly tested the F1 on wood, cardboard, and by trying it out with some light food prep. At all times I felt comfortable and in control of the knife. There were no issues with hot spots.

Sheath

The F1 comes with a plastic or leather sheath. Shown here is the leather sheath, although the plastic sheath is essentially a scaled down version of the sheath on my A1, so you can check that review out to get a little more information on Fallkniven’s zytel sheathes. The leather used for this sheath is thick, sturdy, and exudes quality. It’s a high quality no-nonsense sheath that has been finished simply. The belt loop is non-removable and the blade is held in place with a fold over button clasp. The blade doesn’t rattle or move around at all inside the leather sheath. It’s very secure and a nice option for people who prefer a more traditional belt sheath.

When I reviewed the A1 2 years ago I ragged on the plastic sheath a little. I felt like the sheath was a little flimsy, especially when paired with such a sturdy knife. The blade also rattled around in the sheath, which some people use as a metric to for sheath quality (this is kind of stupid when you think about it, although I’m guilty of pointing out whether the blade rattles in the sheath).

Opinions are subject to change and mine has evolved over the years. While Fallkniven’s plastic sheathes are lightweight, it doesn’t mean they aren’t of high quality. The plastic on my A1’s sheath has held up tremendously well and is very light and practical. Apparently it is a good choice for cold climates and will perform better than a leather or Kydex sheath in sub-freezing temperatures. Since I live in Florida I have been unable to really test that out.

Fallkniven F1 Review – Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be a level 10 bushcrafter to realize that this is a very nice knife. The F1 strikes a good balance of being lightweight and manageable yet high performance. The convex blade works miracles with wood, and the handle does a great job of not getting in the way. To me that is what makes an ideal working knife. It should not be a chore or an obstacle in your path – you should be able to actually use the thing. The F1, much like the A1 when I reviewed it, seems to invite use.

I may still favor the bigger knives for my outdoor exploits, but The F1 is an all around performer and a pleasure to work with. This is an excellent knife for camping or survival and has rightfully earned its reputation as a no-nonsense tool. It has also earned a spot on my recommended survival knives page, which is about as high of an endorsement as I can offer.

Fallkniven F1, Thermorun Handle, Plain, Zytel Sheath

8 1/4" overall.
3 3/4" laminate VG-10 stainless drop point blade with satin finish.
Black checkered Thermorun elastomer handle with visible tang end and lanyard hole.
Country of Origin: Sweden
Includes Black Zytel sheath.

I recommend purchasing the Fallkniven F1 at Amazon and BladeHQ. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Ka-Bar Becker BK-2 Review

by Dan Jackson 22 Comments

Last Updated: July 20, 2019

Down here in Florida we don’t get a lot of seasonality. For example, I wore shorts and flip flops on Christmas. But when the air starts to turn cool I get a hankering for 2 things: cigars and fixed blade knives. I am pleased to say I have been able to indulge in both this fall, and am ready to provide a review on a quintessential camp knife: the Becker BK-2.

Buy the Ka-Bar BK-2 at BladeHQ

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Built in the USA by Ka-Bar, and designed by Renaissance man Ethan Becker, the BK-2 has been widely accepted as a go to survival / camp knife for years now. I can’t tell you why I haven’t reviewed this classic fixed blade yet. There are many knives out there I’d love to review (one day I’ll even get to the classic USMC Ka-Bar) but just haven’t found the time for. Well, scratch the BK-2 off the list. This one has been tried and tested and I’m pleased to share some thoughts with you today.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The BK-2 has an overall length of 10-5/8″, a 5-1/4″ blade, and weighs 16 ounces. The BK-2 is a chunky knife. Pictures really don’t do it justice, as the proportions may suggest a smaller knife. I was pleasantly surprised by this, although if I were planning an ultra lightweight backpacking trek along the Appalachian trail I’d be less pleased. This strikes me as a tool for a camp site, truck, or your back yard – not something you will want to schlep for miles and miles on end.

Here is a size comparison with the ESEE-3:

The blade is a .25″ (6.35mm) thick slab of 1095 high carbon steel. For whatever reason when I ordered this knife I thought it might be interesting to compare it with my ESEE-3. It turned out to be a poor comparison, because next to my ESEE-3 the thickness of the blade is almost comical. The ESEE-3 might as well be made of aluminum foil when compared with the BK-2. Anyhow, the blade of the BK-2 is a classic drop point shape with a high flat grind and a sturdy tip. The knife has also been powdercoated. The powdercoating is heavily textured like on my ESEE blades. The coating will provide some rolling resistance when trying to cut deeply into things – at least until it gets smoothed down with use.

The BK-2 is interesting in that it can accomplish a lot of different tasks within its relatively small footprint. It’s good for batoning / splitting wood. I used it with great success to prepare a stack of wood for a couple bon fires. I was able to split logs with up to a 4″ diameter easily. You can do some carving with the knife, and I used the BK-2 to whittle up some shavings / tinder to start the fire, and to carve a few stakes for cooking.

Although it’s a little thick and clumsy in my hands for serious carving, I was able to get the job done. The BK-2 is also a decent chopper considering its size. This is a shorter knife, so naturally it won’t chop like an axe or a big fixed blade like the Junglas, but if you need to do limited chopping it will get the job done. Case in point, I needed to chunk up some large frozen sardines for a fish trap I was using – the BK-2 blew through those suckers. For these reasons the BK-2 is a natural choice for camp chores: building fires, prepping food, and odd jobs around a camp site where a sharp object might come in handy.

The only downside is that the BK-2 doesn’t particularly excel at anything. If you need a dedicated chopper, or an ultra fine carving knife, then you will want to look elsewhere. If you want a tough “do it all” knife, then the BK-2 could be a good choice.

As previously mentioned, the BK-2 comes in 1095 high carbon steel. I have wrote about this steel at length, especially over the course of reviewing an number of ESEE knives. 1095 is inexpensive and hearty. It’s easy to sharpen and holds a nice edge, especially when working with wood. It’s tough, but if you do chip it, you will be able to salvage the edge. 1095 is a good working steel, and I think it’s a great choice for this knife.

Handle and Ergonomics

The BK-2 features a spacious zytel (high density plastic) handle over it’s full steel tang. This is a very basic handle design, and it’s perfect for a workhorse knife like this. Ethan Becker apparently spent a lot of time getting this handle shape right, which is why you find it on his whole series of knives. The handle material is humble (although you can easily pick up a pair of micarta scales), but it’s lightweight, and very tough. The finish work on the handle is great. There are no sharp edges, and all of the hardware is sunk deeply into the handle. Rounding things out are an oversize lanyard hole and a generous exposed pommel that can be used for hammering / crushing things. This is a very clean and highly functional handle design. It has also been well executed.

From an ergonomic standpoint the handle of the BK2 feels as straightforward as it looks. This is a thick handle with a generous palm swell. There is plenty of room for larger hands and the absence of jimping / aggressive texture allows you to work with this tool for extended periods of time without blistering your thumb. Those wanting a little more grip could upgrade to micarta scales, or wrap the handle with athletic tape or a “ranger band” (a section of bicycle inner tube). I did not notice any hot spots while using this knife. This is a fantastic handle shape.

Sheath

The BK-2 comes complete with a plastic and nylon sheath. The sheath is simple, lightweight, and sturdy. It has excellent retention, yielding a very satisfying snapping sound when you shove the knife in place. There is no blade rattle at all, and I am not the least bit concerned about the blade ever falling out from the sheath. There is also a drain hole.

The nylon belt loop is simple and features a snap fastener for extra retention. It is fully removable with a Phillips head driver, and the plastic sheath is riveted together. The rivet holes and slots leave you with plenty of options for molle locks, tek-loks, paracord, and webbing. This is an outstanding sheath and it compliments the knife perfectly. Also, the snap fastener lies flat, so I have yet to cut into it when drawing the knife. The only creature comfort missing is that you need to take your belt off to feed it through the belt loop. I like being able to remove a belt sheath without having to take my belt off, but it’s not a deal breaker.

Becker BK-2 Review – Final Thoughts

The BK-2 is an impressive knife, especially when you consider that they are selling for right around $65.00. This is a lot of high quality tool for the money. The simplicity of the design, the quality of materials, and the extremely high level of fit and finish all make the BK-2 punch above its weight. Plus, it works. The stout geometry of the blade is excellent for processing wood, the handle is about as comfortable as they come, and the sheath is lightweight and functional. Finally, the knife itself is made in the USA (the sheath is made in Taiwan). I happen to like a USA made product, although it certainly isn’t a requirement for a favorable review.

All told, it is easy for me to see why the Ka-Bar Becker BK-2 has earned such a following and reputation. It’s simple and it works. If you are looking for an indestructible camp knife or a compact (but very stout) survival knife, then I highly recommend the BK-2.

Sale

KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife, Carbon Steel

Full tang heavy duty field knife suited for camping chores.
Made in Olean New York, U.S.A
Designed by Ethan Becker
Manufactured by KA-BAR Knives Inc.
Comes with a hard shell black nylon sheath.

I recommend purchasing the BK-2 at Amazon.com or BladeHQ. Please consider that buying anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

CRKT Chanceinhell Review

by Dan Jackson 2 Comments

Last Updated: September 7, 2019
Through his many collaborations with production knife companies Ken Onion has become one of the most recognized names in the cutlery industry. The Kershaw catalog is still chock full of Ken Onion classics like the Blur and Leek, Zero Tolerance landed him as their first big collaborator with the 0300 and 0350, and he has more recently released a number of excellent designs through CRKT, including the recently reviewed and highly acclaimed Swindle. I’ve waxed poetic about the man’s designs for the better part of a dozen knife reviews.

Buy the CRKT Chanceinhell at BladeHQ

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That said, this review is still a first, as it is my first review of a KO fixed blade. Ken has released several fixed blade designs over the years, including a couple interesting lines of kitchen knives, but he is mostly known for his folders. To my knowledge the CRKT Chanceinhell is his first production design machete, and the Chanceinhell is an interesting piece. The deep swooping blade and aggressive handle shape is a pretty serious departure from your typical machete design, yet it still pays homage to the classic machete. Will the Chanceinhell represent another step forward for the Kenster, or has he overreached with this bold take on a classic outdoor tool? I’ll to get to the bottom of it with this review.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Chance in Hell has an overall length of 17.88″, has a 12″ blade, and weighs 1 pound 4 ounces. This knife is similar in length to my ESEE Junglas, but isn’t a great comparison because the Junglas is made from much thicker stock and is way heavier. The Chanceinhell is slimmer and lighter in comparison, and is more of a true machete than the Junglas.

Blade thickness on the Chanceinhell is 2.5mm, and the Chanceinhell is a lot lighter than my Ontario Machete. Granted my Ontario is a 16″ blade and this is a 12″, but the knife definitely feels light and nimble in hand. For those seeking out a larger machete the Halfachance, with its 14″ blade and interesting Parang blade shape, may be a better option.

The Chanceinhell features a bold drop point blade shape. While it loosely follows the classic latin machete pattern common on more traditional machetes you definitely get a lot of Ken’s design influence showing through with the deep belly and curving blade. The first inch of blade actually forms the slightest recurve, but for all intents and purposes this knife does not have a recurve. Just like my Ontario Machete and a lot of other machetes, the chance in hell has a saber grind (low flat grind). The edge is v-ground although it blended into the saber grind and almost feels like a convex.

The steel on this knife is 65Mn carbon steel. This is a steel that I have previously had zero experience with. All I know is that it’s a carbon steel and will rust if you don’t take care of it, so I’ve been hosing mine down with WD-40 after every use. So far I have had zero issues with rust. Given the price point my guess is that it’s comparable to 1075 or 1085, but that is just pure conjecture.

In practice this seems like a hearty steel and a good choice for a machete. I have beat on this knife pretty hard, trying to baton it through 6″ diameter pieces of oak (I was largely unsuccessful, but the machete held up well), lots of limbing, chopping up some fairly stout branches, and plenty of brush clearing and more typical machete tasks. It has held up well, with no chipping, bending, or cracking.

The big belly of the blade actually gives the knife a nice forward heft and generous sweet spot. The black blade coating does not have much texture to it and the blade stock is relatively thin so the knife bit deeply into the various woods I cut with it. Speaking of the coating, the blade comes powdercoated and this coating as actually held up really well. I haven’t been able to wear it off, and like I said I’ve been working with this knife pretty seriously so I figured if it was going to start to come off, it would have by now. All in all I am pleased with the performance of this machete.

Handle and Ergonomics

The Chanceinhell’s handle is made of injection molded thermoplastic rubber (TPR). The rubber handle fully engulfs the tang (my understanding is that the tang pretty much runs the length of the handle) and is held in place with a series of tubular pins. This isn’t immediately apparent from the pictures, but this handle is over an inch thick. So far I can’t complain. I’ve used the knife on a dozen or so occasions and have yet to see any splitting or cracking. Granted I live in Florida so we don’t get much fluctuation in temperature down here but this handle has held up well.

The handle shape is probably the most characteristically Ken Onion aspect of this design, and features plenty of his swooping curving lines. Another interesting ergonomic aspect is the negative angle (pistol grip) to the handle. It all looks great on paper but a huge question for me was whether this thing would actually work in my hand. I’m not going to lie, it took only 10 chops with the Chanceinhell before a fairly substantial blister opened up on my palm below my pinky. That did not bode well for this machete, but I have to say that I haven’t had a blister or hot spot from this knife since.

I don’t mind the negative angle either, as it tends to accentuate the forward heavy chopping nature of the knife. This handle design works well for me, and I’m saying this after dozens of sessions with the knife. I am not sure if I would say it is “better” than a more classic simple handle shape; it’s just different and I am sure it will work everyone’s hand slightly differently.

I will say that I think the TPR is a great handle choice from an ergonomic perspective. This is like the orthopedic shoe equivalent of knife handle material. It will absorb some of the vibration from the blade, and the light faux pigskin texture holds the hand in place, even when you are tired and sweaty. I like that aspect of the handle a lot, and it has held up well. No cracking, splitting, etc.

Sheath

The Chanceinhell comes with a nylon sheath. It’s pretty basic, with a large belt loop that can be strapped down or used as a dangler. The belt loop is held together with velcro, and I like how you can use the belt loop without having to take your belt off. The edges have been stitched and riveted together, and the blade is held in place with three snaps.

These snaps do an OK job retaining the blade. If you play around with it, you can pull the knife out without releasing any of the straps, so this is not something I would recommend carrying upside down or jumping out of an airplane with.

It’s a far cry from the molded kydex sheath of my Junglas, but then again the price of this knife is a far cry from my Junglas, so it’s pretty much on par with any other Machete/sheath combo you will find at the $40 price point. It’s lightweight and basic, but gets the job done. You can’t expect to be blown away by the sheath at this price point, and in that respect the sheath met my expectations.

CRKT Chanceinhell Review – Final Thoughts

the Chanceinhell is an interesting take on the machete. Ken has less room to move when it comes to reinventing a classic tool like the machete, but I think he did a good job in distinguishing this from the pack, while still leaving you with a functional and robust design. This has been married to materials that are price appropriate and well executed, leaving you with a functional and affordable package.

I was most pleased by the way this machete cut. I have been wielding my Junglas around for quite some time now, and although I love the weight to that knife, the thick grind and chunky powdercoat means that it is not the leanest chopper. The Chanceinhell actually cuts better than my Junglas, but has still held up well under my use. The sheath, like on many inexpensive machetes, is merely adequate. I think the knife itself is significantly better than the sheath.

I take pride in actually testing everything that I review, and I spent a few months with this machete prior to putting pen to paper. It’s a stout tool and I have come to respect it, but I am hesitant to give it a blanket recommendation because I am not sure whether the handle design will work for everyone.

If the idea of a Ken Onion designed machete intrigues you, try it out and see what you think. I have enjoyed mine and will continue to reach for it when I need a lightweight machete for camping or yard work.

CRKT Chanceinhell Fixed Blade Machete: 12 Inch Black Powder Coated Carbon Steel Drop Point Blade with Nylon Sheath for Survival, Hunting, and Camping K910KKP

Enhanced Protection: Black coating improves corrosion resistance
Exceptional Grip: Football textured handle for grip
Built Tough: Reinforced nylon sheath provides carry options
Designed by Ken Onion in Kaneohe, Hawaii
Limited Lifetime Warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship, see company site for details

I recommend buying the Chanceinhell at BladeHQ or Amazon. Thanks for reading.