Yours is not the same as the new BK7 thou, it was made by Camillus with 0170-6 and the new one is by Kabar with 1095. Kabar hardens their own knives on the soft side so I'm guessing they are doing the same with Becker.

That might be, haven't Rockwell tested the blade, but note that it's 1095CroVan, which I assume is 1095 with chromium and vanadium added. What would those add? Carbides?

BTW, I went with the BK-9. There's always a smaller blade around. A Doug Ritter folder or a Roselli from Ragweed, usually more than one. Hard to beat a purpose built knife with a Scandi grind for carving. The folder is always either in my pocket or in my hand.

How about a #22 scalpel blade without a handle?

In a nice plastic pouch with some other stuff.

Can I have dibs on the knife after he tries to test out this functionality?

I was reminded of the scene in the first Indiana Jones movie where the guy came out twirling his swords showing off his prowess. Jones just shrugged his shoulders, pulled his gun, and shot the guy. A bear would do something similar to that when faced with a camp knife...

I guess it depends if the goal is a presentation knife or a hard-use bush knife.

If it's the latter, a Cold Steel Bushman (fixed blade version) might be an option. Inexpensive, very sturdy, and carbon steel to boot.

I have handled a couple in stores, but have not had a chance to field test one. I did note that the handle should probably be wrapped in some sort of material to increase grip and reduce the chance of blisters.

My $0.02.

Vanadium at small amount give steel a smaller grain structure, not sure about chromium but I think it does the same thing.

Kabar spec their USMC knife at 56 (thou no longer listed on their website for some reason), since Becker use the same steel stock and made at the same plant I can't imagine it's different.



I had a bushman and the steel is VERY soft, chopping some branches caused the edge to flattern, they probably did it on purpose so it wouldn't break when used as spear and easy to sharpen with just a rock or something.

Thanks for the review. There is no substitute for hands-on experience.

For my money?
RAT Cutlery RC-6 Fixed 6.5" Plain Blade

I like a smaller blade myself but I have heard lots of great things about the reliability of RAT.
Todd

ToddG beat me to it by a few minutes, but the ESEE (RAT cutlery) RC-6 seems to fit the bill perfectly. Tough as nails.

And on the off chance something happens to it, they have a lifetime no questions asked warranty. (made in US also if that sort of thing matters to you).

Ohhhhhh....did not know about the warranty...I am thinking that rat with the 3in blade is ALL mine!