KA-BAR Becker BK3 Tac Tool Discussions | Drop

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KA-BAR Becker BK3 Tac Tool

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KA-BAR Becker BK3 Tac Tool

Pahani

118

Oct 6, 2016

Just got my BK-3 from Massdrop. Comparing side by side to my 2004 (Camillus) version, there are a few differences. Overall, I do quite like this Ka-Bar version better.
The "hook" on the Ka-Bar version is machined better. I didn't even notice until now, but the "hook" on the Camillus knife appears to have been machined with 2 different sized bits.
The black blade coating on the Ka-Bar is rougher, the Camillus one is a bit smoother. Whether this is a good or a bad thing I guess is up to you.
The handle scales are also smoother to the touch on the Camillus, which I think would make it slipperier in the hand for serious work. They may have just smoothed over time on my particular example, though....and in any case, I'm guessing sandpaper or a wire brush or something more creative like checkering would sufficiently rough them up for grip.
There is about 1/8" more serration on the Camillus, and I do believe this part was machined better on the Camillus as well. Cut slightly deeper, and at a slightly steeper angle. However, a little more length for the main cutting edge I believe was the right choice by Ka-Bar.
The main cutting edge......this is clearly won by the Ka-Bar. The edge on the Ka-Bar is MUCH more precisely ground. Though to be fair, I may have mucked up the edge on the Camillus over the years by attempting to sharpen it several times with no clue what I was doing :p And I humbly submit that sharpening is an art form that I still have not correctly learned.
The sheaths: First, the Ka-Bar is right-hand only, while the Camillus is ambidextrous. That being said, if you're right-handed, the Ka-Bar sheath is a fair bit better. The Camillus can rattle around a lot, while the Ka-Bar fits more snugly and is virtually silent. The Ka-Bar sheath has this little built in platform for your thumb to push on when drawing, the Camillus does not. The drain hole on the Camillus comes out the back of the sheath, the Ka-Bar drains directly out the bottom. While I wouldn't really subject either knife to much water, the Ka-Bar drainage system should be better. The belt loop on the Ka-Bar is affixed with 4 screws, thus removable; the belt loop on the Camillus is permanently attached with 4 rivets.
And lastly, the Ka-Bar has a flat (hammering platform?) on the pommel, the Camillus just follows the profile of the scales. I prefer the Ka-Bar better.
For me personally, my new Ka-Bar is the BK-3 I'd reach for 100% of the time. My Camillus version will be stored away to preserve its' condition as (hopefully) a collector's item.