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KA-BAR Becker BK3 Tac Tool
01 / 07
KA-BAR Becker BK3 Tac Tool
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Product Description
The KA-BAR Becker BK3 Tac Tool is a versatile all-in-one tactical tool made to tackle tough jobs of any kind. Designed by acclaimed knifemaker and outdoorsman Ethan Becker and 20-year SWAT Team field commander John Benner, the BK3 Tac Tool is as tough as its creators Read More
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keyboard_arrow_downPahani
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.
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.
Pahani
118
Nov 23, 2016
PahaniOh, one more thing.......
Becker BK3 vs car? BK3 wins :p
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/828093-BK3-Spotlight-Part-1-((PIC-HEAVY))
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSuZxLT8_iY
Becker BK3 vs car? BK3 wins :p
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/828093-BK3-Spotlight-Part-1-((PIC-HEAVY))
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSuZxLT8_iY
Ares78
1506
Keyboard Club Member
Aug 21, 2017
JRigglesYep, and for once it's cheaper on the Canadian Amazon too (130CAD/103USD with prime shipping vs 95-99USD + a month wait and 24USD 2-week Acendia shipping).
steelersteve13
70
Nov 10, 2018
Still $97.98 on Amazon, ships with Prime.
Really, Massdrop, what’s the point?
Edgar
195
Sep 9, 2016
I've found these K-Bars are almost never a good deal on Massdrop, why is that? They are always just barely cheaper than Amazon or equal with everything factored in. Is it just difficult to get a discount on these? Or is this price really good for international buyers?
Cyphre
2710
Sep 9, 2016
EdgarThe price Massdrop has on these and probably others are based solely on wholesale/distributor prices, which is pretty standard. Amazon has a lot of good deals because other third party sellers try to undercut each other. The only time prices somehow reach below is when it is old stock that a company is trying to get rid of completely (as inventory is literally money you haven't made on an investment).
steelersteve13
70
Sep 5, 2018
$97.98 on Amazon, ships with Prime.
Sometimes you beat Amazon, sometimes Amazon beats you.
Sometimes you beat Amazon, sometimes Amazon beats you.
cwmst22
101
Oct 30, 2017
Still < $92 on Amazon with free shipping
200038 Ka-Bar BK3 Becker Tac Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001IPILMA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_IvN9zbVN2ZZPT
200038 Ka-Bar BK3 Becker Tac Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001IPILMA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_IvN9zbVN2ZZPT
HKP7M8
31
Sep 10, 2016
I've got one of these lightly used for $75 shipped CONUS if anyone is interested. Cheaper price and priority shipping to boot! Email me at tetchaje2002 AT netscape DOT net if interested.
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