High-quality, durable, and innovative survival knife
In a world chock-full of survival knives, it's refreshing to lay your eyes on something as exceptional as the KA-BAR Becker BK72 – an exclusive collaboration between KA-BAR and Knivesandtools. It's not just another hefty blade; this workhorse is more like a symbol of resilience, a companion that'll accompany you to the ends of the earth, ready to tackle anything that comes its way.
One thing you'll instantly notice is that this isn't your everyday BK2/BK22. The BK72 feels different in hand, and I mean that in the best possible way. The blade, still a robust 6.35mm in thickness, is now forged from CPM S35VN steel, replacing the standard 1095 carbon steel. For those not well-versed in metallurgy, just know this – the S35VN is your rugged companion that's got your back, be it rain, sun, or snow. It's corrosion-resistant, holds an edge like a champ, and can be sharpened with relative ease, retaining its prowess through the toughest conditions.
Now, let's move our attention to the handle – the beacon of control in this powerful tool. Gone are the basic plastic scales, replaced with black micarta. It's an exciting switch, considering micarta offers an excellent grip, even in the wettest conditions. Plus, the dark, moody aesthetics give this survival blade a rather captivating look. The patina it develops over time, darkening with the oils from your hand, just adds more character to your knife, making it a part of your personal journey.
This knife is presented in two distinct versions – the ‘KABK72' with a cool, stonewashed blade finish and the ‘KABK72BK' which sports a sleek black DLC coating. Whichever you pick, you're in for a treat. The stonewashed finish does an excellent job of hiding those inevitable signs of wear, while the DLC (Diamond-Like Coating) enhances wear-resistance, protecting the blade from corrosion and reducing friction during cutting tasks. Either way, it's a win-win situation.
Let's not forget about the custom kydex sheath – the perfect home for your trusty companion. It's sleek, durable, and designed with practicality in mind, though it's worth noting, due to the weight of the knife, it's best not to carry it upside down, for example, on your backpack's shoulder strap.
So, if you're on the prowl for a survival knife that ticks every box, the KA-BAR Becker BK72 is a strong contender. With an overall length of 27 cm and a weight of 435 g, it is hefty, but it offers the perfect blend of performance, resilience, and visual appeal. At €285 for the Stonewashed version or €325 for the Black DLC version, it's an investment worth making for every survival enthusiast and outdoorsy folks out there. Let's just say, if I had to pick a single tool to carry into the unknown, the KA-BAR Becker BK72 would definitely be in the running.
Pros:
- Superior Blade Material: The BK72's blade is crafted from CPM S35VN steel, an upgrade from the standard 1095 carbon steel used in other models. This material is highly corrosion-resistant, retains its edge well, and is easy to sharpen.
- Comfortable Grip: The handle uses black micarta scales, a composite material that offers excellent grip, even in wet conditions, which is an improvement over the standard plastic scales.
- Versatile Finishes: Available in two versions, one with a stonewashed blade finish (‘KABK72') and another with a sleek black DLC coating (‘KABK72BK'), allowing users to choose based on their preference and use case.
- Improved Cutting Experience: Both the stonewashed and DLC coating finishes decrease the cutting resistance, providing a smoother and easier cutting experience.
- Custom Kydex Sheath: A sleek, durable sheath that holds the knife securely and offers several carrying options.
- Lifetime Warranty: The knife comes with a lifetime warranty on materials and manufacturing defects, signifying its quality and durability.
Cons:
- Hefty Weight: Weighing in at 435g, the BK72 might be considered heavy for some users, impacting its portability and ease of use during extended periods of use.
- No Included Belt Clip or Loop: The sheath does not come with a belt clip or loop included, which may limit the ways you can carry it unless you purchase additional attachments.
- Price Point: Priced at €285 for the Stonewashed version and €325 for the Black DLC version, it might be considered pricey for some, especially those on a tighter budget or those who aren't frequent outdoors enthusiasts.
- Maintenance: The micarta scales are removable, which is great for cleaning and maintenance, but for some, this could be seen as an extra chore, particularly in harsh or muddy environments.
- Patina Development: Although part of its charm, the micarta handle will develop a patina over time, which may not appeal to all users, especially those who prefer maintaining the knife's original aesthetic.
€285 for the Stonewashed version
€325 for the Black DLC version
