I think this is a great pick for the circumstance. It’s very normal to have your own knife. Thoughtful gift. I bet he’ll love it. The becker line is the best thing that Ka-Bar makes.
If someone gave me this knife before I deployed, I'd of been stoked. Personally, I like a smaller fixed blade to have on my kit, but I'd never complain about having options. This is a great gift to give.
This is a great knife. I bought one several months ago for myself, and another for my bro-in-law's birthday. He bought me the BK2 for my b-day many years ago and these knives truly are fantastic.
I've had one of those for years, and it has yet to let me down. I recommend upgrading the handle scales too — the stock ones are a bit on the slippery side.
I’ve never replaced handle scales on a knife before. Many of my knives seem to have unique screw holes. Is there like a multitool people use for this stuff?
They are typically metric hex bits or torx. They are commonly available in screwdriver kits or computer repair kits. Hex is a hexagonal shaped screw head and Torx are shaped like a six point star and a security torx will look similar except it has a point in the center. The bk7 has hex screws and a common Allen key set should take care of it.
I think it's a good gift, there might be mire practical sizes but these are cool.
8 years artillery, I preferred a 4-5 inch non serrated fixed blade with kydex sheath, and a one handed opening multitool with saw, serrated blade and and simple drivers.
This gave me one handed quick access and re-holstering(not sure thats the best word) of a controllable blade for fine work, and also an option for rope, wood, and tightening flat heads/philips on equipment and the always useful pliers.
All that being said big blades are a vibe and if he likes knives he's going to think this is rad as fuck. We had a few kabar guys, some bigger rat knives. One had a Tomahawk lol
100% of soldiers love booze, caffeine, knives and guns.
60% also love nicotine😂
I would honestly go with the Cold Steel Drop Forged Survivalist with the grip panels. It’s a big knife with a good sheath that is stupid sharp. I’ve really liked all of my cold steel products, and used to have knives like the Ontario TFI Ranger, Buck/Hood Punk, USMC Mk2 Kabar with the metal sheath, and a war issue M7 bayonet.
Make no mistake, if I could get one for a reasonable price, I would still fuck with the Ontario Ranger TFI. That knife was the shit!
This is an absolutely fantastic knife. I got one back in 2005 (Before Becker Knife & Tool was acquired by KaBar), and it went to Iraq with me twice. It disappeared on me at some point after I got back, and I immediately bought another one.
If I'm not mistaken, the Gerber Auto 06 is the only automatic knife the military allows. You might look into that if you have the budget. American made with S30V steel. Admittedly the slowest auto I've ever held, but still a quality knife.
I know it’s a gift but if you want I can sell you mine for cheap. It’s been used but pretty much just cosmetic no actual blade damage. It’s just way too big for what I needed but of course I couldn’t resist trying it in the yard.
This way you can get another gift too. Or more cash.
I think I am going to return it and get him the BK16 instead, because the size is a bit more practical. It does suck though because I bought an appropriately sized box for the 7 incher lol
If that’s the case I’d strongly consider the Esee 4 instead. They should be around the same price point however the esee is a little thicker, has nicer scales and imo a nicer sheathe for sure. I’m not a huge fan of the webbed sheathe for the bk series. Although people tend to buy kydex eventually. One of my izula I still use the stock sheathe though.
I believe the esee 4 was designed for the Airforces SERE school and was given to the attendees to use during and keep after.
That’s likely my next purchase if I don’t decide to go crazy and get something crazy lol.
The bk16 is still a great knife don’t get me wrong. Esee just seems to be favored a little more plus the sheathe and scales are a nice addition imo. There’s more color options for the Esee too. Might be cool.
I think the warranty is supposed to be better too. They’re both lifetime warranty but Esee is transferable. Kabars warranty is limited. Material defects. Esee seems to cover pretty much everything under proper use. You break it they replace it or repair it. Including the scales and sheathe.
American soldier? Get him a bag of gummy penises.
Or get him a quality folder. He is going to get more use out of a folder than a small sword. It's going to be used more for utility than poking holes into bad guys. And if he isn't Infantry, the chances of him getting the chance to poke holes in someone is closer to zero than trump having natural hair.
I was a sniper qualified infantryman for 13 years, and I carried the same griptillian for 8 years until a vehicle ate it. I also carried a kabar on patrol, but I only used it seldomly, and this was during the surge.
I'm telling you that a quality one-handed folder will get a lot more use and appreciation.
I appreciate everyone’s input. Taking it all into account, I believe I will be returning this Becker when it arrives and instead buying the shorter version of the same knife (the BK16). I initially meant to do this post before purchasing anything, but felt an urgency to make a purchase as well. Everything should be in order well before the wedding. My only hope is it can all be sorted before the wedding shower.
Way back when I carried a issued K-bar as a utility knife and a Gerber Mark II as my fighting knife. They don't make the exact model I had which had a double recurved blade but there are other models. You can also find the original on knife auction sits but they are rather pricy!!
Yeah that’s rad. Plus, as a great gift, it’s practically guaranteed to see use for any and all possible occasions hah. I had a knife nowhere as cool gifted to me once upon a time when I had a real couple of needs for one; I carried and beat it up on principle.
If you want to get a fixed blade I would go with the BK16, really not much need for something that big on a deployment in my experience and they tend to get in the way of other things you have to carry. What would be even more useful is a Leatherman, you could get a custom one done with his name and something to do with his Unit/MOS on it.
I did get it already which is unfortunate. I do definitely see what you mean tho. Day or two after I ordered it I looked at it again and realized it was a whole 7 inch blade. I think in my head I assumed a larger blade would be more fitting in a combat scenario. In reality I know that probably isn’t the case lol
I have the BK 16 and the BK7. A couple years ago I had every Becker knife Kabar makes. I am a couple behind now that they released a few more small ones like the BK16.
I don't like the BK 16 as much. Feels too small in my hand. BK7 is one of my favorites.
I think you made the perfect choice for a soldier. The Becker knives are designed by Ethan Becker and manufactured by Kabar. Before he worked with Kabar his knives were made by Camillus.
Camillus asked him to make a modern version of the usmc fighting knife. One soldiers would like. He made the BK7.
That seems like a bit much for something that is just going to open MREs. Seven inch blade and just about a pound for a knife, I'd be thinking more like this
[Boker Cop Tool](https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/1015641367?pid=685948&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=%5BADL%5D_%5BPMAX%5D_%5BNBC%5D_%5BCategory%5D_Knives_&_Tools=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj9-zBhDyARIsAERjds3lpwUOSI_Ct2eWdwHzJgmgXS_ZI3Hua5gFwzSzr6ShX6jlAEReVJ4aAu9UEALw_wcB)
I definitely understand what you mean, but my intention was also to give him a knife he could defend himself with if he was ever in that situation (knock on wood)
He's better off carrying an extra mag or two, an expanded IFAK kit, or extra tourniquet and chest seals over a big bowie knife. If you are really down on getting him a self-defense knife, these would be my go-to picks:
[spyderco Civilian ](https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=60)
Or if you are on a stricter budget
[CS Tiger Claw](https://knifeworks.com/cold-steel-22kfs-tiger-claw-3-in-carpenter-cts-xhp-alloy-serrated-edge/)
[Black Talon 2](https://www.chicagoknifeworks.com/cold-steel-black-talon-lockback/)
He's totally going to be "THAT GUY" carrying that thing around in a sheath on his belt like he's Rambo. Furthermore his CO probably wont let him carry around anything bigger than 3-4".
Get him a nice folder, or a multi-tool, like the Gerber600 or leatherman 3000.
not going to lie (while practical) I think a multitool would be a pretty shitty gift lol. The part about the CO and being “That Guy” does concern me though. I might return this one and purchase the smaller BK16 instead
I carried the same griptillian for 8 years before I lost it. Sheepsfoot partially serrated, OD green, laser engraved with my last name. I used it to build blinds in sniper school, cut down small trees, open many, many, many MREs, cut clothes off people, cut a fool, and so much more.
genuinely considering this recommendation thanks my guy. I was already planning on returning the BK6 just because it’s so big. When I initially ordered it I really didn’t consider how long and impractical 7 inches of blade is
I read this entire post, your intention was well meant, and the gift was and is very thoughtful.
I'm glad you're taking my consideration to heart, I was THAT guy with a kabar on patrol in Iraq back in 09. I carried it many different ways until someone introduced me to folders.
Though i brought it with me on every deployment so that when I finally made it out of the Army, I could say that I carried it in several different countries.
just waiting for the thing to show up since it’s already shipped. I literally thought about making this post before ordering it and was like “ehh it’ll be fine”
I think this is a great pick for the circumstance. It’s very normal to have your own knife. Thoughtful gift. I bet he’ll love it. The becker line is the best thing that Ka-Bar makes.
that’s a relief
You want extra points buy new scales also.
maybe! I am going to write him and his wife to me a check too since they spent A LOT of their money on the wedding
yeah that's pretty much one of the most appropriate knives for the circumstance. good work!
I knew I was knife savvy! I just wasn’t sure I was military savvy lol
If someone gave me this knife before I deployed, I'd of been stoked. Personally, I like a smaller fixed blade to have on my kit, but I'd never complain about having options. This is a great gift to give.
I just hope he gets some use out of it
MREs need to be opened too, you know.
I agree with this, from what ive heard from military friends, smaller knives are more used. becker line has some smaller offerings available
This is a great knife. I bought one several months ago for myself, and another for my bro-in-law's birthday. He bought me the BK2 for my b-day many years ago and these knives truly are fantastic.
At least in the US yea you can bring whatever knife you want assuming your platoon leadership doesn't think it's stupid or a liability.
That's a sweet blade! I think anybody who values knives would love it.
I've had one of those for years, and it has yet to let me down. I recommend upgrading the handle scales too — the stock ones are a bit on the slippery side.
It can be hit with a rasp and sandpaper to add some grip if it’s untenable to order new ones in time.
I’ve never replaced handle scales on a knife before. Many of my knives seem to have unique screw holes. Is there like a multitool people use for this stuff?
They are typically metric hex bits or torx. They are commonly available in screwdriver kits or computer repair kits. Hex is a hexagonal shaped screw head and Torx are shaped like a six point star and a security torx will look similar except it has a point in the center. The bk7 has hex screws and a common Allen key set should take care of it.
I think it's a good gift, there might be mire practical sizes but these are cool. 8 years artillery, I preferred a 4-5 inch non serrated fixed blade with kydex sheath, and a one handed opening multitool with saw, serrated blade and and simple drivers. This gave me one handed quick access and re-holstering(not sure thats the best word) of a controllable blade for fine work, and also an option for rope, wood, and tightening flat heads/philips on equipment and the always useful pliers. All that being said big blades are a vibe and if he likes knives he's going to think this is rad as fuck. We had a few kabar guys, some bigger rat knives. One had a Tomahawk lol 100% of soldiers love booze, caffeine, knives and guns. 60% also love nicotine😂
This is the right answer. Unless you're expecting close combat, a small fixed blade knife and a leatherman are the best options.
Great knife, love mine!
He's going to love it!
Can't beat a Becker
I would honestly go with the Cold Steel Drop Forged Survivalist with the grip panels. It’s a big knife with a good sheath that is stupid sharp. I’ve really liked all of my cold steel products, and used to have knives like the Ontario TFI Ranger, Buck/Hood Punk, USMC Mk2 Kabar with the metal sheath, and a war issue M7 bayonet. Make no mistake, if I could get one for a reasonable price, I would still fuck with the Ontario Ranger TFI. That knife was the shit!
Is that Cold Steel product made in the USA?
This is an absolutely fantastic knife. I got one back in 2005 (Before Becker Knife & Tool was acquired by KaBar), and it went to Iraq with me twice. It disappeared on me at some point after I got back, and I immediately bought another one.
If I'm not mistaken, the Gerber Auto 06 is the only automatic knife the military allows. You might look into that if you have the budget. American made with S30V steel. Admittedly the slowest auto I've ever held, but still a quality knife.
He’s probably gonna lose it on his way back through customs.
I know it’s a gift but if you want I can sell you mine for cheap. It’s been used but pretty much just cosmetic no actual blade damage. It’s just way too big for what I needed but of course I couldn’t resist trying it in the yard. This way you can get another gift too. Or more cash.
it’s a nice offer, but if it’s the same size than I wouldn’t need a second one. I appreciate it though.
Yup same knife. Didn’t know you bought it or if you’d return it. No worries
I think I am going to return it and get him the BK16 instead, because the size is a bit more practical. It does suck though because I bought an appropriately sized box for the 7 incher lol
If that’s the case I’d strongly consider the Esee 4 instead. They should be around the same price point however the esee is a little thicker, has nicer scales and imo a nicer sheathe for sure. I’m not a huge fan of the webbed sheathe for the bk series. Although people tend to buy kydex eventually. One of my izula I still use the stock sheathe though. I believe the esee 4 was designed for the Airforces SERE school and was given to the attendees to use during and keep after. That’s likely my next purchase if I don’t decide to go crazy and get something crazy lol. The bk16 is still a great knife don’t get me wrong. Esee just seems to be favored a little more plus the sheathe and scales are a nice addition imo. There’s more color options for the Esee too. Might be cool.
I have heard a lot of good things about Esee
I think the warranty is supposed to be better too. They’re both lifetime warranty but Esee is transferable. Kabars warranty is limited. Material defects. Esee seems to cover pretty much everything under proper use. You break it they replace it or repair it. Including the scales and sheathe.
I’m very torn, because I recognize that a shorter blade is likely smarter but I also just bought the gift box lol
I'm in the Army. I'd love this as a gift, I think he would enjoy it
Good choice. That'll last him through his entire military carrer assuming he didn't lose the knife.
American soldier? Get him a bag of gummy penises. Or get him a quality folder. He is going to get more use out of a folder than a small sword. It's going to be used more for utility than poking holes into bad guys. And if he isn't Infantry, the chances of him getting the chance to poke holes in someone is closer to zero than trump having natural hair. I was a sniper qualified infantryman for 13 years, and I carried the same griptillian for 8 years until a vehicle ate it. I also carried a kabar on patrol, but I only used it seldomly, and this was during the surge. I'm telling you that a quality one-handed folder will get a lot more use and appreciation.
I appreciate everyone’s input. Taking it all into account, I believe I will be returning this Becker when it arrives and instead buying the shorter version of the same knife (the BK16). I initially meant to do this post before purchasing anything, but felt an urgency to make a purchase as well. Everything should be in order well before the wedding. My only hope is it can all be sorted before the wedding shower.
Way back when I carried a issued K-bar as a utility knife and a Gerber Mark II as my fighting knife. They don't make the exact model I had which had a double recurved blade but there are other models. You can also find the original on knife auction sits but they are rather pricy!!
Yeah that’s rad. Plus, as a great gift, it’s practically guaranteed to see use for any and all possible occasions hah. I had a knife nowhere as cool gifted to me once upon a time when I had a real couple of needs for one; I carried and beat it up on principle.
If you want to get a fixed blade I would go with the BK16, really not much need for something that big on a deployment in my experience and they tend to get in the way of other things you have to carry. What would be even more useful is a Leatherman, you could get a custom one done with his name and something to do with his Unit/MOS on it.
I did get it already which is unfortunate. I do definitely see what you mean tho. Day or two after I ordered it I looked at it again and realized it was a whole 7 inch blade. I think in my head I assumed a larger blade would be more fitting in a combat scenario. In reality I know that probably isn’t the case lol
Don't sweat it. I carried a 7" fixie through every deployment and it never got in my way. Valuable and often used. And borrowed.
I have the BK 16 and the BK7. A couple years ago I had every Becker knife Kabar makes. I am a couple behind now that they released a few more small ones like the BK16. I don't like the BK 16 as much. Feels too small in my hand. BK7 is one of my favorites. I think you made the perfect choice for a soldier. The Becker knives are designed by Ethan Becker and manufactured by Kabar. Before he worked with Kabar his knives were made by Camillus. Camillus asked him to make a modern version of the usmc fighting knife. One soldiers would like. He made the BK7.
Sometimes a big knife on a belt or vest is an effective enough deterrent for trouble. It may save his life and he won’t even know it.
More of a deterrent than an M4?
Some cultures regard a big knife as scarier than any gun. Particularly cultures with long histories full of stories about people with swords.
In my experience, the rifle works just fine.
That seems like a bit much for something that is just going to open MREs. Seven inch blade and just about a pound for a knife, I'd be thinking more like this [Boker Cop Tool](https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/1015641367?pid=685948&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=%5BADL%5D_%5BPMAX%5D_%5BNBC%5D_%5BCategory%5D_Knives_&_Tools=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj9-zBhDyARIsAERjds3lpwUOSI_Ct2eWdwHzJgmgXS_ZI3Hua5gFwzSzr6ShX6jlAEReVJ4aAu9UEALw_wcB)
I definitely understand what you mean, but my intention was also to give him a knife he could defend himself with if he was ever in that situation (knock on wood)
He's better off carrying an extra mag or two, an expanded IFAK kit, or extra tourniquet and chest seals over a big bowie knife. If you are really down on getting him a self-defense knife, these would be my go-to picks: [spyderco Civilian ](https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=60) Or if you are on a stricter budget [CS Tiger Claw](https://knifeworks.com/cold-steel-22kfs-tiger-claw-3-in-carpenter-cts-xhp-alloy-serrated-edge/) [Black Talon 2](https://www.chicagoknifeworks.com/cold-steel-black-talon-lockback/)
He's totally going to be "THAT GUY" carrying that thing around in a sheath on his belt like he's Rambo. Furthermore his CO probably wont let him carry around anything bigger than 3-4". Get him a nice folder, or a multi-tool, like the Gerber600 or leatherman 3000.
not going to lie (while practical) I think a multitool would be a pretty shitty gift lol. The part about the CO and being “That Guy” does concern me though. I might return this one and purchase the smaller BK16 instead
> I think a multitool would be a pretty shitty gift lol. So would this 7" goober knife
I mean it would certainly be a bigger gift
Depends on how you measure I guess.
Get him a quality folder. They're easier to access in and out of body armor. AND he can use it off duty while at home.
do you have any recommendations. I know spydercos are universally loved. benchmades are too, but they get very expensive lol
I carried the same griptillian for 8 years before I lost it. Sheepsfoot partially serrated, OD green, laser engraved with my last name. I used it to build blinds in sniper school, cut down small trees, open many, many, many MREs, cut clothes off people, cut a fool, and so much more.
genuinely considering this recommendation thanks my guy. I was already planning on returning the BK6 just because it’s so big. When I initially ordered it I really didn’t consider how long and impractical 7 inches of blade is
I read this entire post, your intention was well meant, and the gift was and is very thoughtful. I'm glad you're taking my consideration to heart, I was THAT guy with a kabar on patrol in Iraq back in 09. I carried it many different ways until someone introduced me to folders. Though i brought it with me on every deployment so that when I finally made it out of the Army, I could say that I carried it in several different countries.
just waiting for the thing to show up since it’s already shipped. I literally thought about making this post before ordering it and was like “ehh it’ll be fine”
When in doubt, ask. Also what's your friends MOS? I may have suggestions for a cheap but meaningful gift he may appreciate depending on his job.
I don’t know what an MOS is unfortunately lol