Ka-Bar Becker BK2

My new Ka-Bar Becker BK2 knife arrived today and all I can say is WOW what a beast of a blade. I thought it might be a good utility/camp knife; and straight out of the box I'm a bit blown away even though I was aware of the basic stats for the knife before purchase.

The Becker series of knives are designed by Ethan Becker who appears to be a jack of many trades. A little research indicates that he is an author of cook books, a mountaineer/outdoors-man and knife designer. Initially Becker's range of knives were manufactured by the Camillus knife company which went out of business a few years ago (now appears to have been revived). Ka-bar is now the licenced manufacturer of the Becker series.

First impressions, it's heavy weighing in at around 0.45 kilograms and the blade thickness is a staggering 6.5 millimeters. Despite the weight it is well balanced and the handle is a nice fit in the hand. I suspect it will be a great camping knife?

I will write a more informed review of the BK-2 once I have had the opportunity to use it on my next expedition. Stay tuned.

Weight: 0.453 kilograms
Length: Blade length 14cm
Overall length 26.5cm
Grind:Flat
Shape: Drop Point
Edge Angle:20 Degrees
Handle Material: Grivory
HRC:56-58
Steel: 1095 cro-van

Not so primitive

Here's a great site to explore for a wide range of bushcraft skills. The Wildwood Survival site offers very detailed instructions and practical advice on traditional and primitive survival skills. When I say primitive I am referring to flint knapping etc. Although I should point out that primitive is a deceptive term and perhaps inappropriate for discussing technology from humanities distant past.

Flint knapping is an exceptionally difficult task particularly if you are trying to replicate the tools utilised over the last 50 thousand years. I majored in Archaeology at university and devoted many hours to replicating indigenous stone tools. End result a huge appreciation for the knowledge and skills of our ancestors. At it's zenith some stone axes required over 100 individual strikes on the blank to create the final product. The practitioner had an in-depth knowledge of the characteristics of the raw material, flint, obsidian etc, and artisan skill in executing complicated designs.

Enjoy!