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Posted: 1/14/2012 5:36:15 PM EDT
| I'm trying to decide between either a Gerber LMF II (12C27 Stainless Steel) or a Kabar Becker BK2 (1095 Cro-van Steel). I really like both knives. Just wondering if I could get some insight on which steel is "better"? Any help would be appreciated. |
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Just a heads up, I know on paper these two knives may seem similar, but they are totally different beasts. The BK2 is going to feel alot bigger than the LMF II. Also, serrations, do you want them or no? The LMF II is going to have more bells and whistles with it's sheath and all as well.
Here's a photo of two of them together, it's still hard to tell without actually having held both. Not my picture, but I don't have the knives to take pictures of them on hand. http://www.flickr.com/photos/jbryner/5488459187/lightbox/ Personally I'd go with the BK 2, but everyone likes different things! |
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12C27 is a chinese made "stainless" steel. Stainless just means it will stain less when/if it rusts. If you've ever seen a knife rust you know how it looks once that rust has been removed; it's darker, almost brown/black. Stainless steel on the other hand will not have such dark spotting but spotting can still occur. This steel is more corosion resistant than 1095CroVan. Edge life, in terms of skinning a deer, would get you through one deer, maybe two between sharpening.
1095-CroVan is going to be a tougher steel as far as taking a beating, as well as being full tang. Not as corosion resistant hence the coating you've seen on the BK line. This steel will allow you to skin three to four deer between sharpening. I understand the purpose of these knives are not to skin animals, however this is a real-life comparison to give you an idea of edge retention. If you go for the BK, may I suggest getting the optional handles for it as these are made from canvas micarta and will vastly improve grip especially if your hands are wet, sweaty, bloody, oily, etc. |
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