Camillus/Ka Bar BK 7

[JimStC]

I have been doing some research to figure out the evolution of the BK 7 from Becker Knife and Tool to Camillus and then to Ka Bar. There are a few blanks I can't fill in.
I assume that Becker designed the knife and licensed the design to Camillus. Camillus then filed bankruptcy in 2007 and their assets were purchased by Acme United (same as in wiley coyote and roadrunner fame). The latest Camillus catalog has no mention of the Becker design so my second assumption is that Becker revoked the license and then sold it to Ka Bar who is owned by Cutco.
Am I right?
Also how does the Camillus production compare to the Ka Bar production in terms of quality? I did note that all of Ka Bar's Becker line are American made.
Lastly, if I have a Camillus BK 7 in an original Camillus box (which I do), I assume it is pre-2007 production? Is that a correct assumption?
I also have a Ka Bar BK 7 and was comparing it to the Camillus BK 7. The only difference this untrained eye could discern was the manufacturer's stamp and the Ka Bar sheath is much better for my purposes.
Thanks,
Jim

 

[hso]

Ethan Becker designed the knives and licensed them to the manufacturers. He was smart enough to retain rights to the designs, from Blackjack to Camilus to KaBar, and continues to hold the rights to them.

KaBar is the current partner and Ethan works closely with them to make the BKT knives the best he can.

Which is "better", the Camilus or the KaBar? That's a question of what you mean by "better". The Camillus knives are all collectable now, so they're "better" from an investment standpoint. The KaBars are every bit as well made as the Camillus so you can actually afford to use them, which is better from a user shandpoint.

I have BKT's from the BJ, Camillus, and KaBar days.

If you have a Camillus BK knife it is from before KaBar started making them with Ethan.

 

[JimStC]

Thanks for the information. I like my Ka Bar very much and use it frequently. It is a sturdy tool. The Camillus stays in the gun safe.
As you mentioned, they seem identical in quality.

 

[22-rimfire]

Thanks hso. You summarized it far better than I could.

Like ESEE, forum chat has made me want to own a few Kabar Beckers even though I have no earthly need for one. But when has that ever stopped me from acquiring something I like or I think I like. I pick up a BK9 and it sort of Wow's me as do many big knives. I think my first Kabar Becker is going to be something smaller and I'll have to see about the BK9. But I have no interest in collecting Becker designs.

 

[JimStC]

Check out the Becker BK 2 Campanion

From Amazon:

Fixed blade knife with drop point shape and 20-degree edge angle
Blade made of 1095 cro-van steel blade for strength
Handle made of Grivory material
Blade measures 5.5 inches long; knife measures 10.5 inches long