KBar vs. Cheaper Than Dirt

[Yo Mama]

Which would you go for. A KBar Bowie, or a Cheaper Than Dirt Bowie.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/DBA443-1.html

1. I'm not using it every day.
2. I want it to last

Kbar 50 dollars made in Taiwan
Cheaper than dirt made in China for 10 dollars

 

[theotherwaldo]

I'd suggest that you read the user reviews at cheaperthandirt.com. A lot of unhappy buyers.

I don't know if I'd point you toward a Ka-Bar, but I'd point you away from cheaperthandirt.com!

 

[Yo Mama]

I saw that they were either hit or miss. They either loved them, or hated them.

 

[hso]

Buy the original from a reputable company or the knockoff?

First, I'd suggest neither since neither is a Bowie and either is too big for most purposes.

Second, I'd say there's no question between the KaBar and some no-name that you don't know whether it was ever heat treated and there's nothing standing behind it.

 

[Yo Mama]

Thanks for the help and patience. I want a large fixed blade, and now I'm wondering to skip both and get a buck bowie.

What are recommendations ?

 

[hso]

Define "large" and what will you be using it for.

If it's just a wall hanger, then you should get whatever you like the look of.

 

[RyanM]

If you want a "large" bowie, you should probably skip dinky little knives like the Ka-Bar.

Here's my Himalayan Imports Giant Chitlangi "Bowie."

More of a short bastard sword, really.

And check out how thick the blade is.

Middle is a Ka-Bar (very ancient, with no finish left), right is the Giant Chitlangi.

 

[Todd A]

2. I want it to last

In a 7" blade size knife the Becker BK7 (with a "free" BK13).

http://newgraham.com/store/product/218/KaBar-Becker-Combat-Utility-BK7/


The BK7 is USA made by KaBar. The little BK13 that comes with it is made in Taiwan I believe.

In this price range for hard use the Beckers can't be beat.

I just wish my state would allow fixed blades over 4" for all-around carry. Or Mr Becker would make a 4" version of his BK2

As it stands I love Beckers, but can only carry a BK11. I would trust my life to that knife if a dayhike turned into an extended trip.

 

[tomh1426]

I really like the Ka-bar heavy bowie, watch the reviews and destruction videos on youtube, it does pretty good!
Good steel and not expensive enough that you feel bad to really use it.
What would be the next step up? What more would you get for your $?

 

[lesterg3]

I have a purchasing rule that has performed well over my 60 years.

Buy the best that you can afford, PERIOD. If there is something better that you cannot afford save up for it.

This is why I am still using still I bought back in the '60'6, that's 1960, and it is as good today as it was then.

Also, do your home work, I do not like SS knives, I'd go for a more expensive high grade carbon blade any day.

 

[Yo Mama]

I got the Ka-Bar, Bowie, 9 inch blade.

I really have no idea what I'm going to do with it. It's a fricking sword. I just felt I NEEDED something bigger than my pocket knives, and this was it.

I'm glad I got the Ka-Bar. You do get what you pay for. It hurts right now, but I had a gift certificate to use at the Sportsmans so it made it easier.

50 bucks, great sheath, sharp as hell, heavy, nice finish, great fit. I'm happy, and it was the display model.

It actually feels ok on the belt, and I plan on taking it out in the desert with me soon.

 

[JShirley]

Have fun, and let us know how it worked for you. I'm a fan of large knives, myself.

John

 

[TimboKhan]

If I ever decide that life won't be worth living without a Bowie, I personally will look no further than DL Knives (our very own Valkman). I keep saying I am going to buy a knife from him, and just haven't been able to separate enough bread out to do it...

 

[Coyote3855]

Buck Special. Under $60. Lifetime guarantee.

 

[bikerdoc]

Seriously. take a look at valkmans knives. you wont be dissappointed and he is a great guy to work with

 

[BullpupBen]

I have the KBAR, my friend has the Chinese version.

I definitely suggest going for the KBAR if you want a real quality tool and have the money to spend. The leather is real leather not that chinaleather crap, its much sharper, the wood is nicer, it has an overall better fit and finish, and you can take pride in knowing its the real thing.

The Chinese is just fine for a cool work knife but like everything else made in China, it is just a little worse than the original in most every aspect. still a great value though.

 

[Demitrios]

If you want a decent knife, for a decent price, that's big, mean looking (if that's your thing) but still practical for many applications then look for the Buck Nighthawk. It's priced between $40 and $50, it's steal is nothing special but Buck heat treats their blades to be pretty solid. It's 1/4 inch thick, the blade is 6 1/2 inches, 11 inches overall and probably most important it's very comfortable in the hand. It's a good basic pig sticker, look it up.

 

[alaskanativeson]

So I'm guessing $1500 for a Busse straight handled Battle Mistress is not on the list of possibilities?