"Ek preferred his knives without crossguards for ease of concealment and for quick withdrawal as there was no crossguard to snag on clothing or a soldier's equipment. The grips on Ek's knives had eight scalloped groves:four on each of two grips. This gave the user such a good grip that John Ek found that a crossguard was not necessary to prevent the hand from sliding onto the blade. When questioned about this by the War Production Board, Ek greased his hand and plunged one of his knives into the wooden floor with such force that no one was able to pull it out."
@greekveteran2715 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the feedback! Same goes for the handles on the BK7/BK9/BK16 etc, They don't feel very grippy but nothing wrong with them either, especially if you use a very low grit sandpaper, and put some random scratches on them, they become very grippy and the feel turns out similar to unpolished G10 or Micarta, depending on the finish you put. (Just don't sand it down, because you'll change the ergos. I only used my thumb, and small piece of 120 or lower sandpaper, and put some "X" scratches on the plastic handle. Check out often, to see how it feels, to avoid overdoing it)
@treintaceroseis30815 ай бұрын
For a long time I needed a simple knife to use without care. I decided on a knife similar to the first Ek model (style 1 according to Your Silent Partner) shortened to 6 inches, with a thumb rest and chisel grind. . I made the scales from paper micarta, imitating the shapes. It was incredibly ergonomic and very difficult for the hand to slide towards the edge. I confess that I had my doubts about security but there is nothing to fear
@CPK132 жыл бұрын
You have truly outdone yourself with RIGIOSITY😄
@gideonstactical2 жыл бұрын
Haha 😂
@richcurren68885 ай бұрын
That’s a t-shirt!
@arQuest2 жыл бұрын
As a competitive option: the trusty Gerber Strongarm!!
@jimyocum95562 жыл бұрын
Not any more it's way overpriced at 80-90.00
@survivetheattack2 жыл бұрын
As a Strongarm owner, I have found it to be a better breaching tool than a knife. I'm retiring mine for a BK18! 👊🏼🇺🇲👊🏼
@Airik1111bibles2 жыл бұрын
@@jimyocum9556 Let's go Brandon price increase. I bought mine for $55 when they came out ...sheeeesh that's crazy now.
@warlantactical2 жыл бұрын
Prodigy is better then strong arm
@grumpyoldwizard2 жыл бұрын
Just get a crowbar from 1960, pound it flat, and put a edge (temporary) on it. Now you have a Strong Arm! :)
@timmytombstone20282 жыл бұрын
PA! A great yet rainy state!
@robertsmith35842 жыл бұрын
It's not, E K, It's EK as in John Ek who started building combat knives for soldiers during WWII. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ek_Commando_Knife_Co.
@nobleinsurance266 күн бұрын
IMO, it's great for someone who prefers to EDC a small fixed blade alongside a multitool.
@cassshields51062 жыл бұрын
I’ll be honest it’s giving me cold steel srk vibes but with that short of a handle I’d just get the srk or srk compact.
@gideonstactical2 жыл бұрын
Yes I would agree
@Juiceboxdan722 жыл бұрын
The srk is my personal favorite :)
@mr.j13812 жыл бұрын
Fixed blade knives are some of the best way to add to your overall outfit they look great.
@jorgefernandez64075 ай бұрын
For my short, gnarled up stubby fingers, this handle is a perfect fit! Managed to put an ulti-clip on it and it's now in my EDC rotation, carrying it more often than not! YES the clip point is the coolest (2nd to my EK-44 that is) and the knife is pretty easily carried. For my fixed blade needs, this knife is perfect... Excellent video Aaron!
@johnkeck10252 жыл бұрын
Pennsylvania looks a lot like Kentucky! And I've been waiting for the review of this little blade, thanks!
@michaelversola54132 жыл бұрын
I don't think it would be a small knife anymore if it had a 5 inch handle. Looks like it fits good in Aaron's hands just fine. I love my ek50 its perfect size for carry. I think the handle on the bk16 and bk18 is more comfortable yes but it's too long and bulky in certain applications especially scout style in my opinion.
@greekveteran2715 Жыл бұрын
Please, what do you mean with "scout style". Do you mean the carry style on your belt?
@austinbridge2 жыл бұрын
The word you were looking for is "rigidity" lol Thanks for the review!
@richcurren68885 ай бұрын
But “rigiosity” is better! 😂😂
@kendelcalfee12572 жыл бұрын
The handle is patterned after the EK/Jarosz boot knife. I have an EK51 Drop Point that I like very much. It is a great small knife about the same size as my Esee PR-4 and my paracord wrapped Condor Kephart blade blank.
@gregcox6002 жыл бұрын
As always I love your detailed comprehensive review of this knife. I feel like as a consumer I can always make an educated purchase. Thanks and keep it up!
@kennethkrieb30182 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video on this knife Aaron. I was curious about this knife. Just a FYI, Both of these new Ka-bar knives do not have same dimensions. The clip point has around 5” of blade length and the drop point has about a 4” blade.
@gideonstactical2 жыл бұрын
Thanks and I appreciate you pointing that out.
@buckwylde95672 жыл бұрын
I’m glad you test these knives before doing your videos. It’s the main reason I subscribed in the first place 👍
@4StonesHandcraft2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the look at our old W. PA stomping ground. Say hey to the fam for us. And the knife is nice also.
@williamashworth85382 жыл бұрын
Mad respect for Kabar but based on the overall design of the EK50 I think I’ll stick with my Mora Garberg.
@Sliceoflife-52 жыл бұрын
Love that blade! I think it would’ve been a great knife with the Becker handle.
@jonathancupp36862 жыл бұрын
I’ve been wondering how that knife would perform. It looks good.
@MSB-rq9xd2 жыл бұрын
A different steel and I would definitely be sold. I may get one anyway, though.
@rogergagne10262 жыл бұрын
I want the 2 models myself
@brianlash15411 ай бұрын
7:50 and im glad you brought up the handle, it won't work for me because of the handle length, thanks GT!
@gideonstactical11 ай бұрын
For sure!!
@survivetheattack2 жыл бұрын
As someone with XL hands, you just saved me $100! (Well, you did convince me to buy a BK18, so let's call it "steered the right direction"). 👊🏼🇺🇲👊🏼
@ronaldlucero42582 жыл бұрын
EK love 💘
@onemanhisdub19692 жыл бұрын
The most impressive part of this video is your use of words that do not exist 🤣
@gideonstactical2 жыл бұрын
It truly is a gift 😂
@onemanhisdub19692 жыл бұрын
Love your honest and user based reviews 👍🏻
@Juiceboxdan722 жыл бұрын
I really wanted these newer designs to be good...thanks for the review!
@frankpedroza56302 жыл бұрын
Always great videos 👍 thanks brother
@Hammer1978 Жыл бұрын
Looks like a combat version of the Condor Terasaur
@leeweisberg40452 жыл бұрын
Love the video; keep them coming.
@danreid67122 жыл бұрын
It looks like a good throwing knife.
@Tony-bo3rw Жыл бұрын
This blade with the bk16 handle and you get a slicier bk17, cool looking knife
@jusme8060 Жыл бұрын
Your hand looks like it fits perfect on there, are you trying to chop or something?
@gideonstactical Жыл бұрын
Just don’t seem fit like I want.
@lavkmr110 ай бұрын
Look fine blade
@bearww95056 ай бұрын
Отличный нож . Жалко что нельзя сейчас купить из США .
@christiaandc7767Ай бұрын
Hello, you are 100%correct.Very interesting knife.But 1 big error=the handle!!!too short!!so I don't buy it.🤔😬
@mingus69292 жыл бұрын
In the class of KaBar USMC short...small hand knife
@rdlaw8868 Жыл бұрын
Reckon that's why it has short in the caption. Good video Aaron.
@FARACI1 Жыл бұрын
Thanks buddy looks like another great review. I do like the blade design. My hand is large like yours and the handle does seem to be a bit small. It’s workable but not comfortable as you say I’d be really interested to play with that one a little bit and put it through some hard use.
@butchhill56562 жыл бұрын
I like the knife but I would have the same problem you have with my hands. But it would work for somebody. And maybe you should put it on t-shirt I have large size hands. You have been saying it for years .
@wtpence4731 Жыл бұрын
Why don't they offer this sheath on the 16 ???
@CrimsonSurvival2 жыл бұрын
Had the EK45, didn’t care for the weight imbalance on the handle. This one’s definitely on my list.
@jwaltower58362 жыл бұрын
I love the knife, but the handle must go……
@danieljustin92822 жыл бұрын
Ummmmm.....this is a backup defense knife.....if I want to bushcraft....I will get a buscrafting knife.... right tool for the job my man!! Utility means cutting the occasional piece of leather or... rope.... I feel this is an unfair appraisal of this blade....try using it for defense while grappling....I bet it excels. 🤣😂🤣
@WoodsmanHobo7772 жыл бұрын
I like it and the 51. I will say if I get them I will definitely be grinding the guard flush with the tang.
@gideonstactical2 жыл бұрын
Yeah that would help with the woods craft capability but limited even more in “Tactical” use.
@thomassullivan6016 Жыл бұрын
Great work knife 👍, use it johnny
@joehebert9012 жыл бұрын
Cool video. I will be getting one of these soon.
@edstar1972 Жыл бұрын
I can see the handle being that size for concealability for its intended purpose as a tactical fixed blade
@RandoCalrisiann9 ай бұрын
I wear large gloves, handles good enough.
@edstar1972 Жыл бұрын
Excellent video title btw!
@willtrax71 Жыл бұрын
If you haven’t tried the Cold Steel Drop Forged series in 52100 Steel they are the Toughest Fixed Blades I’ve used in a very long time and I’m talking Decades they are that Strong and hold an edge like CPMD2.
@silentstryker15902 жыл бұрын
Looks nice overall
@ashsmall81032 жыл бұрын
Reminds me war junkie recondo from white river Todd begg collab
@titantaylor62502 жыл бұрын
What part of PA?
@gideonstactical2 жыл бұрын
Indiana
@effu93752 жыл бұрын
I love 1095
@BrewCityRider10 ай бұрын
Thanks for the great review Aaron. Surprised the handle length is so short on the ek-50 - I have the ek4 and it has a super long handle with exposed pommel crusher. Was just about to pull the trigger on it for Cyber Monday but I'm going to look at that BK18 first.
@gideonstactical10 ай бұрын
I would take the BK18 or Bk19 over this blade 👍
@Sambo16910 ай бұрын
I was going to purchase this blade but my hand is 1/4" bigger than yours! That's from thumb to end of the palm! Thanks buddy!
@tomkat_Kansas Жыл бұрын
Dude you got some big paws! I think this will work good for me. Average sized hands. If not I will change the scales.
@grumpyoldwizard2 жыл бұрын
The old WW2 EK knives are cool. The quality has declined pretty much every decade since that time. I have a EK, fresh from them about 10 years ago, that has many scratches and imperfections that came from them brand new.
@dualsportoutdoors2 жыл бұрын
Well that’s a shame. My hands border on XL so that handle wouldn’t work for me. By the way, some people may not be getting notifications. I’m subbed and have all notifications turned on but didn’t get notified of the video being out. Thankfully I found the Instagram post
@gideonstactical2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the heads up. This one accidentally went live yesterday and I had to take it down ASAP because I wasn’t ready with links and thumbnail a few other search engine aspects. I think it kind of threw this video off. Let me know if you don’t get any notifications over the next week or two.
@dualsportoutdoors2 жыл бұрын
@@gideonstactical will do
@gladeshunter87962 жыл бұрын
Comical that you expect a fighting knife to be good at bushcraft .Buy a Mora !!!
@gbullock25982 жыл бұрын
Im a sog seal pup guy.
@kevinAuman12 жыл бұрын
Aaron, you should review the new lionsteel T6 in bohler K490 incredibly clean and tough steel also only 999 made in black micarta and stonewash blade yes I bought one it is in route...
@litsci46902 жыл бұрын
Hard to even find info on K490. Lionsteel needs to do better at hyping the steel.
@The4cp2 жыл бұрын
I knew from the moment I seen that knife on Knife Center new knives that the handle needs at least an inch maybe just a half.
@46camper502 жыл бұрын
They make a a drop point version also. I would like to see a review on it
@rogergagne10262 жыл бұрын
Me too
@sheltermonkey60652 жыл бұрын
The sheath is constructed of Celcon a.k.a. POM, a.k.a. Delrin. The BK18 sheath is constructed of the same material.
@eyeofthetiger41842 жыл бұрын
G'day Aaron, yep like the crossover in usage too, though personally I reckon this design would be more appealing if it were larger overall. Being the EK50 "short", I wonder if there's a long or large version, couldn't see one in a quick search on line. Btw; I finally pulled the trigger on the 18 and sooooo glad I did. Between the 18, Gator Premo and Moras, I now feel I'm adequately covered for fixies in the 4 in...-ish size range and without going nuts price wise. No knife stores around here that you can walk into and eyeball, so a quick thanks to you and the many commenters for all the info. Cheers Duke.
@kevinAuman12 жыл бұрын
Heck yeah I'm only one state above ya in New York right on the PA border you really should swing thru here sometime brother in your travels as I live in Olean NY ie. (KABAR, Cutco, case XX, OKC & microtech all ate within 15mins of any direction and the factories here do allow and offer walk through tours!
@kevinAuman12 жыл бұрын
Plenty of camping in the Allegany state park which you would absolutely love to explore! It is huge with tons of native american history and bear caves, gigantic limestone boulders the size of most buildings and you're free to climb on them and hike the trails around them it really is a beautiful area...
@jonathancupp36862 жыл бұрын
Have you seen the Lionsteel T6? It’s out now at DLT and Blade HQ. It looks like such an awesome knife, but is $$$. It’s running about $300, which does not coincide with Lionsteel’s normal pricing. Also, I don’t know much about the “K” steels, so I don’t know if it would hold up the way you would want it to for the hefty price tag.
@sgtfatrod89012 жыл бұрын
Got myself one. It is an absolute beast of a knife. I have large hands & the handle still feels beefy, so people with medium & small hands might have issues. Not as good as the T5 handle, T5 has much better ergonomics. I thought the K490 steel would essentially be the same as CPM-3V but it is a lot harder to sharpen (takes longer) from the data I have seen it is both tougher & has better edge retention than 3V but I definitely prefer 3V. Just so much easier to sharpen. The K490 felt like elmax at 61-62hrc to reprofile & sharpen. Not easy. The good news is that after the initial 999 blades in K490 have gone they will be making the T6 in CPM-3V. While it is a good blade & steel I also have the survive knives GS0-6 & it is a better & more refined design overall in my opinion. Not sure why the T6 is so expensive, possibly due to the steel. Perhaps the future 3V version will be cheaper.
@jonathancupp36862 жыл бұрын
@@sgtfatrod8901 hmm, thanks for the info. Greatly appreciated. I will wait and see the prices on the 3v version.
@sgtfatrod89012 жыл бұрын
@david Thomson What data are you basing that on? Because the data & impact testing I have seen direct from both crucible & bohler. K490 is actually tougher than CPM-3V at the same hrc. K490 62hrc = 83 j CPM-3V 62hrc = 53 j K490 is clearly tougher & the softer steel gets the tougher it gets. So I don't see how 3V would be tougher at 60hrc than K490 at the same 60hrc.
@shawnrieser6299 Жыл бұрын
Most knives I pick up feel like the handle could be longer the esse 6 needs a half inch on the handle with it's length of blade at least in my hand
@JackShen2 жыл бұрын
The EK knives with the micrata handles are really uncomfortable to use. The paracord grip is much better feeling. The brass double guard on the old school models make it difficult to use for utility
@bernardbarr2354 Жыл бұрын
They were not designed for utility. They were fighters.
@tap42al2 жыл бұрын
Perfect
@dick_richards2 жыл бұрын
The hand size is why i didn't buy the dagger years ago.
@mountaingoattaichi2 жыл бұрын
Great review! I always look forward to your review. You don't ramble like so many other reviewers. You are to the point and thorough. Also the competitive options are a.grst way to convey what is out there. Kabar is one of those companies that would be the best out there but they always do something to the knife that knocks below other companies like Cold steel, Ontario, or ESEE. Thanks
@gideonstactical2 жыл бұрын
Really appreciate the kind words 👍
@wesleypangilinan79492 жыл бұрын
I honestly don't mind the short handle. Having smaller than average hands, the only thing I want in my knives' handles is a neutral shape, so I don't want finger grooves that force my hand into positions it's not made for. Heck I have the Bastinelli Mako fixed blade, which has identical dimensions (blade and handle lengths) as that one, and I love it. But hey, to each his own. I won't judge you for not liking the handles on that.
@tubezv Жыл бұрын
I would like to see model 51 in your review.
@josephlilley92492 жыл бұрын
Where are you at in Pennsylvania? I live in Pennsylvania myself lol. Greene county Pennsylvania down in the veery southwest corner of the state just above the mason Dixon line in a town called waynesburg pa.
@notfixingit2 жыл бұрын
I'll have to order one a try it out
@DevDog672 жыл бұрын
So it looks like the BK16 and the bk18 are still the king of smaller KaBar knives. Edit - nevermind you answered that further on in the vid.
@litsci46902 жыл бұрын
Pretty icky how Ka-Bar is exploiting the Ek name. As a collector of Ek knives, I have serious reservations about both this exploitation and their choice of materials/designs.
@monkeytherapycentre73642 жыл бұрын
Absolutely. The original John ek knives were well made, simple, stylish and tough. Such a shame that no one is making a decent functional replica.
@trentcostello43588 ай бұрын
Lol your large hand doesnt even cover all the handle soooo 😅 i actually have x large hands an love it!!! Woulldnt change a thing it actually helps with edc it which is what its made for....not to chop wood or stand in some trees like you actually used it the coating is not even begun to wear off so dont say i actually use it 😮😅
@WhispyWoods.2 жыл бұрын
Good vid as always. How would you compare this handle to the ESEE 4? I had the same thought as you about the handle the first time I ever held the famous ESEE 4. And yeah, please make that t-shirt 😁
@artfisher16152 жыл бұрын
Rigidity?
@bernardbarr23542 жыл бұрын
The kabar Ek wasn't the original except in shape. It was nothing like the other companies who produced Ek knives. Hopefully you'll get to use one of those. Hands down better performance than the Kabar Ek.
@corycostanzo8710 Жыл бұрын
What other companies made original EK knifes. ? I liked his knifes so much I bought five. I will never understand why they bought EK only to cheapen that great brand.
@ericsierra-franco78022 жыл бұрын
A Pennsylvanian here! I've never heard much good about these EK knives. Cheap and junky.
@FPSNovaS2 жыл бұрын
I believe the word you were looking for is rigidity
@jimcampbell80612 жыл бұрын
not much protection from the hilt....
@jaredbryant82972 жыл бұрын
I was beyond disappointed when I read that EK was purchased by Kabar. The two knife-making approaches are antithetical to each other. Kabar should be ashamed of themselves.
@hectormadrid4806 Жыл бұрын
I prefer my ak47! is very reliable and safe.
@dwaynewallace3062 жыл бұрын
So disappointing was gonna pull the trigger and get one till you said the size of the handle what a bummer if they ever add a couple inches to the handle I will buy
@gideonstactical2 жыл бұрын
Yes sorry man. I am right there with you if it was just a little bit of their handle I think it’d be good and if they did something different with the guard.
@dash84652 жыл бұрын
$100+? :/ On the plus side, with that short handle its a great alternative to the Esee 4 in a chest rig, reverse grip.
@TheGoodTheBadTheRowdy2 жыл бұрын
Perfect small task knife and defensive tool, I would prob fiddle with shape of handle and guard to offer better grip. This would be great with my Esee 6 and Izula II, but do agree, Id love an inch and a half or so more on handle, would also love a black handle and tan version!
@samparker22192 жыл бұрын
Could u recommend some uk friendly folders?
@MrJoep872 жыл бұрын
Spyderco UKPK is great!
@eyeofthetiger41842 жыл бұрын
G'day Sam, what's the limit over there ? Cheers Duke.
@jimyocum95562 жыл бұрын
Cold steel xl series this is America 🇺🇸 👌
@Juiceboxdan722 жыл бұрын
"Rigiosity" I like that :)
@rickjohnson40092 жыл бұрын
Great video blade not for me
@calebmorris66872 жыл бұрын
I'd still stick with my mora craftline; I own two hatchets.
@blackcobra65012 жыл бұрын
Kabar still needs to work on their sheath game a bit.
@trentcostello43582 жыл бұрын
Handle is short to cancel it easy lol this guy should do some home work before he does a review lol not good review not a good channel but one heck of a knife for sure!
@THEMAX00000 Жыл бұрын
All I ever here is really negative things about this knife, it’s so disappointing
@trentcostello43582 жыл бұрын
Watch the video his lil hand don't even fill the handle up! And what about the boot clip that's also in the box stupid review
@gideonstactical2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the criticism, always wanting to get better. Mine didn’t have a boot clip, not aware of it until your post. Unlike many, I use my tools and give my OPINION, if you love the handle awesome 👍. I hated it and would not carry it for any reason. Regardless if I was going on a hike or in a go bag, or recommend to someone on the military. Just my take though.
@bernardbarr2354 Жыл бұрын
@@gideonstactical I've mentioned this to you before. Your reviews on fighters aren't the best. If you ever need help(background) on the older remakes reach out. I've interviewed most of these ol makers. Most I know well. If I get your attention this time.....I gotta speak out on the video about the AL Mar SERE made by TOPS. Cringe worthy! Not only did I use that knife in strange places but Al was a friend.
@trentcostello43582 жыл бұрын
It's a fighter knife you don't want a lot of handle smart guy