KA-BAR VS Buck: A Knife Maker Comparison

If you are looking to purchase a knife that offers high quality and great performance, it is important to make sure you choose an experienced manufacturer with a solid reputation. This comparison takes a look at KA-BAR vs Buck in detail by breaking down their products’ prices, knife types, and the different knife models available from each manufacturer in several different categories.

There is a lot of competition in the knife market these days whether whether we’re talking about a folding knife or a fixed blade, and both KA-BAR and Buck are front-runners in both those categories.

KA-BAR specifically has been very popular with the United States Military, while Buck has been tried and tested by countless hunters and survivalists for many years.

 Let’s learn a little bit about each knife brand and what they bring new to the table depending on your style and needs.

1. About KA-BAR 

With well over 100 years of experience in the knife-manufacturing field, KA-BAR is well known around the world. They produce a huge range of knives to suit different needs.  Whether you are looking for a knife that’s tactical in nature, or something that performs well out in the bush on a hunting trip, they have something in their collection that will fill the gap that you need to fill.

Over the decades, KA-BAR has become known for the quality and innovative design of its knives.  This has made them popular choice among those looking for a high-performance military-grade knife that’s practically indestructible and not to mention sharp – right out of the box.

2. Popular Knife Models & Specs

Whatever type of knife you are looking for, you will find many different options available with KA-BAR. They produce knives that are designed for all sorts of purposes and for use in a wide variety of sectors.

No matter which KA-BAR knife you purchase, know that you are dealing with a highly established company with an excellent level of experience and expertise when it comes to knife manufacturing. The knife range from KA-BAR includes:

Short Becker Drop Point: The Short Becker Drop Point is one of our favorite durable fixed blade knives by KA-BAR. This knife is made from durable 1095 Cro-Van steel and is a fixed blade knife with an overall length of 9.25”. The blade itself comes in at 4.37” and the product weighs .40 lb.

The Folding Hunter: You can look forward to a great choice of stylish folding-blade knives from KA-BAR. One knife in this range is the Folding Hunter, which is a stainless-steel knife with a blade length of 3.87”. This pocket clip knife has a hollow grind and weighs 0.35 lb.

Full Size KA-BAR with Serrated Edge: KA-BAR also offers a comprehensive military and tactical range of knives. One such knife is the Full Size Black KA-BAR, Serrated Edge. This product has a Cro-Van steel blade of 7” and an overall length of 11.87”. It is a stylish flat-grind knife and is 0.70 lb. in weight.

BKR7-BRK Combat Utility Knife: Ideal as a utility knife for a wide range of uses, the Becker Combat Utility knife is a stylish but sturdy knife. It is made from 1095 Cro-Van steel and is a fixed blade knife with an overall length of 12.75”. The blade is 7” and the weight of the knife comes in at 0.85 lb.

TDI LDK (Last Ditch Knife): High performance and easy handling is vital in law enforcement, and this is what this knife from KA-BAR offers. The TDI LDK (Last Ditch Knife) is a stainless steel knife weighing just .15 lb. The fixed blade is 1.62” and the overall length of the knife is 3.62.”

Becker Remora: For those looking for a high-performance fixed-blade knife, there are plenty of choices available from KA-BAR. One great choice is the Becker Remora, a Cro-Van steel knife that is just over 5” in overall length. Weighing only .10 lb., this knife has a blade length of 2.37” and a skeleton handle.

3. About Buck Knives

The first Buck knife was made in 1902 and over the past century, Buck has become a big name in this industry. They manufacture knives both in the United States and Overseas and are well known by boy scouts and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Buck has knives in pretty much every category, and they are good at what they do. Almost every knife is backed by their limited lifetime warranty regardless of where the knife is made, making them one of the better choices for knives that get a lot of wear and tear.

4. Popular Knife Models & Specs

Buying from Buck means that you get to enjoy a variety of different knife options to suit a range of needs and budgets. You also get a forever warranty with these products so you can buy with confidence. Amongst the products available from Buck are:

Buck Zipper Knife:  One of the models available in Buck’s hunting line is the Buck Zipper Knife, which comes in a choice of colors. The blade has a stainless-steel satin finish and measures 4.25”. You can choose from a Dymondwood or rubber handle based on your preference.

Buck Reaper Knife: The Buck Reaper is durable, rugged, and functional, making it ideal for survival situations. It’s equipped with a 6.75” stainless steel blade. It has an injection-molded handle and weighs in at 8.5 oz.

Matt Would Go Knife: If you are after a sturdy, high performance tactical knife, you won’t be disappointed with the choices available from Buck. The Matt Would Go knife is a popular tactical knife. It is made from carbon steel and the blade length is 4”. The knife weighs 6.3 oz., and has a drop-point blade design, which makes it really versatile.  It may not be as high quality as the Falkniven A1, but it’s a good runner up.

Thorn Knife: The Thorn knife is both versatile and reliable, and offers great overall outdoor performance. This is a knife that is manufactured with stainless steel and has a drop point blade of 3.25”. Weighing 1.7 ounces, this is also a great choice as a daily work knife.

The Rival: Buck also offers a range of knives that are ideal for day-to-day use. These knives offer functionality and reliability, as well as a great design and affordable pricing. The Rival is one of the knives in this range and has a low price tag but is manufactured to high standards. It has a 2.75” stainless steel blade and weighs 1.4 oz.

The Vanguard (Limited Production): The Vanguard is a limited edition knife that boasts a stainless steel blade and comes in a drop point style. The serrated edge is designed to give superior cutting power.  While these were only made in a limited run of production, they are good for a wide variety of tasks.

5. Making Your Choice

With both of these manufacturers having been in the industry for over a century, you will benefit from experience and expertise no matter which one you choose from. Both also offer a great choice of knives and categories to suit different needs.

While we like KA-BAR due to them mostly manufacturing in the United States, Buck has been around forever and offers some really quality knives at a solid price point, even if it’s made overseas.  Both manufacturers are synonymous with quality, and both manufacturers will provide you with a wide variety of different options when it comes to finding the right knife for whatever your needs are.

This post was originally published on Dec. 6th, 2017, and was last updated in July 2020.