Ka-Bar BK4 Becker Machax BK4

This is an early, well-designed back-woods knife by Becker. The shape of the blade is Kukri-like (Nepalese Gurkha Fighting Knife), and as such gives chopping force advantage just at the recurve point of the knife's belly. The thinner, recurve section itself gives good draw knife and feather-stick control. The BK4 Machax is also quick in hand, so it makes short work of clearing saplings and brush around the campsite. The knife is made from a great steel, and is thick enough and ground effectively to baton kindling easily. So this design handles much better than one would expect with a 9" field knife, and has quite a following, living up to its pet name, "Machax", the blending of machete and axe.The Becker handle is the same shape/design as in all the other original, larger Becker models, and Becker's optional Micarta handles fit (a bit too expensive) fit this and many others. The as-shipped Grivory handle grips are adequate - I complement them with two "Ranger Bands", cut sections of bicycle inner tube, for non-slip grip. Some might say "jack of all trades, master of none" for this design, comparing it to, say, a Mora, plus a BK9 Combat Bowie, plus a military machete... I agree not to leave out a Mora or equivalent, but the BK4 Machax isn't a compromise for me, but a versatile solution.The sheath for the Becker Machax is more than adequate - it has a pocket for a small sharpening stone and/or ferrocerium fire steel (and bandaids), and an inner sheath for Becker's small BK13 Remora knife (very good optional addition to this kit). A sheath better than this would need to be custom made with better materials, specific style of carry, and specific accessory features designed for the individual user, and would likely cost more than the BK4 itself.

I had serious buyers remorse within the first ten minutes of using this. The geometry of the blade would make one think this knife bites into wood like a rabid little beaver. Sadly however, it's more like trying to hack through something with a piece of re-bar. And YES, I have learned to use it the way Mr. Becker recommends with quick, short, whip like chops.Everyone brags on the "ergonomics" of the handles on the Becker's, but to be honest, they might as well be carved from a wet bar of soap. It feels nice when you are just handling it, but when you put it to use you'll notice it sliding around in your grip.The balance and feel on this blade quick and light. The thing feels like it wants to jump out of your hand and go fight someone! The overall feel is oddly graceful for its size and design. The tip is excellent as well. Not too delicate, not to thick, sticks very nicely. The sheath does its job, nothing to write home about.It might come as surprise with all that being said that I actually LOVE this knife now...but it took some work. First I used a soldering iron to carve a texture into the handle scales to make them more grippy. I then used my Worksharp (highly recommended!) to put a convex edge on the belly swell. It's a monster now and one of my favorite blades.In conclusion, out of the box this knife is overpriced by about 40 bucks. Only after the custom work would I say it was even close to be worth the $85 price tag. If you just want a tool to chop and not mess with, go with the KABAR or Ontario kukri. They are much more affordable and ready to go.

The name itself should tell you the quality. Smaller than most normal machetes but its more versatile than other machetes as well. Very thick blade, useful for chopping and the pot belly makes for a useful bushcraft knife. Very comfortable to hold- feels like an extension of my arm. In my opinion this is a good all around bushcraft/survival tool.

I own the Ka-Bar Becker BK3 and love it. It's a beast of a knife, and can chop through thick branches, bits of thin metal, pry open items, smash down bottles and cans, baton wood and love every moment of it. I finally found the Machax at a price point that I was okay jumping in on trying it out.The heft of the machete is great. As is usual with all Becker knives, the Machax features a thick spine and thick blade, resulting in a heavy, durable and destructive powerhorse. The curved kukri design increases your swing power, allowing you to power through wood more easily. And again, the longer length gives you more heft, power and confidence compared to the shorter BK2 and BK3.Let's now go over the issues. As is with the rest of the family, the Machax suffers from a smooth handle, making your grip difficult when the handle is wet or you're sweating. I would've liked a slightly textured grip to ensure a firm grip on the knife.Additionally, the sheath is a plastic bit covered in cloth. I would have loved to see a full on kydex sheath on this knife,Overall, the general aesthetics of the knife are superb, marred only by the included factory handles and sheath, both of which if you buy improved versions can triple the overall cost of an otherwise perfect blade.EDIT: After two years of countless campfires, chopping, splitting and baton-ing wood, this thing is ridiculous. Still sharp as ever. I've definitely worn away at the finish, but no signs of rust. I've used things from logs to hammers to even heavy steel spikes to baton wood with this and the spine is still in perfect condition. The grip doesn't bother me so much now that I know it won't slip, though I wouldn't say no to the ability to get some new textured handles at some point in the future. The factory sheath has been serving me well. I've included a two-year-after photo. I love this guy and he'll last me years to come. Haven't sharpened it once and it's retained the factory edge without any issues.

too short for me. weight and feel were great but too short for actual bush work. I returned.

This is another excellent Ka-Bar-Becker knife. I've wanted a good Kukri blade for some time, but wasn't interested in the larger ones, as I don't do a lot of brush cutting. The Kukri style of the BK4 (or Tac Machax, which is a terrible name -- it may be tactical, and a Kukri is a kind of machete, but it is nothing like an ax) makes it a particularly effective weapon for home defence or hiking trips. The Nepalese used Kukri's in battle, and the British were very impressed with how devastating they could be.Like the BK9, it's made of 1095 Cro-Van, a high carbon steel, and came out-of-the-box sharper than the more expensive CRKT Hisshou and Hammond FE7 fixed blades. 1095 Cro-Van is impressive: it takes a razor edge, it holds it fairly well and resharpens easily. It's doesn't have the Rhc of a steel like H-1 or Elmax, but the extra flex makes chipping less likely. I have a Chris Reeves 'Pacific' with CPM S35VN Steel, and it's definitely a better knife than the BK9 or BK4; but when you take into account that you could purchase the BK4, the BK7, and the BK9 -- with money left over -- for the price of one 'Pacific', Ka-Bar-Becker Knives really do look like the best quality at the lowest price. A better comparison would be ESEE Knives, like their 'Junglas'. ESEE are much-loved for their reliability as proven performers. But both Ka-Bar-BK&T and ESEE knives use 1095, both are made in the USA, and yet ESEE are double the cost.This knife feels great in the hand, and is easier to work with than a full-size Kukri. Although I haven't had the opportunity to put it through the hellish abuse that some knife owners seem compelled to inflict before giving a blade their blessing, this is a knife constructed to survive just such tests. The Kukri design obviously makes for an excellent chopping implement, and YouTube is full of field tests. Great knife, great price.

This is an amazing camp product and I HIGHLY recommend.

My blade arrived not completely straight. I do not mean by just a little bit. It's very noticeable. But, I've used this knife to do just about anything, including sending myself to the hospital. Great little blade.