HK-47 has the BEST defense in game, bar none.  If you get him properly equipped, he's pretty badass.  Canderous does WAY more damage with a prpoerly upgraded carbine, but his defense never gets as high as HK's.  
All said and done, the humor factor makes him worth lugging around, but in all truth, I almost always travel with Canderous and Carth, just because they are more versatile, and much, much easier on the eyes.   
 
 
I just wish they made Canderous a romance option for DS females   :^^:
					
					
					
				
	
	Having a highly active imagination can be very taxing on the purity of one's soul at times... 
- Sir Kalthorine ut Wistan
I find you amusing... in a "What the hell is wrong with you?" kind of way...
- Jaheira, BG1