BK16 Questions/Opinions

[Magus]

Been quite a while since I've posted here and am quite out of the loop on the world of Becker/KaBar so I apologize if I ask questions that have been covered. As we're getting into fall and I become more outdoor oriented, I'm always looking for a new knife this time of year and am a longtime Becker fan. They're well made and a great value.

Had my eye on the tweener Beckers since they were announced. Now that they've been out a while what does everyone think of the BK16? That one is screaming at me.

Sheath looks a bit so so to me, but I'm sure there's sheaths out there that will fit if I don't like the stock option. Knife looks good. Just wish Becker/KaBar were offering some micarta scales. Any options/info on micarta would be appreciated.

Closest knives I have in size to this are an ESEE-4 and a BHK Bushcrafter. Apples and oranges for sure, but how would this one compare?

Just looking for input before I take the plunge. Thanks.

[Jonny1280]

The BK-16 compares very well to the Esee 4.
I think the BK-16 is more comfortable in hand.
As far as micarta goes, I think Ka-bar will put some out in the near future.
I've seen some Tweener micarta from Saint Cutlery that looked pretty good.

[Uncle Malice]

The BK16 and ESEE 4 are almost identical in the blade. The handles are a big different. I have the TKC G10 scales on my ESEE 4 and I find it more comfortable than the BK16. I think if/once I get liners for the 16, that may change... but I'm REALLY wanting the factory micarta too.

I have the 16 now... but I want he 17... and if I had ti to do over again, I'd take the 17.

[Magus]

The BK-16 compares very well to the Esee 4.
I think the BK-16 is more comfortable in hand.
As far as micarta goes, I think Ka-bar will put some out in the near future.
I've seen some Tweener micarta from Saint Cutlery that looked pretty good.

I'd have to agree even without having handled the BK16 that it looks more comfortable than the ESSE-4 in the hand. I love my ESEE's but Ethan has always seemed to have scale ergonomics in mind when designing his knives. Most ESEE's would be perfect if the scales were a little more rounded instead of flat.

I like my ESEE-4 but it's never been comfortable in the hand. The BHK Bushcrafter though is very comfortable to me...handle is basically a broomstick with a choil.

The BK16 looks like a winner to me. I like the blade style a lot.

[Magus]

The BK16 and ESEE 4 are almost identical in the blade. The handles are a big different. I have the TKC G10 scales on my ESEE 4 and I find it more comfortable than the BK16. I think if/once I get liners for the 16, that may change... but I'm REALLY wanting the factory micarta too.

I have the 16 now... but I want he 17... and if I had ti to do over again, I'd take the 17.

Thanks for the comparison pic. Getting slightly off topic, how do you like those scales from TKC on your ESEE-4? I've been thinking about getting a set. The handle on the ESEE-4 feels a tad short to me and those scales seem like they'd help. Just wish when Dale designed these he would have given them a little palm swell like on the scales he has for the ESEE 5/6. Got some for my Izula's so I know they're well made.

[Uncle Malice]

how do you like those scales from TKC on your ESEE-4?

In a word - spectacular.There is a bit of palm swell to Dale's scales as well. It's not as pronounced as the Beckers... but it's there. I like them a lot.

[Magus]

In a word - spectacular.There is a bit of palm swell to Dale's scales as well. It's not as pronounced as the Beckers... but it's there. I like them a lot.

Thanks for that pic. I hadn't seen that angle on those scales before. I see the swell now. Think you just sold me on a set. My bank account weeps.

[Chameleonbear]

I have the Saber16. I personally love it, however I don't find it on my hip as much as my 17. Something about the clip point I just prefer. I think cause it is a bit pointier it is easier to use for the fine tasks.

That being said, I do use and carry my 16 quite a bit.

[DOC-CANADA]

I have the 16 now... but I want he 17... and if I had it to do over again, I'd take the 17.

Why?

Doc

[madhappy]

never without it.

[gytheran]

Having handled both, the BK-16 was more comfortable. The balance point on the 16 was perfectly set on the index finger, so it is very well balanced in hand. The 4 is not quite as well balanced, with more of the weight sitting in your hand.

I also like the blade shape on the 16 better than the 4.

[Chameleonbear]

And that is why I just got a 4 for REAL cheap...

[Bladite]

Sheath looks a bit so so to me, but I'm sure there's sheaths out there that will fit if I don't like the stock option. Knife looks good. Just wish Becker/KaBar were offering some micarta scales.

based on or compared to?

it's a REALLY good sheath, esp for the price (basically free). imho, you'd have to pay a lot to get something better; Eagle would be the best; SpecOps is imho the same. custom? will cost more than the knife.

[gytheran]

And that is why I just got a 4 for REAL cheap...

Wow, you got a heck of a deal on that! lol