”Beckerized” Custom Knives

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Crag the Brewer said:
Do the scales swap?
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You sparked my curiosity... it's clear the M18 scales are similar but not exact clones...let's find out...

knifejunkie1928 said:
The first 5ish m18s did use becker handles. However all the handles since then he made something based off the becker handle it's a bit longer so no the scales don't swap.
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Actually... turns out mine swapped out perfectly. Even the hardware is the same and the hole alignment is exact. The only distinguishing difference is the M18 scales are slightly larger overall and are contoured a bit differently from the Ka-Bar micarta scales.

Pictures don't lie (usually ;)) Below I swapped out the left hand scale on each knife using the same hardware. The M18 blade is thicker/wider than the BK-9 and when attaching the Ka-Bar BK-9 scales to it there is a slight protrusion of the tang, likewise the M18 scales fit to the BK-9 is slightly oversized.

Below with the L/H scales swapped attached with original hardware of each (though they're the same and I tested it; the screws & nuts are interchangeable.) [After a closer examination I noticed the hardware on the M18 has one difference - the center bolt is about 1/8" longer than the others; naturally due to the palm swell of the Hunt scales.]
wfnLSdY.jpg

Another side by side comparison: BK-9=Left, M18=Right.
M7MrO7s.jpg

This shot shows the slightly smaller Ka-Bar scale attached to the opposite M18 scale to better show the relative dimensions.
YSs1KsJ.jpg


Technically they aren't perfectly interchangeable but practically, if one wanted to for some reason, it can be done. I could possibly see using Ka-Bar scales on the M18- the slightly smaller size exposes more of the pommel and narrows the grip width a little and they fit well enough that the tang doesn't bite into the hand. Likewise one could put the larger scales on the 9 but then you're loosing a bit of it's exposed pommel and broadening the grip width some.
Personally, I like 'em in their original configurations- I have no desire to change them. :)
 
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LoneWolf X said:
You sparked my curiosity... it's clear the M18 scales are similar but not exact clones...let's find out...



Actually... turns out mine swapped out perfectly. Even the hardware is the same and the hole alignment is exact. The only distinguishing difference is the M18 scales are slightly larger overall and are contoured a bit differently from the Ka-Bar micarta scales.

Pictures don't lie (usually ;)) Below I swapped out the left hand scale on each knife using the same hardware. The M18 blade is thicker/wider than the BK-9 and when attaching the Ka-Bar BK-9 scales to it there is a slight protrusion of the tang, likewise the M18 scales fit to the BK-9 is slightly oversized.

Below with the L/H scales swapped attached with original hardware of each (though they're the same and I tested it; the screws & nuts are interchangeable.)
wfnLSdY.jpg

Another side by side comparison: BK-9=Left, M18=Right.
M7MrO7s.jpg

This shot shows the slightly smaller Ka-Bar scale attached to the opposite M18 scale to better show the relative dimensions.
YSs1KsJ.jpg


Technically they aren't perfectly interchangeable but practically, if one wanted to for some reason, it can be done. I could possibly see using Ka-Bar scales on the M18- the slightly smaller size exposes more of the pommel and narrows the grip width a little and they fit well enough that the tang doesn't bite into the hand. Likewise one could put the larger scales on the 9 but then you're loosing a bit of it's exposed pommel and broadening the grip width some.
Personally, I like 'em in their original configurations- I have no desire to change them. :)
Click to expand...

Very nice comparison.... I just cant' tell if I like them? haha.... Some aspects, a definite Yes!
But that recurve throws me for some reason?
 
Meshach said:
That must be a 2 finger choil!

Here is a rough draft mock up i made, based off of a ontario 18 inch machete. Im sure the handles would need to be profiled to fit the tang but without having it in hand its hard to judge how that would go.
c0ZC8LS.png
Click to expand...

I have an Ontario Machete, and I've thought of doing it many times. The tang isn't wide enough to fill the full sized becker scales. It just doesn't have enough height to fill in the areas where the scales drop down and become wide at the front and back. It would, however, be wide enough for the tweener scales, but I'm not sure how good those would be on a large chopper... I suspect that with a liner on each side of the tang to make the grip thicker, they could probably do fine. It's a project I planned to do in the spring time. If you'd like I can keep you posted.
 
Well here is my contribution. My "Beckerized" Case bolo the BKXX. Ive wanted to re-handle so many blades with Becker handles and this is the only one i've come across with enough metal to fit them. It really speaks to how amazing Ethan's handles design is. Its so good people put it on other knives haha.

and has there ever been a another maker that uses the same handle for every blade they make?

2.jpg

2-1.jpg

2-3.jpg


and I guess these might count as well.

TM Hunt Patrol Machax.

2-4.jpg

and LoneWolf X LoneWolf X now that you got an M18, you need to pick up one of Todd's bowies

2-5.jpg
 
mmm, both of my M18s have pinned handles...

one of them has 8000 year old koa wood, i should just grind that off ;)

remember kids: if you plan on making and selling knives with Ethan's handles, you kinda have to get his permission. i'm not even sure if it's kosher strictly speaking to have someone make it for you without asking first. Todd has permission for example. So did Siegle.
 
knifejunkie1928 said:
and LoneWolf X LoneWolf X now that you got an M18, you need to pick up one of Todd's bowies

View attachment 1081831
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I'll put it on my list... :D But, gotta properly run the M18 through it's paces first... had it for a week now but between the week-long downpour here and being at work more than my own home I've had NO chance to do much of anything with it apart from running outside yesterday (the first clear day in a week) an hour before heading back to work again for some quickly snapped photos. :(

As overflowing with AWESOME as it is, 'still don't think the M18 will unseat the King as number 1 for me! ;)
 
Bladite said:
mmm, both of my M18s have pinned handles...

one of them has 8000 year old koa wood, i should just grind that off ;)

remember kids: if you plan on making and selling knives with Ethan's handles, you kinda have to get his permission. i'm not even sure if it's kosher strictly speaking to have someone make it for you without asking first. Todd has permission for example. So did Siegle.
Click to expand...
Correct. I remember Ethan saying he has a patent on those scales.
 
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