Becker C/U7 first impressions and questions

[tique]

I just recieved my BKT C/U7 this morning, this is my second Camillus blade, and my first BKT, and I'm nothing but impressed with Camillus. I am already in love with this one.
I was wondering if anyone has put micarta handles on one yet though?? This might be one of my first projects when I get my move completed and have my Bader set back up again, just have to find a place to get them bead blasted for grip.
Also, has there been any luck sharpening the swedge? I saw a post on this a while back in here, but it appears to have died without any updates.

Just thought I would give my praise for this blade. I have yet to get it out and beat on it, but it looks like it could be one of my favorites, and might just beat out a Busse and a Strider or two due to the nicer edge geometry and excellent overall design, especially if I can modify the handle a bit. I originally intended to keep this in the back of the car as an emergency beater, to upgrade from the KaBar that currently resides there, but the more I look at it, the more I'm thinking this one is going to ride on my pack as my go to blade, and I'll need another to toss in the car Might just have to upgrade my shop blade as well...

 

[Will Fennell]

tique,
Good to hear that you like you new BK&T Combat/Utility-7! The knife had alot of thought put into it, and alot of input from users[especially military]. Yes, the swedge is ground thin enough so that the customer can sharpen it, but it will be a steep bevel. Thats ok, its whats needed. If you had a very thin bevel, it would weaken the tip too much. After much thought, we did not sharpen the swedge on purpose...many jurisdictions, and especially, many unit commanders, have restrictions on "double edge knives". Even though this is silly, we thought it would make life easier for the customer. This way, a little time and a good stone, and the customer can sharpen it if he wants.

Also, if this is you first BK&T, I would suggest USING it awhile before you rush out to modify the handle. One of the best features of BK&T products is the well thought out comfortable scales....I think you wil find with use, you will appreciate the design.

Either way, I think you see that Combat/Utility knives don't need to cost "a car payment"

 

[tique]

Will,
I appreciate your reply, I have a lot of respect for a maker who will come and talk about his knives. I agree that I should probably beat on the C/U7 a bit before I mess with the scales, I might just have to get me another one to have a side by side comparison of what I like You have fully restored my faith in factory produced fixed blades, and I'm grateful for this. I see a few more Beckers and possibly a couple more Camillus offerings in my future, even though I'm starting to make my own... Y'all just make a damn nice knife.

I agree about the swedge, it's gonna get a nice, thick edge ground on when I get a chance... Should aid a bit in penetration, look cool, and not interfer with the law down here, so all is good. I also appreciate the fact that you don't sharpen it. I have recieved a few knives that had the back edge sharpened, and it was also in one of those situations where it wasn't 100% necessary, and it just might make the blade illegal for the intended purpose. I have no problem with you thinking ahead and letting the user sharpen it only if he wishes, as a matter of fact I respect it.

Hopefully I can get this out in the woods soon, as I intend for it to replace my current recommended fixed blade purchase for my friends that ask. I'm hoping you have a warranty that suits your blades(I honestly haven't read enough to find out)... basically I look for the ones that state if it breaks we replace it, allowing me to chop, hammer, and pry without worry.

 

[Kodiak PA]

I just used my Sharpmaker and handheld DMT. Came out just fine. The swedge is steep so backcutting is limited but to aid in penetrating it should work just fine. Thick enough to not to weaken the tip and thin enough to sharpen.