Becker handles

fudo

fudo

Joined
Aug 27, 1999
Messages
4,531
I was sitting here handling my new Campanion and comparing it with my original Campanion. The original has handles that are noticeably sleeker in profile than the new model and they are more comfortable to my hand. The new handles seem to blocky and square.
My question is this, if I sand the handles, will they stay the same color or will I uncover some base color and wind up with something that looks like a an old Chevy with primer paint?
Also I would like to ask about the possibility of getting handles in different colors like Red, International Orange, etc.

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The thorn stands to defend the Rose, yet it is peaceful and does not seek conflict
 
The older BKT models made by Blackjack had very poor scale to tang "fit", as a result, each knife had to be hand blended, as a result you had quite a variance of handle shapes and 'feels', additionally, the Blackjack handles were sometimes glossy, sometimes matte, sometimes pliable, etc.
You can sand right through that GV6h, the colo is through the material, however you may have to sand to a fine grit to keep it looking good. You may want to have the scales bead blasted afterwards to look uniform and provide better traction.

On the 3 current Camillus BKT's I have, the handles are slightly fuller, and in conversations with Ethan Becker, exactly to his liking and original specs.

It also depends on the stock thickness of the knives, a knife with thinner stock will have a slightly thinner handle profile.
(New Campanions are a bit thinner than old ones for example)

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+++++++++++++++++++++++++
"The most effective armor is to keep out of range"-Italian proverb
 
Anthony, they were thicker !?!?! Yipes, that's pretty darn thick then, cause I thought the new Companion was about as thick as you could get in this size knife. The older ones must be quite a handful!

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Buck Collectors Club Member # 572
Dedicated ELU
Talonite fan
Knifeknut(just ask my wife)
 
Be careful to avoid breathing the dust if you sand the handles -- especially if you use power tools.

-Cougar :{)

P.S. With those easy to swap bolted on scales, I'm expecting to see people start posting pics of their customized Beckers any time now.
smile.gif


:{)
 
If anybody starts to make replacement handles in colors, give me a holler.

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The thorn stands to defend the Rose, yet it is peaceful and does not seek conflict
 
Somebody who should know told me that those handles are molded hollow, so be careful how much material you remove.

I haven't taken one apart yet, but I suspect that making a hardwood handle from scratch wouldn't be terribly difficult. Unless you wanted it to still snap into that Kydex sheath, that is.
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- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
AKTI Member # SA00001


[This message has been edited by James Mattis (edited 06-22-2000).]
 
Fudo,
Glad you are a BK&T customer! I have some info for you and some advice. First the info..

James is correct, the handle scales are hollow underneath, for I would suggest removing the handles and looking under before considering removing any material. The thickness varies, and this is because of the variable cooling rate of the Gv6H and the variable contours we planned into the scales. If we would have molded the scales solid, we could have NEVER gotten a smooth, dimple free finish on the outside. Also, James is correct again in cautioning you not to modify the forward guard area of the scales if you want the sheath system to work as designed. The Kydex locks around the scales in the front. There is some very specific geometry involved.

One more thing to take into consideration,....we spent ALOT of time in conjunction with Ethan Becker setting up the molds for these scales. We[Ethan included] feel they are a major improvement over the scales on the BK&T products of the past. They certainly are more consistant. What we strove to improve with the new scales is the comfort and effectiveness during extreme use. They are planned to be a little more 'square'....not really square, but not as 'round'. The 'Rounder'handles feel fine during light work and just handling the knives, but when usign the knives under alot of force, such as chopping, the handle will want to 'roll' under impact. Not alot, but we felt we could improve performance. Under testing we found that we did. Knife handles are very subjective things, as everyones hands, and in some cases expectations, are different, but the BK&T handles seem to fit a wider range on hands .....during actual hard working conditions....than any handles I have worked with. I would caution you to use your BK&T in the field for awhile before considering altering them...we really put alot of developement time into those scales, and I would think that chances are better than not, that you will like them in heavy use.

Either way, Thanks for being a customer!

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Stay Sharp!
Will Fennell
Camillus Cutlery
www.camillusknives.com
 
I really like the basic handle shape on my old Magnum, but it is a little small for my average-size hands. Sounds like the new ones will be just right.
 
Speaking of reprofiling handles, can you recommend any one who could put a set of Micarta Handles on my Campanion? I have the older nylon sheath so the handle/sheath fit is not critical. After handling my new TOPS I have a great appreciation for micarta and how it feels. I think they would be a great addition to this fine blade.
 
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