Beckers

A

Armenate

Joined
Oct 1, 2014
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I am thinking about getting a Becker. They seem like reliable fixed blades at a decent price. My questions is, which one to start with. I just want a good serviceable blade with a GOOD sheath. I want a sheath that won't just let the blade fall out.
 
BK15 is my personal favorite in the best all-around category. Check out the Becker subforum when you get a chance. :thumbup:
 
BK16 is the best all around knife in the line up and all the sheathes are secure.
 
Armenate, you didn't give us much to work with as far as budget, uses, hand size, etc. But for a smaller, potentiall EDC knife the BK16 is a good choice..............unless youre a sucker for a swept blade (15) or in my case a clip point (17).

If you 've got larger mitts and will only use this knife outdoors and away from folks who spook easily, then any of the larger BKs are a VERY solid choice. The BK2 has the most wow factor, and is often the first BK that newbies purchase. It will almost always lead to other BKs being purchased in the following months/years, but the BK2 is seldom sold off w/o regrets. There aren't any bad BK models, and you'll likely end up with several anyway, so your only decision is which one do you want first. ;)

BTW, you might throw this same question out in the Becker sub-forum just above this one. You'll get lots of love there, and some solid advice.
 
15 is good for most things due to it's moderate size and is extremely cheap these days.

I kept the one I bought to sell because I can never get my money back on it now with the price drops.
 
As a BK15 owner the sheath is so-so but not great; it will rattle, and I don't like the two-strap design. You'll want kydex at some point. Other than the fabric hanger which many people complain about, the video reviews of the BK2 stock sheath show it's a superior factory sheath for retention, and most factory sheaths I've owned have been lousy.
 
The BK24 is a great first Becker. Small enough for almost any type of carry in almost any location (check your local laws and regulations ). I keep one in my ruck and it's the perfect river knife. The zytel handles are a great addition, but you'll do fine with a 550 wrap.

 
Murphnuge said:
The BK24 is a great first Becker. Small enough for almost any type of carry in almost any location (check your local laws and regulations ). I keep one in my ruck and it's the perfect river knife. The zytel handles are a great addition, but you'll do fine with a 550 wrap.

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I second that. My solution to NY state "gravity knife" law. Strong, sharp, and pretty nonthreatening. Mine has a cyanoacrylate stabilized wrap of 550 and it works very well.
 
Thirded. 24 was my intro and been carried with my bag ever since. Though the sheath still bugs as I can't keep it as sharp as I would like.
 
You can't go wrong with any of the Becker models really. Yes, some preform different tasks better then others. It really depends on what you are looking for.

Chopper? BK9, BK4, or wait for the BK21
"bushcraft"? BK2, BK16
Camp tasks? all.. but the BK5 will shine the most.
EDC? depends on the size you prefer...I use a BK11 with handles, the BK14/24 is awesome, 15,16,17 are all great
Really small knive? try a BK13 its stainless and just falls into the pocket like nothing.

Anything you are specifically looking for? just ask, we'll be happy to point you in the right direction!
 
I feel like you can't go wrong with the 11, either. Very economical and a great, tough little blade.

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The new sheaths have a retention system that keeps the smaller Beckers (11, 14, 24) from sliding out.

My second Becker was a BK16 which is what a lot of people consider a great "bushcraft" knife for it's size, shape, grind type, etc.

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I really like the sheath for it... Very versatile (for me) and there's no way that thing is going to fall out. It's essentially "jump ready" with not one but two retaining straps to hold it in.

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Note: Mine has been stripped, patina'd and has had a modification to add a choil which they don't normally come like from the factory.

Factory Bk16:

BK16-4.jpg
 
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average gimp said:
As a BK15 owner the sheath is so-so but not great; it will rattle, and I don't like the two-strap design. You'll want kydex at some point. Other than the fabric hanger which many people complain about, the video reviews of the BK2 stock sheath show it's a superior factory sheath for retention, and most factory sheaths I've owned have been lousy.
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Go with the 15. Price is great. Blade is longest of the 'tweeners. Has a choil for choking up for more delicate work. Slices meat and vegetables extremely well, almost as well as a real chef's knife. Looks very cool. Sheath is just fine for most uses. The rattle is irrelevant as you'll be outside doing stuff that makes plenty of noise and the rattle is small anyway. The two strap design is not a problem--just do like me and cut away the top strap and you have a more flexible rig. The MOLLE attachment strap on the back can function as a high-ride belt loop, too. That's how I wear mine. The sheath does a great job at keeping the knife handy, safe, and protected. And I carry a SOG Paratool, sharpening plate, and a MagLite Solitaire in the sheath pouch as well.

Don't listen to the detractors who say you can't baton with it. You sure can, enough to produce some kindling, but it's not a small hatchet like the single-digit BK&T monsters. It's going to do great on game for me, does great on fish, and does everything I ask of it. And did I say it looks great? Yeah.

Get the BK15. And if you don't like it, put it up for sale here. They'll be gone soon and you'll sell it in a heartbeat. Maybe even to me!

Zieg
 
If I had to suggest a single starting point given the lack of information to go on.... I'd have to toss my hat in the ring with the 2. Its most folks first Becker for a reason......

Reasonably good at everything, its a true one blade wonder....though admittedly it excels at nothing other than being bomb proof.....its a fantastic introduction into Beckers IMHO.

16, 17, and 10 would be back up nominations in order of preference.
 
When I first held the BK9 I knew I was hooked; when I first held the BK2 I could see why everybody loves it; When I first held the BK15 I felt why everybody loves the tweeners.

It's really hard to hold and use a Becker without falling in love with it, the problem is owning too many and not being able to use all of them as often as they deserve. I think any would do you good as a beginner, but the 2, 9, and 15 would be my first choices.
 
Don't listen to these guys, Armenate. They're all trying to trick you. The only Becker you should be considering is the Blackjack Machax. You can get one for a steal at only $700.

Either that or a BK8.
 
Vinjints said:
Thirded. 24 was my intro and been carried with my bag ever since. Though the sheath still bugs as I can't keep it as sharp as I would like.
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Fourthded. This would be my suggestion as well. Punches well above its weight. For easier sharpening, go the 14. Same shape, slightly tougher (softer, but more 'flexible') steel. The new sheaths don't have glass fibre in them and have a cool, if not slightly bulky, locking mechanism..

TBL said:
You can't go wrong with any of the Becker models really. Yes, some preform different tasks better then others. It really depends on what you are looking for.

Chopper? BK9, BK4, or wait for the BK21
"bushcraft"? BK2, BK16
Camp tasks? all.. but the BK5 will shine the most.
EDC? depends on the size you prefer...I use a BK11 with handles, the BK14/24 is awesome, 15,16,17 are all great
Really small knive? try a BK13 its stainless and just falls into the pocket like nothing.

Anything you are specifically looking for? just ask, we'll be happy to point you in the right direction!
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..or confuse you with EVERY option available! Good one TiB'L!

JWheel said:
Don't listen to these guys, Armenate. They're all trying to trick you. The only Becker you should be considering is the Blackjack Machax. You can get one for a steal at only $700.

Either that or a BK8.
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JWheel. You're an arseh*le! :D
 
The 16 without a doubt.

The 2 was my first one, but had the 16 (or 10) been in production at the time, I would have picked up either of those over the BK2 in a heartbeat. The 16 is just about the ideal "belt" knife to take with you wherever you go outdoors. Its not too big/heavy to carry around, but still robust enough to use hard without worrying.

If you want something different, grab a 9. Its a great large camp knife.

Oh, and I haven't used a Becker that has a sheath that would just let the blade fall out. So you should be fine in that area at least :).

The upside is that you can't really go wrong, they're all good choices. Good luck :).
 
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