Best Becker for Survival?

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Jan 26, 2013
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What Becker is be best all around survival knife. I am looking for an all around survival knife that is good for Self Defense, Camping, Game Processing, Bush craft, and EDC carry in adverse weather conditions and rough terrain.
 
All of the Becker knives are very robust, which I feel like most people associate with "survival" knives. That said, there are some models that are much more robust than others.

Also, when people think of "survival" knives, they typically seem to mean a 4-6in bladed knife. And in that size range you have a few options.

Becker BK17 - 4.375in 5/32in thick clip point blade with a saber grind.
Becker BK16 - 4.375in 5/32in thick drop point blade with a full flat grind.
Becker BK15 - 5.5in 5/32in thick trailing point blade with a full flat grind and finger choil (and currently very cheap in comparison to the others).
Becker BK10 - 5.5in 3/16in thick clip point blade with a saber grind
Becker BK2 - 5.25in 1/4in thick drop point blade with a saber grind
Becker BK12 - 6in 3/16in thick drop point blade with a saber grind

Out of those, I'd be looking at the BK16, BK15 (because the price), BK10, or the BK12 if it were me.

Any preference between those ones?
 
Get a bk16 and an axe, that combo will handle just about anything

However if your wanting only one tool, I'd go with either the bk4 or 10
 
I really like the Bk16 and 9.
They are all great knives.
Buy one and see what it can and can't do.
Tell us what you think.
 
Camping - BK 16 and maybe 15
Bushcraft BK 16
Game processing - Bk 17
Defense - 7 or 9
 
While just about all of them will do if that's what you have on you, the 12 was designed specifically for your stated purpose.
 
Have a BK-2 but just bought this 5 to put back for that kind of situation.

Becker%20BK-5%20with%20grips_zpsdet7jyya.jpg
 
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The 2 and 9 would be the best all purpose pair, I think.

I'd have to disagree, you're going with a large knife with the 9, the 2 would be redundant. The BK9 can do everything the 2 can, so I would pair it with something smaller, like a 14 or a 16
 
I'd have to disagree, you're going with a large knife with the 9, the 2 would be redundant. The BK9 can do everything the 2 can, so I would pair it with something smaller, like a 14 or a 16

I prefer heavier knives, so for me the 2 would be an excellent companion knife. Honestly, the Buck Nighthawk would be my favorite companion to the 9 in this case, but I was trying to stick to Beckers. (The one on the left)
 
I don't think any single knife fits every category you want but the bk 17 is probably one of the better options to meet a little of everything pretty well
 
I'd have to disagree, you're going with a large knife with the 9, the 2 would be redundant. The BK9 can do everything the 2 can, so I would pair it with something smaller, like a 14 or a 16

Agree 100%. I'd you want two blades, then the 9 and 16 (or a Mora)will be great. If you want just one, id primarily be choosing between the 10, 12, and 16.
 
I honestly understand why no one is stating the 4 as the ideal Large Becker, it can chop, do some delicate work, make traps, clean a trout, you name it. On top of that, it is lighter than a 9... For self defense, make a spear and fire harden it. Reach is your friend.

Go with the 4 and a tweener for an all encompassing combo, or a 4 and an 11 for a more utilitarian combination.

But for a one knife set up, I still stick with my 5, if wood processing isn't as much of an issue as self defense might be.
 
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I prefer heavier knives, so for me the 2 would be an excellent companion knife. Honestly, the Buck Nighthawk would be my favorite companion to the 9 in this case, but I was trying to stick to Beckers. (The one on the left)
Good stuff to EDC. :thumbup: I dig that Becker, I have never seen one with a handle quite like that. Thanks for sharing.

All of the Becker knives are very robust, which I feel like most people associate with "survival" knives. That said, there are some models that are much more robust than others.

Also, when people think of "survival" knives, they typically seem to mean a 4-6in bladed knife. And in that size range you have a few options.

Becker BK17 - 4.375in 5/32in thick clip point blade with a saber grind.
Becker BK16 - 4.375in 5/32in thick drop point blade with a full flat grind.
Becker BK15 - 5.5in 5/32in thick trailing point blade with a full flat grind and finger choil (and currently very cheap in comparison to the others).
Becker BK10 - 5.5in 3/16in thick clip point blade with a saber grind
Becker BK2 - 5.25in 1/4in thick drop point blade with a saber grind
Becker BK12 - 6in 3/16in thick drop point blade with a saber grind

Out of those, I'd be looking at the BK16, BK15 (because the price), BK10, or the BK12 if it were me.

Any preference between those ones?

I am leaning toward the BK 17 personally. I think the clip point makes it the best option for self defense, dressing, and the blade is still great for around the camp or bushcraft. I think the BK 5 is a very close second. (SAK guy) The BK17 just looks like it would hold up to more abuse. Maybe some good custom kydex for a sheath that had hardware to hold a snuss or mint tin and a fire steel and it would be about perfect.. Not sure exactly what I would do as far as the handle is concerned. I probably would be better off with the standard handles. They look pretty durable.
 
I don't think this guy is gonna edc a 4,5 , or a 9....for the listed tasks and edc included I'd go with either the 2, 16, or 17.
 
I have never felt under knifed with my 11. Small enough to always have with you. However when I know in advance I will be in a life or death " survival" situation I always grab my 4.
 
Good stuff to EDC. :thumbup: I dig that Becker, I have never seen one with a handle quite like that. Thanks for sharing.



I am leaning toward the BK 17 personally. I think the clip point makes it the best option for self defense, dressing, and the blade is still great for around the camp or bushcraft. I think the BK 5 is a very close second. (SAK guy) The BK17 just looks like it would hold up to more abuse. Maybe some good custom kydex for a sheath that had hardware to hold a snuss or mint tin and a fire steel and it would be about perfect.. Not sure exactly what I would do as far as the handle is concerned. I probably would be better off with the standard handles. They look pretty durable.

The 17 is a good choice. The saber grind gives the blade strength, and then the clip point is nice and... pointy.

Were you meaning the BK15 when you said BK5? I say that just because I'd expect the BK5 to be more sturdy than the BK17. Its thicker (3/16in), and has a wider chord. The 15 I agree with though. But if you look around at many threads here, you'll find 15's being used for all sorts of stuff with no problems. I'm not saying there is a right or wrong choice, just making sure you have the info :).

And there are a few custom kydex guys here that make great stuff (Azwelke and 710 come to mind immediately). They could set you up with something like you're wanting pretty easily :). If I had any of the tweeners (15/16/17) and a sheath that had a mini altoids tin with some fatwood and a firesteel, I'd feel comfortable many, many places.

And the only thing I'd do with the stock handles, is add a handle liner (use an old DVD case or something like that and cut/trim it to size), just to give the handles a bit more girth. It makes them more comfortable for long term use that way IMO.

Good luck with the new steel :).
 
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