BK-15, I haz one

[Wolf_1989]

Wow Tomars ships FAST. :thumbup:


Well, it's as great as expected. It was razor sharp fresh out of the box. VERY nice balance. VERY comfortable grip.

The BK-15 has an odd feel to it. I guess I could say it feels delicate and rugged at the same time. Feels like it would equally at home slicing up some wild pig as it would be slicing up someone who picked the wrong house to burglarize.

I don't think I like the coating. It's a bit too rough. I wonder if I could strike a match on it?

I forgot it came with an extra set of handle scales in brown. I was going to swap 'em out to see what they look like but out of an entire box full of allen wrenches, not a single one fits those bolts. Not in English and not in Metric. Not one. I know Dad up the road a ways has some oddball sized allens and I might walk up the road later to see if any fit. Maybe what I need is an Alien Wrench instead.

I don't understand the sheath. I'm not saying it's shoddy, it's just... strange. It's a strange design. Why does it have two straps to go across the handle when one is plenty? Why is the belt loop part a velcro strap? Why is there a strap with a button on the back of the sheath? What sort of sorcery do you guys use to make an Altoids tin fit in the pouch because none of mine fit in that pouch, not even close, although a Zippo lighter does.

It's a great knife, but mods will make it mo' bedda. After I cut the handle slabs off and strip that ugly coating off it and fix it up with a nice fringed and beaded sheath and some micarta it will be perfect.

Overall I like it.

 

[Zackr1983]

The cap screws take a 9/64 Allen, kind of an in between wrench for those tweeners, I believe the dual restraint has something to do with the jump specs for the military, maybe someone else has more insight on that, the strap is for molle attachment system, try googling that there is all kinds of cool gear related to that stuff, also the molle system i believe was originally made for military usage, i think the velcro for the belt loop is nice, easy to take off without removing your belt, my leatherman fits nicely in the pouch also the mentos gum container will fit, sorta like a Altoids tin would on the larger sheaths. Happy modding.

 

[CShepherd]

I have both the 15 and the 17 and the 15 is quickly becoming my favorite. Slices wood like a dream and balances very well in the hand.

The sheath is a bit of an overbuilt anomaly. It's a jump sheath designed more for paratroopers than the average hiker but will work. I modified mine by cutting off the existing velcro loop, cutting off the top retention strap, folding over the top and adding a teklok. Rides with the top of my belt just above halfway up the handle. I carry some extra paracord on it, added a firesteel loop to one side and put some fatwood, assorted tinder, flashlight, and button compass in the pouch. Great first line survival kit.

I will be either sanding down the rough finish or stripping (probably the latter) at some point in the future. I also stippled the tan handles with a wood burner for a bit more grip.

Love the knife and will hold an edge like crazy,

Charlie

 

[mrn8]

I'm thinking of getting rid of the top loop, too. It makes for a very nicely built sheath, but to be honest, it's a bit cumbersome for everyday use.

On the other hand, my BK15 has now trimmed and sliced 2 venison tenderloin, 10 beef tenderloin, and two whole chickens. The freaking thing still slices paper and I haven't touched it up.

 

[DerekH]

I don't understand the sheath. I'm not saying it's shoddy, it's just... strange. It's a strange design. Why does it have two straps to go across the handle when one is plenty? Why is the belt loop part a velcro strap? Why is there a strap with a button on the back of the sheath? What sort of sorcery do you guys use to make an Altoids tin fit in the pouch because none of mine fit in that pouch, not even close, although a Zippo lighter does..

Two straps is like Zack said, for jump rating. Any knife sold to the military that can be used for jumping out of an airplane must have two forms of retention. With the BK2 it is the sheath as well as the retention strap. With the Tweeners, two straps.

The belt part is so you can take it on and off without having to remove your belt. Pretty handy. The single strap on the back with the button is to attach it to MOLLE webbing, which is found all over various bags and packs out there.

Hope that helps, and glad you like your knife!

 

[ahmukilu]

Two straps is like Zack said, for jump rating. Any knife sold to the military that can be used for jumping out of an airplane must have two forms of retention. With the BK2 it is the sheath as well as the retention strap. With the Tweeners, two straps.

The belt part is so you can take it on and off without having to remove your belt. Pretty handy. The single strap on the back with the button is to attach it to MOLLE webbing, which is found all over various bags and packs out there.

Hope that helps, and glad you like your knife!

Derek beat me to it. All of the features are pretty awesome but I think the cool thing is the fact that it is overbuilt. It gives people enough power to customize the sheath as much as they do the knife

 

[tomsch]

The stock sheath is pretty high quality but strange. I picked up a kydex taco with a tec lok and the combination is perfect. I admit that my 15 has spent most if the time in the kitchen. My son gets out of Marine boot in September and we are going on a 2 day hike where I plan to take only the bk15. Will be fun to beat the hell out of it.