BK-16 Field Trial

[Guyon]

The first pic of the blade is when it was new. I got this one at the last Becker Gathering thanks to the generosity of Ka-Bar and Ethan Becker. Almost immediately, I decided it was the blade I'd run at the upcoming Randall Adventure Training field survival course. All I did was sharpen it up on my KME sharpener and insure the bolts would stay put with a drop of Loctite on each one.

Here's the rig I used: BK-16, trailbum kydex sheath, Tek-Lok belt attachment, my own firesteel piggyback kydex, Going Gear mischmetal firesteel that I handled with some deer antler. The little Brite Strike light is equipment issued for the course.

Over three days, the knife got a workout. It batoned a LOT of hardwood for fire making. It cut cordage. It harvested and limbed a considerable amount of green wood for various bushcraft projects. It shaved fatwood. It was used as a firesteel striker. It opened a can of beans. It processed two rabbits. It made bamboo utensils. It got soaked in rainfall and underwater. The knife was never sharpened during the course, but it held a great edge for the duration. No chips, dings, or rolls.

And despite the sometimes wet conditions, the Kraton scales offered a firm, comfortable grip. In fact, they were so functional I'm beginning to rethink my affinity for micarta replacements. Other class participants brought knives as small as the ESEE Izula and as big as the ESEE Junglas, and while these blades had their unique advantages, I felt like the 16 offered a nice middle ground. Plenty of function without a lot of weight. I would not hesitate to go afield with this knife anywhere.

 

[pap11y]

Cool review. It certainly did get a workout lol..

Thanks for sharing...

 

[Murphnuge]

I'm tickled as Hell that you took a 16 to Jeff's course.

 

[The Warrior]

Yeah, but did you use it though. Just kidding man, that's awesome.

 

[Guyon]

I'm tickled as Hell that you took a 16 to Jeff's course.

So was Ethan.

 

[Jerry D.]

It sounds like you had a hell of a time. Glad to hear the 16 stepped up to the plate!

So was Ethan.

Haha - I can just picture the maniacal grin.

 

[rkmoore]

I knew it! The 16 is the perfect knife to take to a Randall Adventure Training course. :thumbup:

Thanks for an excellent and concise review of by favorite Becker knife!

 

[tradewater]

Way to stick it to 'em with the 16.

 

[daizee]

Over three days, the knife got a workout. It batoned a LOT of hardwood for fire making. It cut cordage. It harvested and limbed a considerable amount of green wood for various bushcraft projects. It shaved fatwood. It was used as a firesteel striker. It opened a can of beans. It processed two rabbits. It made bamboo utensils. It got soaked in rainfall and underwater. The knife was never sharpened during the course, but it held a great edge for the duration. No chips, dings, or rolls.

Do you even lift?
*sheesh*

(nice going. that's a sweet spot blade for sure)

 

[Ulf Krogstad]

Good to here it held up so good during and after all the use. Got a BK2 coming and it can't get here fast enough.

 

[Aikiguy]

Cool review, looks like it sure got a great workout. The 16 is a great size for a general do all camp knife for sure. What'd ya think of the course? I read up on it a while back and thought it sounded like a cool way to spend a weekend.

 

[OutdoorsFamilyMan4]

Great review. That knife looks well loved. I'm sure Jeff was just as tickled. I love the mutual respect between Becker and ESEE. This thread makes me miss my 16.

 

[Guyon]

I love the mutual respect between Becker and ESEE.

Yeah, a few guys brought or bought ESEE knives, but I don't think Jeff cared one way or the other what people used for the class. I saw a Buck, a Blind Horse, and one or two I didn't recognize right off.

 

[Dogzovwar81]

Guyon, I never really considered the Bk16 before, now it is looking pretty good. I've had my eye on the 17 for a while, may have to make the 16 my first Tweener...

 

[Guyon]

Some people asked about the class itself. Here are a couple of posts I put up over on the ESEE board.

The class was excellent. If you buy into the storyboard and give it your best, you will come out with a wealth of new knowledge. The variety of skills taught, from land navigation to primitive skills to first-aid, are well-staged and well-delivered. The land navigation, in particular, is intensive and builds through the entire course. Jeff, Patrick, and Hugh are excellent teachers. They take note of how students are doing and respond in fashion. The various trials, or "evolutions," encourage teamwork and application of skills, and you never know what twist might be tossed in. You are pushed physically and mentally. If you are really out-of-shape, you probably want to get in better shape before you begin the class. You will be uncomfortable. You will face challenges that require collaborative action. You will need a low gear that keeps on giving. You will also need a sense of humor and an ability to put a positive spin on things that suck. Everyone's mileage varies, but I had a great experience and will not hesitate to take more classes down in Gallant. I'm looking forward to the ropes course in a couple of weeks.

I'm still processing a lot of the course, but here are a few things I learned. The first three are probably all you really need to know if you're taking this class.

• You get out of the class what you put into it.
• Teamwork and a positive attitude will see you through.
• Trust your training and equipment.
• You can try, but you can’t build an Audi with cordage and green wood.
• Power nap if you get the chance. There are not many chances.
• Wet wood poses challenges. I have new found respect for outdoorsmen in wet climates.
• Rabbit liver tastes like chicken liver.
• Blackberries off the vine are gifts from the gods.
• Apparently, I can withstand a pummeling with firewood and continue to snore loudly on tempo.
• Cowboy coffee tastes awesome on day three. Especially out of a bean can.
• Jungle boots will melt with sustained heat.
• Jeff means it when he says 0530. Or 0300.
• Sniper foresight is a beautiful thing.
• Some Marines never lose their toughness. Not one damn bit.

That last bullet point is a reference to "Ed," a 69-year-old ex-Marine who fought in Vietnam. He got talked into taking the class with his son-in-law, who had to drop out on day one because of illness.
Ed, on the other hand, kicked some serious ass in the class. I hope I'm as tough as him when I'm 69.

 

[Guyon]

Guyon, I never really considered the Bk16 before, now it is looking pretty good. I've had my eye on the 17 for a while, may have to make the 16 my first Tweener...

Dogzovwar81, it's Ethan's favorite. The design of the 17 makes it a better hunting blade IMO, but the 16 is a great go-to field blade.
I'm going to strip the one pictured above and square up the spine a little bit. Still haven't decided if I'll put micarta on it. The Kraton did just fine even in wet conditions.

 

[The Warrior]

Dogzovwar81, it's Ethan's favorite. The design of the 17 makes it a better hunting blade IMO, but the 16 is a great go-to field blade.
I'm going to strip the one pictured above and square up the spine a little bit. Still haven't decided if I'll put micarta on it. The Kraton did just fine even in wet conditions.

Don't care for the feel of micarta myself.

 

[TBL]

Sounds like an awesome weekend Guyon! Sweet pictures of a well used tool!

 

[Galeocerdoshark]

Very interesting write up, and the knife sure did see some good use. Thanks for sharing, that's very cool.

 

[Ray Settanta]

Thanks for the great review.