- Joined
- Apr 21, 2012
- Messages
- 1,138
Hey all,
This is going to be a review of the BK-16 I've only had mine for a little more than two years, but I've used it a lot in that short time, put it to the test on more than one occasion (some might remember the time I got lost deer scouting in the Adirondacks, with little more than a tarp and my 16).
First Contact
After first handling a 16 in a sporting goods store I knew I had to have it. I hopped on the web and picked one up for about $65 (as I recall). One of the main reasons that I picked the 16 over the other mid sized Beckers was the drop point blade (not a fan of clip points) and while I also considered the trailing point version I wanted a something a little more conservative and brute force friendly. The sheath was well designed and functional, and while I have been using a custom sheath for a good while now I have no doubt that it would have held up just fine. The two sets of factory scales were a welcome addition to an already great knife and sheath, both are well fitted and decently sized (could be a bit thicker IMO) The coating was great, though as usual I stripped it off a month later as it held on to wood and other gunk like no other (very tough but easy to strip :thumbup: )
Major Use
As I stated previously this has been my go-to outdoor knife; as a result this blade has accompanied me and seen good use on no less than 50 outings. One trip in particular put this knife to the test, I got certifiably lost with this knife and not much else (here's the story if you feel like reading it: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1000946-My-BK-16-saved-my-life ) Long story short, this knife is a decent survival blade in my experience, it does what needs to be done, and it did it in the middle of a bog in the Adirondacks with no lasting damage to the knife.
Other than that I mainly use it for food prep (at home and afield) basic camp tasks, and every once in a while dressing game (not great for it but it works)
Modification and Recomendation
I would recommend stripping the blade and getting micarta scales, they really make a world of difference in the comfort department, plus they look fantastic IMO
What Time Tells
Over time I have realized a few things about this knife
Rating and Closing Remarks
I would rate this knife at a consistent 9/10 for the sole reason that the factory scales are just too slim in my opinion, also I would note that the handle is not ideal for people with very large hands.
I would recommend this knife as an outdoor user blade for enthusiasts and especially beginners, because it is user friendly, and is very affordable. I can't really describe it, but this knife, even new out of the box, just feels right. You can feel the amount of time that was put into designing and producing this knife.
Pic's
(not too much rust for being stuck with my dumb a$$ in a bog)
(Blued once upon a time)
(don't remember why we had a tire in the kitchen but we did)
(freshly blasted)
(here and now)
This is going to be a review of the BK-16 I've only had mine for a little more than two years, but I've used it a lot in that short time, put it to the test on more than one occasion (some might remember the time I got lost deer scouting in the Adirondacks, with little more than a tarp and my 16).
First Contact
After first handling a 16 in a sporting goods store I knew I had to have it. I hopped on the web and picked one up for about $65 (as I recall). One of the main reasons that I picked the 16 over the other mid sized Beckers was the drop point blade (not a fan of clip points) and while I also considered the trailing point version I wanted a something a little more conservative and brute force friendly. The sheath was well designed and functional, and while I have been using a custom sheath for a good while now I have no doubt that it would have held up just fine. The two sets of factory scales were a welcome addition to an already great knife and sheath, both are well fitted and decently sized (could be a bit thicker IMO) The coating was great, though as usual I stripped it off a month later as it held on to wood and other gunk like no other (very tough but easy to strip :thumbup: )
Major Use
As I stated previously this has been my go-to outdoor knife; as a result this blade has accompanied me and seen good use on no less than 50 outings. One trip in particular put this knife to the test, I got certifiably lost with this knife and not much else (here's the story if you feel like reading it: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1000946-My-BK-16-saved-my-life ) Long story short, this knife is a decent survival blade in my experience, it does what needs to be done, and it did it in the middle of a bog in the Adirondacks with no lasting damage to the knife.
Other than that I mainly use it for food prep (at home and afield) basic camp tasks, and every once in a while dressing game (not great for it but it works)
Modification and Recomendation
- New
- Sheath pouch removed
- Swapped to tan factory handles
- Stripped
- Blued
- Bead blasted
- Lightly polished
- Micarta scales added
- Ditched factory sheath for Skystorm leather
- Added lanyard
I would recommend stripping the blade and getting micarta scales, they really make a world of difference in the comfort department, plus they look fantastic IMO
What Time Tells
Over time I have realized a few things about this knife
- It is much more capable than you might think
- I never feel under prepared with this knife
- It is functionality and simplicity defined
- It is super easy to clean and work on
- Sharpens really well and holds an edge for a good while
- It was more than worth the money
Rating and Closing Remarks
I would rate this knife at a consistent 9/10 for the sole reason that the factory scales are just too slim in my opinion, also I would note that the handle is not ideal for people with very large hands.
I would recommend this knife as an outdoor user blade for enthusiasts and especially beginners, because it is user friendly, and is very affordable. I can't really describe it, but this knife, even new out of the box, just feels right. You can feel the amount of time that was put into designing and producing this knife.
Pic's
(not too much rust for being stuck with my dumb a$$ in a bog)
(Blued once upon a time)
(don't remember why we had a tire in the kitchen but we did)
(freshly blasted)
(here and now)
And then I always add these: