BK-40, what would make it better?

[Plainsman]

I just got a BK-40! WOW! The steel seemed hard for D-2, probably the heat treat.
So I was thinking its a shame they arent made here like the rest of the Beckers which led to my question.
What would make the BK-40 better?

IMO, made in the USA would be a start, then my list…
Micarta scales
Heavier duty SOLID clip
Axis type lock
Choice of steels
Move the jimping forward at least a 1/4”
Choice of blade designs, Id like to see a copy of the BK-16

Heres a couple of pics to get you thinking.

 

[Crag the Brewer]

Nice looking knife, I Love hard D2, but Hard pass...
No Way

 

[knoefz]

Mine is in Aus 8.
Love the knife a lot.
Great bladeshape and ergonomics.

Big improvement for me would be a different material for the scales, micarta would be awesome but will probably make it too expersive.. But the FRN Spyderco uses also has a nicer feeling in the hand imho.

And on mine when opening the knife when the ballbearing in the lockbar slide of the knife the lockbar itself just hit the knife, making the opening have a little hump in its action.

On mine the China engraving is on the back of the blade, just after the jimping, different (better looking?) from what I see on the pictures P Plainsman posted.

For me the wireclip is fine. Have it removed atm.

 

[pease]

I have played with one the biggest problem for me is not made in the USA, I could live with everything else but would like better scales.

 

[Blue Sky]

Make it a back lock, and anywhere else, and I would have one or two.

 

[GeofS]

I’m currently of the opinion that there should have never been a Becker folder. Ethan is a great fixed blade designer and he created a killer handle. He’s one of the best ever at fixed blades!

Others do folders better. There are so many options to choose from! The BK40 felt cheap and unrefined, the type of pocket knife you buy at Walmart. There are so many better options for a robust folder. Yeah, it’s not made in America and the scales and choice of steel are downers too.

If I had to improve on the BK40 using the current design and keep the Becker feel, it would be made in Olean, NY, the scales would be black g10, and the steel would be magnacut. Though it would be cool, I think it would not hold true to being a Becker if I added bearings and a flipper tab, so I’ll keep it simple and add bronze washers for a smooth open.