bk-7

scfishr

scfishr

Joined
Nov 23, 2003
Messages
541
I recently traded for a bk-7, same old conerns regarding the handle. I really liked this knife, size and beefy feel. So Instead of wishing it had a better handle, I took a sanding wheel to it, patterning it after the busse basic 9 and swamp rat camp tramp that I already have. The end result, after increasing the blade angle, is a knife that feels great in my hand and really responds to a leather strop.

These knives are real sleepers if you spend a little time with them

:)

Hey folks, I don`t know how many of you noticed right away, but I have been calling this little companion a BK-7. Sorry for the mix up and thanks for not hanging me out to dry :footinmou
 
I'm a little confused, did you cut a choil into the blade or modify the handle? Would love to see some pics :)
 
yer same here pics would be good.
would like to see the end finish on the handle
Edd
 
I have recently purchased a digital camera for my wife, I have not yet learned how to use it.

I used a flapper wheel, to take away the girth of the handle, and then followed the contours of the respirene handles found on swamp rat camp tramp and basis 9. I have a med/large hand.

The end result is a handle that is reduced in size(girth) and contours added to fit my own hand. Also the finish is roughed to aid in gripping.

I will at first chance add photos, a flapper wheel can be purchased at most good hardware stores, a cylindrical wheel on a shaft that can be used in a drill if you don`t have a pencil grinder.

The BK7 in my opinion, did not need a choil as the handle/length did not warrant a choked up grip./

I first did this on a bk brute.

For the money, I don`t think there is a better knife on the market after modifing the handle and increasing the angle on the edge.

Just my opinion. :D
 
I'd really love pics to see just how much material you removed. The scales on the beckers aren't solid. I don't remember how thick they were when I had them off of my Magnum Camp, but I could imagine that the Swamprat handle is a fair bit smaller in some dimensions, maybe enough to compromise durability if you ground it down that far. Taht being said, if it's not a problem I may try a similar mod on my Mag Camp, since it doesn't really lock into my hands like the swamprat handles do.
 
I'm holding out for the exreme handle scales
when and if they are available.
My niggles with the BK7 and Ill admit it's a reach;

I don't like the lightness the handle cutouts provide. It feels somehow unbalanced to me.

I do think it needs a choil to be a more useful working knife. Its not much of a fighter in my view so might as well make it more utilitarian.
Sheath kind of sucks.

However for the price it's awesome!!
i love how easy it is to remove the handles and so modify them. Mine's cord wrapped right now.
Its a knife ripe for user modifications....
So if you've got pics of your modded BK7,FEEL FREE TO POST THEM!
 
If you want thinner hande, take the scales off and sand em down using a simple cheap sandpaper.
 
It is correct to say that the handles are hollow. I did remove a fair amount of material and did not break through.

If you use"simple sand paper" make sure that you have an entire day to get done what I did in 30 minutes. I also tried a file, no good.
 
When I posted that I patterned the handle on my bk-7 after my camp tramp and basic 9,

I simply followed the pattern of contours. After looking at it more closely, I have found other areas to remove material, including the tang around the handle.I also intend to remove the handle and remove some material on the flat side of the scales.

I am also, now that it`s been suggested thinking of adding a finger choil, which does add to the utility of the knife.

After completion I will figure out how to post pictures. It is possible to greatly improve the grip on this handle without compromising the integrity, I think. Hopefully I can get this done soon.

On my brute, I removed a fair amount of material and have used it, a fair amount, Ie: after the ice storm here I chopped down a lot of sappling`s. I will say that I do not use a knife when a small axe or hatchet is more appropriate.
 
With the endless complaints about the fat, slippery handles on the Becker line of knives, I can't believe Camillus still hasn't addressed the problem. They should at least offer some replacement handles with better traction.
 
I have said in the past that they are a respirene handle away from being a much better knife. I`m sure there are other materials they could use, but I really like the respirene.

Part of the fun of buying these knives cheap is modifying them without worrying about the end result.

For someone who has the skill, the idea od wrapping the handle is a worthwhile cosideration
 
I have finished the handle mod`s on my bk-7 and brute. Took a few test pictures today, learning how to use the macro feature on my wifes digital camera.

5.0 mega pixels on macro reveals everything. What I could not see with the naked eye, showed up vividly on the computer screen. It really doesn`t bother me, but this is a tough group, or can be, and I really do not want to get in to an exchange over a fun project, especially not on users that are going to get beat up anyway.

No safe queens at my house.Earn your keep or hit the road :D

I`m going to post comparison pictures with a bk-9 that has not been modified. After some thought about the hollow handle and removing a significant amount of material, I decided to remove the scales on both knives and fill in with Devcon.

For those that don`t know its a dive puddy or can be used to repair steam leaks and such in turbines and what have you.

IT GETS HARDER THAN SUPERMAN`S BELT BUCKLE :D , and adds a really solid feel to the over all handling of the knives.

Oh well, pictures to follow. I`m on shift for the next few days, so its hard to find the time.Will try tomorrow. :cool:
 
I have pictures of the mod`s on my bk-7 and brute. But I do not know how to post pictures.

Alittle help would be greatly appreciated.

Instructions or

I can email the pictures to someone.

Thanks in advance
 
scfishr said:
I have pictures of the mod`s on my bk-7 and brute. But I do not know how to post pictures.

Alittle help would be greatly appreciated.

Instructions or

I can email the pictures to someone.

Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Send em over to me if you would like eclipse850@lycos.com .
I believe imageshack.com might work also :confused: :)
 
Thanks for the help. This is a first time for me to try these mod`s, so they are not perfect. I am planning to buy another companion and take my time to make it look better. As a user, I count this one of my best.

Email sent, for some reason a few of the pictures turned out grainy. I will try to figure out what I did wrong. You may want to edit the ones that did not turn out, I will leave this to your discretion,

thanks again.
 
Ive got to admit for truly geeky reasons Im anxious to see your results.

With all the work you've put into this it would be kind of a shame to end up with Franken handles.
Especially when handle materials are so readily available.
At the risk of opening a can of worms Id like to suggest some green micarta. Blanks are cheap, its pretty easy to work and the results will be awesome.

You could try tru grit...
http://www.trugrit.com/
 
Hey, thanks for the link.

Well, my first time out did not cost me anything but time. I learned a lot, including finding out that I may take up modifying and/or making knives. I had already made a machete out of 1/8" tool steel that does a great job.


As for franken handles(LOL) I knew that if I screwe`d up the plastic scales that came with it that it would not be that difficult to fix.

Hopefully the pictures will be posted in the next day or two. :)

Some friends that I work with, really tough on knives, said they liked the bk-7 alot.

I have $40.00 and some time invested in this knife, well worth it to me. I look forward to finding another user to maybe try some "green micarta blanks", I think that would make a nice looking knife and durable too.

Thanks for the input.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top