BK11 Handle & Chest Cuts

[ljcsov]

Hey guys,

I really love the blade on my BK11 with its overall size and shape. I recently purchased a custom kydex sheath from Azwelke and think its going to make a great companion for hiking. To add, I've personalized it by stripping the paint and filing in some gimping. After doing giving the knife a thorough wrap on the handle, only one complaint remains and eradicating the issue would making me very pleased. I first noticed the problem when I was doing chest cuts during a carving session. When the blade is turned into my palm, the lower part of the handle hits a pressure point in my palm. I created a cobra braid lanyard on the knife and align it with the handle to give it some extra girth. This method alleviates the issue somewhat. I am curious if I would be better off putting some scales on this thing. I just don't want to add to its weight too much. I do have some beautiful juniper that has a nice grain!

Thanks!

 

[oXide]

You would need some pretty big handles to add very much noticeable weight, unless you add really thick scales..... Or I guess if you choose something really dense, but I don't think juniper would add all that much weight if your mimicking the KA-BAR micarta scales.

 

[Haze240]

Have you looked at the BK14? Much smoother lines, no hotspots at all with that design IMO. As Oxide said, you won't notice much in the weight department if you decide to add scales to either one.

 

[ljcsov]

Hmmmm. I was just messing with the wood I have here. I don't know if I'm going to go for the scales. I might just mess with the wrap some more and figure out something that works. I'm too attached to this knife to give up on it now!

 

[thrillbilly]

Scales aint gonna add enuff weight to notice really, especially if u make them the same general size and shape as the factory micarta. I much much much prefer scales (I have micarta and Tommy cocobolo) on the 11, the 14 I love with scales too, but is plenty comfortable with a 550 wrap....but the 550 just dont cut it for me with the 11.
JMO, YMMV

 

[Bladite]

i recommend extended hand surgery just cut that nerve. no more problems

or a BK14 :>

or scales...

 

[oXide]

Scales or the surgery are the best way to go, the 14 is ehh. I want it, but it's not at the top.

 

[CamH_16]

Get some scales, the 14 is comfortable but not as comfortable as a set of scales. Any thin piece of wood will make a decent set of scales or find someone who makes some thinner lightweight scales.

 

[lowery399]

I got a set of micarta scales for my BK11 and I love it. It makes it so much easier to handle.

 

[ljcsov]

I might try to make some scales. This juniper I have has a beautiful grain with a red hue to the wood. With oil, it almost turns a bright red. I'm just having issues sizing it up.

 

[CamH_16]

I might try to make some scales. This juniper I have has a beautiful grain with a red hue to the wood. With oil, it almost turns a bright red. I'm just having issues sizing it up.

How do you mean? Each scale should be about 1/4'' thick.

 

[ljcsov]

How do you mean? Each scale should be about 1/4'' thick.

I don't have a planer. I am trying to carve them by hand hahaha. So, I'm slowly shaving down the scales to size.

 

[CamH_16]

I don't have a planer. I am trying to carve them by hand hahaha. So, I'm slowly shaving down the scales to size.

Flat surface and some rough sandpaper will fix it up if its not that bad.

 

[orangish ducktape]

You could just make a nice pair of scales out of some trim scraps. I am working on some bamboo one right now, but I have some thin oak scraps I think I will use instead.

-orangish ducktape

 

[ljcsov]

Guess I have some options. Thanks guys! Hopefully I can get rid of the hot spots.

 

[ljcsov]

Check this out. So, I wrapped the handle with paracord initially in the "standard" way, weaving the cord through the handle to create a "solid" 550 handle. Next, I did a cobra braid leaving the loops of the blade on the side of the handle. This not only made the handle thicker, but gave it a rounded feel by placing the loops of the cobra brand of the flat parts on either side of the handle. This looks sweet and feel pretty damn good.

 

[oXide]

check this out. So, i wrapped the handle with paracord initially in the "standard" way, weaving the cord through the handle to create a "solid" 550 handle. Next, i did a cobra braid leaving the loops of the blade on the side of the handle. This not only made the handle thicker, but gave it a rounded feel by placing the loops of the cobra brand of the flat parts on either side of the handle. This looks sweet and feel pretty damn good.

poinh!