BK11 vs 14 Handles

M

minkeyman

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Jun 2, 2013
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I have a 14 and will eventually add an 11 to my collection. I purchased the 11 just because the handle seemed like it would be more comfortable for long periods of use. But the more I look at the 11, the more I like how versatile the handle appears to be. What's yall's take on this? Is the 11 handle that much more versatile, useful, or comfortable?
 
I like it alot with the micarta scales option. Plus i'm never without the knife, and never without the bottle opener that's incorporated into the 11 :), havent ever had a 14 though so i cant say anything about it it looks pretty comfortable too.
 
I have both the 11, and 14 and I have to admit the 11's handle is much more comfortable than I anticipated.
Although the 14, and 11 feel completely different in the hand, they are both comfortable in my oppinion.
I'm not sure which one I like better, and I take turns carrying both.

As far as the 11's handle being more versatile and useful, I suppose if you need a bottle opener you'll have one handy.
I for one could always open a bottle with a lighter, or just about anything for that matter.
Plus, I quit drinking, so for me it's a moot point.
 
The 11 handles are great and they completely change with the micarta added to them. My only small, tiny, tiny, issue was during heavy cuts the very bottom of the handle would dig into my pinky/ring finger. Not a deal breaker at all just something to consider. I utilized short "pinky" lanyard on it and that resolved the problem. The bottle opener is a good feature on it, but it doesnt help me open whisky bottles... but I digress... Now the 14 handles with the zytel I find super comfortable. I really dig handles that allow you to grip the knife any way you want comfortably. This is probably one of the reasons I like Beckers so much. Along with other good handles like the KA-BAR 1211, Cold Steels Recon Scout, and numerous others including folders. When a handle is fit right you should be able to apply a lot of pressure without any hotspots or undue pressure points. The 14 allows you to really put out on the blade comfortably which just makes the small knife that much bigger.
 
I actually prefer the 14's handle. The 11's is decent but the 14's is so much better. Both need scales or a 550 wrap though, not a fan of bare steel.
 
I like the 11 with micarta over the 14 with zytel.
Ive gotten rid of two 14's, but my 11 is my go to neck knife.
 
Nice. I have the Zytel handles for my 14 and it is super comfy with them on there. Recently switched to a wrap and am liking it as well. Sounds like I need an 11 and micarta scales to try out too though!

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I honestly can't decide which I like best? I carry em both regularly, and have never had a problem with either.
 
I love my 11, handled a 14, and the 11 feels better. Just wish I could wear it as a necker. Someone needs to make me a cleavage sheath for my 11......seriously guys, not to get all girl on you....but if I try to wear that thing...it just bounces around.....was that TMI?
 
I have both, and even though I initially thought I preferred the 14, the 11 (which I received from Moose) has actually become the one I carry and use more often. I have the zytel scales on my 14, and the 11 is naked except for a pinky lanyard (as iwouldhurtafly mentioned). The 11 is just a tad bit shorter than the 14, which for some reason makes a real differences for me in terms of how easy it is to carry in my pocket. Also, the bare 11 feels pretty good in my hand, but my pinky finger would often get trapped in the carabiner hole on the bare 14--and once you put the scales on the 14, it is noticeably thicker.
All that to say, I think I prefer the handle of the 11, especially with the added versatility it provides.
 
Awesome. I think I'll have to get an 11 sometime and try it out. Kabar makes scales for it as well don't they?
 
I think I'm gonna start working on a cleavage necker sheath. Might need a number of cleavage models to give it a good testing :D
Balding
 
I've made a lot of sheaths including the recent winning sheath for Matt Tackett at the bushcraft competition at Ethans. So, I am gonna do it. I will have to get with a lady at work about what the requirements might be. We are good friends and she knows about my leather work. So she won't think I'm tooooo strange for asking and testing prototypes. She already knows that I'm strange.
 
Saweet! I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with. I have no idea how you're going to pull it off.
 
Just for the record: E carries his 11 with a paracord wrap.


If I were gonna get an 11, I'd go with the micarta scales like Jonny1280. Man they look good.

Zytel for 14 though, Love it!!
 
I really like the OEM factory micarta scales for my 11....they are finished in such a way as to really be oleo-hydro-phobic, and by that I mean, when you handle them with wet hands, the initial "stain" clears up super fast, and it is also resistant to oil stains. The canvas scales on one of my ESSE's really suck up the water and oils, and retains them with a noticeable stain; not so with the BK-11 micarta.
 
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