BK13(the gateway becker) modification question

G

gadgetgeek

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May 19, 2007
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So I found a reasonable deal on a bk13 and its pretty great, perfect size for what I want it for, and I'm hoping it is a little more comfortable with salt-water contact than some of my other options. I'll be using it mostly for fishing, but its also taken residence in my EDC bag, as it fits better than the Izula, and considerably friendlier looking.
On to the question, I want to modify some part of it for ferro-rod striking, because it seems like a good idea, which would be best based on the hardness of the steel? (I'm assuming the whole thing is tempered to one hardness?) square off a bit of the spine, square off a bit of the handle, or add a shango notch to the pommel area. Im thinking since its such a small knife, being able to use it as a striker while in the sheath is probably the safest.

I called it the gateway because now I want a 15 even more, but such is life. and now I see I can get one for pretty close to MSRP, instead of nearly 2x that the last time I looked. ah crap.
 
I've drilled into mine before (to make a friction folder). The tang was much easier than near the blade so I can tell you it's differentially heat treated. That being said squaring off the spine would be your best bet.
 
he'll yeah it's a gateway Becker! I still love my little remora! I would square off the spine, not just a small bit but the whole spine. gotta post pix when you're done. ;)
 
I'd square off the spine.

You might want to also consider the BK-24 too, a D-2 version of the BK-14. I've heard D-2 has pretty good corrosion resistance so bringing it out on the water isn't to big of a deal. It also has a much more hand filling handle, something the 13 lacks. I tried to use a 13 as my main knife around the house for cutting open boxes and stuff and even with micarta scales found the knife a little to small...And I don't have large hands.

By the way, what do you mean MSRP? Most of the Beckers are sold well below that...Hell, I can pay $50 for US to Aus shipping and still get a Becker cheaper than if I bought it here locally :D.
 
I'm gonna say it all comes down to skill level and preferences. I can do a lot with my 13. just as much as I can with the 14 or 24. if stainless is what you need by all means use it and beat the hell out of it. it can take it. I know I've tried it. ;)
 
CamH, I would ask the name of your dealer, but I don't want to know! (mine was right near MSRP shipped, and the 15 I saw was MSRP with shipping as well). No way I'm buying steel locally here, last I looked I found a LM Rebar for 140!
Anyway, thanks for info, especially that it is differentially heat treated! that blows my mind! I would have thought for sure, it would be tempered evenly just as a cost saver. Proof KaBar still knows what they are about I guess. Given that some of my fishing is Sub-urban and that I really don't need any trouble with local law enforcement (nothing bad, I'm just a permanent resident, and a charge would look bad on the citizenship papers.... yeah ironic) so I've been trying to keep the steel to a minimum. Besides, I only ever catch very little fish!
 
gadgetgeek said:
CamH, I would ask the name of your dealer, but I don't want to know! (mine was right near MSRP shipped, and the 15 I saw was MSRP with shipping as well). No way I'm buying steel locally here, last I looked I found a LM Rebar for 140!
Anyway, thanks for info, especially that it is differentially heat treated! that blows my mind! I would have thought for sure, it would be tempered evenly just as a cost saver. Proof KaBar still knows what they are about I guess. Given that some of my fishing is Sub-urban and that I really don't need any trouble with local law enforcement (nothing bad, I'm just a permanent resident, and a charge would look bad on the citizenship papers.... yeah ironic) so I've been trying to keep the steel to a minimum. Besides, I only ever catch very little fish!
Click to expand...

Tomar's Ka-Bars :D, they're one of my go to guys for steel...Pretty sure I can say that since they're an authorised dealer here.

Also, having a knife with you when fishing it perfectly legal as far as I know, least in WA...Especially anything BK-13 to BK-15 sized...
 
Fishing and work are my "Lawful excuses" I just like to make sure that I don't have to stretch the bounds of plausibility.
 
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