BK14 or BK16?

C

cards94

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Jul 23, 2013
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First time Becker buyer here and trying to decide which blade to go with. Originally I thought I wanted the BK16 but the BK14 with a smaller blade length has entered the picture. To someone that owns both, how does each feel in the hand?
 
The BK14, Bk15, and BK16 are 3 of the best knives I know of. I would have to go with the BK16 with the full flat grind. It is just a great all around knife for camp, bushcraft, kitchen or just what ever you put it to doing...BK16 all the way for me..Just my .02
 
The 14 is an FFG but choosing between it and a 16 is like trying to compare a car to a pick-up truck. The one that is best depends on your skill and intended use. I like the 16 personally. For me, it is about the best all around design for everything from woodcraft to kitchen and camp duty.
 
I got the 9 and 14 now, but I'll still get the 16 perhaps later this year. I have tried my friend's 16 and find it just as cool. It will pair up with my 9 really well. As for my 14, it's my backup blade as I want to leave it as it is, other then stripping the paint and treating it with apple cider vinegar. I gonna use it as my neck knife or horizontally carried on my back to the belt hence never leaving my side.

I have already gotten a set of micarta scales on standby for my 16 hehe
 
IMO, the 14 - even with the scales added - is just too small. I've read that there are more scale options; but I haven't tried them. I do have a 24, which I still have to make scales for. It will probably look weird, but it should feel decent in (MY) hand. It really depends on what you're doing, and what you like - the 11/14/24 has almost an ideal blade size for most EDC tasks.
I rarely carry a neck knife around my neck, though; so mine are either on my pack or in my pocket.
 
The 14 has a small handle and may not be nearly as comfortable for long term use, but you can tuck it in your pocket. The 16 is very comfy and can tackle most anything you'd need out of a knife. Really, for the price, I recommend getting both; the 14 is a great little backup to the 16.
 
The 16 is a great all around blade. It is my mine belt knife. I do usually pair it with a larger blade but for the most part it can do most things by it self. The 14 is smaller so it would be more limited in what it can do. I carry either a 14 or a 24 as a neck knife but still go for the 16 first. It is very versatile and capable. You can't go wrong with it.

Cheers
 
I like the 16 over the 14. The 14 never really felt that great in my hand. In that size blade, I like the BK-11 with micarta scales.

The 16 is one of the most comfortable knives I own. And has excellent balance in the hand.

However I just modded one of my 14's and put the ESEE G-10 scales on it and I absolutely love it now.
Was a lot of work though, but worth it.
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The BK14 was one of the first Beckers I bought. I really wanted to like it but it's just too small to fit my hand comfortably. For a small knife I prefer a folder.

The BK16 is my newest Becker and is now my main "small" fixed blade. Super comfy in the hand and very versatile. It and my Machax are my main 2 blades now.
 
BK24 was my first Becker. For me, it's D2 steel and no coating gave it the edge over the BK14. That and that I was offered a LNIB 24 for the price of a 14. ;)

But I found the bare handle uncomfortable for any use over a few minutes. And a paracord wrap wasn't much better. But the factory scales were just right - a 'must have', IMO.

If you're wanting a fixed blade mainly for EDC, go with the BK14/24. Else, get the BK16.
 
They're both (okay, I have a 24, not 14) fun to mod and great to use.
14 is a 3-finger handle and 3ish inch blade.
16 MOST of us can get a full grip on.
I consider the 14 a great carry blade, and sutable where a non-folding folder might be ideal. Pocket or scout-carry EDC where such things are allowed (unlike here.)
16 is an all around great knife - bushcraft, woods, camp, yard, garage, whatever. But a little large for EDC in most urban areas.
 
I don't own a 16...yet;), but I will say the 14 will not disappoint. I bought scales and I scout carry it whenever I am out and about. Some say its too small but it's perfect for an EDC (with scales) I agree the knife doesn't feel all that great without them but it is great with em'.
 
I have a BK11, but I find that I never really use it. The handle really is just too small (I have no handle scales though). The tweener handles are large enough for real use (continuous use), where I feel that the smaller beckers are much more suited to "occasional" use.

If you want something for camping/outdoors, BK16 all the way. If you want a beefy knife to use when you would usually use a folder... BK14.
 
Cards, what will you primarily be using it for? I don't have a 14, but I love my 16. Like others have said, the 14 would be a great neck knife or edc blade. The 16 will be able to do a lot more for you if you'll be adventuring out in the wild. Depending on your answer, I'd recommend the 16.
 
It varies a LOT on usage. Cause if you're looking for an EDC for an urban environment then the 14 (I prefer the 11, some prefer the 24, it's all the same blade) is a perfect knife to carry. The 11 a lot of people claim the handle is too small, but if you don't grab it with all 4 fingers it's a very comfortable blade. I keep mine for using like most people would use a box cutter, or a steak knife, or a pair of scissors, or a razor blade...

The 16 is a belt knife that gets carried predominately while out in the boonies. It's great and does everything you ask of it but it IS larger. By quite a bit!
 
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