bk14 or bk24 for hunting?

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Aug 9, 2013
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I'm planing on buying a bk14 or bk24 with the handles for hunting, skinning and field dressing. Also liked the bk16. Anyone have advice?
 
What size game are you talking about? For deer or larger, the 16 for sure. I really did not enjoy using the 14 w/handles while hunting.
 
The BK24 is a semi-stainless, where the 14 is just carbon steel. Either will work, but you will get slightly better corrosion resistance with the BK24. The D2 steel is more difficult to sharpen, though.
 
I used my14 to dress my deer this past season and it worked pretty well but I was wishing it was a bit longer at points. This season I'll be taking my 16.
 
i'd think one of the tweeners would be better, the 14,11 would be better for small game and prepping meat for cooking in camp!
 
My reasoning for picking up a 24 (a month after I got the 14) was because it was D2-semi-stainless and better edge holding capabilities. Thinking this would work well as a deer processing blade. All of the Hype on here when it finally became available might have had something to do with it too.

After using them for a summer, along with the 15 that came a month later, I decided that I will probably use the 15 as my main field dressing and skinning blade. I have become really fond of the trailing point and edge geometry.

The 24 will not be far away. The curve on the front part of the 24's blade has proven to be quite helpful for fine work requiring a light push cut.

If I could have only one Becker for hunting (yeah right!) I'd be tempted to try the BK17 for the clip point and edge shape. Good thing we are allowed to own as many knives as we can sneak past our wives (they all look the same to her, Just like guns).

Hunting season is coming pretty quick and I just ordered a BK4 this morning, so if I am to take my own advice I better get off the computer and out to the shop and make some more money!...
 
I used my 16 last year to help me field dress my deer. The thickness was just enough to split the rib cage easily. However, I think the 15 would do better as an overall skinning/dressing knife just by the blade shape. A 14/24 would almost be too small for deer IMHO but you could make it work. For small game though it would be perfect.
 
I am a big fan of the 16 in the deer dressing mode.......The 14 or 24 are more than adequate and the sheaths are washable....Did I just say that?..... Oh we'll.........My last and next deer will be done with
the 16.......

The 15 is a great skinner and if you are comfy with a trailing point you will have a field day(groan).......

All best......

Ethan
 
I am a big fan of the 16 in the deer dressing mode.......The 14 or 24 are more than adequate and the sheaths are washable....Did I just say that?..... Oh we'll.........My last and next deer will be done with
the 16.......

The 15 is a great skinner and if you are comfy with a trailing point you will have a field day(groan).......

All best......

Ethan
 
Listen to the boss...
I don't think you can go wrong with any of the blades discussed here. and hey if you don't like the 16 you can always get a different Becker. Or 2.
 
I love my Becker, but don't really think there are any great models for processing deer. I prefer something with a guthook to reduce risk of puncturing any organs etc. Also, I prefer D2 steel on a large game knife..sure, its harder to sharpen, but the point is that if you start sharp (sharpened at home) you probably won't need to re-sharpen it mid-processing of a deer.

when I hunt I keep my BK2 on me should the shit hit the fan and I need a knife I can beat on..then I keep a seperate guthooked d2 hunting knife that is much thinner and lighter in my pack.
 
I think the 14/24 would be excellent for deer. Put brightly colored G10 handles on it. The 16 is longer than I need. Unless you're quartering in the field...
 
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