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BK16 For Bushcraft

L

ljcsov

Joined
Mar 2, 2012
Messages
201
Hey all,

Been thinking about getting a BK16 as my primary USA bushcrafting knife. Currently, my main hiking blade is my BK11 but I'd like to get something a tad bigger. To give you an idea, I have been looking at other bushcraft blades out there such as BHK customs, various Finnish Puukos, Enzo knives, and Moras. Primarily, I want a blade that is easy to sharpen and will hold an edge. In most situations, I will not be using this knife for tough work such as batoning. However, if necessary I want a blade that can handle the task. The BK 16 appears to be a strong candidate given its steel, size, shape, and durability. I am unsure of the grind since I have really liked the scandis I've tried. Nonetheless, I have been able to get a wicked edge on my BK11. Any input on the BK16 in comparison to the other blades aforementioned or the BK16 for bushcraft use would be much appreciated!

In summary:

Pros of Bk16: Price, Steel, Shape, Size, Durability
Cons of BK16: Sheath (not a big deal I will make my own in leather), Handles (I don't know much about the material and it's not as pretty as some wood scales)

Thanks!
 
Thoroughly read this thread , it covers most of the advantages of the BK16 vs other designs-

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/957196-Torn-between-Tweeners!

The BK 16 was designed by Ethan as his ideal Belt sized Bushcrafting knife. The positive experiences he had with the full flat grind on the BK11 (and 14) led him to go with that grind on the 16. Basically, the BK16 is a Bk11 x 2 , so I think you'll like it a lot ;)
 
I can't speak of how it compares to the other blades mentioned, but the Saber ground one I have is one hell of a great knife, out of the box it made paper curl and it still does, almost 2 months later, with minimal ceramic touch-ups.

It batons with the best (within reasonable size comparison) and makes feather sticks with the best, I doubt there is anything short of chopping it can't do. Hell, it can do a decent V chop for making a fire board.
 
If you have good luck sharpening your 11, you're going to love the 16. I have the saber grind one, as well, not the FFG. As for the sheath, I'm not sure why you'd call it a con. It's got great retention with the double straps, the back secures firmly to MOLLE webbing, and the front pouch is a great spot for a firesteel, multi-tool, or small tin with fire-starting material. I'd highly recommend trying out the sheath and seeing what you think of it, because I've really liked these.
 
I will just cover the scales, because all ur other questions can be answered by reading the links above.

The zytel is quite comfy on the 16, but if u prefer wood on ur knives, Tommy the Who here on BFC makes some beautiful replacement scales for the 16, and KaBar will be releasing micarta for them here soon(ish). There are also some others who make micarta and wood scales, or you could always make your own, it's a fun thing to do if u have the tools and time.
 
Man,
I love my BK16. I was going to buy the BK17, and then at the last minute decided on the 16, because, it was better suited to hard use IMO. I own the full flat grind model.
I have stripped mine, and touched up the edge. I am soon to have a sheath for it from Thrillbilly.
Basically, I have a bunch of "bushcraft" knives, and the BK16, with some personal touches, is just as good, if not better than most. I am thinking about getting serious on the mods with it...and even think I want a second one after I get the other 2.
Great knife that can and will meet or exceed your desired expectations. Just my 2 cents.
 
gunknifenut said:
Man,
I love my BK16. I was going to buy the BK17, and then at the last minute decided on the 16, because, it was better suited to hard use IMO. I own the full flat grind model.
I have stripped mine, and touched up the edge. I am soon to have a sheath for it from Thrillbilly.
Basically, I have a bunch of "bushcraft" knives, and the BK16, with some personal touches, is just as good, if not better than most. I am thinking about getting serious on the mods with it...and even think I want a second one after I get the other 2.
Great knife that can and will meet or exceed your desired expectations. Just my 2 cents.
Click to expand...

IF that lazy bastid will quit cutting hisself and runnin off to TN and actually get some work done! LOL
 
thrillbilly said:
IF that lazy bastid will quit cutting hisself and runnin off to TN and actually get some work done! LOL
Click to expand...

No kiddin! Stitches, shoot, super glue it to the heat gun and get back to work dang it!
 
If you like your 11, you will love the 16. It is pretty much a bigger version of the knife with better handles and a better sheath. I have the bk16 and it is an awesome hiking and bushcrafting knife. I started out with the 14 and later picked up the 16 and it has become my favorite out of the 2.
 
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