Bk16 or Genesis?

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Dec 17, 2014
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Ok so my Mora Companion HD had been an excellent knife. The value to price point ratio is fantastic. I just want something nicer. For an all around belt knife I want:
- Full tang
- Around 1/8" thick
- 4 to 4.5 inches long
-FFG
- Drop or Spear Point
- Carbon or tool steel
- Micarta or G10 Scales
- COMFORTABLE scales, large enough for L-XL glove size

I had narrowed it down to the Becker BK16. But, by the time I add TKC G10 scales, liners (a little too thin) and a decent kydex sheath ...
I could get a LT Wright Genesis, in FFG. This is THE knife I have wanted for a while. All aspects of its design and construction speak to me. However, I have never held a Genesis.
The kids are nearly grown, money is not as tight as it had been. I did have to save for this though, I do not spend lightly.

So go with my gut and get the Genesis.
Or,
Get the known quantity, the BK16.

P.S.
Please do not say "apples and Oranges." I understand the differences.
I am not interested in any other suggestions. I have spent months evaluating, comparing, and handling candidates.
I can/will not get both.

THANKS!
 
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You will not be disappointed in the Genesis (a PT and a OFITW) - I have 2 of them. I have a few Becker's, but no BK16.
 
Good Evening,

I have not owned a BK-16, but have held them and considered purchasing one. However, I do have a flat grind Genesis and it is my go-to general use 4"(ish) knife. Here's my thoughts on the comparison:

Blade: I find the spear point blade of the Genesis more versatile for use than the drop point on the BK-16. Additionally, the Genesis blade is .125" thick uncoated while the BK-16 is .17" thick and coated - which results in the Genesis being a better slicer. Finally, the Genesis is A-2 Steel, which I prefer over 1095. It sharpens easy, and holds the edge very well.

Handle: The Genesis handle is close to round and has thumb scallops, which really gives it a great usage ability in most any way you could hold it. I think the Genesis handle provides a more versatile hold ability.

I have a bead blasted black micarta flat grind Genesis, and it's a true working knife. I, too, have spent much time evaluating and considering other candidates, and I'm sure the BK-16 is a great knife. I know Becker knives are outstanding quality. However, I haven't found anything in the price range that can compare to a Genesis for what I'm looking for in a general purpose 4" blade working knife. I hope this helps.
 
I "upgraded" from my Mora Companion to the Bushcraft Black. The Buchscraft Black or the SS Forest is a great upgrade to the Companion. I love my BK9, but in a 4" knife nothing slices like game, fish, wood, or twine like a Morakniv.

The Beckers are just too thick and heavy for me to carry around as a general purpose knife. In a 7"+ knife I will take the Becker every time, but for the need you listed the Bushcraft Black is a joy to use, and just plain easy to maintain. I know you specfieid full tang,

If I was going to go with a heavier knife the BK16 is the one. I like the FFG and thinner features. A great knife no doubt, just heavier than I would want for my needs.
 
Thanks to all for the replies.

DeadboxHero, selling myself on something is what worries me.

Philip L., that is exactly what I needed to hear, you answered my question. That is also the exact version of the Genesis I am looking at. I generally prefer handles of this style and I detest defined finger grooves. I think I will pull the trigger on it tomorrow.

austexjg, LukeTheSpook, and M1GarandGuy that seems to be the consensus, noted, and ha-ha.

Collim1, I tried the Bushcraft Black and prefer the Companion HD. My Mora has served me well and continues to do so.
Frankly though I find a Scandi grind to be perfect for wood, and that is about it. It is easy to get wicked sharp but I do not like it for chores like gutting a trout or food prep.
You are right, most any knife is heavy compared to a Mora.
I will be keeping my Mora(s) they are great for dedicated wood work and as loaners. My Companion will ride in my GHB, with a Laplander and large Peasant. Some places I go a fixed blade is verboten, so I will not die inside if it is confiscated. If I ever need to replace my Companion I will go with the non-HD version. I like a thinner Scandi.
 
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Never handled a genesis but I've been edcing a bk16 for awhile now..I absolutely love it, it's as close to perfection for a production knife that I've found.

Light weight, takes a insanely sharp edge, easy to maintain, and cuts thru wood like a laser. I've also found it great for processing game and skinning in a pinch grip.

Btw g10 is just an optional upgrade and by no means a necessity. The factory scales are plenty grippy and has imo the most comfortable grip I've found in a production blade.

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Bobby3326, I think you are right to be happy with that BK16. I agree it has great ergonomics. I like the blade profile too.
While not absolutely necessary I would be upgrading scales and sheath. I would just go factory micarta, but at that point the TKC G10 is not much more. I have handled them, they are awesome. If I am going to do this I want the knife to be what I want.
I have been wanting a Genesis since they were introduced. I have made up my mind I will treat myself with one.
That having been said? If I could not get a Genesis or the price jumped up substantially? I would not regret owning a BK16. It is not really my second choice, just a different choice. That is what made it so hard.

On a side note. I would love to see KaBar offer a Becker blade only option. It seems like so many people strip them, mod them, and change out the scales and sheath already. Why not offer blanks? I think bare, finished blades would sell.
 
Bobby3326, I think you are right to be happy with that BK16. I agree it has great ergonomics. I like the blade profile too.
While not absolutely necessary I would be upgrading scales and sheath. I would just go factory micarta, but at that point the TKC G10 is not much more. I have handled them, they are awesome. If I am going to do this I want the knife to be what I want.
I have been wanting a Genesis since they were introduced. I have made up my mind I will treat myself with one.
That having been said? If I could not get a Genesis or the price jumped up substantially? I would not regret owning a BK16. It is not really my second choice, just a different choice. That is what made it so hard.

On a side note. I would love to see KaBar offer a Becker blade only option. It seems like so many people strip them, mod them, and change out the scales and sheath already. Why not offer blanks? I think bare, finished blades would sell.
Yea the factory sheath was the only bad part about the 16 to me. I upgraded to a kydex sheath and plan to get g10 scales eventually too simply for cosmetic reasons...I love the blue and black g10. I'd say buy the genesis now and in a few months buy the 16 [emoji6]
 
One or the other, not both. This fills a specific role, it will be a user. I do not collect and cannot justify the expense of redundancy. Especially when I have a couple Mora backups.
 
Well just ordered a FFG Genesis with black matte micarta and a black leather sheath, through The Knife Connection.

Thanks to all for the input. I know it seems like I made this decision quick. But I have been deliberating for a few weeks. None of my friends are "Knife Nerds," so I have no one to bounce ideas off of. There is my son, but at 15 he is impressionable enough to just like what I like.

Will update with impressions when it gets here.
 
One or the other, not both. This fills a specific role, it will be a user. I do not collect and cannot justify the expense of redundancy. Especially when I have a couple Mora backups.
Well based on the rule of one, buying only the genesis you still need a knife. One is none, two is one.[emoji6]

Jk hope you enjoy your new genesis.
 
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