BK16 Sheath

G

GlockGuy1926

Joined
Mar 5, 2014
Messages
7
Hi guys, new to the forum here.
I didn't see a "New Member" section so I'll just do a quick intro here. I've never been that into knife collecting. Of course I have several that I just happened to accumulate over the years. Mainly cheap pocket knives, a few SAKs, etc.

I've recently realized that a good all around knife is important to my 'prepping' and have been doing research on what would be a good overall survival type knife. I've pretty much narrowed it down to the Kabar Mark 1 and the BK16. Of course, now that I've been looking at knives for a few weeks I want about the Kabar USMC, MK1, the BK2/16/17, ESEE3/4/5, and more haha. But don't have the money for all that right now. Hopefully I'll end up with all of them eventually :D

I like that the BK is full tang and seems more 'heavy duty', but i have read some poor reviews on the sheath itself. I am tempted to go with the Mark 1 because I really like the sheath and it seems like it may be a 'lighter' feeling knife (of course I don't know which actually WEIGHS more).

Some reviews mention getting a custom sheath made or buying another one but they cost more than the knife itself costs... If I was goin to do that I would just buy both knives (or an ESEE). I'm basically wondering how people feel about the sheath on the BK16 and if it would enough of a 'downside' to push you to the Mark1 (if you could only have 1).

It seems like they would both be able to perform equally (food prep, feathering, etc) although if I did have to baton with one, it seems the BK16 would have the advantage, but I'd imagine I would be using a hatchet for something like that anyway. But the full tang makes me feel more confident in it being a long lasting, more durable knife in a SHTF situation.

Basically I can get the Mark1 for $55 (free shipping) and I know the sheath is pretty solid but the tang gives me hesitation. Or the BK16 for $68 (free shipping) and get the full tang, but the sheath gives me hesitation. What would you guys do in my situation?

Thanks in advance.
 
I like the stock sheath. It has a belt loop, eyelets for leg tie down, and MOLLE on the back. Mine stays attached to the side of my grab and go pack. I did make a leather belt sheath for hunting and kicking around.
 
Sheath is not bad. It will work fine and you can always upgrade at a later date. Or make your own.

I have a mark 1 and really don't like it. I have many BK-16's and love the feel, look, handles, weight, and it's a full tang like you said.

I would go with the BK16 hands down over almost any knife in it's size. I have an ESEE 4 as well and the ergo's on the 16 are a lot better. I would recommend eventually getting micarta scales but it's not a must have to enjoy and use the knife. I like my Bravo 1 and TOPS BOB as well but If I was going into the woods I would take the BK-16 every time. No questions, even in the stock sheath.
 
Dexwithers said:
Oh, btw... Welcome to the Forums!
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Listen to Dex. He's knows how great the 16 really is.

If you are interested in the 2, go for the BK22. Its the 2 with the soft nylon sheath, not the glass reinforced nylon like on the standard 2.
 
Wow, a few replies already! Thanks guys!

TDHurl
Yea i was interested in the BK2 originally until I realized how big it actually is and that I likely won't ever need anything THAT tough. The BK16 seems more realistic to be carried and used. I'd feel like I had a machete on me if I was to buy the BK2... but down the road I will def check out the BK22 if I get closer to buying another.

Dex
Thanks for the welcome and the great information on the BK16. I'm pretty much leaning that way, but the reviews on the sheath kinda made me have 2nd thoughts. I do like that it has an extra pouch on the front for fire starter or sharpener.

CS
Thanks for the reply.
I guess it's just a personal preference things seeing as how 2 of you actually like the sheath. Like I said, there were a few reviews saying it was a cheap made in China sheath, and one from a guy who gave the knife the high rating but said you need to buy another sheath, and the micarta scales, and I just don't have money for all that right now. wanted to make sure I would be ok with just the BK16 for now, and can upgrade things later if I feel the need.

Thanks again
 
The sheath while not "great" is definitely serviceable. It is made in china but the knife itself is made here... Of course "here" is in Upstate New York. The 2 is only an inch or so longer than the 16. It's definitely NOT machete-ish. The 9 is HUGE! But the 2 isn't that big. Plus the fact that the 2 is bulletproof is pretty awesome! Just saying, I have 3 of the 16's and I love them all (they are all slightly different) the 16's and the 17 is the single model of knife that I carry the most. It spends a great deal of time with me and I highly recommend it.
 
I don't own a 16, but I would definitely say go full tang if the few extra bucks is an option. Strong and durable.
 
Welcome to the forum!
I would hope that the sheath would never be a deal breaker to anyone considering a BK16.
It is an absolutely outstanding knife. Ka-bar gives you the sheath for free. :D
Like the others have said- the sheath isn't horrible. It's very servicable.
Though it's hard for some people to understand that you're not going to get a $50 sheath when buying a $65 knife. Lol
You'll always have haters. Those are the same people that would complain about a free meal.

What I'm trying to say is...get the BK16!
You'll be glad you did. You'll find that the sheath is actually OK.
And if for some reason you really hate it, well, we have some really great sheath makers here on the forums.
 
OK thanks guys. I think I will go ahead and go with the BK16 then.
I just felt more comfortable with it to begin with, but the negative comments of the sheath made me give it a second thought.

Thanks for the advice, I'll def be picking this up soon. I might wait a few days and see if dvor brings any up for sale, they usually have pretty good deals, and have alot of kabars on there right now, just no Beckers. On the other hand, now I'm excited and don't want to wait any longer lol
 
Good choice. I like the original sheath just fine and used the heck out of it til a buddy made me a nice custom kydex one for my BK16 for chump change. If not for that one, my BK16 would still be riding proud in the stock sheath.

---

Beckerhead #42
 
Just placed the order, so should be here next week sometime. Also ordered a generic sharpener with the 2 rollers and an edge for sharpening serrations ... I know alot of guys on here probably sharpen with stones or whatever, but that seems much harder and seeing as how i'm just starting out I wanted something that I can do easily and not mess up my blade.

I know there are alot of intricacies to blade angles, etc, and alot of techniques to sharpen and maintain them. Is there somewhere around here that's basically a beginners guide to knives? I know nothing about basic knife care. I'm sure you keep it clean, and I'm pretty sure I've read about 'lubing' a knife, or keeping oil (or one guy said vaseline) on it to keep it from rusting.

I'd like a guide, or youtube video, anything, that shows how to do basic knife care, maybe sharpening, etc.

Thanks again for the advice and opinions guys
 
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1014274-What-is-sharpening-a-knife-about
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/750008-Stropping-angle-plus-pressure

Here is more than enough info on sharpening. More that I care to read all the way thru but gives you a great starting point. These two threads have cost me about as much money as the Becker sub-forum. Buying different sharpening systems to try out and material for making my own strops.
IMO
You only need a dual grit stone from Ace Hardware and a pain stirring stick with some white polishing compound rubbed on it. You may want a fancy sharpening system and diamond plates to get the very best edge imaginable.

Good luck and congrats on choosing the 16.
 
Great choice on the 16.
The sheath isn't bad at all. It's just that there are better ones, or sheaths more suited to individual preference, out there.
There are also a couple threads on moffing the stock sheath if you like it but find one particular fault that stands out - and it's not too tough to do.

There are a bunch of ways to sharpen a knife, and a bunch of tutorials on BFC if you look around. I like the WorkSharp for ease and consistency, but you do need to take care near the tip.
Never cared much for the carbide roller sharpeners - they tend to shred more than they sharpen.
A lot of folks will get started with a Lansky or a Sharpmaker to help maintain the angle as they're figuring out the finer points of freehanding. There's another one, too. HWS or something?

As for maintenance, if you keep the coating, a little wipe on the edge mineral oil or balistol or your favorite lube will do the trick. If you remove the coating and want to force a patina, well, that's a whole 'nother ball of wax - and there are a whole slew of threads on that around here.
Enjoy!
 
Thanks CS. Ill def check those links out
http://www.findnsave.com/offer/Dual-Grit-Rubbing-Stone/26534027/
Is this something like the Stine you are talking about?

And thanks also TJ
I plan on leaving the coating on it. Don't want to make a drastic change like removing all the coating on my first quality knife. Maybe down the road when I've got a good collection I'll be more willing to experiment or customize but not yet. And mineral oil is plenty easy to come by. I work in a tool and die shop so we have it by the drum

Thanks again everybody for all the advice
 
GlockGuy1926 said:
Thanks CS. Ill def check those links out
http://www.findnsave.com/offer/Dual-Grit-Rubbing-Stone/26534027/
Is this something like the Stine you are talking about?

And thanks also TJ
I plan on leaving the coating on it. Don't want to make a drastic change like removing all the coating on my first quality knife. Maybe down the road when I've got a good collection I'll be more willing to experiment or customize but not yet. And mineral oil is plenty easy to come by. I work in a tool and die shop so we have it by the drum

Thanks again everybody for all the advice
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That stone is very, very course, and would make for a very rough edge. If you want to get a freehand option DMT makes diamond coated plates that work well, and in varying grits that are appropriate. I like the diafold option as it works very nicely and is easily carried in a pack or pocket if needed, but they make smaller versions that work well too. Or you could get a Norton stone, those work well too. Norton India stone is what you are after and they come in all sorts of sizes. If you are after a system Moose is a huge advocate for the KME system, and after having purchased one I agree that they are a very nice system.
 
You will love the BK-16. The sheath is certainly serviceable and will last until you can afford a sheath in leather, kydex etc. Be wary of carbide roller sharpeners. They can take off a lot of metal without giving a decent edge.

Also, welcome to the forum. Lots of good info and people here.
 
The Norton India stone and some WD-40 for a lubricant is the place to start freehand (cheap too). I have all kinds of sharpening stones and systems and always go back to basic stones. I have some Arkansas stones that are 30 years old. The DMT Duosharp are great (fine and coarse), but the steel in the Beckers isn't really that hard that a diamond stone is required.

Pick yourself up a cheap Frost folder or use your SAK to practice on. It just depends on how sharp is sharp enough for you.

I think you made a good choice with the BK-16. The sheath is okay. It just depends on what you like. If the canvas china sheath is not to your taste, pick up a Condor Kephart (~$30) and the leather sheath supplied with it works real well with the BK-16. The Kephart is a nice knife by the way. I use it as a steak knife. :)
 
22-rimfire said:
I think you made a good choice with the BK-16. The sheath is okay. It just depends on what you like. If the canvas china sheath is not to your taste, pick up a Condor Kephart (~$30) and the leather sheath supplied with it works real well with the BK-16. The Kephart is a nice knife by the way. I use it as a steak knife. :)
Click to expand...

The leather sheath that comes with the Condor Bushlore (~$50) also works.
 
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