Bk16...

Richbat said:
Well just got a BK4 from Tomar over on the big auction site,now the wait begins.Thanks to all for the advice and help in deciding.
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wow, did not see that coming. Major plot twist with the 4. I just got my 4 (have 9, 16, 5, 13, 15, 24 (like 14) and 2) and haven't had much time in woods with it. Did baton some 2x4s for back yard disposal and was impressed. Thought the angle of handle would bake it a little awkward but no problems. Course the real test is that wet, fresh, knotted wood they sell at Texas State Parks. Soon.
 
Alright! Great choice! You're going to like it man! If for some weird reason it's not exactly what you expected, you'll have no buyers remorse because its a badass blade. People say it takes some getting use to but IMO you get the feeling for it in the first few whacks. I disagree that it's a medium chopper, I mean its no axe but that sweet spot bites good and chunks fly esp if you know your angles and such.
Looking forward to you reporting back on this.
And remember... We love some pics!
 
Richbat said:
Still haven't forgot about the BK9,that's the next one on the to get list.LOL
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Well ... you've already got a Mora and a 14, so the 'small' role is filled. And you're new 4 fills the 'large' role. But what's your 'medium'?

Since you've already thought about the 16, get it or a 15 for the 'medium' role.
 
Richbat said:
Still haven't forgot about the BK9,that's the next one on the to get list.LOL
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That's good to hear man! Seems there's always a "next"



The first step is admitting you have a problem. We're here to support and encourage you lol
Funny thing is, for me, I'm about as addicted to this forum as I am to Beckers. A great bunch of folks around here, always loads of helpful opinions from all angles, advice, and a heap of knowledge
 
Sweet, you'll love your 4. Or maybe you'll hate it. Some do, but I love mine.... Sure, it chops well (find the sweet spot and use it) for its weight, but I'd generally prefer to use a saw than chop big logs. Awesome for de-limbing stuff. And, you can choke up and do fine carving stuff. You can use it as a draw knife. If you must you can baton with it.
 
NCSlice said:
We're here to support and encourage you lol
Funny thing is, for me, I'm about as addicted to this forum as I am to Beckers. A great bunch of folks around here, always loads of helpful opinions from all angles, advice, and a heap of knowledge
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I think the technical term for "encouragement" as we would define it here in the BK&T subforum is "enabling." ;)

I concur on your second point. I came for the knowledge - but I stayed for the people.
 
I know I haven't got it yet but I'm already thinking about changing the grind to a convex,I'm thinking that may or may not make it a little better at it's intended use,what do you think?
 
The 4 is a recurve so any kind of sharpening is going to take more effort.

If you have a powered sharpener like a Work Sharp or grinder, changing the grind to a convex shouldn't be too difficult. By hand, ...
 
Richbat said:
I know I haven't got it yet but I'm already thinking about changing the grind to a convex,I'm thinking that may or may not make it a little better at it's intended use,what do you think?
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All reports suggest convexing the 4 (and really any becker) takes it to another level. My blades have developed a slight convex from hand sharpening but I'm hoping to do the mousepad-sandpaper convexing this spring.
 
TravisH said:
The 4 is a recurve so any kind of sharpening is going to take more effort.

If you have a powered sharpener like a Work Sharp or grinder, changing the grind to a convex shouldn't be too difficult. By hand, ...
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what about using the mousepad and sandpaper but wrapping it over a 2" or so dowel for the recurve? I suspect that would work well.
 
DanDanthedirtyoldman said:
what about using the mousepad and sandpaper but wrapping it over a 2" or so dowel for the recurve? I suspect that would work well.
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Agree. That sounds similar to another technique posted here somewhere.

Found it. It's TBL's creation - http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...or-im-trading-it?highlight=recurve+sharpening

He built his cross stick sharpener with wooden dowels at about 20°. To sharpen, he either wrapped sandpaper directly around the dowel or first wrapped foam then sandpaper.
 
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JWL said:
I prefer my Machax convexed. I did mine with the Work Sharp.
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This^^^
I sharpen the front part to 25° and the back to 20° on the WorkSharp. This gives me confidence while chopping that the edge won't easily roll. The back edge at 20° is great for fine work.

So? Has you 4 shown up yet?
 
If you are primarily gonna chop with it get the BK9, the 4 isn't that great of a chopper, at least at our chopping contests at Becker West, although it does other things very well. The 7 would be a good all around choice.
 
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