BKT Handle Scale Modifications. Some things to think about

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Oct 5, 1998
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I have been using and working with Ethan Becker's superlative handle design for over 10 years now, and I have read several threads where folks want aftermarket, or modified handle scales to suit themselves a bit better.

There are several ways you can modify your BKT handles without destroying them, that will enhance grip/traction if that is what you desire or change their shape/feel in subtle ways.

1)Sandblasting-changes the texture of the Becker handle to a velvety "frosted" feel that adds a lot of grip without being too tacky. This is my #1 recommendation for people who want more traction. It doesnt damage the tough GV6H grips and looks good too.

2)SprayGrit. You can buy spray grit at the hardware store that embeds tiny sand/abrasive particles in a painted finish. It works.
It may be a good option for the smaller knives as I wouldnt want to use it on a chopper.

3)PlastiDip or other rubbery materials. You can use plastidip on your scales for more grip. It will not stay on there long, but it does work.

4)Reducing scale width. YOu can reduce the width of the scales somewhat by placing the flat back on a belt sander. Almost 1/4" per side can be removed with no adverse effects. A good mod for people with really small hands.

5)Cord-Wrap. I have seen some really nice cord wrapping done to BKT Knives in the past with epoxy coat on top-a real indestructible handle with unbeatable grip qualities. Also not good for a chopper as the cord will eat your hand up in short order.

Some options here. Let me know what you think.

My favorite is the sandblasted, unmodified BKT handle.
It was my favorite almost a decade ago when I worked at Blackjack, and is my favorite now.
 
Anybody happen to have any pics? I've got a Campanion, and a BK9 on order. I think the grips possess excellent ergos, but find them a little slippery, so I would consider this as an option. Also, just a suggestion, but if Camillus/BK&T also sold stock replacement handles, I'm sure we'd get a lot more experimentation ;)

Just my $0.02

Regards,

Shaun.
 
I do a lot of work in below freezing teperatures, and I'll be looking for a way to increase the traction from my hand on teh handle when i get one if i don't find it sufficient. This could prove importnat since i often end up getting snow on the handle or so forth, and then the snow melts from the heat of ym hand, but freezes when i sheath it again. However, when i do get my BK7, i will report it's performance in low and/or subzero temperatures, something that most ppl don't think about when it comes to knives. If the metal performs nething like 1095 carbon, it will prolly do great, just by simple blade design. Just thought i'd add my 2 cents for that since no one else here has prolly recorded the performance of their knive in very low temperatures.
 
Anyone have pics of the grips sandblasted/beadblasted? Also, what was the cost to get that done?

Thanks,
Michael

btw, that is the only "complaint" I have. Slippery handles. I guess I could just wear gloves.... but....;)
 
imagine a gray, frosted becker handle. Smooth. Not slick. Plenty of gription.

Take your becker slabs to any gunsmith that blues or an auto body shop. They should be able to sand/bead blast your scales for about $5.
 
I had my bk7 grips sand blasted and then I took my dremil tool and put some light checkering on them. This worked very well, I will try and get some pics of it and post them for all to see. The one bad thing about cord wraping any of the Becker knives, is there is not enough slack in the snap that goes arounnd the grips to accomidate the added girth.
 
Here's a picture of some bead blasted scales.

25959145.jpg
 
I also remember a thread where Ethan Becker replied, he mentioned that many knives have smooth grips including many designs from Jerry Fisk. Ethan also mentioned that the shape of the handle was suppose to be the key to maintaining a grip on the BK&T knives. After Ethan explained it I finally understood why it was designed that way and it made a lot of sense.

After reading that I feel the farthest I would go on my Becker scales would be to bead blast them. It looks like a great way to add some texture without compromising the design.
 
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