Buck 104 Compadre vs Becker BK16

[Loper]

I’ve been looking for a camp knife recently and originally was thinking of getting a Becker BK16. However, I’ve recently been eyeing the Buck 104 Compadre. I’ve been looking for another thread comparing the two, but didn’t find a direct comparison. Anyone have both? If so, which one do you like better? If you were to only have one, which one would you choose? I’m hoping to figure out which one to get in hopes of finding a sale for national knife day or Labior Day.

(BTW I’ve been a lurker for a while but just recently set up an account this is my first post, if I missed a thread comparing the two let me know).

 

[Crag the Brewer]

Welcome, Good question.

Id choose the Buck....better steels.
Never held one, but the Becker scales are Meh

 

[jbmonkey]

I prefer the Buck 104, its my personal favorite modern designed Buck fixed blade knife....but Becker ain't bad either. can't go wrong with either.

 

[el gigantor]

The BK16 is my favourite fixed blade. That said, the Buck 104 looks great! The handle is a bit more neutral, and it comes stock with micarta scales. I had to buy after-market micarta for my Becker.

As jbmonkey stated, there is no bad choice here.

 

[Loper]

Welcome, Good question.

Id choose the Buck....better steels.
Never held one, but the Becker scales are Meh

Yeah that’s one good thing about the Buck is that it comes with micarta scales. I figured at some point I’d want to upgrade the Becker scales for aftermarket micarta.

 

[Loper]

The BK16 is my favourite fixed blade. That said, the Buck 104 looks great! The handle is a bit more neutral, and it comes stock with micarta scales. I had to buy after-market micarta for my Becker.

As jbmonkey stated, there is no bad choice here.

How much did the micarta scales set you back on the Becker? Do you like them and recommend them?

 

[el gigantor]

How much did the micarta scales set you back on the Becker? Do you like them and recommend them?

I think they were around $50 or so, and they're the official Becker micarta scales. I would 100% recommend them, they improve the look and feel of the knife immensely!

 

[Loper]

I think they were around $50 or so, and they're the official Becker micarta scales. I would 100% recommend them, they improve the look and feel of the knife immensely!

Good to know. Thank you! I guess I should probably add $50 to the best price I can find for the Becker.

 

[GPyro]

Just be careful buying the 104 on eBay.
There's a few fakes there.

 

[abcdef]

The Buck looks like a better deal. Also, leather sheath.
Wel come to BF.

 

[Loper]

Just be careful buying the 104 on eBay.
There's a few fakes there.

Good call. Thanks.

 

[Delgadonine]

As a knife addict, I recommend you buy both!

 

[Loper]

The Buck looks like a better deal. Also, leather sheath.
Wel come to BF.

Yeah that’s a plus for the Buck too. If I got the Becker, I’d probably upgrade the scales and the sheath. Some people say the sheath on the BK16 is fine, but the extra length and style is not ideal for me. I’d probably replace the sheath before the scales. Now that I think about it, those upgrades will probably double the cost of the knife.

 

[Delgadonine]

I've spent a few bucks on a few Bucks:

Awesome customer service

Awesome warranty system

Bos Heat Treat

Premium blade material

Excellent subforum here to pose questions

[I don't own a Becker. Apologies to your buyers and users!]

 

[The True North]

I'd take a Bk-16 for sure. More comfortable, better blade shape for me.


Will need new scales though.

 

[Loper]

I'd take a Bk-16 for sure. More comfortable, better blade shape for me.


Will need new scales though.

Thanks. What makes the BK16 more comfortable?

 

[Loper]

As a knife addict, I recommend you buy both!

This will probably happen at some point, just need to pick out which one first.

 

[el gigantor]

L Loper so have you made the decision yet?

 

[The True North]

Thanks. What makes the BK16 more comfortable?

Just the shape, it's neutral and comfy.

I find the buck a bit angular.

 

[Creaky Bones]

I prefer the less blocky handle of the BK16. I modified my 104 using a BK16 handle scale as a template, and now I have a 5160 Buck 104 BK16.