Choil on the BK16

DunkEm

DunkEm

Joined
Dec 9, 2013
Messages
3,159
Anyone ever put a choil on a BK16? I've got bigger than average hands (maybe not quite Warrior size but large none the less), and think it might make the handle fit just that much better.

But, I'd love to see some pics and hear some thoughts before I go and ruin a perfectly good 16.
 
There was a recent purchase and post if one with a choil, I'll try to find it.
 
DunkEm said:
before I go and ruin a perfectly good 16.
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Looks like you already have it figured out. A choil, any bigger than a sharpening choil is just a waste of good steel real estate. IMHO, if the handle of the 16 is too small (and it is for me as well), put it on the exchange and buy something with bigger scales, such as a BK-12.

I have a Ratmandu, and if it wasn't for the choil, it would make a heck of a good knife. I even contacted the custom shop and was told they would not make a Ratmandu without a choil.

Go figure! Once again, Ethan's designs rock - NO CHOILS!!!!!

Doc
 
You could easily remove scales and trace the 15 choil onto the 16, wouldn't ruin it at all. I'm sure there's a few out there besides orezonas.
 
I always opt for more, rather than less sharp real estate..... But, it is now YOUR blade and you should make it into what you want......

All best......

Ethan
 
Buy a ESEE-4 if you want a choil !!! That's my biggest complaint with most knives with blades under 6 inches long, me hates them choils !!!
 
Not that I don't love my 16, but if you need more room for your mitts, look at the TOPS BOB. Or think about a choil that starts where the little sharpening notch meets the edge and cut it in towards the butt rather than the tip. Still all usable edge length, about a finger more of handle. That's what I did with my 11; I'll try and post pics when I get home. Gave my medium hand a whole grip on what was originally a 3 finger knife and kept the entire cutting edge intact.
 
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If you like the blade geometry and grind and don't mind losing a finger's width of edge, this modification is for you, Dunkem. If you can live with a different blade shape, then trade yours for a 15 and you'll get most of what you want. I have come to rely on the finger choil in so many knives, if only to change the balance for different tasks.

Zieg
 
orezona said:
You're quick!

Yes, I just recently purchased this already modded BK16 from the KE here and the addition of the choil is a pretty neat feature, IMO.

I'll post up a couple recent pics in a minute...
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Hah, yeah, because its been burned into my brain since first sight! Thanks for posting these! Drool... I can't get over that patina. My 50+yr old PAL butcher has one similar and its natural. Someone did an awesome job. The whole thing just looks old and awesome.

ETA: that choil barely took off what, 1/2" at the most? A bit was taken all the way back to the guard. Then there's that little fake choil cut out thingy. Didnt lose much blade IMO.
 
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I really like choils.

They aren't for everyone.

I like knives that don't have them, but I appreciate what they bring to the table.
 
NCSlice said:
ETA: that choil barely took off what, 1/2" at the most? A bit was taken all the way back to the guard. Then there's that little fake choil cut out thingy. Didnt lose much blade IMO.
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That's what I noticed and like about it. Looks like most of the blade is still there, maybe lost 1/2 an inch at most?
 
So what I was saying earlier is, if you need more handle, instead of a finger choil, just start at the front of the sharpening notch and just remove the little nub....you lose the guard, but your finger'd be right next to the edge if you put a choil there anyways. Here's my 11 after I did something like that:

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Sounds like the OP is really just looking for more real estate for his hand, and suggested a choil as an option. Dunk 'em: you could give yourself more handle room and keep the entire edge by extending the original front of the grip through the front of the notch. Use your imagination and I think you'll see what I mean. There's almost 3/4" of functional hand space you could gain.

17060543582_da5eaafb3c_b.jpg
 
Much to think about. Thanks for all the input - and pics.

I've even thought about picking up another 15 and shortening it - since it already has a choil.

The decision could take months, like GSOM's timeline before modding the 7.

I probably just need to get out and use them more and see what I really want rather than fondling them at the computer. Just need to make some more time.
 
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