Debating on a BK-16 as a gift

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pharminator

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Nov 23, 2014
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My first Becker (a BK-10) arrived yesterday, and I'm absolutely blown away by it. The quality is superlative, and I'm really excited to getting out and using it. My uncle, an avid outdoorsman, has been looking for a knife to accompany him on hunting trips. He bought his son a a Buck with a CPM S30V blade, and is kind of looking for something along similar lines for himself. Now, being new to the Becker world, and wanting to spread the word, I'm considering buying him a BK-16 for his birthday in April. I sharpened my cousin's Buck back in the fall, and it took perhaps the best edge I've ever put on a knife. I haven't messed around with the edge on my BK-10 yet, so I'm not sure what it can get to.

My main question is whether the BK-16 would be an equivalent knife, or superior to a Buck S30V blade. I don't have a model number, but mainly I'm wondering how the 1095 Cro-Van would compare to the S30V. I haven't held them side by side, but going from memory I feel as though my Becker has a better build quality. Any thoughts anyone?

And of course, here are some new pics of my BK-10!

sBK10a.jpg


sBK10b.jpg
 
Congrats on the 10!

In general, S30V will hold an edge longer but will be harder to sharpen. If that makes a difference on a hunting trip depends on the hunter and the tasks.

As soon as you sharpen your 10, you should have a better idea of the differences.

Knowing which Buck model makes a difference. Several popular models are comparable to the 14/24 and a couple to the 15/16/17.
 
Congrats on the 10. I was watching a guy field dress a deer last night with a 16, he was using it and another expensive blade but kept going back to the 16. The edge was crazy sharp. I like the balance the Beckers offer, they hold a good edge and when they do dull they are quite easy to bring back. I think your a uncle would enjoy a 16.
 
I don't know anything about Buck knives. But the BK16 is outstanding. The only knife I like more is my BK4 which is in a different class (way bigger).
 
Gassy said:
Congrats on the 10. I was watching a guy field dress a deer last night with a 16, he was using it and another expensive blade but kept going back to the 16. The edge was crazy sharp. I like the balance the Beckers offer, they hold a good edge and when they do dull they are quite easy to bring back. I think your a uncle would enjoy a 16.
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Thanks to everyone for their advice. Gassy, thanks for your thought after seeing the 16 in that role. It really helps.

Now that I have decided on the Becker, I now have to think about the model. My prediction is the 10 would be heavier than what he is looking for (Personally, I was looking for a straight-up survival knife with the clip point (the BK2 was overkill for me)) That said, the 10 is an awesome knife. My cousin (his son) is coming over tonight and we'll discuss it. Lots of time between now and April to decide.

Thanks again to everyone for their input!
 
The 16 is a great knife! Really can't go wrong with it.

I think I am up to number 10 or 11 in my personal collection.

It's the best all around knife you can get. I have processed many deer with mine and it and use it almost daily for other tasks.

Great in the kitchen or the woods.
 
pharminator said:
My main question is whether the BK-16 would be an equivalent knife, or superior to a Buck S30V blade. I don't have a model number, but mainly I'm wondering how the 1095 Cro-Van would compare to the S30V. I haven't held them side by side, but going from memory I feel as though my Becker has a better build quality.
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Was the Buck model at least comparable in size to the Becker? Intended use and all that?

Strictly speaking of the steels, S30V will have better edge retention and corrosion resistance than 1095CV. On the other hand, 1095CV will have better toughness than S30V. Personally, I prefer S30V on folders and 1095(CV) on fixed blades.
 
Someone on here posted pictures of their knife with a hair whittling edge. I'm sure it would your Uncle would be happy with the edge on it. If S30V is a harder steel, the 1095CroVan may respond better to stropping, if your uncle strops any of his blades. If I'm wrong on this, hopefully someone will correct me on that point.
Unless he is very loyal to certain knives, I would definitely consider getting him the 16. If you like your Becker, and he doesn't have any experience with them, I would think he would be enjoy trying something different.
 
calc said:
Was the Buck model at least comparable in size to the Becker? Intended use and all that?

Strictly speaking of the steels, S30V will have better edge retention and corrosion resistance than 1095CV. On the other hand, 1095CV will have better toughness than S30V. Personally, I prefer S30V on folders and 1095(CV) on fixed blades.
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Yes, the Buck was comparable (perhaps slightly smaller) than the 16. My understanding is that he is looking for a knife to carry when he goes in woods. It has to be a good all-around knife that can be capable of dressing game, if the need arises. I believe that he has a dedicated skinner. I think he has been on the lookout for years for a good belt knife, and was enamored with the Buck he gave his son. My cousin (his son) is coming by in the next couple days, and I asked him to bring his Buck with him so I can take some pictures.

Personally, I'm thrilled with my 10, and I think that the 16 would fill the role that he wants. I feel as though Becker delivers an outstanding knife, and it's probably "outside the box" of what he was initially considering, especially with the 1095CV. Blades&Bullets asked if he was loyal to a certain brand, and as far as I know he is not.
 
pharminator said:
Personally, I'm thrilled with my 10, and I think that the 16 would fill the role that he wants. I feel as though Becker delivers an outstanding knife, and it's probably "outside the box" of what he was initially considering, especially with the 1095CV. Blades&Bullets asked if he was loyal to a certain brand, and as far as I know he is not.
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Then the 16 would be perfect.

Excellent belt knife. Robust and easily field maintained. He probably has nothing else like it. And it definitely doesn't look like a Buck.
 
Dexwithers said:
The 16 is a great knife! Really can't go wrong with it.
I think I am up to number 10 or 11 in my personal collection.
It's the best all around knife you can get. I have processed many deer with mine and it and use it almost daily for other tasks.
Great in the kitchen or the woods.
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This +1:thumbup:

Especially when considering gifting a knife, it's nice to know that this one in particular can and will be used for many different tasks.
 
I really appreciate the advice from everyone. I've decided that I'm going to get it for his birthday. I think he will like it, and as everyone said, it probably wasn't a knife that was previously on his radar, but it's one that he will definitely love. Now, there's only one question:

Col Defender said:
Get two! One for each of you.
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Do I order one, or two? :)
 
Well, my plans to purchase it got delayed, but I ended up picking it up for my uncle for Christmas this year. Beautiful knife, completely different than my BK-10. I was actually expecting it to be larger than it is. He has gotten into off road exploring with a Quad (is that what they're called?). I'm just hoping I shouldn't have bought him a BK-10 like I have as it's a beast of a knife, but I think he would be more apt to carry the smaller BK-16. I'm not sure if I would qualify the BK-16 as a "survival knife", but it should is an upgrade of what he's currently carrying - which is nothing.
 
I gotta get a 16. I've wanted one for years, I think the handle will fit like a glove in my hand.
 
1095 Cro Van is completely different than CPM S30V ... or other high tech steels. 1095 is user friendly, field friendly and forgiving - ideal for an outdoorsman's knife.

The BK16 is a size and shape that just makes sense for general outdoors use. Need convincing? It's Ethan Becker's personal go-to belt knife for when he is "wearing pants, outdoors and has feet off pavement."

The BK 16 is a winner; you cannot go wrong with it.
 
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