Disappointed with the BK3

[linus the cat]

Nope, I'm back. I was just gone for Thanksgiving.

Let me say that the Becker BK3 isn't a bad knife. As I said in my original post, it does have a lot of potential. I think with some work to the handle and sheath, it could be a really solid knife.

I've read and considered a lot of the comments in this thread. I'll probably wind up getting something to replace the handle with, as some of you have suggested. But the issue with this is that I've had the knife for less than a month. I shouldn't have to replace the handle. I do similar work with my Griptilian and no part on that has needed to be replaced in the year or so I've had it.

Its not just the fact that the handle is coming loose. Its also the fact that the handle is dangerously smooth. If it had some texture on it to keep it more secure in the hand, that would've been great! Especially with such a heavy knife, I'm concerned that it may slip from my grip too easily.

The black coating on the blade is still a mystery. I would really like to know the purpose of it, especially since it comes off so easily. And the wire cutter seems...meh. I tried it out today and was able to yank through a piece of small 28g wire. It just seems awkward, though and if the wire wasn't as taut as it was, the hook probably would've just tugged on it ineffectively. Of course, I knew that it had a hook on it when I bought it, so I can't really put all of my disappointment with that on Becker.

Some of you have this knife and love it. I can understand why. If Becker makes a revised version of the BK3, I would absolutely consider buying it. But as it stands, it just comes up a little short for me.

 

[Moosez45]

Nope, I'm back. I was just gone for Thanksgiving.

Let me say that the Becker BK3 isn't a bad knife. As I said in my original post, it does have a lot of potential. I think with some work to the handle and sheath, it could be a really solid knife.

I've read and considered a lot of the comments in this thread. I'll probably wind up getting something to replace the handle with, as some of you have suggested. But the issue with this is that I've had the knife for less than a month. I shouldn't have to replace the handle. I do similar work with my Griptilian and no part on that has needed to be replaced in the year or so I've had it.

Its not just the fact that the handle is coming loose. Its also the fact that the handle is dangerously smooth. If it had some texture on it to keep it more secure in the hand, that would've been great! Especially with such a heavy knife, I'm concerned that it may slip from my grip too easily.

The black coating on the blade is still a mystery. I would really like to know the purpose of it, especially since it comes off so easily. And the wire cutter seems...meh. I tried it out today and was able to yank through a piece of small 28g wire. It just seems awkward, though and if the wire wasn't as taut as it was, the hook probably would've just tugged on it ineffectively. Of course, I knew that it had a hook on it when I bought it, so I can't really put all of my disappointment with that on Becker.

Some of you have this knife and love it. I can understand why. If Becker makes a revised version of the BK3, I would absolutely consider buying it. But as it stands, it just comes up a little short for me.

I can respect that. Its not for everyone, myself included. I have owned a couple in the past, but not currently. I find the grivory to be quite grippy, but that's just me. I have micarta on my 9 to help absorb shock, but my BK2 sport the factory originals. When I'm working with it for a while, I find it to be perfect, no hot spots or blisters.

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Try the BK9 or 7 out next, I think you will find them a little more to your liking. Same coating, same handles, no wire cutter, and a great value, at $70-$75 dollars.

Moose

 

[linus the cat]

I can respect that. Its not for everyone, myself included. I have owned a couple in the past, but not currently. I find the grivory to be quite grippy, but that's just me. I have micarta on my 9 to help absorb shock, but my BK2 sport the factory originals. When I'm working with it for a while, I find it to be perfect, no hot spots or blisters.

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Try the BK9 or 7 out next, I think you will find them a little more to your liking. Same coating, same handles, no wire cutter, and a great value, at $70-$75 dollars.

Moose

Thanks, Moose. I actually may be looking at those the next time I'm buying a knife.

 

[Moosez45]

Thanks, Moose. I actually may be looking at those the next time I'm buying a knife.

Hang out, we'll be doing some passarounds a giveaways also, get your stats up and join the Beckerheads for some of the action. You never know, you may find a home you weren't looking for. Just sayin'.

Moose

 

[Bladite]

I find the grivory to be quite grippy, but that's just me. I have micarta on my 9 to help absorb shock, but my BK2 sport the factory originals. When I'm working with it for a while, I find it to be perfect, no hot spots or blisters.

i too find the grivory quite nice. i've managed to get a blister or two over the years, esp early on in the season, when my lily white tenderfoot hands have had some months of Winter to get over being conditioned.

but as for grip? i don't think i've ever managed to have grivory grips slip out like some other tools might.

remember: it's the job of the tool owner to maintain the tool, and make it YOURS. the designer can only do so much. after that, you own it. so, do the upkeep, something loose? tighten it. got dull? sharpen it. don't like the grip? fix it (wrap it, tape it, tube it, change it)... got rust? remove it. wet environment? oil it. paint fell off? paint it. you got the idea

final note: it's Becker Knife and Tool, they work for a living... tools get used and worn but taken care of if you love them


Bladite

 

[outdoorskid92]

I've been looking for a knife to compliment my Griptilian. I wanted something that could chop and take a lot of abuse. After comparing different knives, I finally decided upon the Becker BK3. A couple of weeks ago, I received my knife from Amazon.

At first, I was in love with this knife. It was heavy in a very reassuring way. Its unconventional look was appealing, like an A-10 Warthog or Steve Buscemi. Unlike the jet and the actor, my love with the Becker was soon to give way to frustration.

I immediately noticed that the sheath was subpar. Sure, it was well-made and did the job but it could've been so much better. The belt loop was excessively long, causing the sheathed knife to flop against my leg. The slots on the edge of the sheath were aligned oddly, and didn't fit into any of my MOLLE gear. But, like the crazy girl that your friends warn you about, I overlooked the Becker's flaws and happily took it out with me.

After two weeks of using, the Becker's shortcomings are clear and I had to break-up. The black oxide coating quickly wore off along the angles of the blade. Why Becker put this on the BK3 is a mystery to me. I suppose it reduces the knife's visibility by not reflecting light. But when the coating comes off, it kinda defeats the point. Its ultimate purpose seems to be to make the knife look prematurely worn.

Much like the success of Bristol Palin on Dancing with the Stars, the hook on the end of the knife proved to be an unsolved mystery. I suppose it could be useful for cutting paracord, but why not just use the edge of the blade? I'm sure there is some obscure purpose to it, but I never found it. When using it to cut logs, I was always concerned that it may have somehow weakened the metal.

The serrations on the knife were also puzzling. I would've rather seen them put on the other edge of the knife, and run the length of the blade. This would turn the knife into a saw which would be moderately useful. More useful than a few inches of serrations which are usually too short to do much.

But the ultimate reason I soured on this knife is the handle. Although comfortable in the hand, it has nothing on it to help me grip it. Its just smooth plastic. The knife always feels on the verge of slipping from my hand. I'd be nervous about hacking away with the BK3 if my hands were sweaty. Additionally the handle is know coming loose from the tang. It has a slight wiggle to it, like the bolts have loosened slightly. I can tell that with continued use the handle is going to probably separate from the blade.

I really wanted to like this knife. I tried to make it work. But ultimately there were just too many flaws to overlook. I think Becker has a potential winner with the BK3. But as it stands, this knife is subpar. Particularly considering Becker's reputation with its Ka-Bar and BK2.

You can expect to see this knife for sale/trade in the next few days.











On a scale of 1-10, I give this knife a 5. The blade itself is solid, but everything surrounding it is mediocre...at best.

When your doing your chopping and what not are you using lubrication on your blade? i lubed all my knives with rem oil and then when i'm field using them i also brin wd-40 for back up and it does come in handy.
just a suggestion!thats just what alot of people do you should try it!


Thanks
john

 

[upnorth]

I have to say that I agree with the criticism of the wire breaker. That's the one thing that has prevented me from buying one, and I've been looking at them for years.

To me, that's an introduced weak spot, much like the bottle opener on the H.E.S.T.

And don't think I dislike Becker products. My all time favourite knife is my Cinncinatti Machax (shown here with my HI CAK).

BTW, I also own a BK-2 and was completely blown away that it could be broken, by throwing it or any other means. Live and learn.

Doc

Four zombie notches on that Machax Doc, no wonder I don't see any around here these days.

 

[Guyon]

My vote would be to put some micarta scales on that puppy and keep it.

Another option is bicycle inner tube stretched over the handle. SAFETY TIP: Stretch it on with the knife in the sheath.

These three items ride under my truck seat in case of emergency.