Ffg bk16

[Nsvens89]

By that logic a BK9is not as good at battoning as a BK2 either.

And we both know that's not true.

If you measure the blade thickness of a BK -9 (3/16 vs the blade thickness of the new BK16 also 3/16" or very close) and THEN compare the grind height of the BK 9 (1 1/8" tall) vs the total blade height of the new BK 16 (looks to be 1/4") you will see the actual grind angle of the BK9 and the new Bk16 are about the SAME. So based on that, the BK-16 should be a heck of a wood splitter, no?

That explains why Ethan had no trouble at all going to a full height grind on a BK16. It's much ado about nothing.

Ok I re read what you wrote a few times and it finally clicked with what you were saying. The first couple of times I read it when you said the new bk16 I was still thinking the sabre grind version. Thus I didn't understand why a thinner grind would be desired. But with what you are saying is the FFG of the bk 16 is the same proportions as that of the 9. GOT IT NOW The light bulbs went off haha.

However the only time I compared my 2 and my 9 head to head the 2 seemed to split the wood quicker due to the thickness. Granted the 2 was convexed and this was only ONE instance. I wonder what other people find to be the better splitter. From my limited experience the 2 worked better so that's what i was going from.

I know you posted almost the same thing before but I do appreciate the fact you wrote it again. I know plenty of the guys on here have WAY more experience than me with this stuff and I'm happy to soak up the knowledge and here all the opinions.

 

[jim62]

BRL..

I don't blame you for buying knives on looks. Hands down, the Bk-17 Clip Point is the best looking knife o the tweeners, IMHO. The thing about the that little drop point is that is's Ethan's baby. It's his "precious". The knife he has been searching for his whole life.

Like a great painter who just can't quite help putting the last few brushstrokes on what HE consider's to be his masterpiece, he is tweeking that BK16 up to the very last.

As a creative sort myself (who has painted an sculpted professionally) I can understand exactly where his is coming from.

It may seem like a "cocktease" to you (I feel that is a very poor choice of words BTW). The thing is-the BK 16 design is not yours or mine. It's really not even Kabar's at this point. It's Ethan's. I say let him make it the way he wants to. He has earned that during the last 30+ years.

Because I would bet that looks aside, if you ever get the chance to compare the BK-16 side by side with the BK-17 you will find it's at least as good of a knife and in terms of actual cutting performance maybe even better. Which is the whole point of the exercise.

A predict a year from now, everyone will find it funny anyone was even remotely concerned about the full height blade grind on that BK16 - in either looks or performance.

 

[Nsvens89]

While looking at the prototype 16 at the first gathering, Ethan told me the grind would be higher on the production model. Obviously he had been doing some testing with it and this was one of the design changes he felt was needed. I like the looks of the saber grind too, but hey, the man knows some knives. I think it will be a classic performer and can't wait to get one. I'm starting to freak out a little.

My exact feelings on all of it

 

[tradewater]

Can you imagine a Jerry Fisk grind on the new BK16? The shadow it cast would cut you.

 

[jim62]

Ok I re read what you wrote a few times and it finally clicked with what you were saying. The first couple of times I read it when you said the new bk16 I was still thinking the sabre grind version. Thus I didn't understand why a thinner grind would be desired. But with what you are saying is the FFG of the bk 16 is the same proportions as that of the 9. GOT IT NOW The light bulbs went off haha.

However the only time I compared my 2 and my 9 head to head the 2 seemed to split the wood quicker due to the thickness. Granted the 2 was convexed and this was only ONE instance. I wonder what other people find to be the better splitter. From my limited experience the 2 worked better so that's what i was going from.

I know you posted almost the same thing before but I do appreciate the fact you wrote it again. I know plenty of the guys on here have WAY more experience than me with this stuff and I'm happy to soak up the knowledge and here all the opinions.

Well I added all that because I have a BK9 here myself alone with a BK2 and after comparing the pictures of the BK2 and BK16 on the blade data thread, I came to that conclusion a few weeks ago. Looks as they say can be deceiving and blade grinds (both main and secondary bevels) can be a confusion thing.

The new tweeners will also probably have blade thickness about .020" thinner than the BK-9, 7 etc. Which is why I said the basic grind angle will be close.

Another point is that blade grind angle alone does not a chopper/splitter make. A good example is the BK-2 vs the BK-9. The BK 2 has by far the steeper main grind angle. It weighs within an ounce of a BK9. so mass is not the issue either. And yet, the BK9 seems to hold up pretty well compared to the BK2 as a chopper/splitter.

The little BK-16 is going to be half the knife those are as choppers /splitters due size/ mass alone no matter what the blade grind. Which is why Ethan wants to make sure the BK-16 is first and foremost a great cutter.

One thing is for sure. We are ALL going to have a lot of fun during the next few years exploring the performance differences of Ethan's Tweener series... I am sure looking forward to it.

 

[Nsvens89]

One thing is for sure. We are ALL going to have a lot of fun during the next few years exploring the performance differences of Ethan's Tweener series...

Amen to that. I am hoping to pair a 16 with a machax while out and about in the woods this spring. So all bases should be covered

 

[ocnLogan]

I'll go ahead and admit that much of my knife purchasing is based on looks as much as use. The mini camp we've been seeing for so, so long now is a really awesome looking knife. The fact that the knives we've been shown for the better part of a year, even up to the actual ones used during the "launch" at SHOT, don't look like what's going to be sold, is like the ultimate cocktease. I don't blame anyone or anything, and I feel that KA-BAR and Becker and everyone are doing their best to put the best knife they can on the market, but this was a real shock to me. I'm not the biggest fan of the look of the necker blade even though I have and like one; I *am* a fan of the BK2.

Anyway, that's the last I'm going to say about the grind. A new Becker handle
design is *really* something to look forward to. The sheaths look great. Coyote brown scales is ridiculously awesome. And a slimmish Becker drop-point bushcraft knife made by KA-BAR out of their 1095 cv that will be slicy is a must-buy.

It's just... quit showing us the wrong knife, 'k?

Aye, totally agree here.

(not sure why "Aye" came out... not sure if thats pirate speak or the scottish version..)

Here's to hoping the big beckers come with the same handle scale option .

 

[CCMI]

Maybe I just don't get the whole "mini BK2" thing. I mean, I already have a BK2, and the BK16 is only 1" shorter. Yeah it's a thinner blade, but the BK10 kinda fits that description too.

Is a saber grind going to baton better than a full flat grind? Sure I get that argument. It's not like a full flat grind won't baton though. So then it's sacrificing batoning capability for better cutting ability. In a 4 3/8" blade I think I'm cool with that. Like I said, I've already got a BK2.

I also think that any benefit a saber vs FFG would be more noticeable with a thicker blade and less noticeable with a thinner blade.

That's all just my opinion though. It'll be interesting to see comparisons between the 16 & 17 for different tasks.

 

[jim62]

And yes, the Coyote Brown scale option is way cool even if it were a $10 or so aftermarket expense. I think Kabar should also consider Olive drab and hunter orange colored scales. They also look great on the black coated blades.

 

[Level headed]

dont forget about about the new coating as well!! I need to see what the final product is going to look like!

 

[Bladite]

dont forget about about the new coating as well!! I need to see what the final product is going to look like!

you've seen the final product.

the next 9 papercuts you get were caused by it

 

[LG&M]

Can you imagine a Jerry Fisk grind on the new BK16? The shadow it cast would cut you.

I would get behind that. How about full convex?

 

[Bladite]

I would get behind that. How about full convex?

who is willing to pay 20-40% more for that?

 

[BRL]

All good points Jim. I don't want to bang on this drum any longer but did want to quickly say I agree with you.

BRL..

I don't blame you for buying knives on looks. Hands down, the Bk-17 Clip Point is the best looking knife o the tweeners, IMHO. The thing about the that little drop point is that is's Ethan's baby. It's his "precious". The knife he has been searching for his whole life.

Like a great painter who just can't quite help putting the last few brushstrokes on what HE consider's to be his masterpiece, he is tweeking that BK16 up to the very last.

As a creative sort myself (who has painted an sculpted professionally) I can understand exactly where his is coming from.

It may seem like a "cocktease" to you (I feel that is a very poor choice of words BTW). The thing is-the BK 16 design is not yours or mine. It's really not even Kabar's at this point. It's Ethan's. I say let him make it the way he wants to. He has earned that during the last 30+ years.

Because I would bet that looks aside, if you ever get the chance to compare the BK-16 side by side with the BK-17 you will find it's at least as good of a knife and in terms of actual cutting performance maybe even better. Which is the whole point of the exercise.

A predict a year from now, everyone will find it funny anyone was even remotely concerned about the full height blade grind on that BK16 - in either looks or performance.

 

[The Warrior]

I think Kabar should also consider Olive drab and hunter orange colored scales. They also look great on the black coated blades.

Hell yes, OD for sure.

 

[jim62]

All good points Jim. I don't want to bang on this drum any longer but did want to quickly say I agree with you.

Well BRL, I appreciative that. Heck, many times I don't even agree with me..

I do sincerely hope that iif you get a BK16 ,it's performance pleases you.

That's what it's all about..

 

[Bladite]

BRL..

I don't blame you for buying knives on looks. Hands down, the Bk-17 Clip Point is the best looking knife o the tweeners, IMHO. The thing about the that little drop point is that is's Ethan's baby. It's his "precious". The knife he has been searching for his whole life.

Like a great painter who just can't quite help putting the last few brushstrokes on what HE consider's to be his masterpiece, he is tweeking that BK16 up to the very last.

As a creative sort myself (who has painted an sculpted professionally) I can understand exactly where his is coming from.

It may seem like a "cocktease" to you (I feel that is a very poor choice of words BTW). The thing is-the BK 16 design is not yours or mine. It's really not even Kabar's at this point. It's Ethan's. I say let him make it the way he wants to. He has earned that during the last 30+ years.

Because I would bet that looks aside, if you ever get the chance to compare the BK-16 side by side with the BK-17 you will find it's at least as good of a knife and in terms of actual cutting performance maybe even better. Which is the whole point of the exercise.

A predict a year from now, everyone will find it funny anyone was even remotely concerned about the full height blade grind on that BK16 - in either looks or performance.

i could've sworn the BK16 drop point is his precious, searched for whole life, puma hunter's friend upgrade, magical knife ie: a mini-BK2

also, i thought he didn't LIKE clip points, but knows they sell, so, he's making those too :0

me, personally, the BK15 mini-magnum camp "trailing edge" (or whatever ;>) is perfection... there's almost nobody making a knife like it. which is a shame. awesome knife. the BK16 is probably my second favorite. when i had a chance to handle, fondle, and cut my food with all three, i chose the BK15. the BK16 is good in the incarnation i tried, but well... can't say i'm a huge fan of the BK17, but it will grow on me a little. maybe. clips don't make a lot of sense to me. i'd rather have more nose/beak to play with than a swedge which gets in my way (to say i like Wharncliffe/Sheepsfoot is an understatement :>)