First Becker - BK16

5

59Bassman

Joined
Jul 5, 2007
Messages
119
I've been pondering one for a while. I had originally considered a BK-2, but really don't use knives that large very often. Once a knife pushes past 4 1/2", it's getting longer than I typically carry around with me. The BK 16 seemed closer to my normal comfort zone, and would be something I'd most likely put to work. Most recently I've been carrying Bark Rivers - I have a couple of Gunny Hunters, an Aurora, and a Bushcrafter. So the Becker will have some competition for belt time. I was at the BRKT Grind-In last weekend and while talking with averageiowaguy I realized I needed to have a BK 16.

I finally took the plunge yesterday with a trip to SMKW (yes, it's hell only living 45 minutes from that shop...). The first one they pulled for me had a decent grind, good blade shape, so I didn't have to dig through a number of them to get what I considered "a good one". Brought it home, did some chores with it and made a fire in my new woodgas stove:





So far, I'm liking it. The knife was pretty sharp from the factory - not a high polish on the edge (somewhat coarse grind) but still sharp. The grip is comfortable, if a bit small. It's similar to the BRKT Gunny grip, which is a good thing. The coating will most likely come off, and I may get some micarta scales for it. Not sold on the sheath yet but I'm willing to keep working with it.

Next up? Hip time, work with the tool, see what I need to change to make it work better for me. Yeah, and figure out how to participate in the next gathering at Ethan's - I shouldn't live this close and not make it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: vab
Sweet score. Enjoy and thanks for posting up your experience!

Ummmmmm.... what stove is that? :D
 
The 16 is a great choice! And the 8-5-8s are some of my faves. Don't tell me the SMKW is now also selling cigars.
 
Congrats in the new steel. The 16 was my first one as well. Excellent knife.

I see Guyons already sniffed out a new stove…[emoji3]
 
You made a good choice. My first was the BK-2 and purchased it during what I think was near the peak of the "buy a BK-2" period. The BK-16 followed and I prefer it for using. My current favorite is actually the BK-15.

That was quite the effort to attend the Bark River grind in from East TN.
 
Welcome aboard, shipmate!

Great choice and great size for soooo many tasks. Be warned however, Becker knives are like potato chips in that you can't just have one.

Thanks for posting your experience with pics!:thumbup:
 
congrats on the new blade -- and AIG is a good guy.

add some liners under the factory scales and you may decide you don't need the micarta.
a little added thickness makes a huge difference in grip comfort.
 
Didn't know what I was missing until I got a 16 (ty again hhmoore). It's the perfect edc blade imo. Enjoy and congrats!
-Dan
 
22-rimfire said:
You made a good choice. My first was the BK-2 and purchased it during what I think was near the peak of the "buy a BK-2" period. The BK-16 followed and I prefer it for using. My current favorite is actually the BK-15.

That was quite the effort to attend the Bark River grind in from East TN.
Click to expand...

I've done the past two June Grind-Ins. I'm from northern MN and went to school in northern MI, so it's kinda like going home. I've done it both times with my dad, who has really gotten into it. Highly recommended for anyone into knives to go and do at least one Grind-In. If for no other reason, checking out the table in the back with one of almost every knife Bark River makes - you really get a feel for what you like at that table. I went up there the first time KNOWING I was going to make a Bravo 1. I've now been twice and still haven't made my first Bravo 1 - I keep finding knives I like better.

Anyway, back to the BK 16 - it's a handy shape and size. If I need a bigger knife than the 16, I'd probably be looking around for a hatchet or a folding saw....
 
Welcome to the fold. Now you need a BK2 so you can disassemble a tractor or two. :D
 
Welcome. The 16 and the 24 are my favourites. That 16 is a brilliant all rounder (excluding chopping IMO). I put timber handles on mine, look and feel great. Anyway again welcome and congrats on the new steel.
 
Last edited:
Fantastic first choice! Like vik said, add the liners to see how it feels. Can be made out of milk jug if needed. My favorite of the BK&T lineup, hands down.

:thumbup:
 
Very nice! Yes AIG is a very nice fella.
Great choice on the 16. My wife pretty much layed claim to my first 16 upon arrival so I searched for a pre-loved one and got a great deal on one with a kydex sheath and a 14 for $65 shipped! Just got it Thursday...
They were both a bit rough cosmetically from halfassed strip jobs and just bad upkeep. Under all that were 2 beautiful Beckers! After some cleanup and Sriracha patina, they're ready!
I look forward to your further review and comparisons. Thanks for sharing!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top