First Becker! Decided on the 14 over the 11

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xxratchetxx

Joined
Aug 27, 2013
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108
I finally made my mind up and bought the BK14 over the BK11. Can say that I am quite happy with my choice and really like the knife. Sadly, I now understand what people mean when they say "It wont be your last Becker." I'm now wanting the 9, 12 (where do you find these?) 13, and 17...

I really like the handle with the cord wrap but I am curious about the other handles that are sold. I like the TKC G10 handles and the zytel handles. I see that most people like the zytel ones; however, I can't find anything on the TKC handles. Anyone have any experience with them?

The edge came rather dull so I stropped it with HeavyHanded's washboard and some green compound and it got a little sharper. I plan on rebeveling the edge in the future and I don't have any experience with 1095CV so I'm curious about what inclusive angle everyone here likes on their 14. I wont be batoning through any adamantium with this thing. Just some random wood carving, boxes, envelopes, food, etc.

Wanted to thank everyone on this forum/subforum for sharing their knowledge and helping uninformed people like myself with minimal ridicule!

And of course, here are some obligatory pictures of a knife everyone has seen a billion times ;)








 
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I decided on the 14 over the 11 as well, but now that I have both I'm not sure which I like more. Right now I EDC the 11, but that could be because it's new and stuff.
 
Went with the 14 as well.

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Congratulations! Nice wrap, and nice pics.

I EDC a BK14 with orange zytel at work. Since I work in an office, I neck carry it under my dress shirt but on top of a v-neck t-shirt, and it works really well. I picked up two BK24's in December and put TKC G10 on both of them but, overcome by the spirit of Christmas, gave them to my two kids (daughter age 22, son age 19). They really love the G10 as well. I've stayed away from paracord wraps since I'm concerned about it soaking up blood and other liquids in the kitchen or field. I think you'll be happy with the zytel (it's way cheaper), but the G10 is worth the money in my opinion.

Odd that your edge was dull. I've bought two of almost all the current production Beckers over the last several months, and every one has been shaving sharp right out of the box, except for the BK3 (Tac Tool), which really is just a sharpened pry bar. The chisel edge seemed more interested in cutting skin than shaving hair... For it's intended purpose, that's plenty good.

As far as getting more Beckers, any of the sponsoring dealers on the forum are a good choice to order on line. Tomar's, TKC, Knifeworks, GP Knives....all of these have good reputations. Check prices (including shipping and tax if you live in a state where it has to be collected) and make your choice. Or, I wanted a BK12, which is a Knifeworks exclusive, so I ordered that plus a few other bits and pieces. Likewise, when I order the TKC G10 scales, I added on some stuff. Dealer exclusives may send you one direction as opposed to lowest price. Whatever you decide, welcome to the community!
 
Semper Presidio - Thanks for the complement! It is actually my first attempt at cord wrapping anything! I have no idea how much cordage it is lol. It's however much came with the knife (I guess I should have measured it). If you are interested in a how to, I can't take credit. Moose posted this a while ago and I dug it up to learn how to do it. Here is the link: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1110934-How-I-wrap-my-BK14-24

Neanderthal - Nice picture, I'm sure mine will be slicing some pears or apples soon

GSO - Thanks for the input! Also, thanks for correcting me on the micarta/G10 screw up. I'm going to fix that right now. I didn't know that the 12 was originally a knifeworks exclusive.

Again, thanks for the input everyone!

So would you say a 20/20 (40 inclusive) or a 15/15 (30 inclusive) edge would be more appropriate for the everyday use of the knife?
 
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Congrats on the 14. It is my favorite Becker for sure and it will be yours as well. I'm glad you got it for General Purpose, as that is exactly what this blade is for. You will not be disappointed in its performance.

I'm not an edge guy (meaning I'm not sure what is the ideal edge angle) so I cannot answer that for you with any certainty.

As far as scales are concerned, the Zytel is more than adequate, and cheap. I recommend picking up a set while you consider what other type of scales you want to put on. I got the Zytel when I first got my 14s and I love them. TKC has the G-10 which I think are awesome, however, I have no experience with them (I wish I had a set of those). There are a few BeckerHeads who make some from wood and micarta. I just recently picked up a set of the ESSE Izula scales and fit them to one of my 24s (the 14's twin in D2) and they are very nice.

Oh, one more thing about the Zytel. The Orange set can be dyed Brown by using Dark Green Rit Dye. Check it out below. It was an easy and fast mod.

 
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Tdhurl - That brown does look pretty nice. I was eyeballing the blue/black and red/black G10 from TKC. I wonder if there is a way to "streak" the Rit to give it a wood grain look? I almost got a 24 instead but I decided to take that money and put it toward a new sheathe or some scales (Maybe even another Becker). With the edge thing, I'm just worried I will get carried away if I don't have a "goal" in mind and screw up the edge like I did on my Rat1 Folder. I did exactly what DerekH did here http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/820814-Becker-BK14-Sharpening-Do-s-and-Don-t-s

Thanks for the input and advice!
 
The 14 is a great companion. Mine has the black zytel handles and I like it with these. Don't like skeleton handles.
 
Convex the edge. You won't regret it. Good luck, and congratulations on your purchase. Now...go and pull overtime for the next year, so you will be able to satisfy the sickness that will consume you. Trust me.
 
Here is my 14 with red/black TKC scales and KSF pocket sheath. I convexed the edge as well with a work sharp.

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