First fixed blade

P

Paul 883215

Joined
Jul 5, 2009
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As the title says I am considering purchasing my first fixed blade knife. I am interested in the BK-15 and BK-16. I want this to be a do anything knife (I don't really envision chopping or battoning but it would be nice to be able to if I needed). Realistically it will probably be a food prep knife that may clean a few trout and might do a little bushcraft type work. Here is what I think about them but I would love some thoughts from you guys.

BK-15: I am unsure about the choil and I am really unsure about the swedge but that tip looks great for cleaning fish and it probably would be the better food prep knife.

BK-16: This looks to be a better all around utility blade and would be great for food prep as well. The tip looks to be a little stronger which will probably be a good thing for my clumsy ass. This may be the smarter choice for me.

I might look to upgrade the sheath in the future as I really don't like velcro much.

Well what do you think? Am I on the right track or not. Should I be considering something else? Am I just a dumb ass and should figure this out for myself.

By the way I am NOT buying both.

Thanks

Paul
 
General utility/prep blade, go with the 16. Get a Sagewood sheath with the new retention system of his.
 
Your on the right track getting a becker but the 17. Its the best all around knife.
 
You can't go wrong with either. I prefer the 15 for food prep, and it's tough enough to get most bushcrafting chores done as well. For the uses you've described, I'd go with the 15. I really do like that one. It's a great steak knife. It has a fine tip, which can be useful for things like drilling holes in leather. The thin blade is easy to make really, really sharp. I even like the choil; it's very useful for detail work. My brother used my 15 a few weeks ago to clean some fish he caught, and the 15 worked great. I'm sure it will be a good hunting knife as well.
 
Paul 883215 said:
By the way I am NOT buying both.
Click to expand...

Yet........ It is an infection that will take hold. I have bot the 16 and the 15 and love both. I use the 15 in the kitchen almost daily but you are under the right assumption that the 16 can take a bit more abuse than the 15. If there is any chance you are going to beat on the knife I would go with the 16. Good luck, let us know what you pick, and post plenty of pictures.

Food for thought ;)
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Bear, those Sagewood sheaths look awesome but man are they steep! I might have to learn to love velcro?!

DJ, I'm not that hot on the 17.
 
I like goose's work, he makes a quality sheath. All our leather stitchers and kydex benders on here are pretty skilled.
 
The BK-15 could probably take a lot more abuse than one might think. It is a Becker after all. The weakest point, no pun intended, is the tip. But one can look at it and observe that tip was not intended to be used for any difficult prying jobs.

It's the 21st century version of a Roach Belly trade knife, which was one of the most commonly used knives on the American Frontier. A design which served folks well for wilderness living 200 years ago will still work today. But our new version, the BK-15, is so much better with the advantage of modern steel and superior geometry.
 
unless you're planning on doing a LOT of fish cleaning, I'd go with the 16. (yes i have both and the 16 gets more carry time)
Shorter blade - so less "threatening looking" to others and for me a more handy size for GP uses. (including dressing out game)
Stronger tip - easier to drill, carve, etc...
If you are planning on doing a LOT of fish cleaning, get a cheap fillet knife -- they only weigh a couple of ounces and the results will be better.
 
I think you'll be very happy either way. But if it's going to be primarily a food prep knife, the 15 is your knife. If you want more of a general utility, then I'd go for the 16.
 
Go with the traditional Bowie 17. Pointy tip but stonger than a 15. Can't clean under your finger nails with a stupid drop point. There it is. :rolleyes:
 
For a do anything type of knife, the 16 get's my vote above the 15.
 
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