first thoughts on my new BK3.

A

Aiki5477

Joined
Mar 22, 2011
Messages
13
Hello all,

I am pretty new to BF but not to blades or forums. I have taken a fancy to fixed blade rescue type knives lately and ordered a BK3. I wanted to share my thoughts on it and hope to get some info on some questions I have formed.

My first thought when I saw this a while back was WOW! Gotta have one. Then came the, well I'll never use or carry that thing, it's too heavy. I then realized that I often carry 2 firearms both weighing well over a pound. So then I joined a VFD and started looking again. To save some time I'll skip to about three days ago when I opened the box.

Initial impression was pretty good. I was very pleased with the weight and size and feel of the BK3. I am not satisfied with the bottom edge (the non serrated section on the long edge of the blade) I need to sharpen it up. This is where question one comes up. What is the best way to sharpen this? Grinder, sander, wet stone? Next, the belt cutter/cord cutter is not very sharp. I will definitely need that fixed. Question 2. How do I sharpen that? Rat tail file, steel rod, flip stick? Then my next concern was how I was going to carry it. Couldn't find the attachment that I need. Question 3, what is it called and where can I get it? The buckle system that attaches to the plastic loop on the sheath. I have added a tek lock and it works great but would still like the other part for more options.

Before I purchased this tool I emailed KaBar and asked if I broke it (like they did in the dodge omni video) if it could be replaced. They told me if I broke it in my line of work (LEO/Fire Service) that it would be considered a warranty issue (paraphrased).

My thoughts now are that once I get those couple things resolved I will be rocking this tool all the time. I will carry one on my LEO duty belt and probably buy a second one for fire gear. Also have thought about carrying a BK2 on my duty belt and designating the BK3 to the car/rescue scene.

Any other input on this would be great. Thanks for reading and I look forward to reading your responses. Let me conclude with saying to Mr. Becker that you make a fine product and I plan to buy more of it as I go. I will be looking at the BK9 soon I think. Get closer to fall it will be handy for the camp fires and what not. Again thanks for checking this out.


Jason
 
Aiki5477 said:
Hello all,

I am pretty new to BF but not to blades or forums. I have taken a fancy to fixed blade rescue type knives lately and ordered a BK3. I wanted to share my thoughts on it and hope to get some info on some questions I have formed.

My first thought when I saw this a while back was WOW! Gotta have one. Then came the, well I'll never use or carry that thing, it's too heavy. I then realized that I often carry 2 firearms both weighing well over a pound. So then I joined a VFD and started looking again. To save some time I'll skip to about three days ago when I opened the box.

Initial impression was pretty good. I was very pleased with the weight and size and feel of the BK3. I am not satisfied with the bottom edge (the non serrated section on the long edge of the blade) I need to sharpen it up. This is where question one comes up. What is the best way to sharpen this? Grinder, sander, wet stone? Next, the belt cutter/cord cutter is not very sharp. I will definitely need that fixed. Question 2. How do I sharpen that? Rat tail file, steel rod, flip stick? Then my next concern was how I was going to carry it. Couldn't find the attachment that I need. Question 3, what is it called and where can I get it? The buckle system that attaches to the plastic loop on the sheath. I have added a tek lock and it works great but would still like the other part for more options.

Before I purchased this tool I emailed KaBar and asked if I broke it (like they did in the dodge omni video) if it could be replaced. They told me if I broke it in my line of work (LEO/Fire Service) that it would be considered a warranty issue (paraphrased).

My thoughts now are that once I get those couple things resolved I will be rocking this tool all the time. I will carry one on my LEO duty belt and probably buy a second one for fire gear. Also have thought about carrying a BK2 on my duty belt and designating the BK3 to the car/rescue scene.

Any other input on this would be great. Thanks for reading and I look forward to reading your responses. Let me conclude with saying to Mr. Becker that you make a fine product and I plan to buy more of it as I go. I will be looking at the BK9 soon I think. Get closer to fall it will be handy for the camp fires and what not. Again thanks for checking this out.


Jason
Click to expand...

Welcome and howdy. I was one of the guys in the Omni video. Well, I was the guy that done the whole thing, with my buds from a VFD. :D

Sharpen the belt cutter? I would say, a chainsaw file (5/32) would do nicely. Will you get it razor sharp, no, probably not. Keep it toothy for those pesky seatbelts. Dremel makes a bit that does wonders.

Sharpen the rest of the blades with a stone of sorts. Lansky, KME, DMT, guide, non guide, free hand, however you would normally sharpen a blade. If you don't normally sharpen blades, email me, we'll turn you into an expert in no time.

Carry is a chore with this monster, mostly because its heavy. Look at the Maxped loop extension, it works, as well as some makers of drop down thigh platforms. The sheath will facilitate many methods of attachment, but spend your money wisely, there are alot of knock offs out there. Look for a plain jane, molle drop down platform, and attach the sheath with zipties. Yeah, zipties. Hellerman/Tyman makes some of the best. As long as you don't stand in a fire, the will last forever, and hold like crazy.

Congrats on the BK3, what a wrecking bar you got.

Moose
 
Moose,

Thanks for the response, I'll email you soon. Nice job on the video, that is exactly why I bought this thing. We are rural and I may be first one on scene sometime and since I have a crown vic and not a rescue truck full of bars and saws,i saw thus as a viable option. Thanks again.

Jason
 
My 3 is in my BOB - since I live in an urban environment, this thing seems like just the thing I'd need in any kind of emergency.
 
good answers above there...

first off, it's not a belt cutter. more of a heavy wire cutter, glass breaker/nibbler, metal wrecker... you can probably get it sharper, but for cutting a belt? there are better tools ranging from the likes of the Benchmade tool, to a Kershaw serrated hawk, or others. ORRRR use the serrations :) much more effective on rope and webbing.

you might not want the primary edge too sharp really. it will probably chop through stuff like the dickens, but it's not a fine cutter. use the serrations for that. plus, if the primary edge is not too sharp, you can more easily slip this tool under a belt, twist, and pull.

breakage. well, only one has ever broken in use... and one in twisting... that i know of. no worries.

*do* loctite the screws down, once and for all. *DO* investigate a spec-ops or bushmaster sheath - much more rocking and molle friendly.

i'd almost consider painting the blade proper safety orange or lime green... said color will hide in sheath, but make the tool more obvious for use. unless yer swat perhaps. heck, i'd go so far as to spray the sheath with that reflective clear stuff as well - more shiny - easy to find.

enjoy!
 
Thanks Bladite,

I spoke with moose and he gave me some good pointers as well. I will look into these things. I got my cutter a bit sharper. A good bit actually. The main edge chops like crazy and the serrations are not real sharp but the ripping property of them will suffice. Moose suggested backing this blade up with a good folder. I carry at least 2 on me all the time. As for the benchmade tool I have looked at it and probably will have one. I also like the MAK-1 combo from CRKT. I don't know that the steel is nearly the quality of BK3. I know it isn't as thick. Thanks for all the input. I'll keep yinz posted.

Jason
 
Ok so I put a bit of an edge on my hook, I batoned thru some wood with no issues, I have removed the belt loop and added some paracord for a grab and go type of attachment or to throw over my turnout when going to a scene. I also attached a tek lock for the times I want to carry it on the belt. I plan to add a BK2 to my collection to add to carry on my duty belt or maybe for winter carry when I'm carrying my big guns. That's my update for now. Any thoughts from you guys would be nice. Thanks.

Jason
 
the bk2 is the best there is. period. Its a beast and a ballerina rolled into one amazing package. buy 2 maybe 3. not because itll break but just because. its heavy, but so worth it. Id recommend micarta for it right away but thats of course whether or not you like micarta or if the grivory suits you fine which it does for many folks. welcome to the becker-verse rabbit hole, theres not turning back now....
 
Aiki5477 said:
Before I purchased this tool I emailed KaBar and asked if I broke it (like they did in the dodge omni video) if it could be replaced. They told me if I broke it in my line of work (LEO/Fire Service) that it would be considered a warranty issue (paraphrased).
Click to expand...

Where can this video be found? A quick google & you tube search turned up nothing for me. I'm a firefighter and have been looking at these but think it maybe a little big. Also, considered the Wilson/Boker cop tool but think it's too small to get much leverage.
 
This thing really isn't too big it's actually just right, the cop tool is not a good gross motor skills only type of tool. Its small and requires some fine manipulation. Not good in high stress situation. Just my thoughts. I really like this tool.


Jason
 
Aiki5477 said:
This thing really isn't too big it's actually just right, the cop tool is not a good gross motor skills only type of tool. Its small and requires some fine manipulation. Not good in high stress situation. Just my thoughts. I really like this tool.


Jason
Click to expand...

Good to hear J, its a wrecker for sure.

Moose
 
I used this in the yard to today to smash and chop some unruly tree weeds. I also used it to pry up some river rocks that were in the ground. I am digging this thing for sure. Moose, thanks for the advice on the chainsaw file I think it really helped. I may take it to a machine shop locally and have them put the bottom edge on it for me. I am really thinking about a companion. I think it will be a better blade for an edc car/ yard chore knife. I can leave the 3 with the fire gear then. Thanks for all the well wishes and the info. I think i need to take some pics with the tac tool and my kimber custom 2. Both black and chrome, both capable of making a good or bad day for people. Its like they belong together lol.

Jason
 
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