Help me decide, bk-15 vrs bk-2

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ls1

Joined
May 28, 2009
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Hey there everybody...

I'm looking for a general woods knife that can err closer to finer tasks, carbon steel to strike a ferro rod, mild batoning, camp tasks, etc but be large enough for a little personal protection and be able to handle some rough use more than my mora. I came to look at the bk-2 and bk-15 for being in the size range and a lot of the specs I'm looking for.

I often carry a razor sharp camp ax, either a husqvarna forest ax or estwing. (Both of which are excellent btw) For this reason, I'm leaning towards a bk-15. Seems like the bk-2 would be harder to use for say, carving and shaving and I don't think I'll use it for for chopping much. If I ever became separated from my ax, I'd like my knife to be able to be tough enough to save my *** however. :D

So basically I'm looking for people who have owned one or both, and your impressions.:thumbup:
 
I'd say check out the BK-10 or the Bk-16 as well.

Bk-2 is great but really thick and heavy. The Bk-10 is a better all around knife over the BK-2 in my opinion.

And the BK-16 is probably the best midsize woods knife on the market. Again just my opinion, but I do own 6 BK-16's and am very fond of each and every one of them. lol
 
Thanks for the reply. I didn't even realize they made the bk-10 anymore.

I'll have to check out the bk-16 as well, and that one may be more useful for skinning/gutting.
 
Yeah I have the 15 and the 2 but for what you are describing I'd go 16/17 (drop or clip, you choose).

The 2 is a beast. The 15 is much more delicate. They will complement each other well. But for just one knife 16/17.
 
I lean toward the BK-16 or BK-17 for your use. I just love the BK-16. Drop point or clip, your choice. I have a BK-2 as it was the very first Becker I bought, but I just can't warm up to it for my kind of use. I end up taking a smaller lighter knife with me in the woods most of the time these days. The 16 or 17 is still plenty strong for everything other than chopping effectively.
 
I was in the Garage sharpening one of my knives and thought I'd snap a couple of quick caparison pics for ya. It's hard to tell the difference sometimes unless they are side by side.

from top: 16,2,15,10 (the 10 has been slightly modded)
86875816-83FA-4C31-B4B0-B1BB2677C01C-2448-000002C32AD20225_zps62b7ee95.jpg


And here is one from the top of the spine so you can see the thickness.
from top:16,2,10,15
66BB68B0-C6F6-4E4A-B5D6-7597F050C4C9-2448-000002C3338436B8_zps26619a90-1-1.jpg


Hope that helps a little.

You really can't go wrong with anyone of them, but one may be a little better suited to your specific needs.
 
The pictures are super helpful. Thanks man. I think the things that immediately comes to mind is grip size. My hands are big and wide. The handle size on the 15, 16, and 17 now worry me a little.

Keep it coming guys, you all have been helpful.
 
have you handled a 2 before?
I have very wide hands and the handle on the 15/16/17 is more comfortable to me in a wider range of grips than the one on the 2/10/12
that said, I love the 12. (between the ESEE 5 & 6)
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ls1 said:
The pictures are super helpful. Thanks man. I think the things that immediately comes to mind is grip size. My hands are big and wide. The handle size on the 15, 16, and 17 now worry me a little.

Keep it coming guys, you all have been helpful.
Click to expand...

The tweener handles didn't work out for me. Handles too short, but like 1066vik said, they worked out for him.

005-28.png~original
 
I have to agree with vik about the BK-12. If I could only have one full size becker, the BK-12 would be the one.

I don't have big hands but many people who do add liners to the BK-15/16/17 handle scales.
 
The 12 is awesome, but I tend to carry it in my pack, rather than on a belt. Even with custom kydex, it's a little awkward on my hip. I prefer drop-points, so the 16 is what I usually carry in the woods. It's a little sturdier than the 15 - thicker at the spine and not quite so long. I find it easier to create a firesteel striking surface on a thicker spine than the 15, though it can be done.

As for light batoning, a thicker cross-section is better. The BK2 is the ultimate expression of this. It slides into the wood nicely and then forces it apart. Once again, I think the 16 is better than the 15 for this. The only advantage to the 15 is that it's longer, yet the thin spine will eat your baton faster.

I think the 16 is a good length, though a little longer, perhaps midway between the 16 and 15, with a spear point would be my ideal. If you want something longer than the 16, I'd recommend the 12.
 
It certainly sounds like what you're looking for is something more like a BK10 or 16. BK2 is a beast but the thickness that makes it so tough hinders it's utility IMHO.
 
The Bk-12/Ritter looks great, but is out of my price range at the moment. I really like the blade shape and the specs.


i haven't handled a 2, but I did have a Bk-9 in a previous life and found that handle just about perfect for me. So I may have to look at the 16/17 and bk-10 more closely. I suppose I could consider a 7, but then I'm getting into an awkward size that means I would have to have something like the bk-13 (which I do have) or a Mora with me at all times too.
 
Since you typically carry an axe, I don't see the need in carrying the extra weight of the BK2- it is also not well suited for finer tasks. I have had not had a BK15, but I have had a 16 and 17 and I think those would be better suited for your needs if you're set on Becker.
 
bigghoss said:
It certainly sounds like what you're looking for is something more like a BK10 or 16. BK2 is a beast but the thickness that makes it so tough hinders it's utility IMHO.
Click to expand...

I agree. With the 2 being as thick and heavy as it is, I would prefer something with a little more blade length.
 
Stick with the 15, it is the one... but it all personal preference too... I didn't like the 15 for a long time, but since getting one it is my go to for just about everything. I just won a 10 in a previous contest and have not had a chance to really get to know it yet other than splitting a few pieces of wood. I have done everything from batoning branches, splitting wood, cooking and food prep, utility work.. etc. with the 15, it is just the perfect all around knife (for me).
 
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