I'd been collecting and being obsessed with knives for two years. Mainly folders, over 60, but 8 fixed blades as well. Started with some Cold Steels purchased from a local Gov't Surplus store, then a few SOGs, then an ESEE 4 for my bugout bag, then a Lionsteel M7. It's too pretty to use. I needed something I could USE without thought.
Considered an ESEE 6, but never pulled the trigger on one in eight months. Then it dawned on me. Becker!
I'd always admired Ethan Becker, it's evident he is a class act from seeing him on numerous videos at Blade and SHOT being interviewed. And I have always heard nothing but praise for the 9, "The King." I knew I had to get one someday. And someday soon.
But that same Gov't Surplus store started carrying more KaBars and Beckers, and I had known how Ethan felt about the 5. That it was being discontinued. And they had one in stock. So I impulse bought it, nicked myself good by accident putting it back in the sheath while in the store, bled real good for a bit, got it stopped, and began my search for a 9.
Wanted one with the old finish, heard it has "less drag" while batoning. Found one on the big auction site, with the Micarta handles and the remora 13 to boot. Lightly scuffed. Stalked that sucker for a week while looking at it a hundred times, snagged it at the last second. They didn't know it, but I KNEW it was MY knife. And indeed, it was, and is.
And am now deciding whether my next one is an 11, or a 15, but with my history it will probably be both. Who am I kidding.
And I need an 11 to go on top of the 9 on a dangler sheath (with fire steel) I'm having made after Christmas. It's trick.
And the 15 is being discontinued, better get one while I can. Will brighten up the kitchen and a campsite near you.
And it will save on shipping, so might as well get both, it will be more economical. And again, it's Christmas...
OMG I'm powerless to resist. The Becker "tractor beam" has got me again. Check Please!