I was kind of disapointed not of the size it feels alright in my hand but I tried slicing hard plastic and it only cut with a jeffry amount of force same goes for sticking it in the plastic I am glad I bought it off amazon for 30 bucks perhaps another folder would have been better
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I just recurved my ka bar bk 11
- Thread starter Pbody
- Start date
Not upset seemingly disappointed I just tried it out on some wood didn't do much perhaps it will make a good widdler if I attatch the paracord. To me a knife should do more than act as a deterrent I know some of my kitchen knives would do more damage but like I said perhaps it's not the blade but the handle.
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2011
- Messages
- 1,020
I'll chime in here..
I've had and used roughly a Bk-11 for around three years now. I split kindling every day in the autumn and winter months, sometimes even larger
logs. Often enough, the edge sees the surface of ferro rods, fat pine sticks, and oak. I've split wood with it for three autumns and three winters so far, and it has held up just fine. Sure, there are scratches in the coating, and it has worn away in spots, but the knife still holds an edge, still splits wood. I can easily bring it to an edge that can slice through a tomato as if it were but a razor, and it holds that edge well. I've trimmed trees with it, stuck it on the end of a pole and picked fruit with it, gutted fish, split wood (as said above), started dozens (if not hundreds) of fires both in and out of doors, cut away clothing when I was injured (underestimated the flammability of fat pine..), cut through dozens of lengths of rope, used in the kitchen (for fun), cut wrapping paper to size for boxes/gifts, opened wrapping paper, carved a turkey, carved a chicken, split open loaves of bread. Also, it's remarkable hiney has opened bottles (coke/pepsi/mtn.dew, etc in glass bottles), broken wires, twisted wires, lifted up wood-stove
covers, and more.
It's a remarkable little knife which can do alot more than you seem to think. If it cannot cut through hard plastic (and mine does so easily), it's because perhaps it's edge is too thick. Also, keep in mind it is a coated blade, which causes traction. People will often oil or "lube" a knife prior to such cutting, although this can be dangerous as it can cause it to be slippery. In all truth, for around 30-50 dollars, it's a fine knife and one which deserves respect. Yes, the handle can be wrapped in a variety of ways, but you can also get micarta scales. Also, the sheath can accept a belt-clip,
as well as a pouch (such as the ESEE variety) and in this, you may have a complete set of gear (to a point). It's spine may also be squared and roughed for use with a ferro rod.
So far, I've beaten the hell out of mine, and when I need it, it's always ready to go!
I hope that answers your questions. Also, it would have helped to get an indepth answer more quickly if you had provided the reasons and uses you have for the Bk-11 (such as camping:battoning, food-
preparation, rope-cutting or EDC: package opening, box cutting, string cutting, trimming things, whittling, etc.)
Also, before I go I will point out that the design is a V-Grind or Flat-Grind. A Flat-grind edge is more suitable for chopping, hacking, splitting of wood, and general rough use. While a Hollow-Grind is more suitable for cutting and slicing. If you were to slightly thin out the edge, you would likely find it more effective at slicing. I found a happy-medium for my Bk-11. Good luck with your new knife!
B2D
I've had and used roughly a Bk-11 for around three years now. I split kindling every day in the autumn and winter months, sometimes even larger
logs. Often enough, the edge sees the surface of ferro rods, fat pine sticks, and oak. I've split wood with it for three autumns and three winters so far, and it has held up just fine. Sure, there are scratches in the coating, and it has worn away in spots, but the knife still holds an edge, still splits wood. I can easily bring it to an edge that can slice through a tomato as if it were but a razor, and it holds that edge well. I've trimmed trees with it, stuck it on the end of a pole and picked fruit with it, gutted fish, split wood (as said above), started dozens (if not hundreds) of fires both in and out of doors, cut away clothing when I was injured (underestimated the flammability of fat pine..), cut through dozens of lengths of rope, used in the kitchen (for fun), cut wrapping paper to size for boxes/gifts, opened wrapping paper, carved a turkey, carved a chicken, split open loaves of bread. Also, it's remarkable hiney has opened bottles (coke/pepsi/mtn.dew, etc in glass bottles), broken wires, twisted wires, lifted up wood-stove
covers, and more.
It's a remarkable little knife which can do alot more than you seem to think. If it cannot cut through hard plastic (and mine does so easily), it's because perhaps it's edge is too thick. Also, keep in mind it is a coated blade, which causes traction. People will often oil or "lube" a knife prior to such cutting, although this can be dangerous as it can cause it to be slippery. In all truth, for around 30-50 dollars, it's a fine knife and one which deserves respect. Yes, the handle can be wrapped in a variety of ways, but you can also get micarta scales. Also, the sheath can accept a belt-clip,
as well as a pouch (such as the ESEE variety) and in this, you may have a complete set of gear (to a point). It's spine may also be squared and roughed for use with a ferro rod.
So far, I've beaten the hell out of mine, and when I need it, it's always ready to go!
I hope that answers your questions. Also, it would have helped to get an indepth answer more quickly if you had provided the reasons and uses you have for the Bk-11 (such as camping:battoning, food-preparation, rope-cutting or EDC: package opening, box cutting, string cutting, trimming things, whittling, etc.)
Also, before I go I will point out that the design is a V-Grind or Flat-Grind. A Flat-grind edge is more suitable for chopping, hacking, splitting of wood, and general rough use. While a Hollow-Grind is more suitable for cutting and slicing. If you were to slightly thin out the edge, you would likely find it more effective at slicing. I found a happy-medium for my Bk-11. Good luck with your new knife!
B2D
- Joined
- Jun 8, 2010
- Messages
- 3,723
Great knife - I use mine all the time from cleaning game, to making snacks to prepping fires and whatnot. Tough to beat it for the price.
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Beckerhead #42
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Beckerhead #42
The BK-11 is a VERY popular little knife. If it was no good, it would not be so popular. I have one. It was a little small/short in the handle for my taste. I just recently put the micarta handles on it. WHAT A DIFFERENCE !!! It is like a totally different knife now. As for the sharpness, i suggest to either learn how to do it yourself or take it to someone who can. To judge a knife by how it cuts hard plastic does not seem too fair but what do i know. Maybe you can thin the edge a little, then sharpen it up. This has always worked for me when i have a blade with too much shoulder. YMMV. 
Since I got a BK11 I've used it more than any of my other fixed blades. I had concerns about the length of the handle (and shape) but with micarta grips I really like it. My pinky finger is not uncomfortable on the end, and I use the bottle opener all the time. I heat with wood and use it near the wood stove to make kindling. I wouldn't say I split logs, but I make large kindling smaller. I think it's a great little handy tool.
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2011
- Messages
- 1,020
:-D The 11 can split larger wood, it just takes a looooooooong time. For the price, you can't go wrong. I wouldn't mind having two or three. It's a tough, reliable little booger.
- Joined
- May 21, 2011
- Messages
- 3,132
I'll chime in here..
I've had and used roughly a Bk-11 for around three years now. I split kindling every day in the autumn and winter months, sometimes even larger
logs. Often enough, the edge sees the surface of ferro rods, fat pine sticks, and oak. I've split wood with it for three autumns and three winters so far, and it has held up just fine. Sure, there are scratches in the coating, and it has worn away in spots, but the knife still holds an edge, still splits wood. I can easily bring it to an edge that can slice through a tomato as if it were but a razor, and it holds that edge well. I've trimmed trees with it, stuck it on the end of a pole and picked fruit with it, gutted fish, split wood (as said above), started dozens (if not hundreds) of fires both in and out of doors, cut away clothing when I was injured (underestimated the flammability of fat pine..), cut through dozens of lengths of rope, used in the kitchen (for fun), cut wrapping paper to size for boxes/gifts, opened wrapping paper, carved a turkey, carved a chicken, split open loaves of bread. Also, it's remarkable hiney has opened bottles (coke/pepsi/mtn.dew, etc in glass bottles), broken wires, twisted wires, lifted up wood-stove
covers, and more.
It's a remarkable little knife which can do alot more than you seem to think. If it cannot cut through hard plastic (and mine does so easily), it's because perhaps it's edge is too thick. Also, keep in mind it is a coated blade, which causes traction. People will often oil or "lube" a knife prior to such cutting, although this can be dangerous as it can cause it to be slippery. In all truth, for around 30-50 dollars, it's a fine knife and one which deserves respect. Yes, the handle can be wrapped in a variety of ways, but you can also get micarta scales. Also, the sheath can accept a belt-clip,
as well as a pouch (such as the ESEE variety) and in this, you may have a complete set of gear (to a point). It's spine may also be squared and roughed for use with a ferro rod.
So far, I've beaten the hell out of mine, and when I need it, it's always ready to go!
preparation, rope-cutting or EDC: package opening, box cutting, string cutting, trimming things, whittling, etc.)
Also, before I go I will point out that the design is a V-Grind or Flat-Grind. A Flat-grind edge is more suitable for chopping, hacking, splitting of wood, and general rough use. While a Hollow-Grind is more suitable for cutting and slicing. If you were to slightly thin out the edge, you would likely find it more effective at slicing. I found a happy-medium for my Bk-11. Good luck with your new knife!
B2D
Excellent post!
I can't attest for the 11, but I have had the BK14 for a couple of months (same blade, different handle) and after a short conversion to a convex edge, it is definitely a great knife. Not only for the price, just a great all around blade. Utility, EDC, outdoors, you name it. Mine doesn't have the slightest problem with cutting harder plastic either.
Give it a chance, make it your own. You'll love it.