I'm stuck. BK15 or BK17 for general utility?

While I wait for my BK15, here's a photo of my BK7 and BK14 hanging out when they are brand spankin' new:

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Wow! The BK15 came a day earlier. I was having lunch and the postman dropped it off.

Only time for one quick photo with it's immediate family before I go back to work:

 
Nice pick up. That 15 looks like it would make a great knife for field dressing deer.
 
cschol said:
Oh yeah! New steel is always exciting.
Planning any mods?
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Sure, although I'm not handy enough to do any modding to the steel or make my own handles or sheath.

I definitely need to get some bigger scales for the BK7. I've got XXL sized hands with long fingers because I'm 6' 7". Most knives (most tools) are engineered such that they are a little too small for my hands to grip properly (which is why I love my thick Ka-Bar Mule as a folder), and I generally just deal with it. However, the grip is a little too small given the blade weight and the force one might need to wield with that knife when chopping, etc. (or for that matter, if it ever had to be used tactically). As far as the BK15, I want to wait and use it some and decide whether or not I really need larger scales.

And I agree with what I've read others say about the Becker black coating. I can already tell it does create a good bit of friction. I want to strip and patina the BK15 since it really is a knife that is designed to excel at slicing--stripping the paint has to take it up to that next notch in usability. I might try fine sanding the BK7 blade paint just to see if I can smooth it down--more to see what will happen because I imagine I will probably strip it too.

Finally, I'm not too thrilled with the BK15 sheath (I even like the BK7 sheath better). It seems like it was a one size fits all designed more for the shorter BK16/BK17 rather than uniquely designed for it; for instance, you can feel the tip hitting the bottom of the interior. Don't really like the particular choice of sand/foliage color either. I might splurge for one of the Skystorm leather sheaths in a couple of months, or I might get a SpecOPS sheath. New scales for the BK7 are the first priority, plus I spent TOO much on knives in the last month :D
 
Don W said:
Nice pick up. That 15 looks like it would make a great knife for field dressing deer.
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Probably so. I'm familiar with carving and slicing enough in a kitchen to know that this knife feels good for that (although I want to strip the blade before using it like that). Although I'm the wrong one to tell you for sure if it'd be good for field work. I'm the wrong one to kill the deer, and even if I managed to, you definitely would not want me trying to dress it. LOL
 
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Don W said:
Nice pick up. That 15 looks like it would make a great knife for field dressing deer.
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Not the best for field dressing imho, (but works) I like the 24 for that, but it excels in skinning and processing. The trailing point is sweet when you make your cuts down the legs and the belly of the blade makes pulling hide off quick and easy. It is always in my pack with the 24 on any hunt.
 
I have both the 15 and 17. im trying to decide which one I should pair with my gransfors bruk small Forest axe for camping. I just recently got the 17 and haven't put it through much use. any suggestions on which would compliment my axe better?
 
Id say the 15 will compliment it better. Your SFA can handle all of the roughing out duties, and the 15 can fine tune.

Beckerhead #347
 
tobiism said:
Id say the 15 will compliment it better. Your SFA can handle all of the roughing out duties, and the 15 can fine tune.

Beckerhead #347
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ill probably take both on my next camping trip and put them to work to decide. the only thing with the 15 is using the choil vs having the blade closer to the handle on the 17, im not sure which I would prefer in the long run.
 
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