Is the Bk2 Falling out of favor?

L

Lawrence Helm

Joined
Jul 24, 2014
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328
I've run across a number of comments recently implying that for some on this forum the BK2 didn't live up to expectations. While Ethan Becker never said that I remember a comment of his not so long ago where he implied that the BK16 might be his ideal knife. The BK2 he described elsewhere as the knife for an Armageddon situation if you could only have one knife.

This isn't entirely academic for me. The BK2 was my first BK knife and then in a multiple-sheath plus knife auction I acquired a second one. When I started accumulating Becker knives perhaps better for hiking, the BK 7, 10, and 12 I decided to give my second BK2 to my son, but when I began wondering about this issue I got out my BK2 and decided I still like it a lot. I have a gorgeous osage orange handle on it and while the sheath isn't from Skystorm it is functionally fine.

I just weighed the four with sheaths and the BK2 weighs 1.5 pounds, the BK10 1.15 pounds, the BK12 15.75 ounces, and the BK7 1.3 pounds. If I wanted to go light on a hike I might not take any of these but for the sorts of hikes I've been taking recently the BK2 isn't uncomfortable, let alone any of the others.

So do I like the BK2 as much as I did when I first bought it? Seems to me at the moment that I do. I'd be interested in any other thoughts on the BK2 and whether it is still admired as much as it once was.

Some other inputs can be seen in the A***** rating system: In "Sports and Outdoors" these knives are ranked in terms of sales:

BK2 5989
BK10 13112
BK7 9224
BK12 isn't sold by A*****

And for reference:
BK9 7398
Kabar 1094

This at least says that a lot of people are still buying the BK2. [I'm surprised to see the BK9 ranked higher than both the BK10 and the BK7 but that's another subject.]

Better quit before I think of something else to check :yawn:

Lawrence
 
It's a little heavy but bomb proof.
I still use mine.
With all the new Beckers out there I have to many choices which is a good thing I guess.
 
Mins is still hung in the shed and used to cut everything from fire wood to weedeater string. With a convex edge I haven't had to sharpen it in over a year. If stuck to only one blade I would grab the bk2 in a heart beat. My current combo is a 16 and a 9 but if push came to shove and I could only grab 1 it would be the 2... Hands down. You would really have to f'up I've to screw this blade up to the point of no use... I mean after chopping a lawn mower in half it would still kill the zombies knocking at your door.... Just saying
 
There are knife trends just like any other products. For a while it was tactical knives, then back to survival knives, then an emphasis on thick indestructible knives (the bk2, esee 5, bravo 1 and other 1/4 inch thick steel blades) and now the trends are on bushcraft retro styled thinner blades like the bk16, survive, bhk and other thinner stock knives. It's a pendalum that will always swing back and forth as we go broke looking for the perfect knife that doesn't exist.

As for me. I love me that thick steel. BK2 all day. The most compfortable handle I have ever held. Sweet thick carbon steel that will outlast me and my son. As for the additional weight, hell i work out. A few extra ounces is worth it for the piece of mind knowing my knife was designed to with stand anything. I wish some of the other beckers came in 1/4 inch steel but I guess I will have to wait till the pendalum swings back again. Imagine a bk2 stretched to the length of a bk9? Meaning a bk9 with a .25 thick drop point blade. I would call it the BK900.
 
The BK-2 lived up to my expectations. But what I wanted in a knife change a bit. I didn't need THAT much metal, and being able to cut THROUGH things rather than split logs became more of a priority. I generally prefer balanced designs, and the 2 is definitely an extreme knife. I'd leave mine in my truck as a wreck-anything tool if it were legal to do so in my state. It's *perfect* for that.
 
I think the phase for knives goes round in circles, but lot of the time I think its who you speak too. I know a lot in the UK and US that go for the 9 cos they fancy themselves as a Rambo/Crocodile Dundee type and think bigger is better. You get different types: #1 Just look how many useless knives (BK&T excluded) you can find in a knife shop that youngsters spend their money to buy big blades, cheap steel and bad shape/ergonomics. #2 types who buy combat knives, like tanto knives cos they "can pierce kevlar vests" or stab well, etc when they will never see actual combat and never will commit knife crimes. #3 The types that think the bigger the knife the bigger their 'organic tool' is. #4 The idiots who really think a Zombie Apocalpse is going to happen and all their (zero hours) of knife training is going to be effective with a big knife. The list could go on forever, but I see knives as tools and youngsters and others alike need to think "realistically" what they need a knife for, what edge and shape they need, its all down to education. That's why I think the BK2 is a great starter knife, especially for Scouts, as they can do camp craft and learn from a foundation of what is needed from them. Call me old school, but my Lockable basic Swiss Army knife gets used more than anything, but not everything. I don't need a 9 or the like cos I use a BK2 and anything bigger use a saw or axe. I don't need to stab or kill anyone, so heaviness of welding the knife does not affect me nor does its lack of puncture point or that old chestnut 'blood grooves'. I know all beckers are not large, and some very practical like a good neck knife (my next swiss army ish replacement) But I just enjoy the simple campcraft and BK2 is a formidable knife. After all it was based on a British Issue survival knife, so its no joke of a knife. But each to their own and Ethan knows this, hence a full range.
 
jius said:
I think the phase for knives goes round in circles, but lot of the time I think its who you speak too. I know a lot in the UK and US that go for the 9 cos they fancy themselves as a Rambo/Crocodile Dundee type and think bigger is better. You get different types: #1 Just look how many useless knives (BK&T excluded) you can find in a knife shop that youngsters spend their money to buy big blades, cheap steel and bad shape/ergonomics. #2 types who buy combat knives, like tanto knives cos they "can pierce kevlar vests" or stab well, etc when they will never see actual combat and never will commit knife crimes. #3 The types that think the bigger the knife the bigger their 'organic tool' is. #4 The idiots who really think a Zombie Apocalpse is going to happen and all their (zero hours) of knife training is going to be effective with a big knife. The list could go on forever, but I see knives as tools and youngsters and others alike need to think "realistically" what they need a knife for, what edge and shape they need, its all down to education. That's why I think the BK2 is a great starter knife, especially for Scouts, as they can do camp craft and learn from a foundation of what is needed from them. Call me old school, but my Lockable basic Swiss Army knife gets used more than anything, but not everything. I don't need a 9 or the like cos I use a BK2 and anything bigger use a saw or axe. I don't need to stab or kill anyone, so heaviness of welding the knife does not affect me nor does its lack of puncture point or that old chestnut 'blood grooves'. I know all beckers are not large, and some very practical like a good neck knife (my next swiss army ish replacement) But I just enjoy the simple campcraft and BK2 is a formidable knife. After all it was based on a British Issue survival knife, so its no joke of a knife. But each to their own and Ethan knows this, hence a full range.
Click to expand...

Interesting comments, Jius. Just out of curiosity and not precisely on thread, is there a restriction in the UK in regard to the length of a fixed-bladed knife you can own? A while back I watched a review of (I think the BK12) compared to some other knives in Japan. The reviewer was about to take a trip into bear country, where a man had recently been killed by a bear. He said the knives he was reviewing possessed the longest blades he could own (6 inches). He compared it to some other knives of the same length and liked the BK12 best. After the review he brandished the BK12 as though he knew something about knife-fighting and said he was going off to kill a bear. He couldn't own a BK7 or a BK9 but it didn't sound as though he cared. ;)

Lawrence
 
The BK2 really is a remarkable blade. It pretty much can do everything you'd ever need to do all by itself (if you had to). I also find that the thickness + the scales makes for an extremely comfortable handle. So much so that my BK9 felt just wrong until I got liners for it to bring it up to BK2 levels of girth.

I bought my BK2 (first "real" knife) after lots of research, and have been happy with how its performed. But, like others have said, I think my expectations/perceptions of what I need have changed. Since I got my BK9, and have discovered that it is more than robust ("thick") enough for anything I'll ever need/want to do, I haven't really carried the BK2 since. I honestly wish they made a BK2 shaped FFG 3/16in knife, as I think I would carry that as a one tool option. I have also thought about selling/gifting my BK2 and getting a BK12, or a 10, since both of those are pretty close to what I'm looking for.

That said, if the BK10 or BK16 had been available when I was first looking for my "camping knife", I don't think I would have ever purchased the BK2. The main reason I went with the BK2 was that I heard such great things about value from these "Becker" knives, but for a first knife, the BK9 seemed WAYYY too large, while the BK11 seemed far to small. So BK2 it was.
 
As one that mentioned that my BK2 sits on the shelf because we never clicked, I'll offer my explanation. As mentioned in that post, I purchased it because I found it on the exchange for a good price. I had some plans for it which never happened due to time constraints; but, still, the purchase was mostly to "check it out"...I didn't have any burning desire for a knife like that. Perhaps I should say, another knife like that - I already owned an ESEE 5. For me, with the knives that I have, getting the BK2 was sort of the answer to a question that never existed. Don't get me wrong - I like the BK2; but role does it fill? I've got "bombproof" survival knife covered with my 7.5" and 9" M8s (5/16" 5160, for anybody that doesn't know). I'm sure that I'll like the 2 if/when I put it through its paces; but my time for that has been pretty limited since I got it, and I didn't think about switching gear when I stole an opportunity for a spontaneous hike.
In short, it isn't a matter of losing love for the BK2...it's a matter of not giving the love a chance to develop. Or maybe simply a matter of too many knives?
 
In response to Lawrence (without the large paragraphs blocking thread): In a nutshell size factor in fixed blades is not a specific issue, such as chefs us 9" knives. But it is more of a case of "proving" why you have a knife with you, how, where, when, etc. I fully understand the laws to protect people from the idiots who always carry knives and want to stab people or some other terrible act, but in some instances its a case of innocent people losing out to the exceptions. But that's the UK Government for you! . More or full law reasons can be read at:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knife_legislation#United_Kingdom
 
Got one...great blade. Problem is I have so many knives it never gets used. I always tent to grab either mu BK16 or ESEE 3 for hikes or camp chores. Wood gathering and prep goes to my BK9. Just don't seem to have a reason at the moment to use it.....
 
BK9 are still a main workhorse for me and it will be paired up with a BK16 later when it arrive while i use other 4 to 6 inch blade for the time being but BK2 has never came to my mind thou a lot of my friends have it and enjoyed it a lot.
 
The BK2 fills its roll as a tool for a certain niche. I agree with most of what is said above; It is the perfect bombproof one knife solution. When holding it you feel like you could dismantle the world (because you could and it's been proven lol)! But variety is the spice of life! while it is the one knife that is good at all tasks, it doesn't really excel at anything (aside from cutting apart lawnmowers). It can fillet, but a thinner blade would be better. It can chop, but a larger knife would be better. ect.

If my life depended on one knife it would be the BK2 (I carry one every day in my EDC bag). As we are all fortunate enough to own many amazing tools for specific cutting tasks; why not use the right tool for the right job? this has been what we have been working at since the beginning of time! Anything to make our lives easier!

I'm glad I got my BK2 first, It will always have its special home in my EDC bag. It has not fallen out of my favor, but other knives have come to fill the rolls to which I once used it for, making those specific cutting tasks easier.

my $0.02
 
The BK2 is an awesome knife.
Tough as Hell & no weak points.
Extra thickness & weight don't bother me and it will even work for smaller tasKS as well.
It's a classic & will always have a following IMO.
 
I've now got most of the Becker line and I've used most on various tasks. Early on it mattered a little to me what others thought about particular models because I didn't have my own experience to help make good choices. Now I can honestly say it doesn't matter to me why someone else wants one or uses one. If you just want to try it, buy it. If you just want to put it on a shelf and look at it, good for you. I've never 'collected' anything in my life but for some reason, I've got a hankering to collect these. Probably because they are utilitarian and not that expensive. Their value ratio is very high (to me) and when I'm done with one or don't feel I'll want it any more I can turn around and sell it for most of what I have in it. My first was an 11, then a 2, then a 7. Now I've got all except the 3, 6, or 15 and I'm anxiously waiting on the availability of the Reinhardt Kukri. I live on a couple acres with lots of trees and brush to keep maintained. I find that for those tasks I want either a 9, 4 or a kukri with me because they handle those type of tasks with ease and little effort. If I'm just hiking around I like the 2 and understand why to many, just the feel and weight of it provides a good sense of security. So many knives, so little time. I'm just glad there are so many great options at reasonable prices. Oh, and Lawrence, I appreciate your posts and musings. Keep it up. Thanks.
 
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BK-2 was my first Becker, followed by the BK-11. Then the addiction just spiraled out of control and I have around 50 personal Becker's. That's not even counting all the New Becker's I have in stock for my store.

When I got the BK-2, I really had no plans on ever needing or getting another BK&T. But after seeing the knives on this forum and the different uses each Blade is good for, you somehow justify that next Becker purchase.

Does my BK-2 get used as much as it did when I first got it? Nope. Would I ever get rid of it? NO Way. Would it be my go to knife for a campout, day hike, or hunting adventure? Probably not.

But once upon a time, I would grab it for all those scenarios and it would handle all the tasks I needed to just fine. But my taste changed in what I liked in a blade as I acquired more knives and spent more and more time using them. Either doing bushcraft stuff, kitchen stuff, skinning and processing game, doing yard work, or even just fondling them for hours at a time. I came to realize that certain knives were easier to use for different tasks, even though I could use any one of them to get the job done, I preferred to have a dedicated knife or two for a certain situation that made that task easier or more fun.

I think most people gravitate to the BK-2 for a first knife because the really don't know what they want in a knife yet. The BK-2 is a good knife for almost every situation. I didn't say great, because it's not great, just good. And that's fine by me. It truly can be a one knife option. Can it pry? Yes but the BK3 is a lot better. Can it chop better than most knives in it's size? Absolutely, but the BK-9 or BK-4 chops better. Can it carve small pieces of wood? Yes but the BK-16 is better. Can it process food? For sure but I'd rather have a BK-5 or BK-15 for that. Can it be an EDC? Yea but I prefer the BK-11. Can I use it to skin and process a deer? Yes it can but If I had a choice I would want a BK-16, BK-15, and a BK-5 to help me get that deer from the woods to the freezer.

The list goes on and on, but I think I get my point across. When I got my BK-2 I was blown away at how tough the sucker was and how hefty the little guy felt. I was used to mostly Buck knives growing up and used to carry a Buck 103 and 119 with me out into the woods and would never even think of putting them through what I would put my Becker's though. I can't depend of those blades in the same way. So I became fascinated with the Becker lineup and had to have them all.

The other reason I think the BK-2 is so popular is because it is one of the best looking knives out there. Also since it doesn't have a thumb ramp and swedge, it does not look tactical or intimidating. Some first time knife buyers are turned off of an aggressive looking knife.

So no I do not think the BK-2 is Falling out of Favor. It is just the other knives are becoming popular and people who own BK-2's are getting more Becker's and figuring out other knives in the lineup that suit their needs a little better.

I believe that for someone just getting into the outdoors and has limited funds to spend on gear, The BK-2 is a fantastic option to get them started. Then as their skill level increases and they save up some cash, they can get a 2 or 3 knife combo that will be the best option for them. Such as an 11, 16, and 9 combo.
Or a 24, 15, and 4 combo. Or a 13 and a 10. Or a 17 and a 5. Ok, Im just getting silly now so I'll stop. haha. Ok one more, A BK-16 and a BK-21. That's gonna be awesome.


Enough rambling.......... how bout a picture!

Here is my baby. And I have promised to get out and use her more.
a91a252f6a01525cb4b953036854562f_zps1edcf58c.jpg


bce3a39043bce3442d0749915315bc20_zpsc303b95f.jpg
 
My BK2 is hands down still my favorite knife! I've owned so many knives over the years but I was never truly interested in modifying or really gave two craps about them until the BK2. I continue to modify my BK2 and feel that if I had to only have 1 knife period, I'd pick that one up. It's true that I recently purchases a BK16 and have already modified it to meet my needs, and I'm sure that it will be my hunting companion this year. I just feel that the 16 will be a better compliment for field dressing than the BK2, but as I've posted in other threads the BK2 field dressed 3 deer in one day just fine.

I think Dex is right in that other lovers of the BK2 just start getting more Beckers and find some others fit certain roles better, but NONE can do all roles with as much rock solid certainty as the BK2.

Everyone should own a BK2.
 
I have a BK 2. It exceeded my expectations. Handles well, durable, hones easily, bites well. Its light in hand and in sheath. Wether its a 2, 3, 7, 9, 11, 16..or what have you..they are all good..made with good steel with a fine HT.
 
Dexwithers said:
I think most people gravitate to the BK-2 for a first knife because the really don't know what they want in a knife yet. The BK-2 is a good knife for almost every situation. I didn't say great, because it's not great, just good. And that's fine by me. It truly can be a one knife option. Can it pry? Yes but the BK3 is a lot better. Can it chop better than most knives in it's size? Absolutely, but the BK-9 or BK-4 chops better. Can it carve small pieces of wood? Yes but the BK-16 is better. Can it process food? For sure but I'd rather have a BK-5 or BK-15 for that. Can it be an EDC? Yea but I prefer the BK-11. Can I use it to skin and process a deer? Yes it can but If I had a choice I would want a BK-16, BK-15, and a BK-5 to help me get that deer from the woods to the freezer.
Click to expand...

This. Very well said Dex. It mirrors my experience perfectly, the BK2 was my first real fixed blade knife. I still have it and use it occasionally (it's still the best for batoning all but large logs, with its thickness), but it's not my go-to in any situation.
 
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