Just bought a BK17

Lawrence Helm said:
tueller,

Were you referring to the knives I pictured with the BK9 when you wrote "large size"? Those, maybe even the BK9 were purchased in moments of weakness and were never seriously intended for hiking. The BK2 and BK10 are definitely hiking size although I wasn't sure about the weight of the BK2. The BK7 will be okay I'm sure once I get a leather sheath. I knew I'd like a BK17 but, but it was in the same size-range as My Ka-Bar 3/4 USMC-type fighting knives -- and I had 3 of those. However I had never really "tried" the BK17. The sheath issue may mean that I won't use it as much as my Ka-Bar 3/4s -- unless I spring for another sheath. The Ka-Bars have nice little leather sheaths perfect for hiking.

Lawrence
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Its nice to have a smaller Becker (14/11) in my opinion for two reasons:

1. Gives a small Becker option to carry or EDC when not hiking.

2. Gives you a small blade to create a great duo with a larger knife. For example, considering your growing collection, your bk17 and bk10 make great carry only one knives. But the bk2, bk7 and bk9, may leave you wanting a smaller knife to marry with it, like a bk14/11.

It is silly but I love the looks and versatility of carrying the bk14 and bk2 together. Also think of the relationship your bk17 could have with the bk9.

Like a boxer. First learn one punch at a time... Then start thinking about combinations, lol.

Oh yah, I almost forgot reason #3: The bk 14 or 11 are extremely economical. Awesome bang for your buck!
 
22-rimfire said:
I know sheaths make a big difference. But why not try out the knives a bit before spending the fairly large money on all these sheaths?
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The "trying" for me consists of taking a knife on a hike, getting the feel of it on my belt, taking the knife in and out of my sheath while I'm hiking, etc. I have the Becker sheaths and most of them are bears to get a knife in and out of in my study. I wouldn't want to take a sheath like that on a hike. Also, they have a lot of stuff on them, holes & pockets I would never use; just too much stuff to flop around for me. The Buck 639V has a fabric sheath. It was intended for a pilot to carry and if need be use the weird saw on the back to cut himself out of a canopy. While I never liked it, it too was difficult to snap, I got used to carrying it without taking it out of the sheath too often. I took some photos earlier of all my hiking-type knives including the 639V, but most were out of focus; so I'll try again later. But can't save money now, I've already sent for Skystorm sheaths for my BK10, BK7 and BK9. I bought a leather sheath on eBay for my BK2 which works well enough. I will wait and see what the BK17 sheath feels like before going a sheath hunting.

Lawrence
 
Lawrence Helm said:
The "trying" for me consists of taking a knife on a hike, getting the feel of it on my belt, taking the knife in and out of my sheath while I'm hiking, etc. I have the Becker sheaths and most of them are bears to get a knife in and out of in my study. I wouldn't want to take a sheath like that on a hike. Also, they have a lot of stuff on them, holes & pockets I would never use; just too much stuff to flop around for me. The Buck 639V has a fabric sheath. It was intended for a pilot to carry and if need be use the weird saw on the back to cut himself out of a canopy. While I never liked it, it too was difficult to snap, I got used to carrying it without taking it out of the sheath too often. I took some photos earlier of all my hiking-type knives including the 639V, but most were out of focus; so I'll try again later. But can't save money now, I've already sent for Skystorm sheaths for my BK10, BK7 and BK9. I bought a leather sheath on eBay for my BK2 which works well enough. I will wait and see what the BK17 sheath feels like before going a sheath hunting.
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I use the little pouches on the factory sheaths for a larger SAK or specifically the Dual Pro X or a One handed Trekker. The factory sheaths aren't fast, but you can not leave one snap open and the knife still stays where it needs to. Some paracord or a leather shoe lace helps to keep the knife close to your leg. Hey.... maybe that lace will save your butt some day and help you build a shelter. :D

Did I read correctly that you purchased a BK-5? That is another "big one"...... the 4-5" size just works better for me. It is fun experimenting and trying new stuff however. What is Ethan's favorite? BK-16
 
tueller said:
Its nice to have a smaller Becker (14/11) in my opinion for two reasons:

1. Gives a small Becker option to carry or EDC when not hiking.

2. Gives you a small blade to create a great duo with a larger knife. For example, considering your growing collection, your bk17 and bk10 make great carry only one knives. But the bk2, bk7 and bk9, may leave you wanting a smaller knife to marry with it, like a bk14/11.

It is silly but I love the looks and versatility of carrying the bk14 and bk2 together. Also think of the relationship your bk17 could have with the bk9.

Like a boxer. First learn one punch at a time... Then start thinking about combinations, lol.

Oh yah, I almost forgot reason #3: The bk 14 or 11 are extremely economical. Awesome bang for your buck!
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I did get the Remora when I got the BK7 -- wasn't impressed.

As to carrying two knives hiking. The right side where my hiking knife goes is the only one open for change. On the left side it has been a Walther 22. I also have a CZ-75 P-01 ready to replace the Walther if things get (seem) more serious on a hike. If I took the CZ I might take the BK7 on the right side.

If things got really really hairy I'd take my S&W 357. In which case I'd probably want to pair it with the BK-9. :D:thumbup:

Lawrence
 
Yes I agree about the remora. If I am using it, the SHTF. Whatever works for you. But the bk14 for me is around the kneck, piggybacked on the larger knife sheath or a boot knife. Because like you, I also have a hip for sharp things and a hip for loud things. Happy trails.
 
My carry 22 when I don't plan on any shooting (aka plinking) is a little Ruger LCR. But I have more than a few to choose from. I have the same problem as all my comfortable belt locations get used up. It is no 357 but a little hole is better than no hole at all if things get testy.
 
22-rimfire said:
What is Ethan's favorite? BK-16
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This is what put me over the edge as far as my need for a bk16. She works really well with my 9, so when I have these 2 I feel capable of anything. My 16 also loves to hang out with my Fiskars hatchet.

But as far as staying on topic, I've read a lot of people really love the 17 because of the size and clip point.
 
Lawrence Helm said:
On the left side it has been a Walther 22. I also have a CZ-75 P-01 ready to replace the Walther if things get (seem) more serious on a hike. If I took the CZ I might take the BK7 on the right side.

If things got really really hairy I'd take my S&W 357. In which case I'd probably want to pair it with the BK-9.
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Other than "animal protection" which for a given area you're hiking in, there isn't much more you can really predict in terms of firearm choice. I agree with all you said, but I tend to choose a 22 (lately Ruger LCR 22 or SR-22P) because they are light or bounce up in caliber to a 3" GP-100 (357) or a 4" S&W M57 (41 mag). Yes, I have holsters for all of these. Can't say that about all of the handguns. Honestly, I don't worry much about the self defense aspects when in the woods/outdoors unless I am somewhere I "know" there are bears. If people are a defineable defensive issue, I don't go there. I would like to pick up a LCR in 357, but it is not a priority financially. Ruger just announced they are making or going produce a 5" GP-100 in 22 which appeals to me a lot.

I guess it is time to do my periodic shift in resource use from knives to guns. :D

So how have you been liking the BK-17? You've had it about a month now.
 
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