Just Received a New BK9 - Questions and Suggestions

[MRCDH]

Hello fellow BK9 owners, I just received mine yesterday and would appreciate some feedback on getting the best use from this wonderful knife without wasting a lot of money and time running down blind allies. I had done a good bit of reading on the BK9, its sheath, stripping the protective coating, inducing a patina finish (how long does this last, does it need to be redone periodically), new scales etc. Upon receiving the knife and sheath I am extremely impressed with the product, it speaks of quality.

First, does the knife need to have the protective coating removed? I like the appearance as it is but I have seen in various videos that the knife really starts to look beat up after awhile with the factory coating. Is there a way of maintaining the original appearance or restoring periodically. I know there are coatings (ie Duracoat etc) which I am sure can be made to look attractive after the factory coating is stripped, but I imagine that it needs maintenance to retain their appearance. If the coating situation is a never ending touch-up job I would vote for stripping and adding a patina. Is this what most people who have the BK9 do?

The sheath seems to get a lot of criticism. In looking at it it looks like it could be easily modified by adding some additional grommets along the sides or some Ranger bands to make it more functional, or better clip closures. My sheath holds the knife firmly and there is no rattling noise. Has anyone modified the sheath along the lines that I suggested and how has the sheath held up? Some of the sheath solutions are twice as expensive as the knife which doesn't seem to make sense, although they do look quite attractive; however, this is not a beauty contest.

The scales on the standard BK9 look good although they are quite smooth and would impact gripping, which can be address with a Ranger band. What is the benefit of the micarta scales, or is this more a dress up of the knife.

If one does strip the factory coating and puts a patina on the blade, how long does this last and what up keep is necessary?

Last but not least, what other suggestions do you have that would add to the enjoyment and usefulness of the BK9?

 

[bearfacedkiller]

Most of your questions are pretty subjective so here is my subjective opinion. You don't have to remove the coating and whether or not it looks bad as it wears is up to you, I don't think it looks bad. I dislike coatings in general so they all come off. I do like to leave the coating on the handle and just remove the coating from the blade. This gives me some corrosion resistance under the scales which is generally the only place I ever have problems. I also don't ever force a patina and prefer to just let them form naturally. I think that faux damascus mustard patinas are fugly. If it were my style to force a patina I would go with vinegar or ferric or something. The patina should hold up well but many factors come into play like how it was formed, how you use it and what climate you live in. I would try the stock grips first and change them if you have an issue. A lanyard and a glove can be very beneficial.

 

[mrn8]

The BK9 is perfectly usable straight out of the box. If you like the coating, keep it. Over time, it'll wear off, but will just show that you've actually used the blade and will tell the "stories" with it's unique look. It's just like my chainsaw bars...I don't like them until they paint wears off.

As for the handles, Micarta does add a good amount of gripping ability. It's not just for show. I find that when they get really wet, I slip more with micarta with bare hands. With gloves, it doesn't really seem to make any difference. I'm not sure why, but that's just what I've observed.

 

[MRCDH]

Bear, thank you for your response; I like your idea of leaving the coating under the handle and removing the coating where it shows. Forcing a patina with vinegar is probably the direction I will go. I would like to modify the factory sheath with some additional grommets to increase flexibility and add some milspec paracord and Ranger bands on the handle after the stripping is complete. Again thanks for your suggestions!!

 

[MRCDH]

MRN8, thanks for your input; I will hold off on the Micarta and upgraded sheath for the time being. Instead of Micarta I am going to use a Ranger band on the factory handle after I strip the factory coating. Thanks again!!

 

[Noswad0208]

Try holding off on the ranger band for the handle. The scales may feel slick, but the best part about Becker knives is the handle design. It's made to lock up in your hand without any texture added. I've chopped quite a bit with my 9 and it's totally stock other than being stripped, no lanyard or handle mods, and I've never had it slip on me. Even with sweaty hands. But as always, YMMV.

 

[Ethan Becker]

Hey MRCDH.....

Welcome to the Becker forum...... And, my thanks to you for buying your Nine......

I recommend using the blade for a while and if it gets a bit groaty looking then strip it if it starts to bother you..... A natural patina will form if you strip it and do nothing and an occasional wax job or Vaseline lube will maintain it nicely....... If you get to feeling creative then you can find a bunch of great examples to follow or inform the flow of your artistic juices in the photo threads...

Let us know how the blade works for you........ Btw the denizens of this place love photos.......

All best....

Ethan

 

[JTmisterknifeguy]

Welcome,
The 9 was my gateway Becker.

It has become THE reference point for any and all other large wilderness/survival knives that I encounter/own.

And uncle E is right, we love (demand at knifepoint) photos of your recent prize...

 

[MRCDH]

Hey MRCDH.....

Welcome to the Becker forum...... And, my thanks to you for buying your Nine......

I recommend using the blade for a while and if it gets a bit groaty looking then strip it if it starts to bother you..... A natural patina will form if you strip it and do nothing and an occasional wax job or Vaseline lube will maintain it nicely....... If you get to feeling creative then you can find a bunch of great examples to follow or inform the flow of your artistic juices in the photo threads...

Let us know how the blade works for you........ Btw the denizens of this place love photos.......

All best....

Ethan

Ethan, I am honored that you took the time to respond to my inquiry. The BK9 is a quality product and I look forward to many years of use; you are a quality individual to personally address my questions and I will take some additional time to assess the direction I wish to pursue as you suggested. Again, thank you for the personal touch it means a lot.

 

[MRCDH]

Welcome,
The 9 was my gateway Becker.

It has become THE reference point for any and all other large wilderness/survival knives that I encounter/own.

And uncle E is right, we love (demand at knifepoint) photos of your recent prize...

JT photography is one of my many hobbies; I will submit a picture that will do the BK9 proud.

 

[MRCDH]

Try holding off on the ranger band for the handle. The scales may feel slick, but the best part about Becker knives is the handle design. It's made to lock up in your hand without any texture added. I've chopped quite a bit with my 9 and it's totally stock other than being stripped, no lanyard or handle mods, and I've never had it slip on me. Even with sweaty hands. But as always, YMMV.

Noswad, I will hold off as you suggested and give myself an opportunity to establish a comfort level with the "9". Ethan pretty much gave the same sort of input (haste makes waste).

 

[SALTY]

Congratulations on your acquisition of what is arguably the flagship of the Becker line; it's a great knife.

Different folk have different ideas about their knives; to some they are mere tools while to others they may be jewelry or even icons - most here fall somewhere in between. Not just because he is The Ethan - but Ethan's views, at least on this, coincide with mine: use it before deciding what to do.

Becker knives are meant to be used, they like to be used - Ethan likes it when they are used; so the wear of the finish that comes with use can be viewed more as service stripes than damage. Yes the bed liner like finish can be a little grippy on the media being cut, but that will change over time. I think that well used Beckers with worn coating evidencing legitimate use is cool looking ... gives the knife, and it's owner, cred.

I may get picked on by some for this but having two of a favored model makes sense - a user and a keeper. I say use the daylights out of one and polish the other to a mirror finish, coat lightly with mineral oil and put fancy grips on it. Use it sparingly and enjoy the pride of ownership that comes from having something easy on the eyes that you have made your own. The other? Treat it like you stole it and then, as suggested here previously and most assuredly preferred by the faithful, POST PICS!

 

[MRCDH]

Congratulations on your acquisition of what is arguably the flagship of the Becker line; it's a great knife.

Different folk have different ideas about their knives; to some they are mere tools while to others they may be jewelry or even icons - most here fall somewhere in between. Not just because he is The Ethan - but Ethan's views, at least on this, coincide with mine: use it before deciding what to do.

Becker knives are meant to be used, they like to be used - Ethan likes it when they are used; so the wear of the finish that comes with use can be viewed more as service stripes than damage. Yes the bed liner like finish can be a little grippy on the media being cut, but that will change over time. I think that well used Beckers with worn coating evidencing legitimate use is cool looking ... gives the knife, and it's owner, cred.

I may get picked on by some for this but having two of a favored model makes sense - a user and a keeper. I say use the daylights out of one and polish the other to a mirror finish, coat lightly with mineral oil and put fancy grips on it. Use it sparingly and enjoy the pride of ownership that comes from having something easy on the eyes that you have made your own. The other? Treat it like you stole it and then, as suggested here previously and most assuredly preferred by the faithful, POST PICS!

Salty, I like your approach and it somewhat mirrors Ethan's and others. I'll give the 9 a chance to grow on me and see where that leads. The idea of two has it merits also. It would be something like work clothes versus the ones you wear when you go more formal. Again thanks for your response!!

 

[NixKustoms]

Congrats I the 9. It's a beast of a knife. You're gonna love it then want more.

There are a lot of options out there for what you can do with your knife but like others said; use it for a while and see how it goes.

There are also a lot of sheath makers here that would be more than happy to help with a sheath, including me. Haven't made a sheath for a 9 in a while otherwise I'd show ya. But there are some things you can do with the factory sheath. Here's one I did for my bk16.





As for the handles I say use it for a while. See whatcha think before you decide to change them. People have stippled them and love how they are after that but that is way too much texture for me. I have had micarta on my 9 before and I feel like it takes away from the chopability of the knife. the g10 will more than likely do the same but it's also very grippy.

Where are you located? We do have two gatherings coming up very soon. There is always an abundance of steel there to play with and you can see what we've done to our blades in person.

Welcome to the Becker sickness bud!!! :thumbup:

And cut back on the big words. Some of us have a hard enough time with the regular sized words...including me. lol

 

[echoscout]

Congrats on the BK9. Try not to delimb every tree in the neighborhood trying it out.

 

[MRCDH]

Congrats I the 9. It's a beast of a knife. You're gonna love it then want more.

There are a lot of options out there for what you can do with your knife but like others said; use it for a while and see how it goes.

There are also a lot of sheath makers here that would be more than happy to help with a sheath, including me. Haven't made a sheath for a 9 in a while otherwise I'd show ya. But there are some things you can do with the factory sheath. Here's one I did for my bk16.





As for the handles I say use it for a while. See whatcha think before you decide to change them. People have stippled them and love how they are after that but that is way too much texture for me. I have had micarta on my 9 before and I feel like it takes away from the chopability of the knife. the g10 will more than likely do the same but it's also very grippy.

Where are you located? We do have two gatherings coming up very soon. There is always an abundance of steel there to play with and you can see what we've done to our blades in person.

Welcome to the Becker sickness bud!!! :thumbup:

And cut back on the big words. Some of us have a hard enough time with the regular sized words...including me. lol

NixCustoms, thank you for the feedback; I like what you did with the sheath (it is along the lines of what I was suggesting with adding grommets along the sides of the sheath. I am located in Scottsdale, AZ. I am going to follow your and others suggestions to not rush in and make modifications. I'll put the knife to good use and keep my eyes open for ways to modify it in addition to what I mentioned earlier. Thanks again!!