Ka-Bar BK14 EsKabar for hunting?

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DeltaCypher0

Joined
Jun 5, 2012
Messages
74
Hey fellas, I'm a new member to the site, but I felt there wass no need to wait to get started. So, I own a few Buck skinning knives including the Vanguard and Ranger Skinner and I like them, but I purchased a KaBar BK14 and i love using it for firecraft and other bushcrafting. I havent had a chance to try it to skin any game, but I was hoping to find someone who has had experience using a flat grind knife to skin game like the BK14. I like how the hollow grind of the Buck knives create a really fine cutting edge, but I'm not a fan of stainless steel. Help me out though, I'm a minimalist, so if I can get rid of the buck knives and use the EsKabar for all outdoor purposes it would be great.

Stay sharp gentlemen.
 
Howdy and Welcome to BladeForums!
There are many forums here. There is even one dedicated to KaBars and another dedicated to KaBar Beckers. I think you will get better answers there, so I am going to move your post to the Becker Knife and Tool Forum.
 
I started skinning a rabbit with my 11 once, which is very similar to a 14. It seemed ok, but it was so dull (my fault) that I switched to something else. as long as it's nice and sharp though it was dandy!
 
DeltaCypher0 said:
Hey fellas, I'm a new member to the site, but I felt there wass no need to wait to get started. So, I own a few Buck skinning knives including the Vanguard and Ranger Skinner and I like them, but I purchased a KaBar BK14 and i love using it for firecraft and other bushcrafting. I havent had a chance to try it to skin any game, but I was hoping to find someone who has had experience using a flat grind knife to skin game like the BK14. I like how the hollow grind of the Buck knives create a really fine cutting edge, but I'm not a fan of stainless steel. Help me out though, I'm a minimalist, so if I can get rid of the buck knives and use the EsKabar for all outdoor purposes it would be great.

Stay sharp gentlemen.
Click to expand...

As long as the edge is razor sharp, it will work fine.
I like to strip the coating off of mine and convex the bevel. They slice pretty well and the handle shape is comfortable in a variety of holds.
With a set of full length grips(such as these I designed), its a great little hunting knife .
002-75.jpg

005-65.jpg
 
I turned this:

2.jpg


Into this:

3.jpg


With the use of the Bk11. Worked great. I think you'll be fine with the 14.
 
Japanese youtuber "Virtuovice" (also the god of sharpening) used/uses an Eskabar for field dressing deers...

Heres mine, convexed, made the scales and made it into a drop point.


BK-14 (2) by CamH_16, on Flickr
 
Probably common sense but I'd definitely make sure I had the zytel scales or no scales rather than a cord wrap if I used my 14 for this application as the cordage will soak up gross stuff.
 
RogueBowie said:
Probably common sense but I'd definitely make sure I had the zytel scales or no scales rather than a cord wrap if I used my 14 for this application as the cordage will soak up gross stuff.
Click to expand...

Good call on that. I didnt think of this. I have been using it with no scales so the finish on my handle is scratched here and there. If i were to make scales for it, what should i use to recoat the handle to prevebt rusting?
 
The day I got my BK11, I shot a deer and used it to dress it out. Also used for skinning it out. Worked great. The added bonus was using the opener to pop the top of a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale to celebrate.

Deer 123011.jpg

Use your BK14 for any chores that you have to do. It will work without any hitches. Just remember to take pics or it didn't happen.
 
I used mine last deer season, and quickly switched back to my Benchmade with a full grip. It does a fine job of cutting, but the handle is to short for me to use it as my only option on large game. The bk15 or bk17, on the other hand, I would have no problem using as my one hunting knife.
 
The BK-14 is my game cleaning knife. I've used it on coon, deer, turkey, coyote, dove, quail, and fish. It's a small and managable blade that takes a good edge, and I prefer this blade size to larger knives when processing game. The zytel handles are a great addition.

My BK-14 has been stripped and has a convex edge that I sparpen on wet/dry sandpaper down to 2000 grit followed by a few strokes on a ceramic rod.

14Zytel4.jpg
 
IMO, it's perfect for skinning. Earlier this year I skinned a goat with my bk14. Sweet little blade!

Use it for everything.
 
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