Let me hear it . . . Why should I buy a BK13 instead of an Esee Candiru

To the OP: what would you like the knife to do for you?

The reason I ask is the following: in a small knife, I want excellent cutting performance. Imo, thicker knives at the spine are a bit weird for small knives. I can't get them decently sharp at least. Where am I getting at: imo, a small knife is best with either a thin stock (cfr. Opinel) so it slices like crazy. A relatively thicker stock, flat grind as in the candiru feels weird and doesn't perform or sharpen up the way I like knives that size to perform (again: for me!). The 13 also has a pretty thick stock, BUT because of the hollow grind, it's very thin behind the edge and hence... it cuts like a charm. Do you want a sturdy little blade, or a slicey little blade? Want both, then compromise and get a 13:)
 
Get a 13 or a 14 and you can't go wrong with either one of these Knives.! If you can ~~ go some place that sells both and try them on for size and how they feel in hand.!**
 
I carry a remora in my maxpedition micro organizer. When i am unable to carry my bk11 i grab my maxped and feel reassurrance that i know its there in case i need it for something. I do like the candiru though and plan on picking one up sometime.
 
I have neither a BK13 or Candiru...and I'm okay with that. They're just too small for my taste. I find the BK11 more comfortable than the 24, even though the handle is slightly shorter. (I almost forgot to specify that my regular 11s are modified - prior to the reshaping, I didn't find it comfortable at all.)
Is the deciding factor size, budget, or _____?
 
+1 on Candiru, but definitely get the scales for it. It now comes with a plastic sheath too. That is my current edc.
 
I haven't tried the bk13, but I honestly haven't felt the need/desire to either. I was gifted a bk11, and it is honestly almost too small for my liking. If I had to buy a small Becker, it would be the bk14/24, as they have the largest handles.

The upside is that you can't really go wrong either way :).
 
wolf-man-12 said:
Get a 13 or a 14 and you can't go wrong with either one of these Knives.! If you can ~~ go some place that sells both and try them on for size and how they feel in hand.!**
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Do you or anyone else know where I could do a hands on in the Hartford, CT area? I'm going to be Stateside this June and that's the area I'll be.

hhmoore said:
I have neither a BK13 or Candiru...and I'm okay with that. They're just too small for my taste. I find the BK11 more comfortable than the 24, even though the handle is slightly shorter. (I almost forgot to specify that my regular 11s are modified - prior to the reshaping, I didn't find it comfortable at all.)
Is the deciding factor size, budget, or _____?
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What type of mods did you do to make the handle more comfy?



Ok. So what I've boiled all this down to is this:

I'd like to get a Candiru and add handle scales. That and I "need" a BK11, 14, or 24. I'm kinda leaning towards the BK11 since it is the only of the 3 that doesn't have the Esee style handle. Now that I've changed gear in my thinking, what pros/cons can you all share concerning these 3 models? Are there any others in this size range that I should consider?

I appreciate the conversation so far. Thanks!
 
I prefer the ESEE Izula handle style. Fits me better than the 11 handle.

There is a reason why we collabed on this one. Best of both worlds.

Add some zytel and some inner tube and the 24 won't handle like a neck knife, it works oike a small bushcrafter.

For size and blade shape, the Candiru works outside it's paygrade.

So does the 24.....

Moose
 
I like the bk14 better than the bk11. I find the handle to be a lot more comfortable. I like the bk14 better than the bk24. I like 1095 and don't see the need for the more expensive bk24. I would recommend buying the zytel scales. They add comfort and are well worth the minor addition in price. Can't really go wrong with either the bk14, 11 or 24 though. All great knives and I will keep all three of mine. I don't like the bk13 though. Its too small and just sits in my bk9/bk7 sheath just because. I hope the day never comes that I NEED it to perform for me:)

Good luck.
 
The 11 has a built in bottle opener!!!

If that doesn't do anything for you, then you might like the handle of the 14 better.

Do you feel a need for D2 steel? If not, then it is really a handle preference between the 11 and 14. If so, then you might have your answer.
 
The 14 is my edc , but usually ends up cutting boxes , thick and thin strapping , tape , etc. I've got the orange handle scales on it cos I work in a warehouse.
 
SA Condor said:
Very valid point sir! What would you consider as other advantages of the BK over the Esee? I've never handled either. The handle shape looks different. How about the blade geometries? The thickness and grind? I'd love your input.

I'm surprised by your answers since you're a mod here on this sub forum! Could you share with me your reasoning behind your suggestion?
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other good reasons: Ethan gets the money.

if you buy the ESEE, they get the money.

works both ways :>

they are both little tiny scalpels. good stuff.
 
Because it is a reason to buy a 9, 5 & 4 since their sheaths are designed to house a 13 perfectly. Little brother can't not have a Biggest brother; that would be cruel....:D

Anyone made wood scales for a 13? Pix?
 
Moosez45 said:
I prefer the ESEE Izula handle style. Fits me better than the 11 handle.

There is a reason why we collabed on this one. Best of both worlds.....

Moose
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This is good to know, thanks for your insight. Do you know of any place near Hartford, CT that I could shop hands on?

tueller said:
I like the bk14 better than the bk11. I find the handle to be a lot more comfortable. I would recommend buying the zytel scales. They add comfort and are well worth the minor addition in price.

Good luck.
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That 3 of you have stated that the handle is more comfy on the bk14, that makes me lean that way. Thanks for you insight.

Silver Needle said:
The 11 has a built in bottle opener!!!

If that doesn't do anything for you, then you might like the handle of the 14 better.

Do you feel a need for D2 steel? If not, then it is really a handle preference between the 11 and 14. If so, then you might have your answer.
Click to expand...

I don't need the bottle opener, so it sounds like the 14 is the winner. I don't see the need for the D2 steel. Thanks!
 
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