Modify my necker, or get a BK14?

Fallbrook Forge

Fallbrook Forge

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Jan 1, 2006
Messages
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So, I got myself a necker awhile ago and as much as I try to, I can't like the handle. It cramps all my fingers and the bottle opener irritates my hand

So, do I modify the handle shape and add micarta to the necker? Or do I get the BK14?

What say you? And why?
 
For a small fixed blade, I really like the 24. But my first 11 just shipped today. I got it because of the bottle opener - if I wasn't going to use that, I'd say 14 for sure. However, since you already have the 11, search for the threads where people created full-size scales that run up to the ricasso and cover the opener (like this one http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1122000-Knife-handle-GIVEAWAY!!!) - some say they like it better than the 14. So, were I in your shoes, that's the way I'd go.
 
I'd say it depends on how much work you are willing to put into it. Some have made longer handles, at least for the purpose of covering the bottle opener. My opinion though; say, get the 14, and if you still want longer handles on your 11, then by all means....go to it.

I started with the 14 and love it still. When I got the 11 though, even with micarta, I couldn't love it becuase of the smaller handle. My wife (smaller hands) likes it a lot and has made it her own. Win for me.
 
A BK14 can be had for as little as $40.00 shipped, so I would go that route and sell the 11 for a price that would get it sold before the day is up, offsetting the cost of the 14. Assuming your BK11 is like new, a price of $25.00 would sell in a flash. If it's beat to chit, then a little less.
 
I felt similarly, but I never gave much thought to selling mine since I had already used it and I liked it well enough. So I modified the handle by taking off the finger guard/waddle, welding on an extension, and then thinning out the back part of the handle.

10192168316_3767e34510_c.jpg


I don't know how much you're willing to go through to make it how you like it, but where there's a will, there's a way...

This guy was my original inspiration:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/885683-BK11-now-with-Curly-Birch-and-bigger-handle

This thread shows the waddle removed and I posted a couple of before/after pics here as well. You might also take a look at the dedicated BK11 pic thread and the "show me your wood" thread (or whatever it's called)
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1118367-Big-hands-and-little-handles-11-and-14-mods
 
The micarta makes a world of difference for a BK11, but a BK14 you can ge the zytel grips for cheap. Personally I much prefer the BK11 with micarta since I have XL hands and the 14 and 11 are both a 3 finger grip for me. Now if they would just bring out an 11 in D2 :D
 
I did both - got a 14 & 24 plus added an extended handle to an 11.
 
Psyop, doesn't the finger groove cramp your hand?

I already have the necker and a dremel so I'm going to give modifying it a shot. I'm going to grind out the finger grove to make it bigger, and I think I'll try my hand at an extended handle for it.
 
gruntinhusaybah said:
Psyop, doesn't the finger groove cramp your hand?

I already have the necker and a dremel so I'm going to give modifying it a shot. I'm going to grind out the finger grove to make it bigger, and I think I'll try my hand at an extended handle for it.
Click to expand...

No I think the micarta makes it wide enough at the front that it feels good. For me its a nice solid 3 finger grip, but the 14 is also a 3 finger grip for me. If anything I get better control with the 11 and it opens beers.
 
I really can get into the 11 either. The bottle opener gets in the way and I really have no use for it. Just my personal preference but I love my 14/24. Id reccomend them over an 11 any day. There are many here that love the 11 though and it fits their hand/use better....
 
I'd skip the blade modifications also, add scales, and just get another knife. But if you get another one of these same designs, you'll still be probably looking at handles.
 
If the 11 is buggin you just get a 14/24 with the zytel. I have looked at modifying the 11 and really you either have to add material or take it off either in handles or with a grinder. AND even though the micarta helps to greatly improve the grip on the 11 it doesnt cover the pinky area.... SO if you have the funds just get you a 14/24. Having both is kind of nice, even though the blades on them are the same they are absolutely different knives. If you are dead set on modifying still get you a used or otherwise 11 to do it with or just another one. That way if something goes horribly wrong you still have a good blade handy ;)
 
I've been neck-carrying a BK14 with zytel under my dress shirt and on top of a white v-neck for several weeks now at work (office). Since I already have a lanyard around my neck with credentials, I really don't notice it. A couple weekends ago, I wanted to carry a fixed blade in addition to my usual cheap Benchmade Ascent, but didn't want to wear two shirts or use a belt clip. Even with the micarta grips, I found the BK11 fit nicely in the front pocket of my jeans along with my little S&W Bodyguard 380. The shorter handle really made a difference for pocket carry. So, I'd recommend both the 11 with micarta and 14 with zytel...
 
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