So I have two BK14's, one with the factory Ka-Bar scales and one that I did a two-layer paracord wrap on. The scales turned out to be much narrower than I had pictured in my mind so I though I might show them off and compare them to my paracord wrap in case anyone was on the fence about getting the factory scales.
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As you can see below both handles are close to the same thickness at their widest point, however the scales have some taper at the ends where the wrap is more consistent.
Didn't get the tap lined up perfectly but you can see they're both right about 1/2" thinck.
Here's where it makes the difference for me. The factory scales follow the handles lines while the wrapping increases the dimensions in every direction giving the handle a little more width and filling my hand better.
I suppose you could do this with scales too but with the wrap the lanyard nestles into the handle nicely and stays put.
In these two shots I'm trying to show the space left empty in my hand by the scales vs the paracord. Hopefully you'll be able to see that the wrap fills my hand better.
Here you can see the balance point of the knife with the paracord wrap. Keep in mind this is a double layered warp and there is a square lanyard attached that just barely out of frame.
And here is the balance point of the scales with no lanyard. You will notice it's a bit farther back. I don't really notice it in the hand but the scales do weigh more and shift the balance more into the handle. Maybe you'd prefer it or maybe you won't even notice.
I personally prefer the cord wrap but the scales are growing on me a little. Not sure if I'll keep them or not. If you have medium or large hands you will probably think the scales are too small. Paracord has the advantage of being more customizeable for both looks and handle size. I would say the cord offers a little more grip than the scales but they don't seem to be as slick as some of the grivory scales I've handled and they can always be modified to give more traction. An advantage to the scales is that they are easy to remove for whatever reason and they also won't absorb fluids which is a definite plus.
In conclusion, the BK14 rocks. You should get one. Or two. Or a dozen.
Profile
As you can see below both handles are close to the same thickness at their widest point, however the scales have some taper at the ends where the wrap is more consistent.
Didn't get the tap lined up perfectly but you can see they're both right about 1/2" thinck.
Here's where it makes the difference for me. The factory scales follow the handles lines while the wrapping increases the dimensions in every direction giving the handle a little more width and filling my hand better.
I suppose you could do this with scales too but with the wrap the lanyard nestles into the handle nicely and stays put.
In these two shots I'm trying to show the space left empty in my hand by the scales vs the paracord. Hopefully you'll be able to see that the wrap fills my hand better.
Here you can see the balance point of the knife with the paracord wrap. Keep in mind this is a double layered warp and there is a square lanyard attached that just barely out of frame.
And here is the balance point of the scales with no lanyard. You will notice it's a bit farther back. I don't really notice it in the hand but the scales do weigh more and shift the balance more into the handle. Maybe you'd prefer it or maybe you won't even notice.
I personally prefer the cord wrap but the scales are growing on me a little. Not sure if I'll keep them or not. If you have medium or large hands you will probably think the scales are too small. Paracord has the advantage of being more customizeable for both looks and handle size. I would say the cord offers a little more grip than the scales but they don't seem to be as slick as some of the grivory scales I've handled and they can always be modified to give more traction. An advantage to the scales is that they are easy to remove for whatever reason and they also won't absorb fluids which is a definite plus.
In conclusion, the BK14 rocks. You should get one. Or two. Or a dozen.
