My Version of the Becker BK-4 Machax

[Col Defender]

This summer a few of us met with Mr. Becker in Topeka, KS. I asked him if he would mind if I made a version of the Machax - certainly not a copy, but clearly inspired thereby. He graciously consented and so I did - using a worn out Stihl chainsaw bar for the metal and oiled walnut handles. Some of the shape is different and the orientation of handle to blade is quite different. So here it is after its first trial run splitting some small firewood. The knife seemed to do well and suffered no apparent damage from splitting and batoning. I have a video of all this but have been unable to post it here so just one still shot. The video is however on facebook at Kelley Knife Works.



Definitely would appreciate any possible comments/feedback, and especially from you Ethan if you see this. And again my best wishes for a speedy recovery!

 

[tobiism]

Beautiful work!

 

[Rey HRH]

The blade looks jungle native and I love the look of the handle. Very nice.

 

[spazcsmc]

Nice lookin blade! Now where can I get one?

 

[Col Defender]

Nice lookin blade! Now where can I get one?

Thanks - The Becker BK 4 is available now - not sure yet if I will make any more of my version of it, but if I do, from me!

 

[Ethan Becker]

Looks to be a working fool....... Very nice Colonel....... Are you gonna bring it?...... Hope so......

Ethan

 

[Galeocerdoshark]

Nice blade, and great looking scales! I wonder how it performs after prolonged use. Please update the thread after a while, I'm quite curious to the advantages /disadvantages of not having the angle of the blade versus the handle. Cool project Col! Gonna look even better when it develops a patina.

 

[Col Defender]

Looks to be a working fool....... Very nice Colonel....... Are you gonna bring it?...... Hope so......

Ethan

I will! Thank you for your kind words sir!

 

[NCSlice]

Very cool Col! I love that you repurposed the chainsaw bar, great work!

 

[SALTY]

Very knicely done.

Looking forward to seeing it on person.

 

[TheMadIndian]

Love the handles

 

[1066vik]

colonel - bring your hammer and some steel -- i brought the propane forge, anvil, and chunk of rail.

 

[Semper Praesidio]

Very nice, Colonel! I like it.

Looking at the profile, what was your thinking behind the sweep down and back up as you move up the spine from handle to tip? Looks great - almost like an XL nessmuk blade.

 

[Col Defender]

Very nice, Colonel! I like it.

Looking at the profile, what was your thinking behind the sweep down and back up as you move up the spine from handle to tip? Looks great - almost like an lXL nessmuk blade.

Good question - really I just winged the design. I love the Machax and wanted something along the same lines but not a copy and especially wanted the handle
to line up with the blade

 

[BeeKayNutCase]

Magic work once again Col! Innovative fo sho! I like the baton divot on the spine (that's what I choose to think it is anyway!) Cool stuff! Hey what steel do Stihl use for their chainsaw bars? All the ones I've seen have been coated (painted?) so it's hard to tell if they're actually stainless or not. And as G-Shark said, keep us posted on the longer term usage, I think we're all interested to see!

 

[keroscene]

I really dig that blade! Looks like one of the condor machetes and a bk4 had a baby. Very cool design. Nicely done Col!!