Neck Knives BK-11 vs BK-14

LoneWolf X

LoneWolf X

Joined
Dec 6, 2007
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169
Ok so, with my first Becker being a BK-9, I'm bitten and want another...I've never owned nor used a neck knife but now I'm wanting to give it a go and it's gotta be a Becker. Question is: which one, BK-11 or BK-14? They're virtually the same knife from the specs only real difference I can see is the handle design and overall length...which should I choose and why? Also, is a neck knife worth having? What does it bring to the table for a knife lover/user?
C'mon Becker veterans give me some sage wisdom and guidance here. Thanks in advance!
 
I think the 11 is the toughest. The 14/24 the most hand comfort of the three. I use the 24 the most. They are all Great 👍
 
Are neck knives worth having? For me, neck knife refers more to a method of carry rather a specific knife pattern. I've seen knives with less than 2" blades and others with 5" blades carried as neck knives. As far as the BK-11 & 14, I think they are great knives to neck carry, pocket carry or belt carry. The 3.25" blade is large enough for most cutting tasks , and yet the size of many folders. The 11 or 14? Do you want a bottle opener or not? I like the one that opens bottles.
 
I have an 11 and while I like the knife overall I found the handle contours just not right for me. I modified it a bit and now it's somewhat better. The 14 didn't exist at the time but if it had, that's what I would have gotten, so that's what I would recommend now. Personally I have zero interest in a bottle opener on any knife.

Be aware that extended hard use holding a thin, cold, sharp edged handle can be unpleasant at times. There is a reason for all the aftermarket scales, cord wraps, etc. out there.

Neck knives can be handy, easy to carry, discrete if necessary. Depends on your needs and circumstances, as does most things.
 
It all boiles down to do you want or need a bottle opener? Or heck just buy both ;)
 
I own all three, I epoxied on permanent handles on my 14, and have the kabar handles on my BK11. My 24 is bare, I absolutely love my 11, wear it dam near everyday going on 6 years now. It all boils down to what you like. 14 is a bit longer handle.
 
the 14 offers a little more handle, which helps me with comfort in use.
I don't neck carry, but I do pocket carry - and tend to have a 24 with kabar scales with me pretty often around the property & woods.
(or a TM Hunt Skelemag)
works great for cutting the strings off a round bale and doesn't dull up instantly - plus there's no pivot or lock to clog with hay dust.
 
For me they are on the large side for neck carry, great small fixed blades though. I prefer the 11 , I don't feel under knifed with it as my only blade.
 
Hmm...thanks for the input guys. But still struggling with a decision on this; so far from the seven responses I'm at a completely equal recommendation: 3 for the BK-11 and 3 in favor of the BK-14 with 1 neutral. :confused: AND since one voice noted these two might be on the large side for neck carry, I wonder if I ought to be considering the BK-13 Remora as well. IDK... I'm concerned it may be a bit small for my tastes... Okay I can see this wont be as easy a decision for me as I'd hoped. :indecisiveness:
 
Hello Lonewolf,

The remora is very small, too small IMHO unless you are really using it as a minimalist neck knife, it is handy for close precision work (I.e. Caping) and other specialized tasks.

The 11/14/24 are perhaps close to the upper limit of weight and size for comfortable neck carry. They are not too big or heavy though, they are an excellent design since they punch way above their weight and can perform many tasks that would be above a comfortable safe load on most folders. Checkout a YouTube of Ethan Becker dismantling a small tree with one. Amazing tough little knife. I tried using them with the bare and paracord handle but quickly switched to the plastic handles,the 14/24 are very comfortable with those handles. I have big hands and prefer the 14/24 over the 11 slightly, you just have to decide how important that bottle opener is to you.

One welcome addition to my 14 was a taco kydex sheath. (Azwelke and the 710 both make fine ones) It holds the blade more securely than the older style stock sheath (critical for neck carry) and was smaller which helped with pocket carry as well.

I for fun, checkout some kydex "piggyback" sheaths that hold the 9 and a 11/14/24 at the same time! I don't have one but they sure look awesome.
 
Yetidayhiker said:
Hello Lonewolf,

The remora is very small, too small IMHO unless you are really using it as a minimalist neck knife, it is handy for close precision work (I.e. Caping) and other specialized tasks.

The 11/14/24 are perhaps close to the upper limit of weight and size for comfortable neck carry. They are not too big or heavy though, they are an excellent design since they punch way above their weight and can perform many tasks that would be above a comfortable safe load on most folders. Checkout a YouTube of Ethan Becker dismantling a small tree with one. Amazing tough little knife. I tried using them with the bare and paracord handle but quickly switched to the plastic handles,the 14/24 are very comfortable with those handles. I have big hands and prefer the 14/24 over the 11 slightly, you just have to decide how important that bottle opener is to you.

One welcome addition to my 14 was a taco kydex sheath. (Azwelke and the 710 both make fine ones) It holds the blade more securely than the older style stock sheath (critical for neck carry) and was smaller which helped with pocket carry as well.

I for fun, checkout some kydex "piggyback" sheaths that hold the 9 and a 11/14/24 at the same time! I don't have one but they sure look awesome.
Click to expand...


Thanks for that insightful post Yetidayhiker! Yup, I kinda sensed I should stick with either the 11 or 14. Kydex sheath? Of course, when the time comes that's a given. (Still have to get one for my BK-9...ANOTHER decision I have to make :indecisiveness:)
 
At first, I preferred the 14 but as time went by I found myself reaching for the 11 more often. Now, I can say that I definitely prefer the 11. Mainly because I pocket carry in a small leather sheath and it seems to ride better. Scales for me are a must. I have several different styles for my 14/24s and they're all pretty good. The Ka-Bar micarta on the 11 is my favorite. And there's nothing like being the only guy around the fire with a bottle opener. Can't help but feel like the ladies appreciate a man pulling out a knife and opening their beer.
 
I have a 24 and an 11CSM (San mai). I reground them both to suit my preferences and the 11 sees more carry time.
Due to the reshaping of the handle, it now fits 4 fingers, and offers a slightly taller grip thus making it more comfortable than my 24.
 
The 11 with micarta is more comfortable to me than any configuration the 14/24 have to offer. It's definitely my go to neck knife. I never thought I'd be a "neck knife" carry guy, but it's very comfortable and extremely handy while in the woods or at camp. I really like Ethan's Macintyre rig that he has for his 11. Especially the flashlight function. Very cool!
It's hard to tell you which one to get because they're both great knives. It pretty much just depends on which one feels better in your hands. For me, it's the 11 with micarta. Hands down. And it's popped it's fair share of frosty tops too! Lol!
 
For the money both are great knives. I can't say I'd ever neck carry but mine all get plenty of pocket or belt time. Both are comfy in hand. Buy both if you can. If you're only going to get one, does the idea of a bottle opener appeal to you? If not, then a 14/24 should be in your future. However if so, try the 11. I like the idea of the bottle opener so I picked up the 11 first. I eventually picked up a 24 or two. Keep your eye on the exchange, it's a great place to peruse.
 
cEdge said:
Keep your eye on the exchange, it's a wretched place designed to ensnare those that are weak of will or ample of pocket. The latter will soon be the former.
Click to expand...

Fixed it for you.
:D

I Love the exchange, I just don't like to spend money...
 
I am a 14/24 lover all the way. I have never liked the way the 11 fit in my hand. The 14 just molds into your hand (i had a very similar feeling when handling the S&W Shield9 and the M&P 9compact...the Shield gelt way more natural). A paracord wrap makes a lot of difference with the 14 and the zytel handle scales are a complete game changer...and the zytel scales are umder 15 bucks and you get 2 pair (orange and black)..
This thread needs way more pics...here is my 14 with Kryptoglow scales
Hi, I've shared 1 photo via Photobucket. Please click the link to view photos: http://share.photobucket.com/shareprofile/indexshare.php?id=NTQ1NzI=
(Photobucket hates me now and wont let me embed photos anymore)
 
As I got quite small hands, the 11 is a 3 1/2 Finger knife for me and even with reshaping it, does not fit my Hand very well. The 14 however is very close to my grail knife. I always carry it in my right front pocket with a minimalistic kydex and its used every single day. The 14 punches way above its weight and from opening letters to batoning - does it all. I got the kabar scales for both knives, and the 11 is in my goto bag as a backup, but so far the 14 did not fail me...

I think the 11 is a harder to bend, due to its fleshier handle, but it boils down to your hand preferences.
 
OutdoorsFamilyMan4 said:
I am a 14/24 lover all the way. I have never liked the way the 11 fit in my hand. The 14 just molds into your hand (i had a very similar feeling when handling the S&W Shield9 and the M&P 9compact...the Shield gelt way more natural). A paracord wrap makes a lot of difference with the 14 and the zytel handle scales are a complete game changer...and the zytel scales are umder 15 bucks and you get 2 pair (orange and black)..
This thread needs way more pics...here is my 14 with Kryptoglow scales
Hi, I've shared 1 photo via Photobucket. Please click the link to view photos: http://share.photobucket.com/shareprofile/indexshare.php?id=NTQ1NzI=
(Photobucket hates me now and wont let me embed photos anymore)
Click to expand...

Here: Let's give it a go OFM4...


1486441231396.jpg


Awesome looking scales there! I wonder if such are still to be found anywhere?

I so appreciate all the solid input everyone's given me, Thank you all! What I'm taking away most from the feedback is the common agreement that both are excellent knives and that its really a more subjective issue that distinguishes the two rather than an empirical one. It'd be nice if I were able to handle each one personally in a firsthand comparison but it's unlikely I'll be able to have that luxury...perhaps I may just flip a coin! :rolleyes:
 
For me, 14/24 over 11. I can't really practice neck knifiness out here, though.
Actually, were I to try, I think they're both a little big. But the 13 (and ESEE Candiru) don't offer enough handle for me.
First thing I'd try is my Ghost Knives Banshee D2.
It's the little one:





 
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