New Fixed Blade: BK16 or something else?

J

jmflem

Joined
Feb 1, 2014
Messages
373
Hi guys,

I own a Mora Heavy Duty MG (same as the Robust) and I'm planning on upgrading. I own a Becker BK2, but it's just too heavy and thick for what I want. I really like the feel of my Mora and how light it is. It carves very well. I'd like something full tang and just a little nicer, and a little bit heavier so it feels better in the hand. I was planning on getting a Mora Bushcraft Black, since I like my Mora so much, but then I noticed the Becker BK16. Do any of you own this knife and how do you like it? I like the size of the BK16 and how it isn't very heavy, but it is more robust than my Mora. I also like how it is customizable (I'd probably replace the handles with some wood scales and make it a new sheath, and maybe strip it). So, what are your thoughts on the BK16 and do you have any other recommendations?

Here's what I'm looking for:

No more than a 5" blade. (I'm planning on carrying it in a horizontal crossdraw fashion so anything bigger would not work.)

1/8" to 3/16" thickness, nothing thicker.

Full tang.

Drop point.

Budget: $100
 
I love my bk16, I recently bent it (All my fault, I was seriously abusing it) and will have to replace it.

Good luck!

The Kid
 
jmflem said:
My main concern is that will the thickness hinder its carving ability?
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Nope! I have several moras, but I much prefer the 16. Moras go through wood better on shallow cuts, but the 16 will carve off a chunk better IME. If all you do is lite carving, stick with your mora! If you want a good field knife, go with a bk16!

:thumbup:
 
Get the BK16 for sure. Great knife. I love all of my 16's dearly. It's perfect right out of the box, add the micarta scales and it's even better. Do some mods and have a one of a kind blade.

Here are a few of mine.

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Have you look at Bark River Knives? they make few models around your price range, they are american made with top steel. I just got a Bark River Trail Buddy and love it!!! come with very nice sheaths
 
Dexwithers said:
Get the BK16 for sure. Great knife. I love all of my 16's dearly. It's perfect right out of the box, add the micarta scales and it's even better. Do some mods and have a one of a kind blade.
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Very nice. I'm thinking I might get a 16 and get some walnut handles from tmil2009 on eBay. You said perfect right out of the box. I've heard they're not very sharp coming from the factory. What's your experience?
 
northend816 said:
Have you look at Bark River Knives? they make few models around your price range, they are american made with top steel. I just got a Bark River Trail Buddy and love it!!! come with very nice sheaths
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I just looked them up. Very nice! A little bit too fancy for me though. I think I might just get a BK16 and do some mods and make it my own. Thanks anyway.
 
The only problem I have with the only16 is the handles is a little to thin for me know, the are thicker handles out there and also line ers to solve that ifbu got that problem
 
monstrum said:
The only problem I have with the only16 is the handles is a little to thin for me know, the are thicker handles out there and also line ers to solve that ifbu got that problem
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My hands are very small (I wear a small glove size :p) so I don't think that will be a problem for me.
 
jmflem said:
Very nice. I'm thinking I might get a 16 and get some walnut handles from tmil2009 on eBay. You said perfect right out of the box. I've heard they're not very sharp coming from the factory. What's your experience?
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Tommy makes some nice stuff. I say go for his scales for sure or if you like Micarta, go Kabar. It's really nice.

And to be honest, I have bought 11 BK-16's and I guess it all depends on who is grinding it that day. Some have been not so perfect and I have had a couple of them came sharper than any knife I have ever received from an factory.

But really that's not a big deal, You can put a razor sharp edge on the 1095CV in just a couple of minutes. I would not let the sharpness out of the box keep you from getting this knife. In my opinion, it's the best quality and best designed knife of it's size. The handle Ergos are just amazing. I own the Bark River Bravo I, TOPS BOB, ESEE 4, And I still think the BK-16 feels better in the hand and performs as well or better than all of them. I do prefer the Micarta or wood handles over the Zytel tho.
 
Dexwithers said:
Tommy makes some nice stuff. I say go for his scales for sure or if you like Micarta, go Kabar. It's really nice.

And to be honest, I have bought 11 BK-16's and I guess it all depends on who is grinding it that day. Some have been not so perfect and I have had a couple of them came sharper than any knife I have ever received from an factory.

But really that's not a big deal, You can put a razor sharp edge on the 1095CV in just a couple of minutes. I would not let the sharpness out of the box keep you from getting this knife. In my opinion, it's the best quality and best designed knife of it's size. The handle Ergos are just amazing. I own the Bark River Bravo I, TOPS BOB, ESEE 4, And I still think the BK-16 feels better in the hand and performs as well or better than all of them. I do prefer the Micarta or wood handles over the Zytel tho.
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I wanted to get the wood scales since I think they would match a leather sheath very nicely, and I like the fact that they're natural (they're cheaper than the micarta too), but now that you mention micarta handles, how much grippier are they?
 
jmflem said:
I wanted to get the wood scales since I think they would match a leather sheath very nicely, and I like the fact that they're natural (they're cheaper than the micarta too), but now that you mention micarta handles, how much grippier are they?
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I really like the way Micarta feels. When it is wet with water or even blood, it just doesn't feel like it's going anywhere, very grippy. Unlike the Zytel or other plastic scales. As far as wood goes, wood does have a nice organic feel to it but is not as grippy as micarta in my experience but is way better than the plastic stuff.

I don't think you can go wrong either way. Wood has the most natural look and feel but micarta is more durable and grippy. Get a set of both and sell the one you don't like?
 
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