New to forums, first knife (outside Kitchen knives) BK9

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DeviantAJ

Joined
Aug 15, 2014
Messages
6
Hi Everyone,

I'm an avid fan of knives, have a small starting collection of kitchen knives, I'm also into the outdoors and camping and have wanted to start really trying some portaging trips and roughing it out a bit more.

So I decided to buy my first outdoor/survival knife, and I really sort of was drawn to the BK9 even though the price up here in Canada doesn't really make it a super affordable knife (almost 120$).

I've been debating on taking off the epoxy coating and grinding in a 1'' finger choil. Just holding and using the knife it's been great for larger work like chopping, but I find it a little difficult in finer jobs, which I think the choil would definitely help with. Also does removing the coating make the knife a lot more difficult to maintain?

Just wanted to know your 2 cents on what any of you guys think who may have done these mods and like em or regret it.

Thanks,

AJ
 
Welcome to the forum and congrats on a great blade!
A stripped blade may be a bit more to maintain. Just clean it and dry it before you put it away and you should be good. Mineral oil works well if it's put away for awhile.
I've seen a few BK9's with choils and they looked good. I'm sure it would help out with some of the finer tasks.
If it's what you want, I say go for it!
Don't forget to post pics!
 
I'm a choil fan on big knives. I put one on my nine and wouldn't have it any other way.

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Welcome. I say go for it with the choil and rather than stripping it, let the coating wear off with use. Theres something very satisfying in knowing that you used a knife so much and so hard that you wore its protective coating right off.....then strip it to clean it up, add a patina and keep it oiled.
 
Welcome,

Great choice with the 9. Have some fun with the mods! don't forget pictures and bacon, lots of bacon.
 
The 9 is a great blade and should serve you well. I love mine.
Not only is it a beast, but it can show a little finesse when it needs to.

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I love the BK9 just the way it is. Have you considered carrying a second knife for the finer tasks? I usually carry a 16 in the woods or a 24 in town and only bring out the KING when it's needed.
 
Welcome and congrats on your acquisition! That's a great blade for outdoors.
For me I'll let it strip naturally with use before I strip the whole thing. I don't like a choil for my big blades,
For finer jobs, better get a tweener, a BK-15 if you like choils. Great combo!
 
elrond18 said:
Welcome and congrats on your acquisition! That's a great blade for outdoors.
For me I'll let it strip naturally with use before I strip the whole thing. I don't like a choil for my big blades,
For finer jobs, better get a tweener, a BK-15 if you like choils. Great combo!
Click to expand...

I think I might follow your advice bout letting it start to strip naturally (unless the mod bug gets me before then). But I did just put a choil in, and I love it! It feels like I could get a lot more finesse outta the blade with being able to choke up a little higher (if necessary). First time using a cheap dremel rip off I bought last year for like $30, but did the job!

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I have been thinking of getting a smaller blade for finer jobs. I really like the bk15 or the bk11, probably is for some reason the Becker knives are A LOT more expensive up here in Canada. I got my BK9 for close to $120 shipped. I was also looking at the Schrade SCHF24 (LOL not sure if I can talk bout other blades in this Becker forum, I apologize) I know it's not the same quality as the becker, but for 40-50$ get a decent Chinese made blade with a decent sheath.

I was thinking of trying the grapefruit patina on this eventually. Any one have any nice looking patina's from this method on their BK9?

Thanks,

AJ
 
Congrats on the 9! I'm still on the fence between the 7 and 9 myself. For finer tasks you should check out tweeners (BK15-17). They're absolutely amazing. I currently use and abuse the 16, 2, and 11 and find there's really no task that can't be accomplished. Either way I still need to pick up one of the larger ones. :)

Enjoy your 9!
 
Hey AJ......

Welcome and many thanks for your purchase...... If you do decide to strip I suggest that you leave the coating on under the scales........ Nice job on the choil...... I always find them a bit nerve wracking myself......., I do hope your new blade distinguishes herself in your service......?

Ethan
 
Ethan Becker said:
Hey AJ......

Welcome and many thanks for your purchase...... If you do decide to strip I suggest that you leave the coating on under the scales........ Nice job on the choil...... I always find them a bit nerve wracking myself......., I do hope your new blade distinguishes herself in your service......?

Ethan
Click to expand...

I wondered about that -- stripping the coating under the scales. I'm not inclined to strip anything, being a hiker and not a camper. (You once referred to a soldier as a camper with an attitude. Having been a Marine I'm inclined to think Marines are hikers with an attitude.) In any case I am rather new to Becker knives but catching up quickly and watching a ton of YouTube discussions about them. The stripping business surprised me. If one were going to have only one knife and use it all the time, then yes, but I have a bunch of knives and switch about so some of them sit for a long time. I'd be afraid of rust developing on carbon steel under the scales but I haven't seen any of the YouTube people discuss that. It is just a matter of common sense it seems to me. On the other hand, living out in a dry drought region where it is against the law to start fires in most areas, I won't be doing any batoning or feathering; so I should probably disqualify myself from posting an opinion on those subjects -- can't help wondering about it however.

Lawrence
 
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