Possible BK-2 mods?

S

steelheadr

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Nov 27, 2009
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My Campanion is my first, but not likely last, Becker designed knife. I've done some chopping and brush clearing with it recently. I find it isn't balanced for big chopping motions, but it does ok. For batoning or clearing small limbs, it works great.

As I've looked at photos of others that have modded their knives, I thought about cleaning the black coating off the blade up to the primary grind line. I've also thought about changing the grind to a convex one.

Opinions? Similar experiences?

Jay
 
steelheadr said:
My Campanion is my first, but not likely last, Becker designed knife. I've done some chopping and brush clearing with it recently. I find it isn't balanced for big chopping motions, but it does ok. For batoning or clearing small limbs, it works great.

As I've looked at photos of others that have modded their knives, I thought about cleaning the black coating off the blade up to the primary grind line. I've also thought about changing the grind to a convex one.

Opinions? Similar experiences?

Jay
Click to expand...

A convexed grind won't hurt, that's for sure. :)
 
Definitely convex it - I found that my BK-2's factory edge stayed shaving sharp until I started chopping with it. Even after I resharpened with the 20 degree angle (up to a 1200grit waterstone and stropping), it lost it's hairpopping edge the second I start chopping. I eventually convexed it, and that made the difference - I could still shave with it after some light chopping. If you intend to do a good bit of batoning and chopping, I would definitely go ahead and re-profile it. I personally didn't sand off the coating though as I like watching it wear away with use... but that's really a personal tastes thing.

There's also grip stippling if you find the handle to get slippery (which I've considered doing) or replacing it altogether with micarta.
For added aesthetics/functionality, you could also consider adding a lanyard and tossing some spare paracord on your sheath ;)
P1020003.jpg
 
Here is a pic of mine. I convexed my edge as well.
IMG_3812.jpg


With this grip the BK2 chops like a much larger knife.
IMG_3865.jpg


better view of convexed edge.
Picture002.jpg


Comparison view with the RC5.
Picture001.jpg

My becker is the user as you can see. I don't have safe queens, just haven't wanted to change users.
 
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I just got a Becker BK2 last week. This photo shows it after I stripped the coating off. I did not polish it up since it will get scratched up in use anyway. So far I am very happy with this solid knife. The next step will probably be getting a good convex edge on it. I may get the Micarta handles someday but for now the stock handles work fine.

Becker-BK2.jpg
 
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cody1 said:
Here is a pic of mine. I convexed my edge as well.
IMG_3812.jpg


With this grip the BK2 chops like a much larger knife.
IMG_3865.jpg


better view of convexed edge.
Picture002.jpg


Comparison view with the RC5.
Picture001.jpg

My becker is the user as you can see. I don't have safe queens, just haven't wanted to change users.
Click to expand...

As much as I hate to say it, I think the BK2 is a better design then the ESEE 5.. I searched some threads here and just wanted to reply as this caught my eye and I think the 2 will be my second BK Knife..
 
Man, that rocks. Very nice. Almost makes you not want to use it. Moose
 
steelheadr said:
My Campanion is my first, but not likely last, Becker designed knife. I've done some chopping and brush clearing with it recently. I find it isn't balanced for big chopping motions, but it does ok. For batoning or clearing small limbs, it works great.

As I've looked at photos of others that have modded their knives, I thought about cleaning the black coating off the blade up to the primary grind line. I've also thought about changing the grind to a convex one.

Opinions? Similar experiences?

Jay
Click to expand...

It chops great if you use a lanyard and grip the handle on the back-end swell.
 
Best way to remove the finish? I don't have a blaster or sander.

Also, any sheath mods you guys know about? Anyone make a good sheath for it without charging a second mortgage?
 
Use Jasco Epoxy paint stripper, it works well and fast.

I make custom leather sheaths. PM me if you're interested. Do a search for my name in the Becker forums for pics. Moose
 
Really looking for something molle and nylon. Leather is nice, but just not a personal preference. I saw a really interesting OD green sheath for an old BK2, but I have no idea if it was the old proprietary or if it was a custom job.
 
I believe you might be referring to the Camillus sheath. I would rather carry my BK in a Kroger's grocery bag than that, LOL. They were junk. Moose
 
moosez45 said:
I believe you might be referring to the Camillus sheath. I would rather carry my BK in a Kroger's grocery bag than that, LOL. They were junk. Moose
Click to expand...

I know I am new here, so don't take this as condescending or aggressive, but when you make a comment like that, it would help someone such as myself if you stated the reasoning behind it. Saying something is crap is fine, but tell me why so I can actually develop a sense of what to look for, and I don't have to waste either of our time asking "Why is it crap?"
 
Paz said:
I know I am new here, so don't take this as condescending or aggressive, but when you make a comment like that, it would help someone such as myself if you stated the reasoning behind it. Saying something is crap is fine, but tell me why so I can actually develop a sense of what to look for, and I don't have to waste either of our time asking "Why is it crap?"
Click to expand...

My apologies. The Camillus was a "Made in China" deal with thin nylon covering a loose fitting injection molded plastice wrap, not a form fitting sheath. The stitching was of poor quality thread and stitch type, resulting in the knife being torn free during heavy brush travel. After time of wearing the sheath on a belt, the belt loop would tear free, allowing the knife to fall free. The retention strap often tore loose from the nylon sheath material and the shock strap that held the pouch in place would often rip loose or stretch to fit the contents, not retracting or holding it in place. All of these issues were experienced by me, after carring several Becker products in those sheaths. From the Brute to the Patrol Machete, the failures were all the same.

The new Kabar sheaths are alot better IMO, but they are not what I would call a hard use sheath. The new one on my BK9 seems to be already exhibiting the same failures, and it has seen just a small amount of carry time. I make custom sheaths out of leather and Kydex for all my knives, and the BK9 will be getting a new ride very soon. The first thing that I did when I got my new BK2 was to skin it in leather. There are some heavy duty sheaths made by other companies that will accomodate you blade, you will just have to look for them. Companies like Blackhawk and Maxpedition are some good starting points.

There are also several custom makers here on the forums that will be able to give you the sheath you seek for a reasonable price, Marion David Proff is one, shotgunner in the ESEE forums bends some good kydex and CRKS (Chestnut Ridge Knifes) does some fine work. I recommend you spend some time using the search to find what you are looking for. There is also a sheaths subforum that has alot of info and sheathmakers, you might want to look there. I hope this helps. Moose
 
Thanks, I will dive through the forums tomorrow. I just received the ESEE 5 molle back (which fits the BK2 sheath fine) and the pouch (which DOES NOT), so I am trying to figure out if the ESEE 5 sheath will fit the BK2, and if not, I will probably be getting a custom sheath for it. I will be roughing it outside in upstate NY (read: small, cold mountains) for about two weeks this Christmas, and would like to have something I can count on, but if I have to, I will just stow the damn knife in my pack.

Thanks again for the clarification, I may actually end up going with leather, depending on my choices... Do you do custom jobs?
 
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