San Mai BK11

sqoon

sqoon

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Jan 1, 2010
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I bumped this thread over in the General forum, but wanted to bring the topic up here and see what all your thoughts were on the San Mai BK11.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8319230#post8319230

Basically, since I have just fallen in love (again) with my BK11 now that I have the micarta scales, I have been thinking about the San Mai BK11. Is this version truly "better" than the regular BK11 in every sense (corrosion, edge retention, ease or sharpening, etc.) or does it have disadvantages? Is it more brittle?

Also, are the San Mai versions any different as far as thickness goes? What about the grind? Does KA-BAR put this through a process any different than the regular BK11 in order to get it sharper out of the box?

What are the pros and cons of the two versions when put side by side?
 
I'm going to give you a free BUMP as I was going to start a similar thread after watching some YouTube videos. I really want the San Mai but I'd like to know if it's actually worth the extra coin before purchasing it. Anyone have any experience with both and care to share a side by side comparison?
 
it's san mai! with handles it's a unique and wonderful knife. also, LIMITED. as in potentially RARE ;) but hey, well done san mai? hand polished and sharpened? get some before you can't. they probably will never make more.

mmm, maybe i should buy another one :)


Bladite
 
Bladite said:
it's san mai! with handles it's a unique and wonderful knife. also, LIMITED. as in potentially RARE ;) but hey, well done san mai? hand polished and sharpened? get some before you can't. they probably will never make more.

mmm, maybe i should buy another one :)


Bladite
Click to expand...

LOL, good points!! Thanks for the heads up. I wasn't aware that it was a limited run but then again I just purchased my first Becker (BK2 gen. 2) a couple weeks ago.
 
Tooj had mentioned to me that the micarta scales may need to be modified in order to fit the San Mai BK11. In what way?

Also, any cons to the San Mai?
 
The "bolster" area on mine has become shiny from taking it in and out of the sheath, that's probably the only thing I don't like. It looks very used from that even though it has not been used for anything other than cutting soft materials.
 
I never heard from anyone who might now in what way the BK11 Micarta scales need to be modified in order to fit the BK11 CSM. I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on this, but I want to know if anyone has put the scales on it and if so, how.
 
they're VERY tight enough so to need some trimming with a razor blade or some light loving with a dremel. haven't bothered to do that actual deed myself.


Bladite
 
Do you think such a modification will make them incompatible with the regular BK11?
 
I never got the San Mai. Looks cool, but I likes me some 1095 hard use goodness. Not much into collecting, but I hear they are some tough ass blades.

Moose
 
I have one with the scales added, Bladite is correct they are a tight fit, a very tight fit. I used a utility knife blade to trim them down. About 20 minutes start to finish.
 
sqoon said:
Do you think such a modification will make them incompatible with the regular BK11?
Click to expand...

do you mean then put them on a BK11? might be less snug, but they'd still work i'd think. or use some epoxy to fill the gaps.

really can't see why i'd bother swapping back and forth. that's just me though.


Bladite
 
*sigh*

My BK11 CSM will be here on Saturday. I'll have the camera ready after she gets dressed in her good linens.
 
Congrats. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts, and seeing some pics. If the micarta only needs minor sanding to make the fit, I would just use some 100 grit sand paper and marry them to the tang, by hand. The 100 grit will take the micarta down pretty easily, and the chance of a "screw up" is minimal. After the shaping, move up in grit until you hit the desired level.
 
cody1 said:
Congrats. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts, and seeing some pics. If the micarta only needs minor sanding to make the fit, I would just use some 100 grit sand paper and marry them to the tang, by hand. The 100 grit will take the micarta down pretty easily, and the chance of a "screw up" is minimal. After the shaping, move up in grit until you hit the desired level.
Click to expand...

it's more like cutting than sanding. the "insert" portion of the micarta handle, that goes into the handle, is as precision cut as the BK11 is somewhat variable/larger, and the BK11CSM is also precision cut, with a slightly smaller outline, so, some adjustments.

in the realm of things, the CSM probably has more hand time, than a typical BK11, even to the paper stropping :> as well, they expect to sell a lot less of them. i should snag another one at some point before they are gone forever. perhaps make it a user :>


Bladite
 
I was considering purchasing one of the San Mai BK11s myself.Can't wait to see it all dressed up!
 
I got ya. It's an insert thing. I'm guessing the micarta slabs fit into the cut outs in the tang. I was thinking it was a size issue dealing with the outer tang. I've never seen the slabs in person or the back of them in a pic.
 
cody1 said:
I got ya. It's an insert thing. I'm guessing the micarta slabs fit into the cut outs in the tang. I was thinking it was a size issue dealing with the outer tang. I've never seen the slabs in person or the back of them in a pic.
Click to expand...

yeah, they insert something fierce ;) then they don't move. feels good in the hand too.


Bladite
 
I have the BK11 San Mai and the Necker. I want to say the San Mai's edge is much sharper stock than the Necker also retains its edge better. Also feels a bit more durable. And the edge of the San Mai seems mirror polished as well. Both are great knives but I dont' know if its worth double the price of the Necker. My opinion may change after using it for awhile.
 
My BK11 CSM should be here tomorrow. Can't wait.

I do have ANOTHER question, however. Are the CSM BK11's still being made, or was there only one run of them? Tomar's lists theirs as being First Production runs. Does this mean there has been, or there will be second runs? If this is a limited-time deal, has KA-BAR ever released how many were made?

Any plans for a BK14 CSM? Tweener CSM? Hobo-utensil CSM?

UPDATE: The FAQ does state that the BK11 CSM was limited LIKE the BK77, but I'm still unsure about the quantities or future runs.
 
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