Small Becker Substitute

JWheel

JWheel

Joined
Jun 18, 2015
Messages
518
I know there's no substitute for a Becker. Let's get that out of the way from the start.

I'd been looking forward to an 11/14/24 to carry when I'm hiking on popular trails where carrying my 16 wouldn't fly. I knew the 16 was over the blade length limits for fixed-blade personal carry in LA (unless you have a good reason, but that's another issue). But it turns out that the 11/14/24 are all over the limit too. The blade limit is 3 inches and fixed blades must be open carried (I think). The only Becker under 3 is the Remora, and while it's a fine knife, it's not quite what I had in mind. (Actually, I might get a Remora anyhow, but I'd like to explore my options.)

So can any of the Beckerheads recommend a small fixed blade they like? I looked at both the Izula and the Candiru. I kinda like the smaller size of the Candiru, honestly, provided it fits my hand okay. But I don't even know what other blades out there might fit the bill.

Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!
 
I had a Candiru. I liked it a lot, very comfortable for a small knife, but just never really found a use for it, and sold it. I tend to gravitate towards the larger blades, and just go with a SAK, The Candiru is a cool little blade though. The T.M.Hunt Hornet is an awesome little blade as well.

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The Izula's blade is 2.63" so that would probably work for you. Same handle as the Becker 11 & 14.
 
LT Wright Patriot is under $100...if you've got more to spend, I like the Bark River Mini Fox River and Dozier modified personal. The SwampRat Rodent 3 is great, as well; but I'm not sure, offhand, if the blade length would work for you (I think that the total is just over 3", but the edge length just under).
 
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The guy who made my big FK5 fixed blade, Gravelle Knives, also makes neckers too, and if I needed another necker I'd probably get one considering how much I like the big guy I got from him. He has a few for sale HERE
 
Hmm. After looking at most of these recommendations, it seems the Becker pricing has skewed my expectations quite a bit.:eek:

I like the Hornet. Can you tell me what they sell for (feel free to PM)? Or do I need to reach out to Mr. T.M. through his website?
 
Boker has some decent small blades with adequately sized handles. If tight on budget, Boker Magnum Orange Bamboo, or if budget is not a problem, Boker Nessmi or Minx.

Maybe folder would be better option in this case. There's no limit in blade length for concealed folder.
 
Becker neckers are the best of the reasonably affordable neckers, if you want the same quality outside of BK&T, you're probably gonna have to chip in a bit more than a Becker usually runs.
 
JWheel said:
Hmm. After looking at most of these recommendations, it seems the Becker pricing has skewed my expectations quite a bit.:eek:

I like the Hornet. Can you tell me what they sell for (feel free to PM)? Or do I need to reach out to Mr. T.M. through his website?
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Contact him. Depends on what you want.
 
Maybe take an 11,14,24 and mod the tip to shorten it? Drop the point a bit to remove the offending length? Maybe a large choil to reduce cutting edge length? GSOM did a great mod on an 11 that I believe reduced the blade length and added handle length. I have had the chance to mess around with it and there is no loss in functionality all all.

This could be a great inspiration.

Jeremy
 
dresnor said:
Maybe take an 11,14,24 and mod the tip to shorten it? Drop the point a bit to remove the offending length? Maybe a large choil to reduce cutting edge length? GSOM did a great mod on an 11 that I believe reduced the blade length and added handle length. I have had the chance to mess around with it and there is no loss in functionality all all.

This could be a great inspiration.

Jeremy
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+1 on this!

Maybe even get a second 16 and zip it down a little ;)
 
dresnor said:
Maybe take an 11,14,24 and mod the tip to shorten it? Drop the point a bit to remove the offending length? Maybe a large choil to reduce cutting edge length? GSOM did a great mod on an 11 that I believe reduced the blade length and added handle length. I have had the chance to mess around with it and there is no loss in functionality all all.

This could be a great inspiration.

Jeremy
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That would require a whole lot of equipment that doesn't do so well inside an LA apartment. I'd be evicted about an hour in. :D

But I'm house hunting in North Dallas. I dream of a tinkering shop someday soon.
 
You can always ask around here ;) I'm sure there are a few folks who could hook you up :thumbup:

Maybe even give Tate a call @ www.coyleoutdoors.com. I don't know if he's currently available for custom work but it never hurts to find out!
 
TBL said:
You can always ask around here ;) I'm sure there are a few folks who could hook you up :thumbup:

Maybe even give Tate a call @ www.coyleoutdoors.com. I don't know if he's currently available for custom work but it never hurts to find out!
Click to expand...

I imagine he's still on his night job, or else he's playing catch-up from that. The last time we talked custom stuff, there was a decent wait. Anyhow, this sort of experimentation would be something I'd want to do myself if it were to be done. ;)
 
If price is an obstacle, check out the A. G. Russel Woodswalker. It's pretty thin, but for a knife in that size range I think it's plenty capable. I bought it to serve as a bird and trout type knife, and it excels in that role. I love my Candiru, either it or my Bk 24 are in my pocket every day, but you really need to purchase scales to complete the knife. The Bk13 isn't bad, I wrapped my handle in with a thin waxed leather cord, and now it stays tucked in the side pouch of my tackle bag.
 
There are three small knives I like, besides the Izula.
1. Bark River Mini Hunter
2. Buck 102 Woodsman
3. Kershaw 1082 Field Knife Hunter
 
I've been pleased with my Ghost Knives Banshee D2. Been a decent and serviceable substitute for the BK24 a number of times - though just like the 24, I added hand-ground micarta scales.
 
If you want to pick up an 11 or 14, I will mod it free of charge.
Take a look around and see what blade profiles stand out, clip, drop point, trailing point or others and we will see what we can work out.

I just ask that you pay shipping to and from. If you are curious as to whether you are comfortable with my work, I have a few slightly modded Beckers on here, as well as a Significant mod in the works now. I expect that to be done tomorrow or Sunday.

On top of that, if you don't like how it turns out, I will reimburse you by buying you a new one and I will keep the modded one.

Edit: the free of charge is for regrind/reprofile and some other mods. If you want anything Crazy, then we would have to talk.
 
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If I'm not mistaken (don't have either) aren't the candiru and the remora roughly the same size? seems to me that you would find either one to be on the small side. Of the knives you listed I would look into the Izula as my top pic, or if you have big hands, maybe the izula 2.
 
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