Somewhat rare......

[Moosez45]

Just got these today, thought that I would share with ya'll and get some info, all in the same thread.

Notice anything different about these guys?

Now that the BKT Shorts are out, and most have had a chance to get them, use them, mod them, and build an idea of what they are, I wanna hear what you think about them.

I've read every thread about the Shorts, seen all the modifications, but, I and others would like to hear some clear cut, no bullshit, commentary on the blades and the designs.

If you like them, don't just post up "I like'em" and leave it at that, tell what you like about them.

If you don't like them, don't just post up, "They suck" and leave it, please share what you don't like about them.

Please, lets not drift this thread, I would like to keep this as a good spot for intel on the blades, should a person be interested in some good info on them.

No pics, please, lets just keep this to opinions.

Moose

 

[Pa_Slasher]

They are rolled stamped and not laser etched right? Saber ground at that for the 16.

 

[Pa_Slasher]

I mean I know you know a guy that knows a guy but they have no etching and are not form SMKC. So what gives Moose? And I WAS FIRST FOR ONCE!!!

 

[Moosez45]

They are rolled stamped and not laser etched right?

Yes. And they have the flat paint, and they are not laser etched with Ethan's signature.

Funny how that works.

Moose

 

[Moosez45]

I mean I know you know a guy that knows a guy but they have no etching and are not form SMKC. So what gives Moose? And I WAS FIRST FOR ONCE!!!

Honoring the Mods. That's all.

One of the perks of the job, so to speak.

Moose

 

[Chameleonbear]

Those are rolled stamped, the coating doesn't seem to be the same as on the new ones, and the peanut butter seems to be a more orangey color (that one might just be the pictures though).

I only have the 17 so far, I like it though. It has a solid weight to it, it doesn't feel like cheap knife. I haven't gotten much time with it (only got it yesterday) but it from the design (I'm a sucker for a clip point) to the execution.

I also am impressed with the sheath! (I know, I know the sheaths are $#!+) but this one is nice. It feels like it belongs with the knife not that it was necessarily just an after thought. Granted I did just dye it, that was the only thing I wanted to do to the sheath. I want to strip/polish the blade and get some wood handles. But that is a "what-if" that most likely isn't going to happen any time soon. I might have to get a second one for that.

 

[gentemanndvm]

oooooh, FPR without the extra etchings from SMKW. i want i want i want. i can has? i can buy?

and to keep it on topic, i've got both the FPR 16 and the FFG 16 so far. the 16 blade profile speaks to me.

i'm finding that the regular production FFG 16 is the slicier of the 2. i happen to like how the sabre-grind version LOOKS better, but the production run is turning out to be a better slicer.

i haven't done any serious bushcrafting with either (yet), but will try and update this post when i do. i'll compare with the BK2, other brands, etc.

big positive i've noticed - For me, the BK9 is the funnest Becker of them all. but you can't pull that thing out in mixed company. if people don't know you and/or they aren't knifeaholics, that baby is axe-murderer intimidating. heck, i get that kind of response with the BK2 on a regular basis ("J*s*s, that is HUGE!!! what do you even have a knife like that for?!?!?!? Nice knife, Rambo."). So the shorts? the shorts are awesome at a family campfire. on a hike where other people are around. camping at a campground. They are high-functioning blades (from what i've used them on around the house/property so far) that are easy to maintain, ergonomic and comfy, all in a compact package. People see it and say 'nice looking knife, can i borrow it for ______?', not 'oh my god what is wrong with you? only crazy people have knives that big'. That's the first step to educating others about how useful a good knife is day-to-day.

my minor neg - the stock zytel handle is probably a little small and a little slick for me and my big hands for extended bushcraft use (the full-size becker handles are perfect for me size-wise), we'll see if that's true in the next couple weeks/months of use. But to be fair, that's true of most knives i've held under 4" that aren't crazy out of balance on handle vs blade ratios.

 

[Captain Airyca]

I really enjoy the ergonomics of the handles. They feel good with liners too. I love all of the bigger beckers for big jobs, but I feel like I can have more control of the shorts because it's not so BIG. I have large hands for a girl, but they aren't like some of your guy's giant man hands. The shorts really are the perfect knife to pair with one of the choppers.

 

[Greybush]

with the beefy stock of the sabre 16, I like it better for camp chores and what not....but the FFG 16 is a slice machine, cutting paper, opening packages, bushcraft, it just seems to be the blade for that...Unlike some, the handles do fit my hands pretty damn perfect. They are both stellar, and I would only pick the sabre over the full flat because I would use it more for a camp tool....I figure with enough slashing and stabbing, I can get any package open with it..

Now the coating, I FREAKIN LOVE the coating on the new stuff...wayyyyyy better than before. I beat the hell out of my Full Flat 16 over the weekend, and not as much as a flake of coating came off...I've sneezed on some old coating and lost a quarter sized flake before...

So there ya go, sorry for the rambling, hope it made sense...

 

[theonceremoved]

do the 17s come with some kinda discount divorce papers? Cuz the more I look at them the more I want one

 

[Moosez45]

I really enjoy the ergonomics of the handles. They feel good with liners too. I love all of the bigger beckers for big jobs, but I feel like I can have more control of the shorts because it's not so BIG. I have large hands for a girl, but they aren't like some of your guy's giant man hands. The shorts really are the perfect knife to pair with one of the choppers.

One thing I would like to say, I think the zytel on these are a little slick. I taught a bushcraft class with my saber ground BK16 before I added the micarta, and it ate my hands up. Not much from abrasion, but from having to really grip the knife to keep it from slipping.

At SHOT show, alot of the military guys we talked to, said the handles were to slick, but, for most of them, they wear gloves, so, an abrasive handle is of little concern.

My lat cut was easy to deal with with dry hands, but once they got a little sweaty, it started rolling in my grip.

Here, you can see me taking a moment to rest my hand, unbeknownst to the crowd I was in front of. I took more breaks to lecture and rest my hand, so as not to do something stupid, like cut myself or drop my knife.

Not to worry, KA-BAR and Ethan are aware of my thoughts here. I have been using these knives since fall of last year, and so far, that is the only complaint I got.

Moose

 

[clich]

Bk16: I have owned both bk16 variants, the first production run sabre model and the full flat grind production model. At first, owning the sabre model I thought I wouldn't get the full flat because like other beckers I like the extra meat behind the blade. It works for the bk2, why not the 16. It was well balanced, cut like a laser, and had great ergonomics (more on that later). The coating and etch left something to be desired but those are easily enough dealt with. The full flat however is a much better slicer, which in fact makes it a better all-around since a blade of its size won't choose and will do minimal batoning. The balance and weight is even better and it still has plenty of meat to do hard work. Also the coating and laser etched logos on the production model are outstanding. A vast improvement.

Bk15: my favorite thus far. The thin full flat grind and full length swedge make the longer blade actually lighter than the bk16. However unlike the bk5, the swedge is not thin at all. Its actually plenty wide enough for batoning and not destroying it in the process. The thin blade makes it excellent in the kitchen or around the camp for cooking, while the upswept blade will make a good hunting knife for large game and also fish and fowl. The choil is the perfect size unlike the oversized one on its big brother bk5, which can be awkward for medium sized hands and fingers.


Ergonomics: the ergonomics of the shorts takes some getting used to, but with use they certainly grow on you. The problem most people have is that with just holding and admiring the knife the ergos feel a bit off. The rear of the handle doesn't seem to flow with the finger groove on the front. But, here's the kicker, once you use the knife and get a good solid grip with downward force, the knife just melts in your hand. With a good solid grip you are forced to choke up into the recess, and then you see just how comfortable it is. don't judge a book by its cover, these knives took decades to create and the ergonomics were a part of those years of design and engineering, you just need to give them a chance.


Sheath: the best Becker sheath since the leather options available for the blackjack/effingham models. Its a study construction, is molle compatible, and has little or no rattle even though it has a plastic insert. The belt loop is ingenious and works well for securing the knife to a belt without taking off the belt. the front pouch is large enough for necessities like ferro rods, tinder, or other small items. All around this is the first sheath that I haven't even planned on replacing.


Handles: the zytel can be a little slick if wet, but I like that they are solid and not skeletonized. I since have replaced with wood, and would of course like some.micarta. but for the price point, the handles are perfectly functional and the extra set are a nice touch.

 

[SaturatedShadow]

I have the BK-17. As I have already posted a review of my general thoughts on the knife, I'm going to focus on something else here that I haven't seen mentioned yet.

I think the BK-17 is now the best knife in the Becker line for a soldier. Of course, the classic Ka-Bar is a great choice, but if it can be said to have a fault, then that fault is the tang. The BK-7 was designed to be a full tang version of the Ka-Bar, and it too can be a good blade for those in our armed forces. However, the realities of warfare in this modern time are that soldiers are tasked with carrying alot of weight, and, unfortunately, regulations may exist that do not allow carrying a 7 inch blade. So, a smaller, lighter knife is often more practical.

The BK-17 has the same clip point design that has been trusted for decades but in a shorter, full-tang package. It also comes with a tan sheath and brown handles. As camouflage technology has advanced in the last few years, many organizations are choosing tan, brown, coyote, etc. over black because black is said to not actually occur in nature and tends to stand out in thermal (? or maybe night vision, I can't remember for sure) optics. The sheath is also MOLLE compatible and jump safe.

Next thread about "which Becker for a soldier", I'm recommending the BK-17.

 

[Chameleonbear]

I have the BK-17. As I have already posted a review of my general thoughts on the knife, I'm going to focus on something else here that I haven't seen mentioned yet.

I think the BK-17 is now the best knife in the Becker line for a soldier. Of course, the classic Ka-Bar is a great choice, but if it can be said to have a fault, then that fault is the tang. The BK-7 was designed to be a full tang version of the Ka-Bar, and it too can be a good blade for those in our armed forces. However, the realities of warfare in this modern time are that soldiers are tasked with carrying alot of weight, and, unfortunately, regulations may exist that do not allow carrying a 7 inch blade. So, a smaller, lighter knife is often more practical.

The BK-17 has the same clip point design that has been trusted for decades but in a shorter, full-tang package. It also comes with a tan sheath and brown handles. As camouflage technology has advanced in the last few years, many organizations are choosing tan, brown, coyote, etc. over black because black is said to not actually occur in nature and tends to stand out in thermal (? or maybe night vision, I can't remember for sure) optics. The sheath is also MOLLE compatible and jump safe.

Next thread about "which Becker for a soldier", I'm recommending the BK-17.

I was thinking about this, I have a friend that is going to be on holiday and moving from Okinawa to Europe and he is going to be in the US for a few days (i.e. a month) so I'm thinking of getting him one.

 

[C_Tanner]

An un-violated BK16 with saber-grind! oooooooooooooooh!! I want!!

 

[tknife]

I only got my 16 two days ago, and have only used it just a little bit. First thing I noticed was how perfect the size and shape was. It's slim, light, yet stout and comfortable in hand. The sheath is also one of the better nylon sheaths I've seen.

A couple of small gripes, but they are mostly cosmetic. The scales don't line up very good, at least on mine. Guard has some sharp edges on it and was not comfortable for carving. Again, not a big deal. It's already been stripped, scales sanded and guard sharpness Dremeled. Issues solved.

Overall I'll say that this is one of the best factory field knives that I have used. It cuts like a Mora, but is stout enough for prying and other rough use.

 

[The Warrior]

Haven't used mine, to be honest. I love the overall looks of it. I have the FPR 16. Love the sheath. Very nicely constructed. As someone pointed out, the sheath is a little longer than it needs to be. I understand this is because the 15 is longer, but it would have been nice to have a shorter one for the 16 and 17. My only complaint, as most know, is the handle is too short for me. This wouldn't stop me from using it, but because of this, it isn't comfortable. My little finger hits where the hand is pointing:

I have other knives that are a bit short as well, but, because that "bump", so to speak, isn't on the handle, it still works out. I was thinking of grinding on it a bit, and making new scales. This is somewhat of what I was going to do. I stole this photo from C_Tanner. The first is how the handle shape is:

And this is a quickie, but shows what I was thinking to get rid of that part of the handle area:

I know production knives can't be made to fit everyone's hand perfectly, but it would be nice if there were a smoother transition on the end of the handle, for people that have larger hands.

 

[Bladite]

i'm a bit light in the tweener dept. bought some of then new ones. should be here soon. maybe old E will send me some old rusting stuff he has kicking around

still, my unmarked BK15 is lovely. convexed it. a couple people have used it. brought it to a steak house too. light use. like it, but haven't been beating on it. waiting on that a bit til i have users. you know how i am.

they're sure to grow on me, but as well, that size knife is one of my faves anyway, esp with nordic styles i prefer for fixies. mora, eka, helle, etc.

 

[TwinStick]

I have 5 of these blades. I have only actually used one. The RPR FFG BK16. I like it. I beat on it pretty good, going through some super hard black walnut with a wicked twist in it. It did not deform while going through the twist. Stayed straight the entire time. I was impressed (as most of you saw the machete pic i posted, where the tip was about 1" out of place). I like the handle a lot. Not grippy enough for me, but some stippling will fix that. I like the fact that the handles can be removed for cleaning/oiling/drying. The sheath is a vast improvement over past full sized sheaths. I am extremely picky when it comes to sheaths. This is the best one yet. I will still get a custom made when money allows. I just don't like the straps, as i have cut 2 off (not Becker blades) in the past. In the hand, i like the BK15 the best. I LOVE choils, when done properly. The BK5 & BK15 choils ARE done properly, IMHO. BK17 just doesn't do it for me. It's like a mini ka-bar only HD'er. I can certainly see why people like it so much & if i was going into harms way, the BK17 is probably the one i would choose, given all the BS restrictions nowadays. Sorry, but if i had no limitations, the BK7 or that BK2 clip point (i think it is Warriors, not sure) would be my choice.

As far as execution, i think every becker blade is genius. They have everything i want in a BRAND. Full width full tang, extended pommel, lanyard hole, good steel, can easily be modded to anyones particular likes, a fair price, good value for your money, good warranty, sold by a good company, made in America. Does it get any better than that ?

So, in closing, i am confident that as long as BK&T & Ka-Bar continues to hold true to what i want in a BRAND, i am ultra-confident that ANY blade they produce will be one that I am confident in buying & would trust my life to, if need be.

 

[LG&M]

I have used my 16 only a little to make small sticks out of big ones. So not enough to get a real idea of how I feel about it. One thing is it's a little handle heavy.