Survival Knives...again

N

NRG

Joined
Dec 16, 2003
Messages
177
Ok...based on many suggestions I picked up a Becker BK-7...great knife but one issue. I can't really get a comfortable grip on it. I think the handle may be just a little to big for my hand. Anyone have any other suggestions? I'm looking for something under the $125 range with a slimmer handle. All and any help is much appreciated...:)
 
Try Fallkniven's A1. It's got a slimmer handle and is in your price range. Not to mention it's a great knife.
 
rev_jch said:
Have you considered making a pair of scales (handle) for it?
Click to expand...

No...I'm not that mechanically inclined. :D Some nice Micarta would be real sweet.

Johnny, I'd probably get the A1 but I hate kraton handles.
 
Tape a piece of sandpaper to a mirror - rub the scales (the side that mates with the tang) along the paper to remove a little material on each - don't need to take off too much, an 1/8" per side results in a 1/4" thinner handle.

Then off to the local bead blaster where for a nominal fee you can have the scales blasted. The blasted scales look great and feel like canvas micarta (and are probably as tough or tougher than micarta). There's a picture of this attached to an earlier post of mine.

Blast first and you may not feel the need to thin the scales.

Replacement plastic scales are available from Camillus - cheap (just in case you mess up somehow or want to try something different).

You wont find a better survival type knife only more expensive ones.
 
NRG, If I had the time I would do it for you, unfortunately I dont these days. Averageguy has a pretty good suggestion for you!
 
Don't forget the Ontario RAT 7. I replaced my BK7 with one and like it. It has micarta scales and good ergos for a big knife.
 
Try Swamp Rat Knives. Again, right in your price range and they also make great knives. I've only held a Bandicoot, but its handle is one of the most comfortable I've ever held.
 
Beckers are great knives and worth the moolah,however I agree with you on the handles which I too find uncomfortable.If you keep the blade remove the scales and wrap in 550 cord which may help some if not do as someone else here has suggested and pick up a RAT7.
 
Thanks guys...If I had the time I'd try doing the handles myself...but I don't want to f'em up. I have been eyeballing the RAT-7...thing is, I just bought a Spec-Ops survival sheath and I'm trying to find something that will be afordable and reliable for it. I plan on making one hell of a survival kit...I already have loads of stuff for the pouch but I need a knife. Maybe I should wait awhile and just buy a nice custom for it. Can anyone recommend a nice custom?? :D
 
I didn't like my Bk7's handles when I first got the knife either. But after a little use, they've grown on me. I can't tell if I've just gotten used to the biomechanics of using a knife with these handles or whether the 'wisdom' of the their design actually works. I just really like this knife now - handles and all.

If you want to wait a little longer, apparently Becker is coming out with replacement micarta handles for these knives.
 
Bark River... If you had gotten one the first time you wouldn't have been asking for another knife... ;)
-Kevin
 
averageguy has a great idea -- just a caveat: The handles ARE hollow, not full slab, so don't go too deep! You can fill the handles with material to change the balance too, if you like, on Beckers, or put a survival kit inside -- great ideas from Ron Hood.

~B.
 
NRG,
if your making a survival kit I would suggest you consider using a good SAK, like the victorinox rucksack. I worked in survival equipment for 8 years, active duty Air Force (88-96, desert shield/storm). I have to say after 8 years of experience in survival equipment a SAK is a pretty good choice. The tools are important, but they are only as "effective" as the person using them. Big knives make poor survival kit knives as they tend to become more of a nuisance. Please do not mistake this, big knives are useful, but in a survival situation you want something that will not be cumbersome, or heavy to carry around.

Im only speaking out of my experience. Ive seen guys survive on small kits that will fit into a 1 1/2" x 4" pouch and contain a cheap 3 blade colonial stockman. It seems that many (Im generalizing this) think you have to have really nice, expensive knives in kits, not necessary at all, why spend the money if there no need for it?
 
rev_jch, trust me...my SAK Hiker will be in there! ;) Plus alot of other stuff.

Back to handles...does anyone know when the Micarta handles will be coming out?
 
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