The Little Becks

JWheel

JWheel

Joined
Jun 18, 2015
Messages
518
Here's something I've not heard a ton about - the differences between the small Beckers. The Necker, Eskabar, and D'Eskabar. (The Remora has been discussed quite a bit in another thread, but maybe it belongs here too.)

The 11 and 14 are almost the same size. So what's the real difference between these guys? What's the advantages/disadvantages of one other the other? Is one better at certain tasks (besides opening bottles;))? Is there some reason the 14 got a D steel version and not the 11? And for those who have the 24, does the D steel make a noticeable difference to you?

Inquiring minds want to know!
 
Well, I am sure that different people will yield differing answers.

For myself, I picked up a bk24 because of the uses I had planned for it. I was landscaping and cutting plastic bags and pots, sod, digging around in soil, both hard and soft scape jobs. So it was a daily encounter with silicate rich material that drove my decision between the 24 and 14. That being the case, it was the carbide content and more stainless option that afforded me a longer service life between sharpenings and not having to do major edge maintenence over my lunch, as well as a full length grip and ease of cleaning.

My bk11 was purchased as a daily carry that can take a keen edge, do the basic tasks that I ask of a knife while knowing it Can handle more if pressed into the role. Oh, and it has a bottle opener.

But, my bk11 wouldn't be recognized in its current state, as it is a work in progress and has been, well, dismantled... Pics to follow when it is closer to completion in the customized Becker thread.
 
To me the biggest difference between the 11 and 14/24 is the handle length. You get a nice solid grip on the 14/24 whereas, depending on the size of your hands, the 11 might be a three finger grip for you.
 
Semper Praesidio said:
To me the biggest difference between the 11 and 14/24 is the handle length. You get a nice solid grip on the 14/24 whereas, depending on the size of your hands, the 11 might be a three finger grip for you.
Click to expand...

This seems to be the popular consensus on the two different handle designs.
However, for me, the BK11 provides a strong 3 finger grip, while the 14/24 provide a weak 4 finger grip.
My pinky does not get a full purchase on the 14/24.
Therefore I prefer the 11. It's just more comfortable in my hand.
I should mention I do have micarta scales on my 11 and it makes a world of difference.
 
NJBillK said:
Well, I am sure that different people will yield differing answers.
Click to expand...

Yes, exactly what I'd like to hear! :)

Jonny1280 said:
This seems to be the popular consensus on the two different handle designs.
However, for me, the BK11 provides a strong 3 finger grip, while the 14/24 provide a weak 4 finger grip.
My pinky does not get a full purchase on the 14/24.
Therefore I prefer the 11. It's just more comfortable in my hand.
I should mention I do have micarta scales on my 11 and it makes a world of difference.
Click to expand...

Ah, okay. I hadn't really noticed the handle length. Good point.
 
I think the 11 provides a little more utility for that EDC. Blade shape and size is the same, and as Jonny mentioned the only real difference is in the handle. I've used the 'bottle opener' for much more then just opening bottles! Its been a mini wrench, a pry tool, a nail remover, wire bender, and a hammer :D My 11 is on me every day, and I've used it for every knife related task under the sun (and some things that it shouldn't of been used for). Looking at my photo's I may just have 100 or more of this thing in use or action for different tasks. As far as utility is concerned I think the 11 wins. The 14/24 can still be used for all the same cutting tasks. The 24 is up there on my want list because of the D2. The blade geometry make them amazing cutters. Those blades definitely hit above their weight class in terms of cutting.
 
TBL said:
I think the 11 provides a little more utility for that EDC. Blade shape and size is the same, and as Jonny mentioned the only real difference is in the handle. I've used the 'bottle opener' for much more then just opening bottles! Its been a mini wrench, a pry tool, a nail remover, wire bender, and a hammer :D My 11 is on me every day, and I've used it for every knife related task under the sun (and some things that it shouldn't of been used for). Looking at my photo's I may just have 100 or more of this thing in use or action for different tasks. As far as utility is concerned I think the 11 wins. The 14/24 can still be used for all the same cutting tasks. The 24 is up there on my want list because of the D2. The blade geometry make them amazing cutters. Those blades definitely hit above their weight class in terms of cutting.
Click to expand...

Good points. Extra utility is always good.

So lets throw in the Remora. Are there any circumstances (I'm asking anyone here) where you'd rather have that smaller blade over the 11/14/24? I'm sure the smaller is easier to carry, of course, but are there times when anyone opts for the Remora over their 11/14/24?
 
When giving my kids a carving lesson I opt for a 13 :) easier to control their small hands. :thumbup: Or if I'm going some place that requires me to carry something really small.
 
JWheel said:
Good points. Extra utility is always good.

So lets throw in the Remora. Are there any circumstances (I'm asking anyone here) where you'd rather have that smaller blade over the 11/14/24? I'm sure the smaller is easier to carry, of course, but are there times when anyone opts for the Remora over their 11/14/24?
Click to expand...

Right now my Remora is in my Machax sheath.
I use it as a firesteel scraper...Haha! True story.
Other than that, I don't really use the Remora.
The BK11 is always around my neck for small knife work.:thumbup:

And as long as we're talking about small Beckers...
Let's not forget about the elusive BK23 Skeleton. :D



 
Jonny1280 said:
Right now my Remora is in my Machax sheath.
I use it as a firesteel scraper...Haha! True story.
Other than that, I don't really use the Remora.
The BK11 is always around my neck for small knife work.:thumbup:

And as long as we're talking about small Beckers...
Let's not forget about the elusive BK23 Skeleton. :D



Click to expand...

I must've missed the previous discussion on that one. Didn't even know about it.
 
JWheel said:
The 11 and 14 are almost the same size. So what's the real difference between these guys? ...
Inquiring minds want to know!
Click to expand...
What?! Ya mean you haven't memorized the BK Blade Database by now?!
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...lade-Database-!!!-(News-Knife-Specs-and-Data)

The 11/14/24 all have the same blade.

The 11 handle differs from the 14/24 handle.

The 14/24 are identical, except one is made from 1095CV, the other D2.


The 24 was my first BK. I chose it over the 14 cuz it was D2, no coating, and got it for the same price as the 14. Since I don't have an 11 or 14, I can't make a comparison. But the D2 certainly adds a 'kewl' factor. ;) I'd luv to get a 15 and a 10 in D2.
 
TravisH said:
What?! Ya mean you haven't memorized the BK Blade Database by now?!
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...lade-Database-!!!-(News-Knife-Specs-and-Data)

The 11/14/24 all have the same blade.

The 11 handle differs from the 14/24 handle.

The 14/24 are identical, except one is made from 1095CV, the other D2.


The 24 was my first BK. I chose it over the 14 cuz it was D2, no coating, and got it for the same price as the 14. Since I don't have an 11 or 14, I can't make a comparison. But the D2 certainly adds a 'kewl' factor. ;) I'd luv to get a 15 and a 10 in D2.
Click to expand...

I didn't mean that to be taken so literally. I'm familiar with the specs in general. By "real difference," I'm asking about people's usage and why they choose one over the other for particular tasks.

So why was the D2 the deciding factor for you? Corrosion resistance or something else?
 
For me, the difference between the 11 and the 14 isn't so much a handle length concern, but a handle shape issue. For some reason, my index finger always just feels kind crammed onto the choil on the handle of the 11, while the 14 is very comfortable for me. It's really not a big issue- I do still have both and I have my 11 in my bag daily- but the 14 is an all-around more comfortable handle for me.

This is both with paracord handle wraps or, as I prefer, ESEE Izula Micarta scales on the 14 and homemade denim micarta scales on the 11.

The only reason I don't carry my 14 more is because the sheath has become rather lax on the retention standpoint and I haven't gotten around to replacing it yet. It won't fall out of the sheath, but oftentimes the knife will come out of the sheath before the sheath's mouth is out of my pocket- thus running a risk of cutting up my pockets. No big deal, just need to replace the sheath. It's been used hard.
 
OK, you guys are missing the most important difference: The 11 opens....bottles, and the 14/24 do not. What more reason does one need to have an 11 close at hand? I have a couple, and though I've heavily customized one of them, I kept it's most important, lifesaving feature:

14489656843_cd07745b3b_b.jpg


Actually I like both; Murph did a nice mod on his 14 to add the beer opening feature. My 10 year old gives the 11 a hearty thumbs up!

15528685371_ef55589e97_b.jpg


Whoops! That's Becker, the dog....but she still likes her 11.
 
thatotherguy said:
For me, the difference between the 11 and the 14 isn't so much a handle length concern, but a handle shape issue. For some reason, my index finger always just feels kind crammed onto the choil on the handle of the 11, while the 14 is very comfortable for me. It's really not a big issue- I do still have both and I have my 11 in my bag daily- but the 14 is an all-around more comfortable handle for me.

This is both with paracord handle wraps or, as I prefer, ESEE Izula Micarta scales on the 14 and homemade denim micarta scales on the 11.

The only reason I don't carry my 14 more is because the sheath has become rather lax on the retention standpoint and I haven't gotten around to replacing it yet. It won't fall out of the sheath, but oftentimes the knife will come out of the sheath before the sheath's mouth is out of my pocket- thus running a risk of cutting up my pockets. No big deal, just need to replace the sheath. It's been used hard.
Click to expand...

Did you make the homemade micarta? If so, I'd love to see your process in a thread.
 
I love my 11 and honestly have not been too tempted by the 14. I can't give you an honest or coherent answer as to why though. Maybe it is just loyalty to my old trusty Necker. I have been tempted by the 24 in D2 though, but only because there isn't a 21 in D2.
IMG_20150430_124249_138_zpspeajcrj7.jpg


granitestateofmind said:
OK, you guys are missing the most important difference: The 11 opens....bottles, and the 14/24 do not. What more reason does one need to have an 11 close at hand?
Click to expand...
Nailed it on the head. Shoot, you can even open a beer one-handed if you drive the BK11 into a fencepost first.
100_0945.jpg
 
I prefer the 11 and keep it in my work bag - so it goes just about everywhere with me. I like the solid 3 finger grip over the poor 4 with the 14/24 - plus bottle opener coolness. I do however have a 24 in each vehicle. The almost stainless D2 was appealing for me there.
 
I really like the simplicity of the 14 and it cuts out of proportion to its size.

I don't like the looks of the can opener on the 11.

Plus when Cokes came in real bottles with the cap top my Dad taught me that the whole world is a bottle opener. Pliers, screwdrivers, countertops, truck bumper, etc. are all improvised bottle openers.
 
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