Total Transformation!!

LostViking

LostViking

Joined
Jan 1, 2009
Messages
3,431
Well after playing with my BK-1 last weekend. I pried out the wallet and ordered some micarta slabs for a few of my other Beckers.

All I can say is Wow. I wish I had done this sooner. What a difference, in both looks and feel. Much better grip and the looks are stunning with the tan micarta against the Black Blade.

Makes me love my Beckers even more.
 
I couldn’t justify buying handles for 40.00 +shipping on a knife that cost 55-65 dollars. I think they look great on the knife but until they come down on price, ill pass. I own several beckers and think they’re great knives with a lot of value.
 
I have to agree with lost viking. I have them on all my beckers, bk2, bk9 and bk11. they look great and when you compare them with esee knives, which i also like, you can buy them in pieces instead of all at one time. you essentially get equal knives at that point, and they are still slightly less expensive. Knives with micarta slabs: BK2:$100 RC-5:$130 BK9:$115 Junglas:$150 BK11:$65 Izula:$65. This is all just my opinion. Also cant wait for the BK14 and the tweeners!
 
cosmophonic12 said:
I couldn’t justify buying handles for 40.00 +shipping on a knife that cost 55-65 dollars. I think they look great on the knife but until they come down on price, ill pass. I own several beckers and think they’re great knives with a lot of value.
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i feel the same way about micarta. i think it's way overpriced for what it is - an easily mass produced product. i think it has something to do with it being a niche product. similar to crushed walnut shells - $20 a bag when you buy it from a gun store/labeled as "tumbling media" for brass but you can find the same exact thing for $5 a bag in a pet store :rolleyes:
 
I've put micarta on both my BK7, and BK2. I like both the look and feel of it, and spending the extra cheddar ($$) to make them more "mine" was totally worth it.

But I can see the points made by cosmophonic12 and JV3 though. Everybody likes what they like I guess. I'm all for that! :D
 
I wasn't recommending that anyone else tweak their Beckers. I just think I like mine this way.

Everyone spends their money their way. I have no issues with that. I have friends that smoke 2 packs a day(12X7=84) telling me I spend too much on knives. What in todays world isn't overpriced?

I guess in my mind if $37.00 adds function and beauty it's worth it. I own ESSE , Swamp Rats, Busses, Fallknivens, Rangers, and many other fine blades. But I think the Becker series brings a ton of value to the table for the price.
 
LostViking said:
What in todays world isn't overpriced?
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becker & esee knives. hey, you asked :D

don't get me wrong. my post wasn't directed at you. it's directed squarely at the micarta manufacturer/s who no doubt charged ka-bar a higher price knowing it'll be made into knife handles instead of industrial use.

now, are you going to post pics of said knives or what? :)
 
I really agree with cosmophonic12 and JV3, and not having issues personally with the Grivory slabs I am in no hurry to shell out the coin it would take to see what all the fuss is about.

so...

Anyone unhappy with their Micarta, my address is....... :D
yeah, I would like to try a pair on for size.
 
Yes the slabs are too expensive for what they are - that being said they completely transformed my BK9 with regard to comfort, feel and control. The knife is already a bargain & adding $40 for the slabs turned out to be a great call for my purposes.
 
The only thing that is pushing me to justify spending the extra money on the micarta slabs is that they can be used on any of the Beckers. If you only plan on carrying, say, the BK7 along with a Mora of the BK11, you can just put the micarta onto that one and be on your way. Likewise, if you are moving out with just the BK2, you simply move the scales over. Want your BK9 to feel pretty tonight? Rinse and repeat. Getting the most mileage out of the $40 is important to me.

I'm surprised nobody has brought up how the BK11 scales are a fraction of the size and still $30. With those, you only have one knife they can be used on.

With that being said, I still plan on trying my hand at some blue jean micarta. I used to make prosthetics and still have access to my old workplace. I know a thing or two about laminating fibers, resins, and so forth, so I don't think it will be too tough. We'll see.
 
cosmophonic12 said:
I couldn’t justify buying handles for 40.00 +shipping on a knife that cost 55-65 dollars. I think they look great on the knife but until they come down on price, ill pass. I own several beckers and think they’re great knives with a lot of value.
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yah, 'cept the BK1 isn't a $65 knife :)

they do cost a bit, and i'm sure KaBar is getting gouged (hah) for cosmetically perfecct micarta (as opposed to industrial), and materials cost, what they cost.

the BK11 slabs are rather more elaborate for CNC - they aren't just flat on the non-grip size. adds to cost.

perhaps i'll suggest that KaBar just make the micarta standard, this will increase prices now, and they may drop later ;) the knives would of course come with the black handles as standard :) heh


Bladite
 
Bladite said:
yah, 'cept the BK1 isn't a $65 knife :)

they do cost a bit, and i'm sure KaBar is getting gouged (hah) for cosmetically perfecct micarta (as opposed to industrial), and materials cost, what they cost.

the BK11 slabs are rather more elaborate for CNC - they aren't just flat on the non-grip size. adds to cost.

perhaps i'll suggest that KaBar just make the micarta standard, this will increase prices now, and they may drop later ;) the knives would of course come with the black handles as standard :) heh


Bladite
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Well, I would hope so. Without the black on black look, it just wouldn't say Becker in quite the same way, now would it?
 
JV3 said:
i think it has something to do with it being a niche product. similar to crushed walnut shells - $20 a bag when you buy it from a gun store/labeled as "tumbling media" for brass but you can find the same exact thing for $5 a bag in a pet store :rolleyes:
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Not to hijack this thread, but THANKS for the tip JV! I knew I was getting screwed, but didn't know how to bypass the experience. Off the the pet store I go! :)
 
52100 said:
Not to hijack this thread, but THANKS for the tip JV! I knew I was getting screwed, but didn't know how to bypass the experience. Off the the pet store I go! :)
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you're welcome. you need to surf a reloading forum! tons of tips there like vinegar & water solution, etc.
 
JV3 said:
you're welcome. you need to surf a reloading forum! tons of tips there like vinegar & water solution, etc.
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For fear of hijacking the thread, I'll keep this short. Had a friend try to tumble some WELL tarnished brass of mine. Walnut didn't do it. He said he had to use an acid bath and it took too long. He gave them back to me. I thought, hmmm, acid, vinegar. Mixed an unknown proportion of vinegar and water, used a rock tumbler, they are beautiful.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled thread...
 
I like the way they look, feel and yes, even smell :eek:

That said, some grip tape will get you to a similar place in terms of function. They're a luxury. I think they're worth it.
 
I absolutely love my micarta handles on my BK2 and IMO, they are worth the investment. I also love how they smell!

The knife handles and feels a whole lot better in my hands.
 
Ive been considering micarta for my BK2. Any of you guys willing to post some pics of your micarta-handled Beckers?
 
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