Why No Zytel for the BK-11

C

calvinw

Joined
Feb 28, 2012
Messages
584
Why is there no Zytel handle for the BK-11?

I love the look of the BK-11 (over the BK-14) but I'm torn on the cost of the Micarta handles (vs. the Zytel available for the BK-14).

Is there just no demand for a less expensive OEM handle option for the BK-11?

Sorry if this has been asked before; I couldn't find it in another thread.
 
Yes, it has been asked before. As for the answer: my speculation (& that's all it is) is that: it is designed as a necker knife. The handles would add more bulk & kinda defeat the minimalist idea of a necker.
The micarta handles do make a big difference IMHO. It gives you much more purchase for your hand/fingers to grip/grab on to. I find myself using mine much more often now that i have them on it.
It is what it is. Personally, I LOVE the KaBar handles for my BK14. Much lighter too.
 
TwinStick said:
Yes, it has been asked before. As for the answer: my speculation (& that's all it is) is that: it is designed as a necker knife. The handles would add more bulk & kinda defeat the minimalist idea of a necker.
The micarta handles do make a big difference IMHO. It gives you much more purchase for your hand/fingers to grip/grab on to. I find myself using mine much more often now that i have them on it.
It is what it is. Personally, I LOVE the KaBar handles for my BK14. Much lighter too.
Click to expand...

What you said makes sense for why the BK-11 doesn't come with handles by default. But it doesn't address the question of why only expensive Micarta handles are available for the BK-11 (when cheaper Zytel is available for the 14/24). I'd be all over Zytel for the 11.

Maybe there's no profit in Zytel?
 
I'm not sure why there are no zytel scales, probably due to demand. I think I saw an interview with Ethan on youtube somewhere where he mentioned the scales that Ka-Bar used to sell for the BK series and they cut it back to only Micarta because nobody bought the other stuff. I mean a lot of guys want to make their own scales, and they do sell some of the ones they make. I'm sure you could find some wood ones here. BK11 is a skeleton necker so scales add bulk which is not really what the knifes designed for.

I will say if you're torn on the price of micarta scales, they are well worth the money. There probably isn't much profit in them selling after market grivory or zytel scales. But if there was an option for those I would still strongly recommend the micarta over the two.
 
tommythewho a member here makes some fine bk11 scales and has many diff. woods too choose from!
 
The zytel just came out last year. The BK11 micarta is awesome! Now who knows if they will come out with zytel for the 11 but a year ago people were asking why do we have scales for the 11 and not the 14........
 
Psyop said:
The zytel just came out last year. The BK11 micarta is awesome! Now who knows if they will come out with zytel for the 11 but a year ago people were asking why do we have scales for the 11 and not the 14........
Click to expand...

I did not know they came out just last year. That's for that!

I think I'm just going to have to bite the bullet .
 
+1 for zytel scales for the 11. I love the zytel scales on my 14. Lighter and cheaper for the user. Its also great to have the black ones for EDC and the orange ones for hunting and fishing. Of course I have the prettier kneckers w/ wooden and micarta scales in a drawer:)
 
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