Why the BK-2 love?

B

BlueRabbit

Joined
Jan 4, 2008
Messages
8
I have a BK9 (hail to the king) and a Remora. I'm counting the days until I can get a BK16, and I've been following the progress on the BRK with something close to an obsession. But for the life of me, I don't understand the love for the BK2. Every one I'be handled has just felt awkward and heavy. At .25" thick, it seemed to fat to be a good slicer, and the angle on the edge bevel looked too wide to bite deep on a chop. I ran into the same issue with my RTAK-II and Ontario Kukri, but was able to fix it by reprofiling them. The FFG and thinner stock made this easy. But the BK2 is a partial FG.

I see and read so much about what amazing blades these are and I want to know if I'm missing something! I have handled them, but never actually used one. For reference, I have average sized hands. My current favorite in the BK2's class is the Boker Vox Rold, though I'm going to mod it to beef up the handle.

Thanks for everything!
 
I modified mine to a full height convex and put the sharpest convex edge on it. Once I did that the 2 was capable of anything. Its a fantastic knife.
 
BlueRabbit said:
I have a BK9 (hail to the king) and a Remora. I'm counting the days until I can get a BK16, and I've been following the progress on the BRK with something close to an obsession. But for the life of me, I don't understand the love for the BK2. Every one I'be handled has just felt awkward and heavy. At .25" thick, it seemed to fat to be a good slicer, and the angle on the edge bevel looked too wide to bite deep on a chop. I ran into the same issue with my RTAK-II and Ontario Kukri, but was able to fix it by reprofiling them. The FFG and thinner stock made this easy. But the BK2 is a partial FG.

I see and read so much about what amazing blades these are and I want to know if I'm missing something! I have handled them, but never actually used one. For reference, I have average sized hands. My current favorite in the BK2's class is the Boker Vox Rold, though I'm going to mod it to beef up the handle.

Thanks for everything!
Click to expand...

BlueRabbit,

I posted a note at about 04:30 this morning asking something similar to what you ask. In my case though I like the feel of the BK2 and expect to add it to the selection of knives I use for hiking. It is indeed heavy for its length but in my average-sized hands it feels fine. Also, I strap my hiking-knife to my belt so a shorter knife that doesn't move about as I hike is a plus. I don't mind the weight. But I had noted that the BK2 is currently the best selling knife at Amazon and wondered why. My interest in the knife seemed niche-like. It doesn't seem to me there are all that many people engaging in regular hikes.

Also, I noted that Chris of Prepared Minds 101 said he didn't like the BK2. He liked the BK7 & BK9 but not the BK2; which he thought too heavy for its length and not long enough for adequate batoning or chopping. He's probably right and since that is what his YouTube channel is all about then it seems reasonable for him to favor the BK7 & BK9 but something like the BK16 for Bush Crafting.

So in my thread I asked how forum members used there BK2s. I don't know if any of those answers will help you. Your choice of the BK16 is the same choice that Chris of Prepared Minds 101 seemed to be making; so you're in good company. I have only seen a few of his videos and the one in which he criticizes the BK2 is in one of his BK9 videos, but that might help you.

Lawrence
 
The BK2 is a great knife. It batons like a champ (quite, quite well, despite what some may say) and while it isn't the sliciest, it will do the job. It chops far outside it's size range, and is a heck of a good choice.

That being said, there are others in the lineup that are a better fit if you already have a chopper in a BK9 and a fine work tool in a BK13, namely the 15, 16, or 17. Personally my favorite is the BK16 with a saber grind, but the full-flat option is a definite contender, and it will definitely serve the purpose. If you are ditching all your knives for one though, that is the time the BK2 shines.
 
I'm getting real close to getting a bk 2. I love the way people customize, personalize, patina, and put it to the test and it just keeps getting back up.

I love my 9 but the 16 is also calling me in my sleeping moments. Tick tock tick tock. . .
 
To me it boils down like this. Little boys pine over the Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Paganis... The expensive, sexy, fast cars. Just like they lust over the M390, INFI, S30V steels. But when it comes down to it they CAN get the Ford F-150. The dependability, the reasonable price, the never gonna die on you... That is the Becker, specifically the BK-2.
 
The BK2 definitely has a big following....
It's a serious batton/chopper knife that can handle anything you throw at it.
This thread is extreme,but proves how tough this bad boy is...http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ting-the-BK2-to-the-test-so-you-don-t-have-to
You can also do detail work with it such as feathersticks,field dressing...Might not be best choice but it will do the job.
I have L/XL hands & this knife definitely feels comfortable and not cumbersome to work with.
There are other Becker's that might work for you--BK16/17 or BK10/BK12.
 
She is like that ulgy girl you knew in high school, who liked you. She doesn't ask for much but will damn near do anything you ask of her.:D
 
tobiism said:
I modified mine to a full height convex and put the sharpest convex edge on it. Once I did that the 2 was capable of anything. Its a fantastic knife.
Click to expand...
But then its not the bk2 that's a great knife its a knife blank essentially that you made great. Either way I have came real close to buying one on more than one occasion but I have a tbt-01 now that fits my technique so I'm outta the hunt for a perfect blade for a while.
 
ncraigtrn said:
But then its not the bk2 that's a great knife its a knife blank essentially that you made great. Either way I have came real close to buying one on more than one occasion but I have a tbt-01 now that fits my technique so I'm outta the hunt for a perfect blade for a while.
Click to expand...


I should clarify, out of the box it will do all things, no doubt about it. I just finetuned it so it would work perfectly for MY needs. The best part is you can pick one up for a song and not feel bad modifying it!
 
tobiism said:
I should clarify, out of the box it will do all things, no doubt about it. I just finetuned it so it would work perfectly for MY needs. The best part is you can pick one up for a song and not feel bad modifying it!
Click to expand...
Hey no complaints from me I believe in making any tool do the job I need it to do if you know what i mean.
 
Some reasons why I feel a BK2 is a good choice:

1. Some places have restrictions on knife blade lengths. (Gotta keep the law-abiding populace in line.)
2. A BK2 makes a good extraction tool in lieu of the BK3. (For the legislatively size challenged.)
3. It makes a mean peanut butter sammich.
4. Cause I like it.
 
My first impression of the BK2 was also that the blade was too thick for the overall scale of the knife, and had a hard time deciding between it and the BK7, so I got one of each.:D
 
ncraigtrn said:
But then its not the bk2 that's a great knife its a knife blank essentially that you made great.
Click to expand...

DerekH said:
If you are ditching all your knives for one though, that is the time the BK2 shines.
Click to expand...

I imagine these are the two best reasons for the BK2's popularity. Good all around knife and it can be modified to suit your preferences. As far as the weight, wearing it close to the body, rather than having it dangle, helps.
 
zakjak221 said:
The BK2 definitely has a big following....
It's a serious batton/chopper knife that can handle anything you throw at it.
This thread is extreme,but proves how tough this bad boy is...http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ting-the-BK2-to-the-test-so-you-don-t-have-to
You can also do detail work with it such as feathersticks,field dressing...Might not be best choice but it will do the job.
I have L/XL hands & this knife definitely feels comfortable and not cumbersome to work with.
There are other Becker's that might work for you--BK16/17 or BK10/BK12.
Click to expand...

The link posted in this comment was the one that sold me on buying one. Once you hold the BK2 you will feel the power that comes with it. You can dismantle the world with that knife. I love mine.
 
Lawrence, as soon as I hit "post" I went back and read your thread. Feel like I need to apologize for essentially posing the same question! After reading what tobiism said though, I might to break down and get one and just go nuts on the mods. But if I want something similar but lighter, wouldn't a BK10 fit the bill? It's next on my list after the 16.
 
I choose the 10 over the 2 and I haven't regretted it since, its the perfect knife IMO, added a set of micarta and bought a kydex sheath from Godspeed and its even better
 
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