Your gripes with the Becker are pretty much the same as mine! Wonderful performance knives that have to be modded out of the box. Great honest review! Hockey tape or a Ranger band is a cheap fix for anyone not wanting to spend the money on micarta scales. It won't win a beauty contest, but it will stay in your hand.
I am a reluctant Becker head who bought Beckers, stripped the coating, bought extra Micarta handles and extra better sheaths and I appreciate your honesty. It pretty much doubles the cost of the knife.
The sad part is that they could sell them with better grips and a better sheath with a minimal increase. They dot because they know people will spend bigger for the better parts. I always say, design the knife you'd carry. I would never design a blade that I myself wished was different. The fact that they sell micarta scales is because they already know people would prefer them
I got this puppy! Becker makes a hell of a knife man! The stock sheath, the stock handles are functional and they work... Got mine from Midway USA for 93 bucks free shipping no tax.....
The factory grips are great! They are less likely to give blisters by design and if you look it up there is a video where a guy coated them with oil and stabs a tree no problem with slippage. If you really hard use the knife for a while you will understand, it is not apparent sitting on your couch. Example, Kershaw 10” Camp Knife has grippy rubber handle and it feels good till you use it and it rips your hide off!
The small secondary pouch is for the knife known as the Becker Remora, which used to come with the BK9. Buy a Remora, it fits perfectly. The small knife you have was originally meant to be a neck knife or survival kit knife and came far later than the Remora. The original Remora was made in stainless steel. Hope this helps, sorry for writing this at such a late date. Now you know !
I agree about the handle, so I put micarta on it. Problem solved, and +1 aesthetics. Just bought mine for $116 USD in 2021. Yes, the sheath is Chinese cheapo and the handle is....the handle. If they offered a leather sheath and micarta handle, it would double the price point. I'm sure it was a calculated decision on Ka-Bar's part. Great review. I love mine.
They could do micarta with leather or kydex without a price climb. Dealer prices for micarta scales are dirt cheap and the KA-BAR leather sheaths keep the prices on the stacked handle stuff pretty solid.
I just watched an interview with Ethan Becker. Apparently there’s a video out there of a guy dipping the knife in olive oil and then stabbing as hard as possible… to prove that the handle is smooth but not slippery/dangerous. Maybe the YT sleuths can find the video and share it.
Hi DBad, one question regarding the steel 1095 Cro-Van - maybe is a stupid question - is it possible that this steel to be a bit brittle in some conditions ? I'm asking because I saw a vid - made by those guys from Holland - DBK - about BK 9 . At some point they battoned a log but instead of wood baton they used an iron hammer - and the tip broke - they called it "destruction test" - yeah, I know, is kind of stupid doing such things - but nonetheless - that seemed a bit worrying ... Is the KaBar CroVan too hardened so it may become brittle in some conditions ?
I agree with your opinion about this knife 100%. Mine is wonderful. The finish is about 20% gone, but that's ok. I, like you, am not so happy with the handle. Maybe some day, I'll change it or modify the existing one. I'd like it to have flatter sides and more texture for gripping. As new, the handle is too slick for my tastes. Love your video! New subscriber! Looking forward to binge watching your content! BTW: a combat blade is only too long if it sticks out the back of your assailant.
Good review and assessment of the Becker BK-9, the scale design I believe is good but the material is not the most optimal,, although the steel and blade is military grade. Mr.Becker is a excellent Bush Craft, Martial Arts, Camping as well as all around Working blade designer and soldiers ,hunters as well as bushcraft and campers love his knives and chopping tools, his handles are very well thought out, but as you stated the material is low grade and it's likely because they sell them upgrades.☺🔪
Great honest review. I’ve considered buying the bk9 several times, each time the cost of new handles and custom kydex sheath would add up to about $300. That’s in the ball park of the Italian Extrema Ratio knives. Becker fans hardly ever point that out.
Some people refuse to talk about flaws in their favorites. That's why I started designing. Not sure if you saw my dbad Camp Master, but its as close to perfect as can be unless you have tiny hands
Donnie B All Day I know the handle of the Camp Master fits your hand perfect. How about guys like me that wear size large gloves? I’m interested in the Camp Master
Another excellent review. I have the same complaint and I love Beckers. Why not just put the great micarta handles on it and charge for it? Then we wouldn't be left with an extra set of cheap handles for it. However my main go-to knife for the bush is my BK10...
Probably a weird comparison but im between this and a condor plan a. Leaning pretty heavily towards the plan a for value, and it just looks beautiful as well.
To be perfect, they'd both need a better grip and the BK needs a better sheath. The BB has a great sheath but you can actually change the grip on the BK and still get a sheath. Just make sure that if you get a sheath that it fits any new grips. So in short, the BK9 of the two for bushcraft/survival even though they're close. Sure they will both perform better than most left as is, but real use needs real useability. That includes grip and sheath. As far as a knife to have for hiking, I'd keep the Big Brother out of the two as it's a faster fighter. I'd still take the Esee Junglas over both though.
I used paint stripper to remove the coating on mine. This was simply for aesthetic purposes. The Becker logo goes into the metal. Mine still has all the logos/wording as it did before I stripped it. The process of stripping it takes about 15-20 minutes of work and ~30 minutes of soak time in paint stripper.
If you want a bigger handle, just get an RTAKII, it has a bigger handle and slightly bigger blade. I love my BK9, I keep it all stock with matches inside the handle, it works perfectly.
the problem is that its just a straight up common design. I have knives that share the elements enough to where a redesign could be close to some of my other stuff
I have enjoyed this review immensely....! your (black at some points) humor is a huge plus, alongside your willingness to actually use the blade for good...once again, well done and thank you! fantastic review!
I don't have an issue with the grips but that's just me. I have swung this knife for hours with zero issues. I did get another sheath for it. However, the sheath I use the most is the factory sheath. I don't disagree with the people who don't like it. I am only sharing my opinion. I have a Esee Junglas also. My go to knife for working is the BK 9. I do love the Junglas.
Bro, I totally agree with your opinion on the sheath. Funny thing, I think I got a fluke here because I bought a new BK9 a few weeks ago and there;s no rattle with the sheath, I ran, flailed, jumped over crap, and still not rattle. The snap is well made on mine so that contributes as well in reducing the movement in making it rattle. I paid $231 Canadian after taxes. I remember back in the day with my very first BK9, I was trying to decide between this one and the Buck hoodlum, and I'm glad I went with the Bk9. It still stands the test of time while the Hoodlum had catastrophic failures and has since been no longer in production. I know that this is going to sound a bit weird, but I really missed that traction coating. I'm not taking mine off because it's on there for a reason and I don't have time to play Action Man 365 days a year and oil it and do whatever to it, sometimes I'm out of town so that coating protects it so I'm leaving it on. Sprayed some lube on it and put it back in the sheath, and the coating will last a lot longer when used. still looks new like the day I bought it. Good video, pretty relaxing letting this video play while I do stuff around the crib here and hear the birds chirping in your background. Keep up the good work bro!
@@DonnieBAllDay I've bought both Micarta & G10 for other Beckers in the past. I find that micarta is a sponge for dirt and grime, and discoloration.G10 isn't all that more grippy I find so I just ordered an soldering gun off amazon and and I'm going to make my own grip using the stock handle which keeps the knife light and store matches inside the stock handles. I've also had G10 scales too but both that and micarta make it a bit heavier so I'm going that route, I have a couple stock becker scales from back in the day I can practice on making pitting. I might go with theTKC Ranger G10 with liners but I'm getting a kydex made for this badboy. Thanks man.
Careful Donnie, please don't be wrong and don't mislead others. The handle is so named because it is not just plastic. Read about this material Grivory GV, it is positioned as a substitute for metal in terms of its characteristics. The fact that the grip is slippery and uncomfortable to hold - is another story. But it's not just penny plastic.
Look up it's genetic specs. It's a plastic. There are many plastics. Space shuttle grade to a childs bicycle streamers. Nothing misleading. It's a solid plastic. There's a reason they make and sell upgradeable scales. Because the ones they put on while are a very sturdy high grade plastic, are still just smooth plastic. Thats fact.
@@DonnieBAllDay With all due respect Donnie, this is a misnomer and a bad analogy. There is lead, there is titanium, and all these are metals. But you will not claim to chop down a tree with a lead ax. Grivory GV - is a semi-crystalline polyamides, reinforced with glass fibers, very stiff. Аnd this is also a fact. Try to break or crush this handle and feel the difference. I don't like the slippery grip either, so I ordered myself a micarta. But "Amicus Plato, sed magis amica veritas"
@@cafeqc3793 believe me I hear you and you made the right choice on the switch bringing it to a near perfect knife. But when you read the classification, it's not a metal, it's a plastic. Give a quadriplegic metal limbs and he's still a human. As for damaging them, it's not hard. The have a low temp melting heat and a sharp edge will make a noticeable slice. The octagonal edges collapsed when I hammered in pins.
@@cafeqc3793 I have to say this though, something about two grown males being able to have a conversation with different views and it being civil that could teach some people things. Much respect for you.
i get it, but when you buy a small block chevy you drive around. if you want to race it you have to add intake and exhaust and otherwise uprgrade the components. it is what it is. check this out - i didn't buy a handle, I bought a knife. the huge, weight forward design combined with the flat grind makes a good slicer. ultimately the handle plays last fiddle when the knife steel, temper and shape meets 99% of the rest. Ive been thinking about this knife for years, but these days i need protection from COVID19 and Im seriously considering a good purge
Another awesome vid !!!! ( by the way - I’m a man of my word -- my “ Legionnaire “ arrived this morning). What a beauty !! Looking forward to YOUR review . ( I trust in your opinion and demonstration ).
AWESOME VIDEO DONNIE B ALL DAY, EVERYDAY! No. 1: Shaving urself makes me laugh so hard!!! No. 2 : Can you do a KNIFE THROWING TUTORIAL? Its Very Awesome because u throw all ur knives, please show us ur motions and styles of throwing. We always only ever see the blade sticking the tree. It would be cool to see you in action. Also tips on throwing. Cause i heard u say in some other video that u threw the knife holding the blade!!! Thats just Awesome!!! Thank you! P.s nice hoodie
Very good review! You can use the Camillus scales on the Beckers! They used a different material that was very grippy and was like hard rubber :) Bk9 is my all time favorite knife! Thank you for the video
Another great video. Think I'm going to get the Bk9 with a customised kydex sheath and micarta handles. Will cost a small fortune though. Here in the UK over £300 with the customizations. Will feel more than a little butt hurt.
@@DonnieBAllDay Thanks for the reply. Believe me bro I've looked at the Junglas countless times, costs here about £260 delivered and and like the look very much. Thing is I can buy the Bk9 now for about £150 and use it as is until I get the upgrades. And now after watching your Condor bowie v Cold Steel bowie video, it's got me thinking also.
WHEN THERE IS A SALE YOU CAN GET A SVORD VON TEMPSKY BOWIE ($190). IN MY OPINION THE BEST BOWIE KNIFE EVER MADE. A TRUE "FIGHTING KNIFE " SHOULD HAVE A GUARD. THE BK9 DOESN'T. TAKE CARE.
At that price you shouldn’t have to replace the scales they might not have the fanciest ones but they should at least grip and the basic functional we’re not talking about a 50 or $20 budget knife that would be OK to have to replace scalesNot $150 knife
That’s a great knife. I also own the bk7 another great knife!! These knives are meant to be customized. That being said no one keeps those sheaths. I have Kydex for mine. Much better. No rattle.
It doesnot matter if its a new video or a old video because they are all Knife videos lol, what a good saying . I think unless you are looking for a spacific knife , I just love knife videos .
I made green micarta scales, which go furtherdown than the original scales. So i have more material for my finger to ram against. I also changed the shape of the blade. I gave it a long clip point. From the ramp to the point. I had been looking for a certain style of knife, so i thought just re-profile the blade and change the blade. Then made a nice kydex sheath. You know if there was no Internet, these knives would be half the price. It is all down to marketing. These knives are very expensive in England. There is nothing special about these knives. They are alright, but like the handles they are bloody cheap and nasty. Becker was not the first to invent this shape of knife handle.
I love my BK 9 THE blade loved it and the shape of the scales nice but hated spending another $50 for micarta scales because the originals were cheap slick plastic the day it came in the mail ordered the micarta scales that really made my BK 9 EXPENSIVE $175 plus shipping after adding scales wtf
Yes I've had mine a year or two love it still have the stupid sheath same as my Rat 5 and my SP 5 survival bowie has the same kind of crappy sheath . I just finished making a proper bowie style brass guard for my Ontario Sp5 and sharpened the false edge its really fast in the hand it feels like a fighting Bowie now I'm make a micarta handle and its getting vulcanised red white blue colored hand cut and fitted spacers between the guard and handle too
I always change what I don't like about a knife my Rat 5 I had it about 3 days before I decided I hated the stupid hump where your second finger is I put a finger groove in it three days after I got it . I have made and sold knives since 1990s I use to work at GPK I was mikes first full time employee he hired me after the second time I went to Grand Prairie Knives just from my knowledge he made me the store clerk gave me keys to open the store every day and I closed I was buying Randalls for $225 to $300 selling trading making knives repairing customers knives on the side Mike the owner told me to it helped the store he's huge now with online sales back then it was all done over the phone very little mostly from walk in sales he said I broke a million dollars the first year I was there in sales was his best year now I'm sure its multi millions but that's who I am
Those BK handles are just terrible. I was chopping with the BK-2, slipped out of my hand and hit my leg. Very lucky to not get injured lol. After that I got the micarta scales...which I really didn't want to. Sorry Beckerheads but them handles are dangerous !
This one , or the Junglas .. can't seem to make up my mind. My large ape paws lean me to the Esee, but I like this one a LOT. choices .. choices .. Ahh, maybe i'll just settle on the CS 1917 for a Big @ss Choppa :-)
Ontario Marine Raider did same thing making epic utility monster with crap handle.Why not stacked leather? Same tang as their MK2 styled knifes.Would rather pay the extra $20..Now Camillus gone,Kabar out sourcing Sometimes,Ontario barely making it..Support our USA manufacturing before we have nothing left.
Now you're getting with the program now you're showing the real Great knives right now at Becker knife is an awesome knife with a spine is so thick what is it a quarter inch thick it's a real knife not these now if you've been showing that a week out in the woods the blades will roll up on them not to Becker knife
I have this boy and it S an really good fucking knife, i make à big cut à d very hard batonning on logs very dry Black oak, hickory, ash, this knife has à good capacité on camp and Survival, thé coating hé 'S efficient thé knife versatile, but à little beat Light ! Thé Sheath it S the shit
