I've collected well over a hundred high quality folders. About a year ago I started giving that collection a run for my money with fixed blades. What's wrong with me?!! Thanks, I think, for feeding my addiction.
The hex key/ Allen wrench you will need to change the handle/ scales is 9/64 as referenced from Gideons Tactical Video: Building the ultimate BK 16, March 5, 2016.
Found this just before the current crisis came on. It had that blade design that iv never tried. Really liking the knife and the sheath on mine has zero movement. Thanks.
Yep, looks very much like my Esee 4 HM with some minor differences. Same exact price once you add the Micarta which the Esee 4 HM comes with. AZ Welke rocks. Glad to see Becker putting a new blade in their line-up.
I would love to see more knives with Harpoon style blades! From the pure looks of it the new BK18 ist my favorite in the lineup! Thank you for the review, God bless you and your family and stay save!
I'm a sucker for a good harpoon blade. This one is ok. I have a black one. It does the job but not as well as the Tops Alaskan Harpoon or the Hinderer Ranch Harpoon. Which are both personal favorites of mine in terms of how they perform.
I just now bought this knife, $80 to the door. Can't wait. Love your reviews. Didn't know about this knife at all until your Best of 2020 vid. Been a careful selection process to fill the "kephart, Rat3, bushcraft, tactical response, EDC when I can" niche. Thank you so much for the review. Serious survivalist end user here. Thumbs up, brother
I'll be reviewing the black one I picked up a couple months back really soon. Its nice... but definitely not my favorite BK blade. The bk 2 is still in the race for that lol.
Don't want to deal with the coating or the need to buy aftermarket idems such as the scales. However, that huge belly is nice. This is more of a utility blade than anything. It is a little too short for a survival knife. For over a $100 there are much better options for my purposes. Bring back the BK10, and the Condor Wayfinder rocks.
You can smooth the coating down if you like with some sandpaper and 5 minutes, Mr. Becker taught me that trick. The factory scales work great and minimize blisters, there are videos of people stabbing trees with them after covering it was oil, good to go as is. The BK-10 is still available. Becker’s are very ergonomic in hand and high quality for the money.
I was so stoked to see this knife come out. I've been waiting on one like this for a while. The only hang-up I have is that gross brown on brown action they've got going on with the knife and sheath. I, typically, wear brown pants when I'm out in the wilderness, I don't want my knife to be brown, too; I'm not a tree. If they come out with an all black version, they've got my dough.
Really like the Beckers but I just don't get the crappy scales, does anyone like them? Seems to me they should just make the micarta standard, even if they have to raise the price a little.
I bought micarta handles for my BK 16 too...interestingly when I spoke with Ethan Becker about the different handles, he disliked the micarta...said they caused hot spots.
It was delivered today with the micarta scales. Thanks Aaron, you really have a way of delivering excellent content with relevant information plus practical application. This is proof that you value your viewers and their time. Take care .
BK9, BK 11, BK16 still the best of the bunch for bushcraft and camping needs. Don't see the purpose of the BK18 unless the goal was to stab something in the chest, in which case, why not just get the BK7 ("now that's a knife" Croc D.)? I have to admit the look of the harpoon is cool, but for a knife this size, is all that extra belly really necessary? I was tempted to buy this, but after patiently waiting and watching my now 3rd reviewer, I think I'll stick with my flat ground BK16 (this knife is close to perfection, though unfortunately like most Beckers, you need to modify it a little). I have mine tricked out like Gideon, new taco kydex sheath, stripped blade patina, but no micarta scales. I find the G10 scales are way better than micarta (grippier and easier to clean). I don't care for choils (waste of blade space), 90 degree spines or bow drill handles. I have to give Becker credit, he's great at blade design and keeps coming out with new things.
Didn't know about this BK18 until I saw your video. Ordered one from SNKW for less than $70. Had thought about ordering a BK16 or RAT 5 but like the look of this one more. Last bought a Becker eight years ago. Looking forward to getting this BK18. Thanks.
Finally, a Becker that gets my attention. Seriously considering the purchase but, when do you know you have enough knives: 10, 20, 30????? Maybe I need an intervention. Please send help.
Thanks Aaron! I love this thing! Nice sheath and came razor sharp. I think now I need the black one also. Be careful though... the Knife Connection makes amazing scales for BK’s but I don’t think they work with the factory sheath.
I did see your post on TH-cam for the BK 18 in black. I had to buy it!! Thank you for your review. I wouldn't have known about it otherwise. I like it because it's a hybrid of self defense, Tacticle, and bushcraft.
Being from Argentina and with some difficulties to import things, I have to choose between this one or the buck gck spear point for a general purpose knife... Which one would you recommend me Gideon?. Thank you so much!!!
wouter hiskemuller a bandanna is a good item to have with you anytime, and I am a proud American, so rocking a USA made flag of your homeland is important to me.
Man great video once again!! I took your advice and brought an OKC Rat5 to my military survival school and worked great as a general survival knife. However, it feels a bit dumpy as a tactical knife ie piercing, slashing etc… After watching this video I am questioning my Rat 5 for a tactical survival knife as my hope is I will be doing more tactical and less survival lol. After watching your video, what are some good crossover tactical/survival knives? Thanks again for all your content!
I got the black one from SMKW. I prefer black over tan. I really like the profile of the blade. I frequent SMKW but with the virus situation I ordered it online. They have great shipping times.
Just wish the blade was longer with such a great big belly knife. Great color, really like the replace handle. Price 👍🏻. Just another 3 inches or more longer. Nice review. Thank you.
I wanna see a review of the Kabar Big Brother. After you review it and don’t wanna keep it sell it. But there are no reviews online where the knife is thoroughly tested. It is not getting the attention it deserves.
I feel like Hogue is making the best sheaths in the game. Their knives are FANTASTIC in their own right. But their sheaths IMO are like the Safariland Level 2 retention of the knife world. Love the Hogue EXF02.
Who needs a sheath that complicated??? Nobody... Most folks would be fine with a leather sheath and simple kydex is more then enough for the most hardcore knife uses around. "fancy sheaths" are a GIMMICK.
I bought this knife because I’ve heard ka-bar makes some good quality stuff, but I am not a fan of the typical “ka-bar” handle. This is a really cool little knife. I got the micarta scales too. I added it to my work tools because it’ll definitely come in handy and I want to put some good use into it.
i just feel like most rat tail tangs if i was sent back 1000 years would only last me with hard use maybe 70 years max maybe 100 years but with full tang i can feel like it can last for over 500 years hard use
I got one of the first off the line, and I absolutely love mine! Only wish it had a better finish, not good for striking ferro. I’ve been waiting to see a review from the TH-cam crowd. Thank you for the video!!!
Links to bladehq, GPknives, and smkw should be in the description as well as Amazon. Fakes are out there, but I have bought hundreds of knives off Amazon and never had an issue.
I've collected well over a hundred high quality folders. About a year ago I started giving that collection a run for my money with fixed blades. What's wrong with me?!! Thanks, I think, for feeding my addiction.
The hex key/ Allen wrench you will need to change the handle/ scales is 9/64 as referenced from Gideons Tactical Video: Building the ultimate BK 16, March 5, 2016.
I've been using this knife for a few weeks now, your review is spot on. It is an amazing knife for the money.
Love the sheath, harpoon blades are growing on me! Great video! I always look forward to a upbeat positive weekend review on something fun!
Found this just before the current crisis came on. It had that blade design that iv never tried. Really liking the knife and the sheath on mine has zero movement. Thanks.
Yep, looks very much like my Esee 4 HM with some minor differences. Same exact price once you add the Micarta which the Esee 4 HM comes with. AZ Welke rocks. Glad to see Becker putting a new blade in their line-up.
I would love to see more knives with Harpoon style blades!
From the pure looks of it the new BK18 ist my favorite in the lineup!
Thank you for the review,
God bless you and your family and stay save!
I'm a sucker for a good harpoon blade. This one is ok. I have a black one. It does the job but not as well as the Tops Alaskan Harpoon or the Hinderer Ranch Harpoon. Which are both personal favorites of mine in terms of how they perform.
I just now bought this knife, $80 to the door. Can't wait. Love your reviews. Didn't know about this knife at all until your Best of 2020 vid. Been a careful selection process to fill the "kephart, Rat3, bushcraft, tactical response, EDC when I can" niche.
Thank you so much for the review. Serious survivalist end user here. Thumbs up, brother
I'm probably going to get one of these but I dont know that it'll be enough knife to replace my BK16.
How do you like the bk16? Im on the fence between the 16 and 18, they both look awesome!
@@TST594 I have both and they are each excellent. The sheath alone makes the 18 the better buy and the one I reach for more often.
It's a shame they don't retail Bk16/17 with that stock sheath
Wouldnt be suprised of they atsrt offering one like for the kabar marine ones.
Opened my eyes to the BK 16, great installment and review. Thank you
I'll be reviewing the black one I picked up a couple months back really soon. Its nice... but definitely not my favorite BK blade. The bk 2 is still in the race for that lol.
Yes!!! Gideon's Tactical reviewing a new Becker knife. I feel like I'm back in the heyday of outdoor gear reviews of TH-cam in 2015.
That seems like the perfect Knife and Sheath, I can’t see any improvements at all I can think of.
Don't want to deal with the coating or the need to buy aftermarket idems such as the scales. However, that huge belly is nice. This is more of a utility blade than anything. It is a little too short for a survival knife. For over a $100 there are much better options for my purposes. Bring back the BK10, and the Condor Wayfinder rocks.
You can smooth the coating down if you like with some sandpaper and 5 minutes, Mr. Becker taught me that trick. The factory scales work great and minimize blisters, there are videos of people stabbing trees with them after covering it was oil, good to go as is. The BK-10 is still available. Becker’s are very ergonomic in hand and high quality for the money.
I was so stoked to see this knife come out. I've been waiting on one like this for a while. The only hang-up I have is that gross brown on brown action they've got going on with the knife and sheath. I, typically, wear brown pants when I'm out in the wilderness, I don't want my knife to be brown, too; I'm not a tree. If they come out with an all black version, they've got my dough.
Steve Smith they do, see my smkw link in the description.
Steve Smith BK-18 in today’s video, but If tan is not your thing SMKW has it in all black. www.pjtra.com/t/TUJGR0dMRUJGTkhKTU1CRk5GRkVJ
@@gideonstactical Oh snap. There goes $85. I'll be sure to use your link.
I'd absolutely love a smaller version of the bk18. Like exact same knife but more along the size lines of the bradford guardian 3 or izulla 2
Really like the Beckers but I just don't get the crappy scales, does anyone like them? Seems to me they should just make the micarta standard, even if they have to raise the price a little.
I like it with those micarta scales... but I prefer the BK-16...
I’ve been waiting on this review!
I purchased the black and the tan bk18 models now I'm looking for some Micarta scales where can I buy them
Literally just ordered this knife probably the most expensive knives I’ve bought but really is at a good price point. So excited to get this knife.
RE: 2:50 Curious, why do you "like a wide blade (edge to spine)" on a short fixed-blade ? vs. for example at 8:22 the BK-16
Good Value knife. That being said I have about 4 fixed blades in that size range. I am on a kick of getting smaller fixed blades that I can EDC.
I bought micarta handles for my BK 16 too...interestingly when I spoke with Ethan Becker about the different handles, he disliked the micarta...said they caused hot spots.
Scott Bailon interesting 🤔
Beautiful knife, and beautiful mountains! Regards from Italy. You have so nice wilderness in USA.
It was delivered today with the micarta scales. Thanks Aaron, you really have a way of delivering excellent content with relevant information plus practical application. This is proof that you value your viewers and their time. Take care .
BK9, BK 11, BK16 still the best of the bunch for bushcraft and camping needs. Don't see the purpose of the BK18 unless the goal was to stab something in the chest, in which case, why not just get the BK7 ("now that's a knife" Croc D.)? I have to admit the look of the harpoon is cool, but for a knife this size, is all that extra belly really necessary? I was tempted to buy this, but after patiently waiting and watching my now 3rd reviewer, I think I'll stick with my flat ground BK16 (this knife is close to perfection, though unfortunately like most Beckers, you need to modify it a little). I have mine tricked out like Gideon, new taco kydex sheath, stripped blade patina, but no micarta scales. I find the G10 scales are way better than micarta (grippier and easier to clean). I don't care for choils (waste of blade space), 90 degree spines or bow drill handles. I have to give Becker credit, he's great at blade design and keeps coming out with new things.
Love this brand. Great blades.
ThanQ for filming
According to Ethan Becker, the sheath is constructed of polyoxymethylene (POM), commonly known as acetal or Delrin, and has no glass fiber content.
Didn't know about this BK18 until I saw your video. Ordered one from SNKW for less than $70. Had thought about ordering a BK16 or RAT 5 but like the look of this one more. Last bought a Becker eight years ago. Looking forward to getting this BK18. Thanks.
Best looking fixed blade IMO
Finally, a Becker that gets my attention. Seriously considering the purchase but, when do you know you have enough knives: 10, 20, 30????? Maybe I need an intervention. Please send help.
Many thanks to you... I am glad you like the blade and that you are having fun with it.....I hope to see you at BLADE Show...All Best.....e
Wow, look Aaron, Ethan Becker has sent you a comment. Cool!
How does this compare to the 16 in a head to head
The bk16 is slicier and bk18 is tougher
Thanks Aaron! I love this thing! Nice sheath and came razor sharp. I think now I need the black one also. Be careful though... the Knife Connection makes amazing scales for BK’s but I don’t think they work with the factory sheath.
I NEED HELP: I'm about to get a bushcraft knife, and i cant decide between this Kabar Harpoon Knife and the ESEE 6P
Did you end up getting the Kabar? If so, how's it handling bushcraft tasks?
…what’s the American flag for?
is it a knife 🗡️
Or a pry bar
Great review Aaron thanks buddy. I wish Becker would just automatically upgrade the the handle scales , Enjoy your weekend brother
Wish Becker didn't stop making the BK17 I liked it better than the 16 and never got a chance to get one.
They can be had 2nd hand👍
Where can I find a sheath for this knife? I wanna strap it it to my hill people gear shoulder strap. The one it comes with isn’t compatible.
What’s the link for the lanyard?
How do you think it would pocket carry without the belt option to bulky or long ?thanks
Probably too large the Esee izula 2 would be better.
@@gideonstactical I'll stick to the bottom 14
How well would you say this mounts on a belt? Could you loop it through those longer holes on the sides?
I did see your post on TH-cam for the BK 18 in black. I had to buy it!! Thank you for your review. I wouldn't have known about it otherwise. I like it because it's a hybrid of self defense, Tacticle, and bushcraft.
Being from Argentina and with some difficulties to import things, I have to choose between this one or the buck gck spear point for a general purpose knife... Which one would you recommend me Gideon?. Thank you so much!!!
Thanks for the review now I have to start saving again!
Personally, owning both the 16 and the 18, I find the 18 better at food prep.
Kizer has a collab with maverick customs for a Harpoon knife in d2 steel and micarta scales, 7.75 inches overall length and just 59.99
Reminds me of a Tops Shango XL... I've had mine for years and I'm very satisfied with 440c stainless. I'm tired of babying 1095 and dealing with rust.
Love the 18
Meanwhile on another note Kim trails are still being put out N Vacaville California
Cool knife!! I’ve had my eye on the Tops Moccasin Ranger. I was wondering for you could review it an compare it to the Esee 6? Have a great day.
The best knife reviews.
Where do i order I heard Amazon sales fake ones
I am so over 1095 steel. I am sick of my blades rusting. It might be fine in dry climates but not where I live. I am also over FFGs for fixed blades.
Stalwart so get something else bud, no worries
@@bushcraftjoe5961 I have done thank you.I now own small collection of Bark Rivers and they are much more suited to my purposes.
I believe this knife is tactical/combat first then bushcraft later. Am I wrong?
I am wondering what's the use of that flag on your backpack?
wouter hiskemuller a bandanna is a good item to have with you anytime, and I am a proud American, so rocking a USA made flag of your homeland is important to me.
Man great video once again!! I took your advice and brought an OKC Rat5 to my military survival school and worked great as a general survival knife. However, it feels a bit dumpy as a tactical knife ie piercing, slashing etc… After watching this video I am questioning my Rat 5 for a tactical survival knife as my hope is I will be doing more tactical and less survival lol. After watching your video, what are some good crossover tactical/survival knives? Thanks again for all your content!
Kbar turok
Waiting for the black version
trey menchaca available on smkw now link in description
For half a second, I thought you were going to say bizz-natch
Lol
Are these sheathes less abrasive than the old bk14 ones? I seem to remember a lot of Becker plastic sheathes dulling blades pretty bad
Torn between this and the Buck GCK
Al at AZWelke is good to work with, I have two custom made kydex sheaths from him!
nice job. good little knife
How does it compare with Gerber Strongarm? I understand that you can fit bK16 in 18 sheath.
I got the black one from SMKW. I prefer black over tan. I really like the profile of the blade. I frequent SMKW but with the virus situation I ordered it online. They have great shipping times.
Best outdoor gear reviews on youtube
K-bar Warthog! !!!!....Enough said. .
I dont see too many people talking about the warthog, it was the first ka-bar i bought and it's a beast
Ha, ha, I prefer easy slicing, but I guess it depends on the job at hand!
That one is very underrated.
I really like the 16. I think its one of the better all around buahcraft knives.
Just wish the blade was longer with such a great big belly knife. Great color, really like the replace handle. Price 👍🏻. Just another 3 inches or more longer. Nice review. Thank you.
I’m not going to lie, it looks awesome.
I wanna see a review of the Kabar Big Brother. After you review it and don’t wanna keep it sell it. But there are no reviews online where the knife is thoroughly tested. It is not getting the attention it deserves.
Hey Aaron, when is too much belly on a knife too much?
Thanks for the video! Keep up the great work and thanks for all the information.
You reviewed the OKC Cerberus in D2 steel. Do you like the Cerberus better? How does it compare? Is it similar?
would you prefer this instead of the tops overlander 2 ? im in the market but i love the tops overlander i think it offers more for the price
I feel like Hogue is making the best sheaths in the game. Their knives are FANTASTIC in their own right. But their sheaths IMO are like the Safariland Level 2 retention of the knife world. Love the Hogue EXF02.
Who needs a sheath that complicated??? Nobody... Most folks would be fine with a leather sheath and simple kydex is more then enough for the most hardcore knife uses around. "fancy sheaths" are a GIMMICK.
Think I'll stick with my ESEE 4HM.
The Northern Woodsman also great option
I don't NEED it...but I do WANT it.
Your Reviews rock, Big Red !
Nice Video Aaron, thanks, nice knife too, love it! What brand is that belly pack that you wear in this video? Kind regards from Belgium.
Thanks for the great review & helpful comparison. I’m headed to AZWelke now...
Bk-9 still my fav
Of course....but this does look like a good partner for it doesn’t it!
I really enjoy your reviews. Great video!
How does the knife baton?
What are your thoughts on the Ka-Bar Hinderance?
Does the blade shape affect it's ability to be sharpened with the worksharp field sharpener?
Reminds me somewhat of the OKC Cerberus 🤔
Somebody that I watched on TH-cam claims that this knife is better than the group or strong arm what is your opinion sir
Can you get a tec lock on the sheath?
love mine.
I bought this knife because I’ve heard ka-bar makes some good quality stuff, but I am not a fan of the typical “ka-bar” handle.
This is a really cool little knife. I got the micarta scales too. I added it to my work tools because it’ll definitely come in handy and I want to put some good use into it.
i just feel like most rat tail tangs if i was sent back 1000 years would only last me with hard use maybe 70 years max maybe 100 years
but with full tang i can feel like it can last for over 500 years hard use
If there are fakes out there how can you tell the fake from the real one?
Good looking blade
I got one of the first off the line, and I absolutely love mine! Only wish it had a better finish, not good for striking ferro. I’ve been waiting to see a review from the TH-cam crowd. Thank you for the video!!!
Dude. What’s that chest/stomach rig you have on?
5.11 Tactical Style # 56492 Storage Expansion All Mission Rig
Where can I order I heard Amazon sell fakes
Links to bladehq, GPknives, and smkw should be in the description as well as Amazon. Fakes are out there, but I have bought hundreds of knives off Amazon and never had an issue.