I would really like to meet Mr Becker, some day. his designs set the standards. and everything I have seen of him in videos makes me think he would be amazing to just sit and talk to for a while. the stories he must tell...
I've been using a bk9 for 12 years. I haven't changed the pads to Grivory. I just added bike tire rings to the handle and it's perfect and it costs nothing!
Another great review. Been watching your amazing channel for a few years now and have made several purchases (or not!) based on your reviews. I can't believe you only have 247k subscribers. Come on people, this is one of the best channels out there!
Agree with the viewpoint of at a minimum, micarta scales ought to be a purchasing option ( on initial knife purchase , not an additional upgrade at a later time . ) Great review , thank you
I bought the kabars micarta scales from usa and they were very slippery. I had to give up on my bk-14 in favor of manly patriot. Cheaper, d2 steel, rat 1 blade shape, proper g10 or walnut scales, variety of sheath options. Moreover as other mentioned, weve got Joker, Esee HM (proper eliptical scales), casstrom, Bark River (more expensive outside usa but perfected).
Never had a single problem with the factory scales, work perfectly! Yes micarta is nicer, but not “needed”, especially on the big choppers. The polymer is less likely to cause blisters with heavy chopping and the shape of the handle helps retain the knife.
I get that Becker designed the handles to be a huge aspect of the selling point, and they are extremely comfortable, but the plastic is way too slippery. 100% they should be shipped with micarta.
Bought it when it was on sale too. Stripped the coating, up graded to micarta, and ordered an aftermarket kydex sheath because mine rattles with the kydex handles. Preforms better without a coating. I forced a patina with vinegar. It’s like they know I’m going to do all that stuff , and that’s why they fit them with those cheap slick handles. Over all I like the design. It seems to me it’s based more off the harpoon knife than a Nessmuk though. Maybe that’s why it got the same sheath. ATB Sean
Think this was Smoky Mountain Knife works top 5 best sellers for 2023....idk ...I like the harpoon better. Think they had it on sale too for like $83 if I remember correctly
I actually don’t mind the Grivory scales. I generally add texturing to them in the form of stippling or crosscut grooves. One thing nice about them, is they will never rot or absorb anything. So feel free to process that wild turkey with no fear of E. coli hanging out in your handle.
Those scales are the Achilles heel of Kabar knives, because regardless of how well made they are, the scales will always make them feel cheap. At that price, other companies like Joker are able to offer a good product that comes with better options, and the knife community knows it.
One thing to note about Becker knives is that Ethan designed them to be a good knife out of the box and a platform on which to personally customize on your own. A lot of knives because of their initial cost you wouldn’t really want to mess them up. There is a lot of aftermarket scales for Becker knives and a lot of people have customize their blades with different patinas coatings and even modifications to the blade. This is what makes it appealing to so many people and truly what makes it a great knife to own
A good knife is made from steel leather and wood horn or bone ..I do not like this plastic stuff ..I am close to nature so I rather use materials that are sustainable and decompose..if it is knifes or clothing...
Love this knife. I think the stock scales make the knife lighter. Have had the knife for over a year. Desert tan. Stripped the blade. Have not forced patina yet, but no rust problems with regular maintenance. I think it is very close to nessmuk drawing. Very nice all around using knife. Defense, bushcraft, food prep. Not overly heavy, but robust. I have many higher priced knives. This may be my favorite.
Just bought a BK19 in England for 130GBP. Bevel grind was awful I would've returned it if they hadnt made it so difficult so I fixed it myself instead. Took the black coating off to find grind marks all over the blade -- it's unfinished basically. The sheath is basically unusable it's so bad so ill have to buy a new one (so about 50GBP). The plastic scales I will try to live with as the micarta upgrade would cost another 40GBP. Makes sense that they're much cheaper in the US as it seems ridiculously expensive over here for what it is.
This Nessmuk or the Spartan Ka-Bar Harsey Nessmuk? 🤔 I feel like they both have the same blade profile which is more of a modified drop point as opposed to a natural Nessmuk style. I think both models could be used in the backcountry as well as tactical applications. Thoughts?
TKC has real nice G10 and micarta scales in a bunch of colors, comes with better hardware too. Never been a fan of the 4HM, its too butt-heavy and seems to want to slide backwards in my hand, which puts the index finger on the edge :/ The 4HM could use another 1/2” and a guard like the Becker.
Happy new year from Scotland🏴🏴🏴🍺🥃 brother......now to the knife.....mmmmm🤔 more expensive than the Bk2 when we started,( thank god I got it when I did ), counting the weight, mmmm bigger bk2 for building and self rescue.....far to expensive and the the add on's....handles.....camp knife, trap making etc....Bk16 I would say is better....but if you want a more traditional look..ESEE 4HM.....brilliant video as always, and here's to the up coming year....cheers...👍👍👍🏴🏴🏴🍺🍺🍺
I don't mind the stock handles, but it would be better to have some texture molded in, like on the Spartan-Harsey Ka-Bars. Do-it-yourself options: Use a soldering iron, use a file, cover the handle with a bike tube, or add grip tape / traction tape. Also you could 3D print new handles or make your own by hand.
I have many Beckers. Those that don't have micarta scales, I've spent 1 hour with a soldering iron to carefully stipple them. Problem solved. The grip is fantastic & easy. Just takes a little time & care. Also have several Esse knives, but the 4HM feels wrong in my hand.
Nice! I have heard of some people doing that. I guess my point is I don’t know too many people that literally just leave them stock and it’d be nice to get a knife that you don’t have to do something to out of the box.
I have a couple BK knives, both in the "tweener" series, as well as the larger ones ( BK2/7/8) . I agree that they would be SO much better with micarta. within my budget buying after market scales is not an option, so I deal with the grivery. I will say that the "tweener" knives could stand to have about 3/4" longer scales to fit my hands, my little finger tends to feel the pressure of the sweep of the end of the scale. it is not really a hot spot, but over longer use days, it does tend to wear a little.
Thank you for calling them out on that 0:16. If you asked anyone to look at the blade and describe the shape, the word Nessmuk wouldn’t come out of anyone’s mouth. It is simply not that. It’s all good. They can call it whatever they want. I just find it curious. Curiously, Chris Tanner asserts just the opposite for his Jessmuk. He says it is not designed with the Nessmuk in mind, and is not named after the Nessmuk. I’ll leave the validity of that assertion as an exercise for the student. Just take a look at his blade, and then tell me what you think.
Funny you mention this, because I picked one up on Tuesday. I gave it a hard workout while splitting kindling for the woodstove in my shop and it was a beast. I look forward to giving it a heavier workout in the near future. My question is ... does it have the same scales as the BK18? I wouldn't mind changing them out for a colored Canvas set.
I've never bought a Kabar Becker, I came close to buying a BK7, but here in the UK the knife is already more expensive than in the USA, and after market micarta scales are really expensive, it's pushing the price up toward Bark River prices which I would prefer. Instead of the BK7 I bought an Esee 6 instead, fantastic knife that came with micarta for the same price. G10, wood, anthying would be better than that grivory. I will never bug a Kabar with grivory scales, borderline dangerous in my opinion. Here in the UK the BK7 is about $180 and micarta scales would be another $90.
Not to mention, where in the UK can you actually carry and use a knife like the BK7? Don’t you guys have some of the most restrictive knife laws in the world?
@@jessr.2490 yes our laws are technically very strict, partly I guess because we don't have guns, teenage gangs tend to stab each other with knives. To carry a knife legally in public without good reason it must be a folder, not a fixed bladed, it can't be a locking folder must be a slip joint, can't have assisted opening and the blade can't exceed 3 inches in length, so Swiss Army knives are about the limit. That being said, if you were away camping and you had a 4 inch bushcraft knife like a Mora, your chances of getting stopped and searched by the police would be minimal and if you did and you explained you had good reason to have that knife on you hopefully common sense would prevail. For example if you were a tradesman like say an electrician, and you were going to do a job with a leatherman in your pocket strictly speaking you're breaking the law because the blade locks, but having the good excuse to carry it for your job you should be OK. The laws suck over here, another one is it is illegal to camp anywhere in the UK, unless it's a designated camp site. You guys in the US are lucky with the freedoms you have.
@@leeendley8009 not to get too historically nostalgic, but your description of the UK’s current laws reminds me a great deal of the medieval ages when it was deemed illegal for the commoner to hunt “the King’s deer” from the forests. I legitimately don’t think I’d ever be able to adapt to a societal norm with that level of restriction. Is this that you are describing the state of affairs in all the UK, including Scotland and Wales and Northern Ireland, or are there regional differences in norms from England itself?
Hey Aaron, if this did come with a 90 degree spine would it strike a firesteel with that coating? I always thought coated blades didn’t strike well if at all.
Hi, thanks for one more great video. Now i'm sure that it will be my next mid size fixed blade. One question please, sorry for my unknowledge but i'm from France, what is the name of the place of the first landscape in your presentation of Zoleo ? Many thanks, Kevin.
G'day Aaron, now that's a "hi viz" Mora alright, ....... does it glow in the dark as well ; ) I like this one well enough, though yeah quite a departure from the traditional. I would have liked to have seen it done similarly to the 62 Kephart, (mind you bloody expensive here, for some inexplicable reason). The sheath on my 18 has been fantastic, the NO rattle, (and I tried mighy hard, lol), retention is outstanding, (ideal for tip up packstrap carry if that's one's shtick) and I love the riveted belt loop design, (that can still be unbolted if desired). Handle scales; I've had the 9 in particular, (unmodified), out in the rain plenty of times and not had an issue, thanks to the excellent contouring, (for my paw anyway). I can get micarta here, in both large and small versions, but @ roughly a third to a half the price of the blade itself, just too pricey for the gain IMO. If ........ I ever have a problem, reckon I'll just Wilson wrap it for the sake of a coupa bucks ......... it aint a show pony after all ; ) Incidentally, I am planning on doing a hike with a cheap Sears or Kephart job and a low end hatchet, ..... with an "old timey" sharpening stone, ....... reckon I'll need it ......... and I'm not taking the principle as far as to rely on river rocks ; ) Thought It'd be easy enough to get an Old Hickory Trout and Small Game, (you showed a coupla years back), but buggered if I can find that model in stock anywhere, ...... discontinued by Blue Ridge maybe ? Btw; beware of imitations !!!!! I did find one, only half tang, (mid handle rivet location a dead give away), ..... crikey, these mongrels with counterfeit anything, ..... it sure doesn't have to be a Rollex. Any suggestions much appreciated for a timber scaled, full flat, (and indeed full tang, lol), low budget, alternative, say up to the 50-ish USD mark ? Cheers Duke.
Might make a good hunting knife. For camp chores and game processing? Depends on how well it holds an edge and how easy it is to touch up in the field?
@@gideonstactical The caveat - There's holding an edge well (for what it is) doing chores and then there's holding an edge while cutting through hide. And there is 0 chance you make it through a buck without having to stop and touch it up mid-skinning, which is a pain when your hands are already bloody and have hair stuck to you. High carbon simply sucks for a skinner. Been there, done that, immediately went back to s35vn (and then added a cruwear and magnacut skinner), none of which I have to touch up at all through the processing.
I have stippled the scales on all of my Becker BK knives. A wood burner with a fine point, and a few thousand little pokes, (and then some sandpaper) makes a great grip at a HUGE savings versus buying aftermarket scales. I draw the design with a pencil, and have tried many different designs.
No sh!t. I looked at this channel today for this knife, didn’t find it so I watched your BK18 review. After realizing this a thing last night, I did buy it anyway. Good on you. There ain’t many 19 reviews on YT ATM.
I saw a video with Ethan Becker talking about his handles. He said that good ergonomics create a solid grip and material that is too rough creates hot spots. I don’t use my beckers to process game and I don’t use them in the rain. The stock handles have never been a problem for me. I agree the micarta is nicer feeling.
I took the finish off mine, blued it, changed scales to micarta, replaced the hardware to stainless steel, and put a convex on it. I just want a better sheath. ReSharpeing is easy with it.
I still have my BK16 and BK17 , both Tricked out with micarta and AZ Welke Kydex and I love them both but with my XL hands I always wished the handle shape was Reversed , with the lanyard side closer to the blade , but thats just me ..... 😂👍🖖
Did I mention that I wish Kabar/Becker would generate some stainless versions of the tweeners? I would INSTANTLY snap up the BK 16, BK 18, and BK 19 in 14C28N or better yet, 12C27 (because it's even tougher). Also, I wouldn't flinch if they brought back the BK 15 in a stainless steel.
@@michaeldoerksen2841 Seriously, man. Not getting one back in the day is one of my biggest knife regrets.That and the BK 5, which I still think is the sexiest fixed blade ever.
@@charlescollier7217 Ooof... I just Googled the BK5... just a bigger version of the 15 by the looks of it. I can dig. Pretty sure Tops has a model (don't ask me which one, their catalog is massive) that looks very similar to the BK5. I'm very happy with my BK14. As far as a neck knife goes, I like how it feels in my hand over the Izula 2. Just a tad bigger
1. an excellent review of the Becker knife. 2. an excellent comparison of the Esee 4 and the Bk knife. I wish that the Esee 4 had more of the features of the BK knife including the guard and the thinner profile. 3. I don't regard myself or the commentators as being picky. The problem that we all have is the usual inability to specify what we regard as an acceptable sheath or acceptable grips. Esee somewhat understands that by making the knife available without a sheath so that money is not "wasted" on a factory sheath. It is very hurtful to the pocket book when a sheath allows a knife to rattle or you have to figure out how to add a better retention system. So, I have a box of empty sheaths. And, "better" grips come with a price tag that can take one's breath away when the factory grips represent money thrown away.
ESEE 4 would be a solid knife if the handle wasn't absolute shit. It's the most uncomfortable handle of any knife I own. It just sits in my truck's toolbox as a backup to my backup. To me, that thing is almost unusable for more than a couple minutes.
@@Swearengen1980yeah the slab handles are not great. They're borderline terrible. I've wrapped the shit out of mine with hockey tape and it's much better. They do sell 3D scales (much better scales that are rounded and fill out your hand more like the Becker scales). And There are lots of custom TKN scales that are excellent.
@@DevDog67 I've abandoned 1095 anyway and the terrible edge retention anyway. The only ESEE I still use is the Ashley Game Knife in S35VN, the perfect skinner for SE Bucks. My other regularly used fixed blades are Montana Knife Co. in magnacut.
Hey idk if this has been addressed but Kabar announced that they are using German steel 1095 crovan. Thats why they don't have USA on the blades anymore. JOEX on TH-cam has been breaking kabars like crazy. Maybe the German steel. Thoughts?
Thanks for all your hard work. Looking forward to seeing what cool stuff you bring us in 2024. Happy New Year to you Aaron. And a quick question- does anyone know if there are aftermarket handle scales available for the Spartan Fighter (by KaBar)? I bought the knife and am a little disappointed in the handle scales. They should’ve made the grip lines run horizontal, not vertical to the blade. I find it very slippery as is. Thanks guys.
the advantage of the nylon sheath is that you can widen the handles without having to mess with the sheath. not possible with the polymer version. agree with micarta handles as standard.
I’m torn, I was going to buy the bk18, but this one is better for slicing and food and all that stuff. But I still like the blade shape better on the bk18.
I have both of them and BK-18 would be my choice (My personal preference is BK-18>BK19>BK-16). BK-19 does have some advantages; however, it won't be a great slicer due to its thickness. BK-18 has a longer belly, a sharp tip and saber grind for baton. My BK-18 could cut frozen tofu and slice frozen Schweinshaxe easily (only 2~3mm thickness) and It’s still very sharp.
It would honestly be fun and easy to just remove the handle scales, find a piece of spalted wood you like, and make a perfect new handle, using the original scales as the reference.
Say what you want about the Desert Warrior Morkniv Companion, but it is one of the least "tactical looking" fixed blades and as such will not scare people as much when you pull it out for edc.
Polymer scales do suck but is is worth noting they can be stippled at home with a steady hand and a soldering iron. Just a good DIY project you can tell the people
The SMKW price is back to the original $118 price with the same crap scales. Taking that to $160ish out the door for micarta scales. I actually like this Nessmuk version where I'm not always happy with company's take on my favorite knife design. But having been playing this week with my new MKC Stonewall in magnacut, I f'n love this thing and have no reason to look for another. That said, if this went back on sale, I'd consider it to leave in my truck.
Other than the fact the becker handles are hollow there is no significant difference from the becker factory scales to g10. All they have to do is texture the scales and put designs in them. Really.but i do concur that there should be an option for micarta. Also different coats like satin or stonewash or oxide as a side note the coating in the bk 19 is slicker than the rhino like coating on the bk2, 9, or 16its not a powdery coat but a smooth coat and thinner
@@sheltermonkey6065 what I'm saying is the factory handles are plastic. G10 is plastic too. Just a bit higher quality and not hollow. The real difference is the texturing and look. The Becker factory handles should just come textured and designed with different colors and patterns. G10 is a rip off.
I bought the BK18 last year and though it was my ultimate EDC, but from the moment I pulled my BK19 from the box, it’s been my single favorite BK series blade to date. The versatility of the blade design is ridiculous, especially paired with the handle ergonomics. I bought it on a whim because the black version was on sale when I was in SMKW. I’m SO glad that I did. Now I just need to get the black micarta handles from Kabar to match (been sporting the brown micarta that was on my BK18).
@@sheltermonkey6065 I could but I actually like having the brown ones on my BK18 bc, for EDC, it’s a lot less tactical looking on a knife with an already really aggressive looking harpoon blade profile. I like having a set in both colors for interchangeability and the brown micarta looks great for woods use
Hi Gideon, Kabar-Becker makes awesome knives. They know how to HT em well and the tools are really good performers. (For me it´s the BK7 all day long).BUUUUT,...common those scales are real BS there. Time has come to put G10 or Micarta on these knives by the factory. If not the knives are getting to be not interesting caus of the price increasement! For me personally a real "Knifedream" would be if BK would use N690 or D2 or S35 on theyr blades. ..especially on a BK7 LOL. That would be a homerun for fxxxx sure!
I'd go for the BK19 over the 4HM all day. I do wish Becker would just offer the polymer as the cheaper option to a designated micarta handle version. However I have heard of guys who use a thin layer of hockey tape 🇨🇦 over those polymer scales and have no issues afterwards.
Hockey tape works pretty good. I used it to thicken up the grip on my Rat 3. And also on a few handguns to maintain grip while not rubbing my skin raw. Works good and lasts for a very long time.
I'm BIG on traction for my knives. Also, I don't buy knives that I already know I'm going to have to buy more parts for. Thus the reason I don't own Becker Knives.
I have bk16 and and bk18, love them both and i like this one too, but cheapest i can get this knife here, in Czech Republic, is like 180usd and in ugly brown color...
Thanks but I'll stick with my customized RAT-5. Your review several years ago helped me make the decision to go with it. New scales from TKC and a Harry Savage Sheath make it all the knife i need in the woods!
Is he still living on the road In an Rv? He made a video about that a while back, but I don't really ever hear him Talk about it and you can't tell from the videos. It always looks like he's in someone's backyard.
Scales on all Becker products are garbage. Shocker, a Becker knife with sh!ty scales. However I don’t have an issue with it for the price. I always make my own scales.
I held this at Bladeshow Atlanta 2023 while talking to the man himself. Ethan Becker is a stone cold legend. It was a highlight of my trip.
He is the man, great to chat with him at Shot Show a few years ago 👍
I would really like to meet Mr Becker, some day. his designs set the standards. and everything I have seen of him in videos makes me think he would be amazing to just sit and talk to for a while. the stories he must tell...
I heard someone refer to this knife as the "Beckmuck" and I think that is totally fitting! LOL.
That would have been better!!
I've been using a bk9 for 12 years. I haven't changed the pads to Grivory. I just added bike tire rings to the handle and it's perfect and it costs nothing!
That is a good modification too
I assume you mean a bit of a bicycle tube.
Another great review. Been watching your amazing channel for a few years now and have made several purchases (or not!) based on your reviews. I can't believe you only have 247k subscribers. Come on people, this is one of the best channels out there!
Agree with the viewpoint of at a minimum, micarta scales ought to be a purchasing option ( on initial knife purchase , not an additional upgrade at a later time . ) Great review , thank you
Ya I don’t get it!
I bought the kabars micarta scales from usa and they were very slippery. I had to give up on my bk-14 in favor of manly patriot. Cheaper, d2 steel, rat 1 blade shape, proper g10 or walnut scales, variety of sheath options. Moreover as other mentioned, weve got Joker, Esee HM (proper eliptical scales), casstrom, Bark River (more expensive outside usa but perfected).
Never had a single problem with the factory scales, work perfectly! Yes micarta is nicer, but not “needed”, especially on the big choppers. The polymer is less likely to cause blisters with heavy chopping and the shape of the handle helps retain the knife.
I get that Becker designed the handles to be a huge aspect of the selling point, and they are extremely comfortable, but the plastic is way too slippery. 100% they should be shipped with micarta.
Totally!!
If you don't mind the plastic feel ...take a small file and apply some grip
Had mine for awhile now and swapped the grips for micarta and got a Armatus carry sheath. EDCd it for most of 2023 as well. Awesome knife for sure
That sounds like a great set up
Bought it when it was on sale too. Stripped the coating, up graded to micarta, and ordered an aftermarket kydex sheath because mine rattles with the kydex handles. Preforms better without a coating. I forced a patina with vinegar. It’s like they know I’m going to do all that stuff , and that’s why they fit them with those cheap slick handles. Over all I like the design. It seems to me it’s based more off the harpoon knife than a Nessmuk though. Maybe that’s why it got the same sheath. ATB Sean
So good!!
Kydex handles?
I agree that the Kabar handle material feels cheap and slippery. The lack of nice handles is holding Kabar and Becker back.
Think this was Smoky Mountain Knife works top 5 best sellers for 2023....idk ...I like the harpoon better. Think they had it on sale too for like $83 if I remember correctly
I actually don’t mind the Grivory scales. I generally add texturing to them in the form of stippling or crosscut grooves. One thing nice about them, is they will never rot or absorb anything. So feel free to process that wild turkey with no fear of E. coli hanging out in your handle.
Lol my wife loves the mora dessert warrior. And the bk19 has very comfortable handles I do prefer the esee jg5 nessmuk blade over the bk19 though
I got the Dessert Mora for Christmas. I LOVE it! The guys at work were rolling when I showed them.
Those scales are the Achilles heel of Kabar knives, because regardless of how well made they are, the scales will always make them feel cheap. At that price, other companies like Joker are able to offer a good product that comes with better options, and the knife community knows it.
Yes that is a good point
Jokers are like twice the price though
@@jeffdur1330 Are they? Last one I bought was a Campero, and it was
One thing to note about Becker knives is that Ethan designed them to be a good knife out of the box and a platform on which to personally customize on your own. A lot of knives because of their initial cost you wouldn’t really want to mess them up. There is a lot of aftermarket scales for Becker knives and a lot of people have customize their blades with different patinas coatings and even modifications to the blade. This is what makes it appealing to so many people and truly what makes it a great knife to own
A good knife is made from steel leather and wood horn or bone ..I do not like this plastic stuff ..I am close to nature so I rather use materials that are sustainable and decompose..if it is knifes or clothing...
Love this knife. I think the stock scales make the knife lighter. Have had the knife for over a year. Desert tan. Stripped the blade. Have not forced patina yet, but no rust problems with regular maintenance. I think it is very close to nessmuk drawing. Very nice all around using knife. Defense, bushcraft, food prep. Not overly heavy, but robust. I have many higher priced knives. This may be my favorite.
Just bought a BK19 in England for 130GBP. Bevel grind was awful I would've returned it if they hadnt made it so difficult so I fixed it myself instead. Took the black coating off to find grind marks all over the blade -- it's unfinished basically. The sheath is basically unusable it's so bad so ill have to buy a new one (so about 50GBP). The plastic scales I will try to live with as the micarta upgrade would cost another 40GBP. Makes sense that they're much cheaper in the US as it seems ridiculously expensive over here for what it is.
That polymer sheath is available separately, and the bk16 fits in it.
This Nessmuk or the Spartan Ka-Bar Harsey Nessmuk? 🤔 I feel like they both have the same blade profile which is more of a modified drop point as opposed to a natural Nessmuk style. I think both models could be used in the backcountry as well as tactical applications. Thoughts?
Spartan for me
Nice looking blade and very functional, however i did recently decide to get a Condor selknam
TKC has real nice G10 and micarta scales in a bunch of colors, comes with better hardware too.
Never been a fan of the 4HM, its too butt-heavy and seems to want to slide backwards in my hand, which puts the index finger on the edge :/ The 4HM could use another 1/2” and a guard like the Becker.
Happy new year from Scotland🏴🏴🏴🍺🥃 brother......now to the knife.....mmmmm🤔 more expensive than the Bk2 when we started,( thank god I got it when I did ), counting the weight, mmmm bigger bk2 for building and self rescue.....far to expensive and the the add on's....handles.....camp knife, trap making etc....Bk16 I would say is better....but if you want a more traditional look..ESEE 4HM.....brilliant video as always, and here's to the up coming year....cheers...👍👍👍🏴🏴🏴🍺🍺🍺
I don't mind the stock handles, but it would be better to have some texture molded in, like on the Spartan-Harsey Ka-Bars. Do-it-yourself options: Use a soldering iron, use a file, cover the handle with a bike tube, or add grip tape / traction tape. Also you could 3D print new handles or make your own by hand.
I have many Beckers. Those that don't have micarta scales, I've spent 1 hour with a soldering iron to carefully stipple them. Problem solved. The grip is fantastic & easy. Just takes a little time & care. Also have several Esse knives, but the 4HM feels wrong in my hand.
Nice! I have heard of some people doing that. I guess my point is I don’t know too many people that literally just leave them stock and it’d be nice to get a knife that you don’t have to do something to out of the box.
I wrap the polymer scales in tennis racket tape. Adds grip and cushion. About $2 a roll…
Will the BK19 fit into the BK16 sheath? (I like the BK19 blade but the BK16 sheath.)
That Mora is amazeballs! I would totally rock that!
Hahah! 👍
@@gideonstacticalseriously! If that Mora is too cool for you to handle I'd take it off your hand for you!
Killer. Totally buying this. I totally agree about the scales. They need to offer G10 and Micarta options for $15-20 more.
I'm going to get one, and upgrade the scales. Thanks for the review!
No problem, Hope you enjoy it!
I have a couple BK knives, both in the "tweener" series, as well as the larger ones ( BK2/7/8) . I agree that they would be SO much better with micarta. within my budget buying after market scales is not an option, so I deal with the grivery. I will say that the "tweener" knives could stand to have about 3/4" longer scales to fit my hands, my little finger tends to feel the pressure of the sweep of the end of the scale. it is not really a hot spot, but over longer use days, it does tend to wear a little.
Thank you for calling them out on that 0:16. If you asked anyone to look at the blade and describe the shape, the word Nessmuk wouldn’t come out of anyone’s mouth. It is simply not that. It’s all good. They can call it whatever they want. I just find it curious.
Curiously, Chris Tanner asserts just the opposite for his Jessmuk. He says it is not designed with the Nessmuk in mind, and is not named after the Nessmuk. I’ll leave the validity of that assertion as an exercise for the student. Just take a look at his blade, and then tell me what you think.
Funny you mention this, because I picked one up on Tuesday. I gave it a hard workout while splitting kindling for the woodstove in my shop and it was a beast. I look forward to giving it a heavier workout in the near future. My question is ... does it have the same scales as the BK18? I wouldn't mind changing them out for a colored Canvas set.
Yes same handle size as the becker tween series
In your testing, I would love to see a comparison between this and the JG5. Seems like both companies went for a similar design.
The JG5 is a way bigger knife than the BK19. Very different ergonomics and philosophy of use.
I've never bought a Kabar Becker, I came close to buying a BK7, but here in the UK the knife is already more expensive than in the USA, and after market micarta scales are really expensive, it's pushing the price up toward Bark River prices which I would prefer. Instead of the BK7 I bought an Esee 6 instead, fantastic knife that came with micarta for the same price. G10, wood, anthying would be better than that grivory. I will never bug a Kabar with grivory scales, borderline dangerous in my opinion. Here in the UK the BK7 is about $180 and micarta scales would be another $90.
Not to mention, where in the UK can you actually carry and use a knife like the BK7? Don’t you guys have some of the most restrictive knife laws in the world?
@@jessr.2490 yes our laws are technically very strict, partly I guess because we don't have guns, teenage gangs tend to stab each other with knives. To carry a knife legally in public without good reason it must be a folder, not a fixed bladed, it can't be a locking folder must be a slip joint, can't have assisted opening and the blade can't exceed 3 inches in length, so Swiss Army knives are about the limit. That being said, if you were away camping and you had a 4 inch bushcraft knife like a Mora, your chances of getting stopped and searched by the police would be minimal and if you did and you explained you had good reason to have that knife on you hopefully common sense would prevail. For example if you were a tradesman like say an electrician, and you were going to do a job with a leatherman in your pocket strictly speaking you're breaking the law because the blade locks, but having the good excuse to carry it for your job you should be OK. The laws suck over here, another one is it is illegal to camp anywhere in the UK, unless it's a designated camp site. You guys in the US are lucky with the freedoms you have.
@@leeendley8009 not to get too historically nostalgic, but your description of the UK’s current laws reminds me a great deal of the medieval ages when it was deemed illegal for the commoner to hunt “the King’s deer” from the forests. I legitimately don’t think I’d ever be able to adapt to a societal norm with that level of restriction. Is this that you are describing the state of affairs in all the UK, including Scotland and Wales and Northern Ireland, or are there regional differences in norms from England itself?
So simple to make those plastic handles pretty decent. About 20 mins with a soldering iron . And they are pretty darn nice
Hey Aaron, if this did come with a 90 degree spine would it strike a firesteel with that coating? I always thought coated blades didn’t strike well if at all.
Micarta on my BK2, G10 on my BK9 and kept the original handles on my BK5. Of all the handle materials G10 is my favorite.
Hi, thanks for one more great video. Now i'm sure that it will be my next mid size fixed blade.
One question please, sorry for my unknowledge but i'm from France, what is the name of the place of the first landscape in your presentation of Zoleo ?
Many thanks,
Kevin.
G'day Aaron, now that's a "hi viz" Mora alright, ....... does it glow in the dark as well ; )
I like this one well enough, though yeah quite a departure from the traditional. I would have liked to have seen it done similarly to the 62 Kephart, (mind you bloody expensive here, for some inexplicable reason).
The sheath on my 18 has been fantastic, the NO rattle, (and I tried mighy hard, lol), retention is outstanding, (ideal for tip up packstrap carry if that's one's shtick) and I love the riveted belt loop design, (that can still be unbolted if desired).
Handle scales; I've had the 9 in particular, (unmodified), out in the rain plenty of times and not had an issue, thanks to the excellent contouring, (for my paw anyway). I can get micarta here, in both large and small versions, but @ roughly a third to a half the price of the blade itself, just too pricey for the gain IMO. If ........ I ever have a problem, reckon I'll just Wilson wrap it for the sake of a coupa bucks ......... it aint a show pony after all ; )
Incidentally, I am planning on doing a hike with a cheap Sears or Kephart job and a low end hatchet, ..... with an "old timey" sharpening stone, ....... reckon I'll need it ......... and I'm not taking the principle as far as to rely on river rocks ; )
Thought It'd be easy enough to get an Old Hickory Trout and Small Game, (you showed a coupla years back), but buggered if I can find that model in stock anywhere, ...... discontinued by Blue Ridge maybe ?
Btw; beware of imitations !!!!! I did find one, only half tang, (mid handle rivet location a dead give away), ..... crikey, these mongrels with counterfeit anything, ..... it sure doesn't have to be a Rollex.
Any suggestions much appreciated for a timber scaled, full flat, (and indeed full tang, lol), low budget, alternative, say up to the 50-ish USD mark ?
Cheers Duke.
Might make a good hunting knife. For camp chores and game processing? Depends on how well it holds an edge and how easy it is to touch up in the field?
Very easy to resharpen, hold an edge well for this type of high carbon.
@@gideonstactical The caveat - There's holding an edge well (for what it is) doing chores and then there's holding an edge while cutting through hide. And there is 0 chance you make it through a buck without having to stop and touch it up mid-skinning, which is a pain when your hands are already bloody and have hair stuck to you. High carbon simply sucks for a skinner. Been there, done that, immediately went back to s35vn (and then added a cruwear and magnacut skinner), none of which I have to touch up at all through the processing.
Would the stock handle be too fat if you wrapped it with silicone tape like I use on my ice tool handles?
No that might help
I have stippled the scales on all of my Becker BK knives. A wood burner with a fine point, and a few thousand little pokes, (and then some sandpaper) makes a great grip at a HUGE savings versus buying aftermarket scales. I draw the design with a pencil, and have tried many different designs.
Totally agree with your take on the scales and solution.
Just ordered mine. Really wanted the bk18 at first but the 19 blade shape looks so classy
Hey Aaron, great review 👍 I have a quick question for you , have you Ever seen a Big Foot out there , seriously ??
Sadly no 🥲
No sh!t. I looked at this channel today for this knife, didn’t find it so I watched your BK18 review. After realizing this a thing last night, I did buy it anyway. Good on you. There ain’t many 19 reviews on YT ATM.
Glad I could be of assistance
Sadly splitting some birch I hit a knot and got a huge chip in the blade. I can’t grid it out.
I saw a video with Ethan Becker talking about his handles. He said that good ergonomics create a solid grip and material that is too rough creates hot spots. I don’t use my beckers to process game and I don’t use them in the rain. The stock handles have never been a problem for me. I agree the micarta is nicer feeling.
Where did you purchase the bk for $87 ? Smoky Mountain shows $118. Do you have a promo code?
No it was over the holidays, it’s gone back up I guess.
@@gideonstactical
Oh, OK well, I opted for the harpoon. I may choose the ness Later maybe you could do a good comparison video.
I took the finish off mine, blued it, changed scales to micarta, replaced the hardware to stainless steel, and put a convex on it. I just want a better sheath. ReSharpeing is easy with it.
Wow! Nice setup.
Where did you get the stainless hardware?
@@sheltermonkey6065 home depot
I like to use a wood burning tool to stipple the scales, gives it a great grip.
Those plastic handles sux for sure. Ive used stippling tool to get some texture on both of my Beckers.
I've had the BK19 for a couple of weeks now. Upgraded to the black micarta scales and stainless screws. Absolutely love this knife.
Where did you get the stainless screws?
@@sheltermonkey6065 You can stainless cap screws at any hardware store. 8-32 x 1/2 is the size you want for the small Becker's.
Good light weight knife with an all purpose blade shape.
I still have my BK16 and BK17 , both Tricked out with micarta and AZ Welke Kydex and I love them both but with my XL hands I always wished the handle shape was Reversed , with the lanyard side closer to the blade , but thats just me ..... 😂👍🖖
Love this knife. A great slicer utility. I do wish the guard were more pronounced like the emerson gov't mule or CRKT BUGSY
Where do you get the funky Mora?
Their everywhere. Blade HQ had some yesterday, haven't looked today.
Bladehq
Did I mention that I wish Kabar/Becker would generate some stainless versions of the tweeners? I would INSTANTLY snap up the BK 16, BK 18, and BK 19 in 14C28N or better yet, 12C27 (because it's even tougher). Also, I wouldn't flinch if they brought back the BK 15 in a stainless steel.
God... I want the BK15 reissued so bad
@@michaeldoerksen2841 Seriously, man. Not getting one back in the day is one of my biggest knife regrets.That and the BK 5, which I still think is the sexiest fixed blade ever.
@@charlescollier7217 Ooof... I just Googled the BK5... just a bigger version of the 15 by the looks of it. I can dig. Pretty sure Tops has a model (don't ask me which one, their catalog is massive) that looks very similar to the BK5.
I'm very happy with my BK14. As far as a neck knife goes, I like how it feels in my hand over the Izula 2. Just a tad bigger
@@michaeldoerksen2841 BK14 is another winner. I carried one for a long time, but again, would LOVE one in a stainless steel.
That Dessert Warrior is perfect for my daughter.
Do you think you could stipple the handles? 🤔
Definitely and some people do.
1. an excellent review of the Becker knife.
2. an excellent comparison of the Esee 4 and the Bk knife. I wish that the Esee 4 had more of the features of the BK knife including the guard and the thinner profile.
3. I don't regard myself or the commentators as being picky. The problem that we all have is the usual inability to specify what we regard as an acceptable sheath or acceptable grips. Esee somewhat understands that by making the knife available without a sheath so that money is not "wasted" on a factory sheath. It is very hurtful to the pocket book when a sheath allows a knife to rattle or you have to figure out how to add a better retention system. So, I have a box of empty sheaths. And, "better" grips come with a price tag that can take one's breath away when the factory grips represent money thrown away.
ESEE 4 would be a solid knife if the handle wasn't absolute shit. It's the most uncomfortable handle of any knife I own. It just sits in my truck's toolbox as a backup to my backup. To me, that thing is almost unusable for more than a couple minutes.
@@Swearengen1980yeah the slab handles are not great. They're borderline terrible. I've wrapped the shit out of mine with hockey tape and it's much better. They do sell 3D scales (much better scales that are rounded and fill out your hand more like the Becker scales). And There are lots of custom TKN scales that are excellent.
@@DevDog67 I've abandoned 1095 anyway and the terrible edge retention anyway. The only ESEE I still use is the Ashley Game Knife in S35VN, the perfect skinner for SE Bucks. My other regularly used fixed blades are Montana Knife Co. in magnacut.
You should make a video on some off-grid knifes specially there ridgeback scandi and full flat grind kephardt style
Hey idk if this has been addressed but Kabar announced that they are using German steel 1095 crovan. Thats why they don't have USA on the blades anymore. JOEX on TH-cam has been breaking kabars like crazy. Maybe the German steel. Thoughts?
Wondering if the Micarta scales are hollowed like the plastic ones allowing for some storage
They are not from what I remember 👍
Thanks for all your hard work. Looking forward to seeing what cool stuff you bring us in 2024. Happy New Year to you Aaron. And a quick question- does anyone know if there are aftermarket handle scales available for the Spartan Fighter (by KaBar)? I bought the knife and am a little disappointed in the handle scales. They should’ve made the grip lines run horizontal, not vertical to the blade. I find it very slippery as is. Thanks guys.
the advantage of the nylon sheath is that you can widen the handles without having to mess with the sheath. not possible with the polymer version.
agree with micarta handles as standard.
Nylon is a polymer. :-o
Nice review Aaron I like that knife a lot and the price is in my range will definitely put it on the list.
It looks like the love child of my BPS Savage and my BK 2. 😂 You are right about the handle scales, I upgraded mine to micarta.
Haha!
Would love to see you review the Jeo Tec #37. Heard great things about this knife.
I will put it on the list!
Stay Strong, Chase Excellence Brothers.
I’m torn, I was going to buy the bk18, but this one is better for slicing and food and all that stuff. But I still like the blade shape better on the bk18.
Both great but you are correct
I have both of them and BK-18 would be my choice (My personal preference is BK-18>BK19>BK-16). BK-19 does have some advantages; however, it won't be a great slicer due to its thickness. BK-18 has a longer belly, a sharp tip and saber grind for baton. My BK-18 could cut frozen tofu and slice frozen Schweinshaxe easily (only 2~3mm thickness) and It’s still very sharp.
I have almost the entire BK lineup and have micarta or G10 on all of them….step it up Kabar!
Totally!!
It would honestly be fun and easy to just remove the handle scales, find a piece of spalted wood you like, and make a perfect new handle, using the original scales as the reference.
That is a great idea
Say what you want about the Desert Warrior Morkniv Companion, but it is one of the least "tactical looking" fixed blades and as such will not scare people as much when you pull it out for edc.
I like it almost as much as my Nomad EDC
That Mora is awesome 😃😃😎😎😎😎
Polymer scales do suck but is is worth noting they can be stippled at home with a steady hand and a soldering iron.
Just a good DIY project you can tell the people
The thermoset plastic in Micarta is a polymer too.
You need to dip that Mora sheath in OD Green paint!
The SMKW price is back to the original $118 price with the same crap scales. Taking that to $160ish out the door for micarta scales. I actually like this Nessmuk version where I'm not always happy with company's take on my favorite knife design. But having been playing this week with my new MKC Stonewall in magnacut, I f'n love this thing and have no reason to look for another. That said, if this went back on sale, I'd consider it to leave in my truck.
Other than the fact the becker handles are hollow there is no significant difference from the becker factory scales to g10. All they have to do is texture the scales and put designs in them. Really.but i do concur that there should be an option for micarta. Also different coats like satin or stonewash or oxide as a side note the coating in the bk 19 is slicker than the rhino like coating on the bk2, 9, or 16its not a powdery coat but a smooth coat and thinner
I do really like the thinner bk19 coating
I have no idea what you were trying to say in your first sentence.
@@sheltermonkey6065 what I'm saying is the factory handles are plastic. G10 is plastic too. Just a bit higher quality and not hollow. The real difference is the texturing and look. The Becker factory handles should just come textured and designed with different colors and patterns. G10 is a rip off.
I bought the BK18 last year and though it was my ultimate EDC, but from the moment I pulled my BK19 from the box, it’s been my single favorite BK series blade to date. The versatility of the blade design is ridiculous, especially paired with the handle ergonomics. I bought it on a whim because the black version was on sale when I was in SMKW. I’m SO glad that I did. Now I just need to get the black micarta handles from Kabar to match (been sporting the brown micarta that was on my BK18).
Why don't you just dye the handles black?
@@sheltermonkey6065 I could but I actually like having the brown ones on my BK18 bc, for EDC, it’s a lot less tactical looking on a knife with an already really aggressive looking harpoon blade profile. I like having a set in both colors for interchangeability and the brown micarta looks great for woods use
Agree with the whole video, good job
Really appreciate that! 😉
Other kbar knives i have that have those polymer scales i just stipple with my soldering iron and they are gtg
Nice, I have seen some do that.
Hi Gideon, Kabar-Becker makes awesome knives. They know how to HT em well and the tools are really good performers. (For me it´s the BK7 all day long).BUUUUT,...common those scales are real BS there. Time has come to put G10 or Micarta on these knives by the factory. If not the knives are getting to be not interesting caus of the price increasement! For me personally a real "Knifedream" would be if BK would use N690 or D2 or S35 on theyr blades. ..especially on a BK7 LOL. That would be a homerun for fxxxx sure!
That is why there is a company called ESEE that has all of this
😊thanks for sharing 😊
My pleasure 😊
Love that knife. Wish it was in od green. Beats the 16 and from what i hear the 18.
It does and I would say this would be great in of green.
its now $118.95 at SMKW for black. $99.95 for bronze
Nice!
I'd go for the BK19 over the 4HM all day. I do wish Becker would just offer the polymer as the cheaper option to a designated micarta handle version. However I have heard of guys who use a thin layer of hockey tape 🇨🇦 over those polymer scales and have no issues afterwards.
Hockey tape works pretty good. I used it to thicken up the grip on my Rat 3. And also on a few handguns to maintain grip while not rubbing my skin raw. Works good and lasts for a very long time.
@@DevDog67 I got a Rat 3 that I Edc scout carry, so I actually like the thinner micarta handles. I did some nice file work for better grip though
I'm BIG on traction for my knives. Also, I don't buy knives that I already know I'm going to have to buy more parts for. Thus the reason I don't own Becker Knives.
I am sure you are not alone in that?
I have bk16 and and bk18, love them both and i like this one too, but cheapest i can get this knife here, in Czech Republic, is like 180usd and in ugly brown color...
Micarta all day long, they may just skip those molded bottles 😉
I like it🤠
Thanks but I'll stick with my customized RAT-5. Your review several years ago helped me make the decision to go with it. New scales from TKC and a Harry Savage Sheath make it all the knife i need in the woods!
Nice!!!!
Dude. I need a donut sheath. For my mora!
My beckers have replacement scales, or I just throw some grip tape on them.
Is he still living on the road In an Rv? He made a video about that a while back, but I don't really ever hear him Talk about it and you can't tell from the videos. It always looks like he's in someone's backyard.
We travel 13 months for Florida to Idaho and California to Pennsylvania and everywhere in between. Been back in Colorado for a year now. 👍
I'm personally getting tired of the donut thing.
Same here, I just don’t get it
Thanks Aaron...I think a great looking blade; Nessmuk, not so much.
Haha totally, but whatever there are only so many names out there.
All i know is... That is not a Nessmuk.
But it does look like a nice design and is very capable.
Hey Aaron, would you be interested in trading something for a Very Good Knife Company Kephart? Green micarta, 80crv2, kydex sheath….interested?
Scales on all Becker products are garbage.
Shocker, a Becker knife with sh!ty scales. However I don’t have an issue with it for the price. I always make my own scales.