Drop Point Knife - Becker BK-16 or EK Commando EK51?

[AndyLate]

Did you pick one? I've never used either, but the grip on the BK 16 looks much better for my uses. That said, my daily driver is a Ka Bar Mark 1, and has been for 10 years.

Nope, still stuck in decision loop.

Andy

[mack7.62]

I would look at the Cold Steel knifes if you want a super steel, Midway usually has very good prices on these, Master Hunter or maybe Republic. Dang it you got me to looking, I already have a Master Hunter and now I want a Republic.

Master Hunter https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019763453?pid=878513

Republic https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1026076744?pid=334982

[mack7.62]

The more I look at the Cold Steel Republic the better it looks as a bushcraft knife.

Pros:
Made in USA
Super Steel
Handle
Blade Design (5" but you can choke up on it)
Midway price

Cons:
Leather Sheath
Top serrations a little long
More expensive than the KA-BAR's but still a good deal at $170

[3 AE]

Just throwing this in the mix. They do make it with a Cerakote blade finish but it's $35-$40 more.

https://knifeworks.com/fallkniven-s1...-zytel-sheath/

[jsbhike]

Just throwing this in the mix. They do make it with a Cerakote blade finish but it's $35-$40 more.

https://knifeworks.com/fallkniven-s1...-zytel-sheath/

I have an F1 that I really like.

I will also recommend Scandi grinds


I have carbon and stainless Garbergs that have worked well and use the multimount sheath.

https://morakniv.se/en/knife-series/garberg/

I am making an assumption the smaller Teravas would be very tough knives based on using a Skrama 240 over the last year for splitting wood, machete chores, and making fuzz sticks.

Fixed Blade Knives - Varusteleka.com

https://www.varusteleka.com/en/group...ade-knives/725

[mack7.62]

Survival Lilly does not like the S1 as a hard use knife. What I gather from her and others is that VG10 is a very hard steel which is why it is laminated and can be brittle and prone to chipping. It also has a convex grind which is hard to field sharpen and is not a drop point.

[Pappabear]

Your best gal Lilly is a tuff lady on her knives. These people have forgotten more about knives that I will ever know. During the busy season (Christmas) I usually open boxes with mine and most survive, so probably not the best critic.

PB

[AndyLate]

I have an F1 that I really like.

I will also recommend Scandi grinds


I have carbon and stainless Garbergs that have worked well and use the multimount sheath.

https://morakniv.se/en/knife-series/garberg/

I am making an assumption the smaller Teravas would be very tough knives based on using a Skrama 240 over the last year for splitting wood, machete chores, and making fuzz sticks.

Fixed Blade Knives - Varusteleka.com

https://www.varusteleka.com/en/group...ade-knives/725

Can the scandi grind be maintained with a simple diamond card/stone in the field? I am thinking a Mora Companion HD will be a practical, super low cost, gift for my now-NG Infantry son. Sometimes things grow legs and walk away in the field...

The F1 would be closer to my desired knife size and type.

Andy

[jsbhike]

Can the scandi grind be maintained with a simple diamond card/stone in the field? I am thinking a Mora Companion HD will be a practical, super low cost, gift for my now-NG Infantry son. Sometimes things grow legs and walk away in the field...

Andy

Very easy to maintain which is a large part of the reason Scandi grinds are so popular in bushcrafting.

https://www.ragweedforge.com/scanshrp.html

These little triangle ceramic stubs are handy. Probably never wear one out(which is possible with diamonds) and their cutting ability is restored with a Scotchbrite pad and scouring powder. I have even cleaned the metal out of Spyderco sharpmaker rods(may be the same things other than length) with sandy soil.

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/LSL...tyle-sharpener

[AndyLate]

Went to Smoky Mountain Knife Works and handled the BK-16, Becker Nessmuk, and the EK-51 Short Drop Point. Decided on the EK, but I was after a relatively small knife. I "think" I prefer the Nessmuk to the BK-16, but I would have been happy with any of the three.

The EK-51 has a pretty small handle, so it's definitely not for everyone and every use.

Andy