Ethan Becker knows a thing or two about designing affordable, durable, and useable knives. His Becker Knife & Tool (BK&T) designs have been made by numerous manufacturers over the years, the most recent being KA-BAR. Much of the original BK&T consists of larger knife designs but now KA-BAR and BK&T are introducing the “Tweeners”.
The term Tweeners refers to the smaller size of the new BK-15, BK-16, and BK-17 knives. These new offerings are roughly 3/4 the size of the original knives. They are still large enough to serve as field knives but they are far from being small – hence the nickname, Tweener. Like the other knives in the BK&T line, the Tweeners are ground from 1095 Cro-Van steel and their handles are made from a durable plastic. Each knife comes with a nylon sheath and two sets of handle scales, one black and one coyote brown.
The BK-15 features a 5.5″ upswept or trailing point style blade that is reminiscent of the venerable BK-5 Magnum Camp that was a Jerry Fisk/BK&T collaboration.
The BK-16 has a 4.375″ drop point blade. Drop points are renowned for their all-around usefulness.
The BK-17 has a 4.375″ clip point blade. The clipped point allows for a very fine tip and is reminscent of the classic KA-BAR USMC Combat Knife.
These knives are not on KA-BAR’s website yet, but they will be soon. They are already available at dealers.
I got one the BK-17s currently en-route. Will let you know how it works out.
The finish on this is extremely rough. Like the traction tape used on skateboards. I don’t really think it belongs on a blade. So I stripped mine of its finish to reveal a rather attractive stonewashed finish. Otherwise an impressively comfortable grip, solid sharpness, good heft, solid sheath, and it’s quick in the hand.
Thanks for your thoughts!