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.
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
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.
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 .
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'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.
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.
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.
I did see your post on UA-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.
I was going to purchase this on Amazon, but as I was looking at the different colors they had available I stumbled on what looked like an almost exact clone if not an exact clone by Huaao in D2 for less than half the price. D2 being very rust resistant and 1095 being rust prone, I purchased the Huaao in D2. Maybe I'll try the micarta scales to see if they fit the Huaao.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 UA-cam crowd. Thank you for the video!!!
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.
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!!!
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.
Hello my Outdoors friend, thank you for sharing this great review. It's certainly a great price point for a top quality knife. All the best to you and your family. 🤗
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 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.
Aaron. It's been quite a while since you did the Cold Steel AK47 review. It might be time to do a REDUX of it since you started doing it. The last time you did it was in AUS8 steel. Take care my Bladed Brother 👍⚔️✝️🇺🇲
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.
AWESOME BLADE , and it's about time ... I went and broke out my BK15 and BK16 just for this video , I always loved my BK Tweeners and really kicked myself in the butt for never getting the BK17 , but I won't miss out on this one , I'm soo happy Ethan finally decided to add to the Tweener series of knives , do you think he has a 19 and 20 in the works ?? That would be great....✌ Be Safe...😷
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.
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.
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'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.
Yes!!! Gideon's Tactical reviewing a new Becker knife. I feel like I'm back in the heyday of outdoor gear reviews of UA-cam in 2015.
Love the sheath, harpoon blades are growing on me! Great video! I always look forward to a upbeat positive weekend review on something fun!
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.
Opened my eyes to the BK 16, great installment and review. Thank you
I've been using this knife for a few weeks now, your review is spot on. It is an amazing knife for the money.
I’ve been waiting on this review!
Beautiful knife, and beautiful mountains! Regards from Italy. You have so nice wilderness in USA.
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
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.
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 .
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.
Love this brand. Great blades.
That seems like the perfect Knife and Sheath, I can’t see any improvements at all I can think of.
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.
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'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.
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.
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
I did see your post on UA-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.
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
I was going to purchase this on Amazon, but as I was looking at the different colors they had available I stumbled on what looked like an almost exact clone if not an exact clone by Huaao in D2 for less than half the price. D2 being very rust resistant and 1095 being rust prone, I purchased the Huaao in D2. Maybe I'll try the micarta scales to see if they fit the Huaao.
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.
I like it with those micarta scales... but I prefer the BK-16...
Great review Aaron thanks buddy. I wish Becker would just automatically upgrade the the handle scales , Enjoy your weekend brother
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.
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!
Thanks for the review now I have to start saving again!
ThanQ for filming
Love the 18
Thanks for the video! Keep up the great work and thanks for all the information.
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.
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.
I really enjoy your reviews. Great video!
Best looking fixed blade IMO
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.
Awsome , I've been waiting for this Blade Review . Great Job 😎👍👍
The best knife reviews.
I purchased the black and the tan bk18 models now I'm looking for some Micarta scales where can I buy them
Thanks for the great review & helpful comparison. I’m headed to AZWelke now...
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 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 🤔
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 UA-cam crowd. Thank you for the video!!!
Best outdoor gear reviews on youtube
Al at AZWelke is good to work with, I have two custom made kydex sheaths from him!
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.
I don't NEED it...but I do WANT it.
Your Reviews rock, Big Red !
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.
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👍
nice job. good little knife
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!!!
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.
love mine.
Hello my Outdoors friend, thank you for sharing this great review. It's certainly a great price point for a top quality knife. All the best to you and your family. 🤗
Nice Blade 👌 Thanks for This Video 😎
According to Ethan Becker, the sheath is constructed of polyoxymethylene (POM), commonly known as acetal or Delrin, and has no glass fiber content.
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
I’m not going to lie, it looks awesome.
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?
Hey man, you make good videos. Thanks. Keep it up.
Really appreciate it!
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.
How does this compare to the 16 in a head to head
The bk16 is slicier and bk18 is tougher
How well would you say this mounts on a belt? Could you loop it through those longer holes on the sides?
Good looking blade
Are these sheathes less abrasive than the old bk14 ones? I seem to remember a lot of Becker plastic sheathes dulling blades pretty bad
What’s the link for the lanyard?
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 American flag for?
is it a knife 🗡️
Or a pry bar
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 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?
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
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.
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.
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
You reviewed the OKC Cerberus in D2 steel. Do you like the Cerberus better? How does it compare? Is it similar?
Where do i order I heard Amazon sales fake ones
Waiting for the black version
trey menchaca available on smkw now link in description
Aaron. It's been quite a while since you did the Cold Steel AK47 review. It might be time to do a REDUX of it since you started doing it. The last time you did it was in AUS8 steel. Take care my Bladed Brother 👍⚔️✝️🇺🇲
For half a second, I thought you were going to say bizz-natch
Lol
Great review.
I really like this knife
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.
Torn between this and the Buck GCK
AWESOME BLADE , and it's about time ... I went and broke out my BK15 and BK16 just for this video , I always loved my BK Tweeners and really kicked myself in the butt for never getting the BK17 , but I won't miss out on this one , I'm soo happy Ethan finally decided to add to the Tweener series of knives , do you think he has a 19 and 20 in the works ?? That would be great....✌ Be Safe...😷
👍thank you.stay healthy.
Somebody that I watched on UA-cam claims that this knife is better than the group or strong arm what is your opinion sir
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 really like the 16. I think its one of the better all around buahcraft knives.
Meanwhile on another note Kim trails are still being put out N Vacaville California
How does it compare with Gerber Strongarm? I understand that you can fit bK16 in 18 sheath.
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.
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?
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.
Personally, owning both the 16 and the 18, I find the 18 better at food prep.
Does the blade shape affect it's ability to be sharpened with the worksharp field sharpener?
Nice indeed.