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Becker BK-62 becomes BK-62-4.5”

P

Plainsman

Joined
Apr 5, 1999
Messages
1,080
I finally did it! I purchased a used second BK-62 last year with the idea of cutting it down. My son took a liking to the original and wanted one, so I gave it to him. Fast forward to last month. He and I were talking and it turned out he didnt like the thin handle. So he gave it back to me.

Below is the progression of my process of cutting it down. Ill try to describe each major step as I go.

I ended removing about 13/16” from the length. I was shooting for an inch, but felt safer leaving extra material which I could always take off if I wish it to be shorter.

Enjoy!
 
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Here is a comparison of the blank with BK-16 and BK-19, both of which I prefer the shorter blade length and another BK-62. You see by the markings about how much I plan on taking off.

i2CRjE7.jpeg



I proceeded to purchase a good metal cutoff wheel for my Dremel.

I kept a glass of ice water handy to keep sprinkling on the blade as I cut. I used a folding woodworking bench and “F” clamps to hold it in place. I kept my supporting hand on the blade at all times to check for heat. I was surprised at how little it did heat up even before using any water. The good cutoff wheel really helped.

Here are the shortened blade and cut-off piece. Cutting it off took much less time than I expected, esp. since it wasnt heating uo as I expected it to.

5jXzZZp.jpeg



5jXzZZp.jpeg
 
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Final product. Here it is after sharpening. I hand sharpened it on a Worksharp diamond bench “stone” system and stropped to hair-popping sharpness.

I like how it feels in the hand, as it seems heavier than the full length version, Im thinking because of the movement of the center of balance. I like the added ‘heft’ accordingly.

The point is thicker than the original and I will see how that works out. If necessay I can always remove more material later.

It is now “floppy” in the sheath, so I will have to remedy that with a new sheath. I may either make another leather one or it’ll give me an excuse to finally get into making Kydex gear finally!

Thanks for reading!

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I'm surprised as well. It's been talked about many times.
 
1066vik said:
Daizee (Gold Knife Works) has made longer and shorter bladed versions in 1084.
Click to expand...
Yeah, daizee daizee did some cool things with the Kephart design; several different sizes, I think he used different steels too (like aeb-l), and he did something pretty nifty with a hidden lanyard hole. Good stuff!
 
Nice job, Plains!!
You made it look seamless. I think people are a bit "overly-respectful" of mass-produced traditional patterns sometimes. The BK-62 is a fantastic knife as-is, and darn hard to beat at it's price point.

My favorite Kephart length is 4.5", and I've made quite a few in various steels (1084, CPM-154, AEB-L, Magnacut - pix in The Gallery) with a couple extra modifications thrown in. Scaled-down models are also fun. My consignment guy (who has a AuK4.5) asked me for one of the 3.5" EDC's just this week.
 
Are you guys able to see the pics in the posts or do you have to click in the link?

Im just seeing the links.

Thanks!
 
Plainsman said:
It is now “floppy” in the sheath, so I will have to remedy that with a new sheath. I may either make another leather one or it’ll give me an excuse to finally get into making Kydex gear finally!
Click to expand...

BTW, that BK-62s will fit nicely in a factory Tweener sheath.
 
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