Becker BK9 Customize - Adding a Choil

I hit the 100 posted video mark and thought that was a pretty cool milestone. At that, I was searching for a video that I thought was cool enough to be called the 100th. So what I decided to do was work on further modifying my Becker BK9. My BK9 already had a stripped coating, mustard patina, micarta handle scales, and a leather/kydex sheath. Now all I could do to further modify the knife was add a finger choil. Watch as I take the gamble to add the choil. Will it be successful??

[@jorgefernandez6407]

Wow, that looks like it's right out of the factory! Excellent job on that knife!!! Now I know what a BK-9 should look like with a choil...

[@outerlimitless]

Thanks, sometimes fun to modify a blade to suit your needs. Glad this one worked out!

[@BlazinBlades]

Choil Man! I feel like I found my soul mate in the Knife kingdom! Love them choils 👍👍👍

[@outerlimitless]

Choils make such a difference! I feel like it's worth having a choil for the option to use it, but the loss of blade length doesn't really make a difference. I'd rather have it and not use it than to not have it and need it!

[@stever4651]

Great job on the choil, it turned out great.

[@outerlimitless]

Thanks! I was hoping it would be worth the effort...I'm overall satisfied and it's a step towards making this as badass as it can be! Thanks for watching!

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah Eric, I wish I could do things like that, I always wanted my BK-9 with a choil. So I got a Rodent 9, It's Aces. Infact I had my Rodent 6 modified also, They thinned mine out and took the top guard off for a very minimal cost, I now have two awesome knives also. Job well done. Thanx.

[@PrioritySurvival]

That sounds awesome! You should make a video about it!

[@bcjdwbiernfjherwfbowfib]

Man that choil makes me kinda want a bk9 now.

[@outerlimitless]

I would LOVE that knife with a factory choil. The issue with my choil is that the stock is thin at that location...there's not much in the way of a ricasso so the stock is very thin. But still cool!

[@bcjdwbiernfjherwfbowfib]

@@outerlimitless gotcha. Well, I'm gonna experiment, I'm starting to make hunting knives, once I get a little better I'm gonna make a stainless bk9 replica with a finger choil.

[@mattlwyatt]

I have been thinking about doing this with my BK 9 using the ESEE 6 or BK 5 as a template. I was worried about the thickness where the finger rest afterwards. Thank you for showing close-ups of the area! I also want to flatten the top thumb ramp because for me, it gets in the way.

[@patrickgermond2750]

So I finaly gave in a baught a cold steel gurhka kukri. Watch you chop with this knife I doubt I'll ever buy another big knife. And I have a 3 buckets full of knives. I was watching other kukri videos and I doubt I'll ever buy one of them either. They dont chop as well. But the cold steel version slices through wood like you was chopping with extreme ease. Thanks for the video. I love choils on tge knives too. Great channel!

[@outerlimitless]

There are a couple versions of the gurhka...which one did you get? There are two in particular that I am thinking of...one has a pronounced finger guard and the other does not. If you can, post a link to the one you got...I'm curious. Thanks for the comment and watching!

[@patrickgermond2750]

Well at first I was going for thier newest and greatest version which is the gurhka kukri 0-1 plus. That one has the guard I believe. I messed up and got just the gurhka kukri 0-1. Same thing and steel, just no finger guard. I think the 0-1 holds up a bit better in the weather. There is an older version of it in sk5 steel. That one rust really easy. And then there's the sam mai version that has stainless steel on the outside. It is a real slicer. But stainless is hard to field sharpen and it cost like $400 $500. And I can't beat the hell out of a $500 blade. lol So this is what I do know. That 0-1 version of mine, that's about $170 on ebay, is incredible steel. I make knives so I know some about sharpening and steel. I have about $5000 in equipment so I'm not big time and it's an expensive hobby that I study about is all. Having said that I have never gotten a blade as sharp as the cold steel 0-1 gurhka kukri after using a cardboard wheel strop. (I didn't want to tear up my leather one.) I'm actualy nervous when I pull the blade out. It's so sharp that one mistake and I'm getting stitches and a hospital ride. If I'm lucky I might even get to come home from the hospital. Lynn C Thomason, Cold Steel president says these blades are more deadly than a .357 mag. and he's right. I own a lot of guns, but that blade makes me nervous. It's like a damn light saber. If you get one you'll understand. You may want a finger guard version lol.

[@marcjohnson4385]

!#m. N.

[@alivekicking5415]

CONGRATS on your milestone! Thanks for having the balls to try something new on one of your favorite blades. Enjoyed the MOD. Keep the videos coming, stay strong stay healthy enjoy =)

[@MarkRuslinzski]

It looks Great and you had the gut's to do it and again it look's Great

[@outerlimitless]

Thanks, I love the BK9 setup...the choil does help with some balance on finer tasks. I wish it had a full thickness choil in a ricasso rather than in the blade stock, but it's still cool! Thanks for watcing!

[@OmegaMan999]

Awesome. You made an amazing knife even better.

[@outerlimitless]

I love it! Can't be afraid to mod. It's the use and personalization that gives blades life!!!

[@OmegaMan999]

@@outerlimitless I'd tear it up if I tried that, bro. Lol

[@outerlimitless]

Hahaha! Well, as long as you understand that, you'll be good! I've messed up a couple things here and there...always pisses me off...but I go slow and take my time...the learning process makes it worth it!

[@bencorrell7851]

What an awesome video. Given that the BK9 is one of the main go-to's for so many consumers and reviewers amongst large survivor blade enthusiasts, Im surprised that KBAR has not figured out that they should make a new model that features the finger choil.

[@outerlimitless]

Wouldn't a factory ground choil be sweet on this blade!! I think they should do a special edition. Although, if you listen to Ethan, he doesn't like choils...he prefers the full advantage of the cutting edge all the way to the handle. But either way it's a great blade...I just had to tweak mine a bit! Thanks for watching!

[@GROGUIK]

Very nicely done, excellent vid, thx 💪💪👍🤘

[@outerlimitless]

Thanks...I always like a good project...this one seemed fitting!

[@maxpower9672]

An old trick i was shown years ago; hot glue a little chunk of sponge to the blade around the area you're grinding. The water it retains when you dip it to cool it off will extend how long between cooling dips. It might act like a bit of a heat sink as well.

[@outerlimitless]

Interesting idea...hot glue is easy since it generally peels right off. I don't do a ton of grinding, but every now and then I do...it's something I'll keep in mind...thanks!

[@fredflintstone1547]

@@outerlimitless i know you can ruin the temper on a knife by grinding it and you should keep a wet rag or spray bottle close by and keep the blade wet

[@davecooper6551]

congrats on the 100 . you cant be scared to make the mods you need . my wife about freaked when i took a file to my tops tracker but i made the knife fit my needs . i recently took a file to my sog seal pup , took out the serrated edge and now it has a beautiful recurve and is way more useful . hopefully kabar will see this and make the proper change to thier production . heres to the next 100

[@outerlimitless]

Thanks! What you do to your tracker? I'm gonna assume add a 90 deg spine, most tops don't have a sharp enough spine for sparking a rod. And as I say that, it makes me wonder about adding a sharpened spine to this BK9. I'm gonna keep tricking this out to the max...it's worth it. Thanks for watching!

[@davecooper6551]

all ive done so far is adjust the edge , i plan on soing the spine after i take the coating off . i have tried the mustard , and vinegar on differnt knives i would like to do something else with the tracker , but the boiling vinegar turns out pretty good

[@outerlimitless]

+Dave Cooper so, I've wondered about the vinegar. do you boil WHITE vinegar? and I'm assuming you get a solid, even, dark almost black patina?

[@davecooper6551]

yeah white vinegar is what ive used . it is more of a solid blackish grey patina , works great on preventing rust but man it smells bad while the vinegar is boiling , if you try it do it outside .i did the first one in the house and thought my wife was going to divorce me lol

[@randycisneros4111]

I'm a little late watching your video, I have a BK9 also I did change the handles out like yours and added stainless steel hardware too. I'm not a fan of choils if you need a choil you could have bought a Esee knife with a lifetime transferable warranty. My option is you weakened the the blade and reduced the cutting edge. I own also the BK7 BK2 and the BK crewman I like them all and use them for my camping requipment's. Thank you for sharing your modifications, you can't beat the old vintage Craftsman grinders I have one also.

[@outerlimitless]

Hasn't had any negative impact on the strength and more than enough blade length. My only dislike is bearing on the thin blade stock

[@TREX3151]

Great vid. My BK9 comes in the mail tomorrow and I'm already making a list of mods for it.

[@outerlimitless]

Sweet! if you like the sheath I had, check out 710 Customs. You can really trick out a sheath and it's a gorgeous kydex/leather combo. You'll pay some bucks for it, but you'll be extremely satisfied with the quality. Good luck with the mods!!!

[@TREX3151]

I've marked 710 down on my short list for sheaths. The one that comes with it seems to be better then the I have seen in the older videos. But I spent a considerable amount of time deciding on the right large knife and I have no problem spending a decent amount on a sheath given the use and miles I will be doing with it. I also chose the Mora Eldris for a neck knife. Already have had that one out a few times. Just a nice little workhorse. Take care.

[@outerlimitless]

Nice...you're gonna love the BK9...it's really a great blade. Enjoy it man!!

[@dragonclaw88]

tip i use on adding a choil...i use a Nickel to get my scoop just right,,,thats just about the right size as on my esee 4...works perfect...i add the to the Junglas

[@outerlimitless]

No the junglas definitely needs a choil! That's a solid mod for that blade. I think I used a quarter to lay out the choil I added to the BK9. Seemed to be about right, but I like a generous choil.

[@mistersmith3986]

Wow! You knocked it out of the park brother. Now that you have the choil, you no longer need the thumb ramp. Break out the power tools. Bwuaaahaaa!

[@outerlimitless]

I know!! I do need to get to the thumb ramp. I will one of these days! Hahaha, awesome, thanks for watching!

[@thebob6385]

outer limitless sounds like a project for video number 200!

[@tonydowd8566]

I like it. good job.

[@outerlimitless]

Thanks...it overall worked out pretty good. I'm still looking for a good way to kind of pad out the choil...it's a little on the thin side for extended periods of use, but it's close! Thanks for watching!

[@fafafuhi2231]

Hey I'm late to the video... but I was wonderin about doin this and sure enough ur my guy... Thanks for the video

[@outerlimitless]

Awesome, you'll like it overall. The ricasso area is a touch undersized to accommodate a full thickness choil, so what happens is the blade grind area ends up a bit thin where your finger bares down. With gloves it's amazing...without, it's just a bit thinner than ideal. Does that make sense how I explained it?

[@fafafuhi2231]

absolutely... Thank you for the response and the advice...And you have a happy Thanksgiving

[@neddmoulton1]

I think it came out good. it would be nice if that was an option when purchasing the knife. It's an option after watching this video. Good job and congrats on 100 video's

[@outerlimitless]

Thanks! So I was looking through the BK lineup on the Kabar website and they have the BK5 which they call a camp knife. It has a finger choil and I'm interested to see how that feels from the factory. I'm going to see if I can get my hands on one and I'll likely do a comparison. Maybe Becker will see this and make a choil option someday?!? Thanks for watching!

[@zootycoon246]

Hi, nice scales- Can you tell me where you got them?

[@Iamjasonallen]

Nice vid OL!

[@outerlimitless]

Thanks! Glad you liked it...thanks for watching!

[@paulwin9036]

Imagine doing that with a file!!! XC Nice Work

[@outerlimitless]

Ya, I knowit! Actually, now that you said that, I might use a file just to round the choil out a tiny bit more. It's certainly a great tool for that, just takes a while and some elbow grease!! Thanks!!!

[@rjhack60]

Just found this video. I to added a choil but closer to the slabs. It is now nearly the perfect one tool option. Just wish i could drill a lanyard hole in the thumb ramp for a forward lashing point. I did the same thing to a BK-7.

[@outerlimitless]

Sick! I wish KZbin allowed photos to be attached for comments. Email me a pic!! [e-mail]

[@patrickgermond2750]

I love it! I put one on my 0-1 Cold Steel Kubri and it completely changed the feel and it's effectiveness in over all carving and small tasks. I use it first. I grab it before I grab my esee 6 even. My hands have gotten good with it. I'm thinking of trying this and the SXB. And there will be choils. How's it feel in the hand? Heavy or light? My kukri feels light now. Lighter than my Tacoma.

[@outerlimitless]

The choil is good, but it's on the thin part of the blade stock. if they had a larger/thicker ricasso area then the choil would be amazing on this blade. but where it's a tad bit thin it's a touch un-comfortable, but overall better than not having it. Good idea on the Kukri! That's a blade that can use a choil for sure.

[@paulie4x1]

By the way, Great Job well done. Thanx You. ,, .

[@outerlimitless]

Thanks!!!

[@paulie4x1]

Y W.,, .

[@toddquaale253]

That is frigan awesome. Love this modification. All I wanted on my bk 9. Thanks!

[@outerlimitless]

Thanks, it's a pretty solid mod. I have not had any issues at all and it is a good way to gain a little more control. Thin stock on the choil section, but with gloves it is absolutely perfect.

[@hardrock1826]

I want to do a Mustard Patina on my BK9. Just wondering, how did batoning and chopping with your BK9 impact the Patina on your blade? Did it come off or scratch?

[@outerlimitless]

I love the mustard patina...it works well and definitely protects the knife. Over time, the areas of wear will lighten and show some signs of use, but in my opinion that adds to the look and enjoyment of the patina. It doesn't scratch as much as it fades. But if you wanted to add it back on at a later time, it's easy enough...but personally, I like my blades to look used...and TO BE USED!!! I'll be posting a current photo of my BK9 on Instagram in a few minutes so you can see it...go to OuterLimitless on Instagram if you're interested.

[@lorquet21]

Bloody well done! Two things that really bug me about the BK9 are no choil and that pointless clip point. Nice work on that choil. It might be worth bringing that choil curve even closer in towards the handles and rounding the edges of the cut surfaces off. I'd also be tempted to get rid of the angle where the spine goes into the clip point so that the spine runs all the way in a very mild curve to the blade tip. This might stop your baton chipping when hitting down on it.

[@outerlimitless]

YA, might need a little bit of work to finish it off. I'm contemplating getting rid of the thumb ramp to clean it up a bit...maybe i'll consider losing the clip too...good idea!

[@lorquet21]

I agree about the thumb ramp, however, the question of integral strength may rear its ugly head. Thus far, the existence of the ramp has allowed for the ingress (upwards into the blade) of the choil. That is to say, the blade height has been allowed to stay more or less the same through out, all be it with a slight 'S' bend in it. Mind you, there is only one way to find out. Best of luck!

[@GearReviewDepot]

Great idea! I like my fixed blades to have a choice like that. Good job.

[@outerlimitless]

Ya, it's worth the experiment. I'm going to play around with making the choil a bit more comfortable, but it's certainly a great start!

[@jonnyboat2]

I don't think I would have done that to that particular knife. I think the metal is too thin in that area to be comfortable. Personally, I would have bought a BK7 for the extra maneuverability with the smaller blade and left the BK9 blade realestate intact for bigger heavier jobs. But, you didn't lose to much blade for what you gained and you probably made your favorite knife a little more favorable.

[@christopherhaehnel7355]

I like what you did. It’s been 5 years now, any updates as to how this blade has held up? Just interested in your thoughts

[@outerlimitless]

I still have it... don't use it much but I should!

[@outerlimitless]

It's held up great... no issues

[@makerofmanythings8447]

I like the finish on your blade, is the finish just worn off?

[@outerlimitless]

Mine was stripped and I added the patina as well as the choil...I enjoy mods. I'm not a huge fan of coatings...so stripping a blade is pretty standard for me!

[@Gottaculat]

LOL! You got pretty OCD there. XD As an artist, I feel your pain there.

[@outerlimitless]

Haha, OCD on the choil dimensions? I have lots of OCD moments!! Some are my finest work...haha!!

[@Whitevaliantwarrior]

Where does the funky blade finish come from on these knives?

[@outerlimitless]

It's a patina technique that I like to use...here's a link to how I do it if you're interested. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZbIiYmcqrplmNU Thanks for watching!

[@joshjohnson5307]

turned out great man, almost looks factory! still not think ima keep mine choil-less just in case I should damage the blade in any way. voids any sort of warranty once ya start changing things like this. but maaaaan I wish Becker would make an option for it. the bk9 absolutely needs a choil. different not, who made your sheath and dangled bro! it looks outstanding!!!! and the handle scales, haven't been able find that color anywhere

[@outerlimitless]

I bought this bk9 "used" when I first got it. Came with the sheath and scales. I know the sheath is 710 customs. They have a website, but I'm not sure they still are in business. I'm not sure about the handle scales. Don't see Brown like this very often on the Beckers. Tan, yes, but not the brown. I watched for a BK9 for months and months before I found this one.

[@joshjohnson5307]

+outer limitless well you certainly found a gem of a package my friend! thinkin about grinding the thumb ramp down? most of the bk9s if seen with the choil mod have a thumb ramp removed which seems logical.

[@outerlimitless]

+Josh Johnson I did consider that...but it's pretty comfortable as it is. I'll probably end up grinding of the ramp though.

[@miamivice966]

Where did you get those awesome handles?

[@outerlimitless]

I got lucky!! Bought the knife with the handle scales and a 710 Customs kydex/leather sheath. I have not seen dark brown like this other than mine...wish I could help! There are tan ones all over the place for the Beckers.

[@fredflintstone1547]

who made that delicious sheath and where can I buy one?

[@outerlimitless]

At the time it was made it was 710 Customs. Now it is found by the name of Julio Diaz. Check him out on Instagram

[@donkeykongslacker]

don't be bashfull with grinding base metal my friend I am a 20 plus year chrome plater just do not over heat your grind make yourknife functional for you alone nobody else. its your knife make it fit your hand alone. its your not satisfied grind till you are o regrets my friend hope my advice sits well with you

[@mindyaguliar9346]

donkeykongslacker..... chrome plater? whats that got to to do with metal work.

[@manuellucero8414]

Knives larger than 6 inches need a choil

[@trogdor1979]

Crazy I was just looking for videos of this particular modification of the bk9 this morning and there you posted it. Thanks for that! Maybe some wrapped bank line or ranger band would help with the comfort on the choil. I think I'm going to try this. It's a great knife.

[@outerlimitless]

Nice! I'm glad I could be of assistance! That's actually awesome that it was timed that way...I love when coincidence works out! Cool, ya I like the Ranger Band idea...that might be prefect. If anything, that adds an additional level of custom...great suggestion. How you think mine came out, look pretty good? Good luck with yours.

[@trogdor1979]

Looks nice and your feather sticks look much better now compared to your other video comparing it with the tahoma. Much more control. Subscribed.

[@outerlimitless]

+Bradley Mitchell Great man, glad you're aboard! And thanks for the Ranger Band suggestion...that's gonna work out nice

[@bp-hx9ts]

I would try to get rid of that pain in the ass thumb ramp instead of adding a choil

[@outerlimitless]

I agree about grinding the thumb ramp...I like a choil, so that was why I ground the choil into the blade, but I think also removing the ramp would be a great move.

[@donkeykongslacker]

I would even dare do go deeper with the "choil"

[@outerlimitless]

Thanks! I'm with you 100%. I think making the required mods is a must. And I do agree too that the choil could be a bit deeper. I personally like a deep choil, the control you gain with it, etc.

[@thebob6385]

donkeykongslacker my thought is to go as deep as the thumb ramp is tall.

[@donkeykongslacker]

I have made a few knives they are allways primitive and artfull sharp isn't necessary so much just has to feel right in the hand

[@flamaest]

Not enough material is left, choil is too thin. You'll lose a finger that way.

[@outerlimitless]

It's not that thin...but it's definitely not a full stock thickness which would make it better.

[@floridaswissboy]

OMG.....you think you are to finicky ? If you are so scared of grinding to far in to the grip or to damage the surrounding area.....why not place some heavy duty tape around that area!!

[@outerlimitless]

Scared? No, I'm not actually scared of much...certainly not scared of grinding a knife. I like a level of craftsmanship...and I am aware of the issues...and I like to discuss my thought process. But scared? No. Tape only goes so far...so I would say paying attention to the details and taking your time to get it right goes much further than a piece of tape...but you can try the tape and let me know how it works for ya!

[@Cs-vo2vk]

Great way to F-up a good knife but at the end of the day it's your knife so if that makes you happy then were happy. Nice vid

[@outerlimitless]

I like it...no issues, no weakness...and some additional ergos, so it was worth it to me.

[@spoke1183]

Way to ruin a prefect knife. WTF u need choil for on a large ass knife. If u gonna carve shit and make feather sticks use a pocket knife or a smaller knife.

[@outerlimitless]

I look at BK9's as a dime a dozen...if I don't like it, I'll buy another one. Who knows..maybe I'll grind the next one down to a BK8 for all I know? Mods are about experimenting, learning how to use tools for a desired result...figuring out what works and what doesn't...what you like and what you don't. I will use this to make feathers actually...I enjoy using a large blade for all kinds of tasks. In my opinion, the only thing that ruins a perfect knife is NOT using it...and this one is used and enjoyed and a great part of my user collection!

[@astrazenica7783]

Lmao it's a knife not a dress

[@outerlimitless]

What does that mean? I don't get it...

[@mikeruthantisdel5679]

Don’t do it

[@outerlimitless]

Too late now!

[@outerlimitless]

BK9's are a dime a dozen... might as well learn a thing or two...

[@bcclark8681]

You ruined your knife...

[@outerlimitless]

BK9's are a dime a dozen, easy to buy, easy to replace, simple to modify, lots of aftermarket options for scales, sheaths, etc. So if I "ruined" my knife I'm good with it, but I have to say, it's pretty sweet to me!