Becker BK2 and Ramos Custom Leather Sheath

What I have appreciated about the Becker line of BK knives is the opportunity to customize and modify the knife from the way they were received from the factory.  I own and regularly carry the Becker BK14 as a neck knife, and read some amazing testimonies on the durability and reliability of the Becker BK2.  So, I picked up a BK2 about 6 months ago; now, I‘ve not put this particular knife through any brutal torture tests, but, after handling the knife and performing your typical bushcraft/camping related tasks, I see why there is such high regard for the BK2.

For me, there is a real appeal for making a knife my very own, even if it’s just adding different scales or replacing the sheath.  Just like the Becker BK14, I completely stripped the factory coating off of my BK2.  I’ve contemplated adding custom Micarta or wood scales, but I’ve grown accustomed to the standard Grivory scales.  Perhaps someday I will change them out, but, for now, I find them to be plenty comfortable and I like the black color against the naked steel.  

The BK2 is an excellent knife; however, the stock sheath, for me, was a big disappointment.  I won’t go into a lot of details about my dislikes, but the overall serviceability of the stock sheath was definitely lacking.  So, what I really wanted to complement the knife was a quality leather sheath.  Fortunately, I recently came across Freddy Ramos of Ramos Custom Sheaths.  More information can be found here:  Ramos Custom Sheaths. While I have never met Freddy, his dedication to the art of leather sheath making is evident in the products he makes. All of the sheaths he makes are custom made; hand cut and hand sewn.  Freddy’s attention to detail and workmanship are first class; the quality of the leather he uses is exceptional, and I was very pleased with his customer service.  I had the opportunity to email Freddy a couple of times about my sheath order and he was always prompt and courteous in responding to my questions.  I tend to stress in my blogs that every product I purchase have a high cost to value ratio. I have found that this combination between the Becker BK2 and a custom leather sheath from Ramos Custom Sheaths meets the requirement.  ~Keep it Sharp. 

Becker BK14 Neck Knife-Survival Kit

Whether I go out on a back woods camping trip or a simple day hike, I think about being prepared for the possibility that I might be out longer than intended.  So anticipating the challenges associated with spending a few more hours, an additional overnight or even a few more days, should be part of our physical and mental preparation. 

With that in mind I think along the lines of Shelter, Water, Fire, Signaling, Navigation and Food.  One of the basic kits that I carry is a Becker Bk-14 Neck Knife to accomplish this philosophy of survival.  By utilizing ranger bands (or bicycle inner tube) it is simple to create a personal survival kit.  Here is what is in my kit:

Shelter:  With a personal survival kit such as this, whatever clothing we have on would be considered our basic shelter.  Hopefully we have dressed appropriately to anticipate the season and any changes in the weather.  

Water:  I’ve included a Plastic 1-gallon storage bag.  This can be used to retrieve or collect water in multiple ways.  I always carry a water bottle so even if it becomes necessary to treat the water by boiling; a plastic bottle will do.  

Fire: The fire steel and Vaseline charged cotton ball (in tin foil) will easily initiate a fire.   Of course the Becker knife is excellent for making feather sticks and processing wood to build the fire.  

Signaling:  A small proton light and signaling mirror meets this requirement.  The signaling mirror is made from an aluminum can and has been highly polished. 

Navigation:  A simple button compass will provide the means for navigation in the general direction to safety.  




Food:  Fishing line and a fly from my fly-fishing gear will provide the means for food if I’m near a stream.  Included is a safety pin, just in cases I need to use live bait. 

The para-cord used around the neck and the knife handle provides for about 10 feet of cordage which can be used for a number of items including fishing and trapping.  All in all a very basic, concise and lightweight kit that has a survival form factor that will facilitate success when necessary.  ~Keep it Sharp.