Backpacking Neck Knife - Narrowed Down

H

Hawnted

Joined
Mar 25, 2009
Messages
5
I have narrowed it down to the Izula, Izula II, Swamp Warden, and the Becker B14.

I am leaning toward the Izula II because it comes with a sheath and seems to get quite a bit of good press around here.

I will mainly be using it for general camp chores (food prep, splitting logs, etc) and other misc small tasks such as gear repair, etc.

It will be worn around my neck.

Thanks in advance!
 
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I'd vote for the Izula or Izula II. Not sure about the splitting logs part though, you might want an axe for that . . . .
 
I have both an Izula as well as a Swampwarden.

The swampwarden stays sharp slightly longer and has a little longer handle but doesn't come with a sheath. Great knife.

The Izula comes with a decent sheath and works great.

Either is a good choice. The Izulas are easy to get and the SW are limited so take that into consideration.
I personally wouldn't use an Izula2 with the scales for a neck knife as I prefer them to lie as flat as possible. YMMV
 
If you don't mind paying extra for a sheath i'd recomend the swamp warden imo it's just the right size for most task and holds an edge for quite a while.
 
Folks, maybe being on the other side of 50 & with two torn up football knees, am I the only one thinking of this. Is a neck knife the ideal way to be carrying a knife when you are out and about in Mother Nature? Just the idea of having something that close to such a vital area & the odds of taking a tumble hiking, maybe I am missing something or just overly cautious at this juncture in my life.
By the way Hawnted, welcome to the forum, good to have you here . . :thumbup:
Be safe.
 
The SwampWardens are awesome little knives and most probably the toughest of the bunch ya mention:

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By pitdog2010 at 2010-12-08

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By pitdog2010 at 2010-12-08

Not the best pic in the world but you should just be able to make out my Warden round my neck,

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By pitdog2010 at 2010-11-20
 
When carrying a pack, a belt knife can be difficult, thus a need for another method of carry. I personally can see carrying a small neck knife, but I would not want it swinging about while I hike.
I have the Becker Eskabar, it's okay as a neck knife, but I find it a bit heavy, I have the Izula scales on it. Maybe without the scales I wouldn't mind it. Maybe I'd tuck it into my backpack straps while hiking.
One thing I'm doing is to get a second kydex sheath for my belt knife. This way I can tie down the kydex sheath onto my pack somewhere, but also have another sheath on my belt. The knife can go with me, with or without the pack.
 
I am not married to the method of carry. Kydex sheath on my pack would be OK too. Here is my hang up. I am wondering if I am going to miss the blade length if I go wit the Izula, and actually how much tougher the steel is on the Swamp warden.
 
If this is the only knife that you will be taking, go with the longer blade. You can always get a sheath, or two later.
I used to live in NM, for about 10 years. Many many summer nights were spent without a fire. Not only was it warm, but fire restrictions in the National Forests gave me no reason to take large blades, axe, etc.. I still would take a 5-6" blade, even though I rarely needed it. Then again, I never found myself in a desperate situation either.

Hey Hawnted, do you take another blade with you backpacking?
 
Hawnted said:
I am not married to the method of carry. Kydex sheath on my pack would be OK too. Here is my hang up. I am wondering if I am going to miss the blade length if I go wit the Izula, and actually how much tougher the steel is on the Swamp warden.
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Can't really give ya a scientific answer buddy, all I can say is even though my knives come and go the SwampRats always stay !;)
 
No, I will not have another blade. This is already a stretch for me. I am in to Ultralight Backpacking. My pack base weight is very light and I take any possible measures to reduce weight. Right now I carry a Gerber UL LST, and before that, just a plain razor blade to keep the weight down. Each time realizing that the knife was just too limiting. This is my compromise of being a knife lover and weight conscience backpacker.
 
pitdog said:
Not the best pic in the world but you should just be able to make out my Warden round my neck,

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By pitdog2010 at 2010-11-20
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Pit my good man, I could make out the knife, but that shirt is the center of attraction . . . :thumbup: I forgot to tell ya' when you orginally posted this last time. My wife saw it & ask me if I wanted one, I told her one in the Northern Hemisphere was enough . . . :D
Just kidding man, miss the dogs in your shots.
Be safe.
p.s.: ( A white dog in white snow, now how did I miss that one . . . LMAO )
 
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JUST1MOR said:
Pit my good man, I could make out the knife, but that shirt is the center of attraction . . . :thumbup: I forgot to tell ya' when you orginally posted this last time. My wife saw it & ask me if I wanted one, I told her one in the Northern Hemisphere was enough . . . :D
Just kidding man, miss the dogs in your shots.
Be safe.
p.s.: ( A white dog in white snow, now how did I miss that one . . . LMAO )
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Hey buddy I didn't even realise Snicker was in that pic till you mentioned it !:eek:

Regarding the....cough....colourful Swannie, it's become by far the most worn item in my closet. I bought it new this year from a store that had some old stock, ie those that were still made in New Zealand !:thumbup:
 
Becker vote here. My BK-11 (close enough) does a fine job with food. :D

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This counts as food too, right?
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Beckerhead #42
 
pitdog i knew jack russels were tuff but up to his stomach in snow. wow those little dogs are very versatile. what i like about them is the fact you can see that they are always scheming to start some s--t.read about a bowhunter in africa had a pack of dogs & shot a male lion in the heart & said the lion had fixed his eyes on the hunter & a russel jumped right in the face of the lionsaving the shooter since it takes 40 seconds for the lion to die. i wanted to write the bowhunter that he was an idiot to let a little russel save his skin. knowing the death time the bowhunter should have been wearing kevlar.
dennis
 
I vote Izula (also comes with sheath), Izula 2 (longer handle is a big plus), or BK14 (great BK11 blade, excellent Izula 2 handle). All very easy on the wallet. Both with outstanding companies/warranties behind them.
 
I wear a neck knife everyday and love the carry method for a back up fixed blade. I really like the Swamp Warden but found it was just a tad noticeable weight wise compared to the Izula. Granted, I'm a skinny dude with a skinny neck. If I was average or larger than average I'd go with the Swamp Warden without question. As it stands, I prefer the Izula and can't usually even feel if it's on or not with ball chain. The added weight and length of the Swamp Warden was just enough to feel, not uncomfortable but noticable. I'm guessing the Izula II would be similar to the Swamp Warden for me.
Blade lengths and steels are ultimately inconsequential IMO. The way the handle feels and the carry methods are the deciding factors between the two for me. Probably the two best neck knives ever from my experience.
 
Jake Bauer said:
I vote Izula (also comes with sheath), Izula 2 (longer handle is a big plus), or BK14 (great BK11 blade, excellent Izula 2 handle). All very easy on the wallet. Both with outstanding companies/warranties behind them.
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The BK14 has the Izula handle, not the Izzy2 handle.
 
I ended up ordering an Izula and a Swamp Warden (just couldn't decide). Also a sheath from Hoopster.

Thanks guys.
 
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