Becker Necker vs Eskabar vs ???

[twl]

I like the concept of these knives, and wanted something with the blade in the 3.25" zone. I like that blade length more than the Izula.
I like the 1095 just fine,
What is the consensus about the handle shapes, which seem to be the only difference between the Necker and Eskabar?

And lastly,is there anything else in that $40 street price range that does what these things can do, just as well or better, that should be considered?

Projected use is bug-out-bag knife, or emergency all-purpose knife of small size and weight, but very useful in wide ranging conditions, including potential bushcraft and outdoor survival use.
Emphasis on small size and weight that can over-achieve for its size.
I realize it isn't a chopper or a machete.

Open to any suggestions, especially if there is something at the same price range that I'm overlooking as a serious contender.

 

[brets-ftw]

bark river bravo necker, ESEE Rat 3 are both good choices

 

[jimmyd1982]

Pretty much comes down to if you want a bottle opener or a slightly longer handle. I have the bk 11 and had it wrapped in paracord. The handle was a little uncomfortable with prolonged use but I just added some micarta scales and it's like a whole new knife.

 

[PayetteRucker]

you can get a skeletonized Enzo Trapper for 48 bucks-pretty darned good deal. Might be worth your while to check out the RKK Snitch, the Boker Grasshopper, Bryan Breedan's neckers, the Buck Paklite series, and Ontario's Ranger neckers. I have a BK11 and while the handle indexing is cramped, it's secure and not uncomfortable. The blade specs and profile are identical, you're correct-only the handle is different. You can now get scales for the BK14 for about 15 bucks too. You're looking in the right direction, they're great knives.

 

[Foilist]

The Tops Shango is a nice one in that category as well.

 

[harkamus]

The Eskabar has the same handle as the Izula. The Izula has been the most comfortable handle out of any small fixed blade short of a 285 dollar custom I once had.

 

[aaronu]

Lots of choices but not so many good ones in your price range. Becker Necker would be my choice. To your point the Eskabar is essentially the Becker blade and Izula grip.

Either one has the option of adding micarta scales later on. That would make the knife less concealable but far better for actual use.

FYI -- ESEE makes the ESEE-3. Ontario makes the RAT-3. Basically the same knife, but one is made to higher standards.

 

[edxamador]

Boker arbolito lone wolf hunter 50 bucks great knife

 

[edxamador]

Or better yet a enzo elver ( smaller than the trapper ) skeletonized with flat grind in d2 steel

 

[AfghanWarrior]

I have the BK11 and like them. I am not seeing why I would want the other ones for more money? I am a simple tool user.

 

[edxamador]

I also have the bk11. However i have done a lot to the knife.....extended the handle. Changes the sheath. Took away the coating in order for me to be satisfied....( call me picky) dont get me wrong i also love the bk11 however....knite 35.....new sheath...at least 20...handle and time spent...at least another 20.....add that...and might as well get the boker for 56 that comes with exactly the same blade shape as the bk11....bigger handle and a lovelly leather sheath to go with it. Just my thought

 

[edxamador]

Sorry i meant bechmade lone wolf drop point.hunter. the boker arbolito trampero is around ghe 80 bucks. The benchmade is on the 50 ish..

 

[rdg]

I have the BK-11. I put some scales on it and made a leather sheath (I'm a lefty) and stripped the coating off the blade (left it on the grip). I absolutely love it. I do use the bottle opener. Now that it has grip scales on it, it's much more comfortable to use. I would buy another in a heart beat if this one came up missing. I find this to be much handier than larger knives.