Becker Necker vs. RAT HEST

M

melt

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Nov 20, 2006
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I already own a Ka-bar made Becker Necker (BK-11) in 1095 carbon steel, and I really like the look of the RAT HEST, but it's around 85 bucks and I'm wondering if it would do much more for me than my 35 dollar BK-11. I'm trying to eliminate redundant knives; I don't want to end up with two knives that are basically equal in terms of performance and ability. I do like that the HEST has a kydex sheath (vs. the BK-11's plastic sheath), but I really don't see myself using the HEST's pry pommel much, and I'd probably ditch the HEST's micarta handle scales to thin it down for concealed neck knife carry. But the BK-11's handle seems a little short / uncomfortable for my hand, and I'm wondering if the HEST has a longer, more comfortable handle. (Anyone have a comparison side-by-side picture of these two knives?) As for customer service, both companies seem to be excellent; no worries there. Should I get a HEST, or just find a kydex sheath for my BK-11?
 
I think it depends on how much you like the BK11. I've had a couple & they're just too small for my hands (I wear XXL gloves). The HEST is comfortable in my hands. In fact, I actually like it better than the RAT3, because I have to use the choil on it & I like not having to if I don't want to.

Bladewise, I think the BK11 & HEST are comparable. That's one of the pluses of the BK11, in that it has a decent size blade for its OAL.

If you're comfortable with using the BK11 & do want to neck carry it, I suggest you stick with it & maybe get a nice kydex sheath for it. If you want a more comfortable handle & don't necessarily need it for neck carry (While I don't mind the pry bar, it can get in the way, IMHO), then I'd say go for the HEST.

Good luck.
 
Have you looked at the RAT Izula? Many people seem to like the handle a bit more than the Becker Necker. It's cheaper than the HEST too. If you think the blade is too small, my suggestion is carry a large slicing folder with it to balance it out.
 
Chipped is correct. The Izula has a bit smaller blade, but the handle is much more comfortable. You can get a full grip on the Izula as opposed to the Bk11. I don't think you gain much by the hest but mass and a pommel that you don't think you would use. I like my BK11 and Izula, but if I could only keep one....it would be the Izula. Good luck.
AI
 
The handle on the HEST is bigger than the BK-11 but the blade is a lot thicker. I think it would be to heavy for neck carry unless it was an emergency. The Izula handle was just slightly to small for my preference before I wrapped it. After the paracord wrap it's perfect and probably my favorite knife.
 
Hey, I'm looking for a good slim skeletonized knife, and I'm just wondering does the Becker's sheath have a clip on it?

I want something that I can clip to the inside waistband of my shorts when I go swimming (in rivers, streams and such, not public pools)

Thanks!
 
BryFry said:
Hey, I'm looking for a good slim skeletonized knife, and I'm just wondering does the Becker's sheath have a clip on it?

I want something that I can clip to the inside waistband of my shorts when I go swimming (in rivers, streams and such, not public pools)

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I bought one of Ka-Bar's TDI metal clips https://www.kabar.com/product/produ...egory&categoryId=4,9&categoryName=Accessories to try on my BK-11 (for seven bucks, I figured why not) and I was not impressed with it. It's just not strong enough, in my opinion. After not much use, the clip stopped "closing" all the way due to loss of spring tension. The clip is also a pain if you want to put it on (for belt carry) then take it off (for neck carry) and switch between these two types of carry alot. You need a torx T6 bit to remove / replace four screws to attach / remove it. Too much of a hassle for me. I also don't know about swimming with a 1095 carbon steel knife, but I suppose with a proper wipe-down of oil afterward, you could do it. You could also buy the stainless BK-11, but that's maybe too much money for too little knife for some, and I have no experience with the stainless model. I'd recommend a nylon (water suitable) belt and just lash the BK-11's sheath to the belt with para cord, though that would look silly with swimming trunks. In my personal search for a good knife to just clip on my trunks while swimming, I settled on a Spyderco Pacific in H1 rust proof steel, and I've been very pleased. But that's a folder, not a fixed blade. I can say that after swimming in salt water for an hour and no rinse down or wipe down afterward, the H1 showed no sign of rust. I don't think H1 will rust.

Anyway, thanks to all the comments on the HEST. I'd like to get an Izula also, but I've heard that it's sheath is not the best at concealed neck carry, and I'd like a little more blade length. I think a HEST would make a decent knife to carry on a short day hike if I wanted to go light and only carry one knife. From what I understand about its designed intent, it is meant to be the one knife that you could survive with if you only had one knife. I'd still like to see a photo of both a BK-11 and a HEST side by side, or at least a photo of just a HEST with a ruler beside it for measurement comparisons. Much thanks to all, and any other recomendations for a knife of this type for sub 100 bucks that might meet my needs will be appreciated.
 
Sounds like we are both looking for a similar type of knife, so instead of highjacking your thread, I think I'll start my own.

Good luck with your search!
 
Well, you ought to look at the Buck paklite skinner or caper. If you look around you can get both for about $32-35 . I am planning to get one or maybe even both.:D
 
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