BK11, Eskabar, or Izula

[triggahappy28]

The title says it all. I'm looking for a neck knife to use on hikes plus some messing around bushcraft sort of stuff. Which do you guys recommend and why? I'm not a big fixed blade guy, but I want to try some out, and since you all rant and rave about beckers I think its about time I get my hands on one. (yes, I know the Izula isnt a becker)

 

[mrn8]

Eskabar or Izula II if you want a longer grip.

 

[LG&M]

BK11 is a great hiking knife. All the knife you will need but not to much to carry all the time.
All are good knives but how can you say no to one that can open beer?

 

[thrillbilly]

14. Plain and Simple....I love that knife. And grab you a set of the zytel scales to go with it.

 

[CamH_16]

Only have the 14 currently, if you get one definetly pick up a set of scales or make your own.


BK-14 (2) by CamH_16, on Flickr


033 by CamH_16, on Flickr

 

[tradewater]

They are all three good knives and you would be served well by any of them. I'm here mainly for the ranting and raving.

 

[Galeocerdoshark]

I've been asking myself the same thing. I'd like myself a good short fixed blade for when I'm out fossil hunting. I'd probably mount it on my backpack. I need something that is durable, yet may be used for precise tasks, so I came to the same conclusion (and same problem in choosing). I'm leaning towards the Eskabar myself, although I don't mind any of the other choices. The Eskabar just seems to present the best of both worlds. I guess it depends on what's the best deal that comes along in the near future for my part. Good luck in making the right choice, I just don't think you can go wrong with any of the knives listed.

 

[ebsyesque]

I have a Izula 2 and a bk 14. The Izula is perfect and the 14 is close except for a small rattle when in the sheath.

 

[CascadeSam]

CamH_16,

Those scales or grips are nice. Where did you get them?

 

[CamH_16]

CamH_16,

Those scales or grips are nice. Where did you get them?

Unicorns gave them to me after a long night of drinking and taking substances of questionable legality.........





Just kidding, I made them . Those were made pretty early on in my customizing "career" and I will one day give this another go or if someone deciedes to send me their esky.

 

[Chameleonbear]

I'm gonna be the odd duck here. I'm gonna recommend a 16. It's the same drop point as the Necker and Eskabar blade, but slightly larger. It makes a HUGE difference. A wise man, ok a wise moose, once said "A big knife can do all the things of a little knife, but a little knife can only do that of a little knife." Or something to that effect. When I was at the gathering, I had my 11 and 14 with me, however the knife I grabbed the most, was my 17. (I didn't have my 15 or 16 at that time.) The blade on the 16 isn't THAT much larger, only about an inch, than the 11/14 but it makes a substantial difference.

 

[CascadeSam]

Unicorns gave them to me after a long night of drinking and taking substances of questionable legality......... Just kidding, I made them . Those were made pretty early on in my customizing "career" and I will one day give this another go or if someone deciedes to send me their esky.

Those would be a nice gift to receive after drinking. I don't own an esky though it might be on my agenda sometime.

 

[Geektechnica]

Personally I'd go for the 14, but get a set of the Izula micarta scales (they fit with a little bit of sanding). The Izula is nice, but the blade is a little short for me.

It's small enough to carry as a necker, but big enough to handle a lot of the big-boy chores.

Whatever you decide: Post pics!

 

[thrillbilly]

I'm gonna be the odd duck here. I'm gonna recommend a 16. It's the same drop point as the Necker and Eskabar blade, but slightly larger. It makes a HUGE difference. A wise man, ok a wise moose, once said "A big knife can do all the things of a little knife, but a little knife can only do that of a little knife." Or something to that effect. When I was at the gathering, I had my 11 and 14 with me, however the knife I grabbed the most, was my 17. (I didn't have my 15 or 16 at that time.) The blade on the 16 isn't THAT much larger, only about an inch, than the 11/14 but it makes a substantial difference.

The only reason I would carry a 16 EDC over a 14 is the handle length, I like a full-size handle but love a smallish blade. Now only if they made a shorter 16..... *sigh* or maybe even better a 17 with a 14 length blade, I would love a sexy short Short clip-point!

 

[ol_sc]

Eskabar is the best of both worlds.

 

[Dudepal]

I have an Izula and love it. My brother has an eskabar and I really like that as well. I think either would serve you well. I take my Izula on hikes and it's been helpful a couple of times. I like the blade size on it, however I usually have a bigger knife on hand (or in pack as it may be) so if there is something too big for the Izula then I whip out the BK2. I'll agree that whatever you pick post pic of it once it's in your hands.

 

[DOC-CANADA]

It's too bad the Izula-II's handle wasn't used for the Eskabar. If so, I would have tried one. I have an Izula and an Izula-11 and the Izula is just too short for me. The II is perfect.

Doc

 

[daizee]

14 or Izula, for the handle. Although the 11 is great, and a gateway knife, if it's going to be your only fixie you should get something with more handle than the 11.

-Daizee

 

[cjr7]

This won't help you pick just one but I wanted to tell you that I have all 3 and I still don't know which I like best. Some days I choose the izula because it is the shortest of the group and that makes it easier to edc for me. Other days I like the feel of a bigger blade and edc the 11. Really you can't go wrong here. They're all great.

 

[EK20]

I have, use, and love all three (as well as the Izzy II) and couldn't pick a favorite.