Hey guys. I've been looking at getting a new knife for a while now and I have it narrowed down to two I think. Considering I already have the SCHF9, which works for me as far as the big chopper goes, and an Esee 4, I'm thinking about going with something smaller. This is definitely a want situation and not a need but I really like the way these knives look. I like the handles on the Izula 2 but I like the blade shape of the BK11. Just wondering if anybody has had any experience with either of these and if so...which one do you think is the better knife. I'd like to possibly use it as my edc. I also do a lot of kayaking, camping, hiking, etc... Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!
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BK11 vs Izula 2
- Thread starter JustinP
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I own both, and ended up selling the BK11 because I never used it. I believe that the Izula II handle is much more comfortable, but that's just me. The BK11's handle was just a tad too short for my tastes. Your mileage may vary!
Why not split the difference and get a BK14/24?
From left to right: BK24, BK14 and the BK11.
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Fair warning, the BK24's handle is more along the size of the Izula 1. The Izula II's handle is longer. I have a BK24 also.
I prefer the bk14 to the 11. I like the handle better. If you're going to take it kayaking you might want to consider the bk 24 instead. I believe its made in D2 rather than the 1095 of the 11 or the izula. I have the 14 and an izula. I actually like the 14 better, but I end up carrying the izula far more often. The slightly smaller izula just carries better on a belt for me and I typically edc that one. I prefer the stock sheath for the izula over the sheath for the becker (11/14/24 all have the same sheath). If you plan on pocket or neck carry, it might not matter to you. I like the blade size of the 14 for short hikes and thats really the only time I carry it over the izula. The 14 mostly stays attached to my backpack.
Lemme help you out with that.
BK14 Specs:
Blade length 3-1/4"
Overall length 7"
Weighs 2.4oz
Steel 1095 Cro-Van
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The BK24 has the exact same specs; except it uses D2 instead of 1095.
D2 steel has a higher carbide content so it will have better wear resistance in abrasive materiel. It is also semi-stainless; so over 1095 it will resist corrosion better and is more stain resistant. Versus 1095 it will be a bit more prone to chipping. It will hold an edge longer than 1095, but won't be as easy to sharpen.
1095 takes an easy edge. It's a pretty tough steel, but also rusts pretty easily.
But as always, YMMV.
Is the rust/corrosion issue really that big of an issue if I dry it off and keep it clean and use it often? My Esee 4 has gotten wet plenty of times and I've always dried it off soon after and it's been fine. I don't do a lot of whitewater kayaking so it's not going to be constantly soaked. Part of me wants to stick with Esee but I also want to branch out. I've never owned a Becker and obviously I have heard nothing but good things about them.
It's not that big of an issue; with proper care and maintenance you'll be golden. :thumbup:
D2 just gives that extra "Oh, I'll clean it tomorrow - it'll be fine".
I, too, have always heard nothing but good things about Becker's. Doubt you can go wrong with one.
My carbon steel blades have also gotten wet many times before and I've had no issues. I usually just dry them (I rarely remember to oil them) no problems for me. General use helps keep them pretty clear of any rust. The beckers and esees are coated and that helps. I'm considering a fallkniven though specifically for canoeing/kayaking.
I've owned a BK-11 san mai since they came out. I also have a BK-14. The 11 gets far more use.
While the handle of the 11 is slightly smaller than the 14, I've found myself far more thankful for a little less length on the 11 much more than I have wished it had the handle of the 14. If you are going to use it mainly for backpacking, etc., I'd go with the 11. If packing, easier carry and weight don't matter so much, then you could go with the 14. The solution to the handle size/feel is to paracord or leather wrap it if you need more to grip. The 11 is a really great knife for road trips in a car (or bike) too, when carried in a horizontal belt sheath.
I really like the BK-24, being D-2 and all. Trying to find an excuse to buy one but have too many of that design already. If you go with the 14 design be sure to buy the 24. D-2 is one of my favorite steels, esp. for outdoor.
One caveat: both used to come with really crappy hard sheaths. Not sure what the situation is now....
While the handle of the 11 is slightly smaller than the 14, I've found myself far more thankful for a little less length on the 11 much more than I have wished it had the handle of the 14. If you are going to use it mainly for backpacking, etc., I'd go with the 11. If packing, easier carry and weight don't matter so much, then you could go with the 14. The solution to the handle size/feel is to paracord or leather wrap it if you need more to grip. The 11 is a really great knife for road trips in a car (or bike) too, when carried in a horizontal belt sheath.
I really like the BK-24, being D-2 and all. Trying to find an excuse to buy one but have too many of that design already. If you go with the 14 design be sure to buy the 24. D-2 is one of my favorite steels, esp. for outdoor.
One caveat: both used to come with really crappy hard sheaths. Not sure what the situation is now....
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Not really, especially if you're already used to 1095. It's an absolute rust monster if you leave it unattended, but it sounds like you actually know how to care for your knives.
Regarding your choice, you really can't go wrong with either. I'm partial to ESEE in general so out of the Izula, BK14, and BK24, I only kept the Izzie. My only complaint with it is that it's a tad thick for a blade of its size. Some people like that, some people don't. I fall somewhere in the middle.
In your situation, I will say that the BK24 is a nice, affordable way to try out D2.
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They fixed the dulling problem if that's what you're referring to. Now they have a sort of a lock on them.
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Yes, the current iteration of the BK14 is much better than the first runs. Much better coating method, different sheath material IIRC, etc.
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Yep.
Also, the other day I dropped my 14 into the creek, just shook it off and dried it on my shirt. 3 or 4 days later, no rust.
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I can get a full grip on the handle, and I think I have pretty large hands. Beckers are by far the best value for a fixed blade on the planet IMO.
james terrio
Sharpest Knife in the Light Socket
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They're all good blades; pick whichever one you think will be most comfortable in your hand.
You're doing it right
If it's going to be stored for a while, a thin coat of light oil, at least along the edge is helpful. A quick wipe-down with Chap-Stick works fine to keep humidity away from the steel, it doesn't stink, and it's food-safe. I've also recently started using FrogLube and I'm very pleased with it.
I recently got another BK-11; the new sheath is solid and locks securely, and the new style coating is nice and smooth :thumbup:
Ethan Becker graciously signed it for me, so this one won't be seeing any use
. I still have another Ka-Bar model, and an old Camillus version from right before they went belly-up. They're great for either EDC or just to leave in your tackle box, glove compartment, backpack, whatever.
You're doing it right
If it's going to be stored for a while, a thin coat of light oil, at least along the edge is helpful. A quick wipe-down with Chap-Stick works fine to keep humidity away from the steel, it doesn't stink, and it's food-safe. I've also recently started using FrogLube and I'm very pleased with it.I recently got another BK-11; the new sheath is solid and locks securely, and the new style coating is nice and smooth :thumbup:
Ethan Becker graciously signed it for me, so this one won't be seeing any use
. I still have another Ka-Bar model, and an old Camillus version from right before they went belly-up. They're great for either EDC or just to leave in your tackle box, glove compartment, backpack, whatever.