- Joined
- Apr 28, 2008
- Messages
- 293
I recently purchased these two knives and didn't have a lot of luck being able to directly compare them with each other. There just wasn't a lot of information out there. So I thought I would post this with my impressions for those who may benefit from it.
First the specs of each knife:
1. ESEE Izula
Specifications:
Overall Length: 6.25"
Blade Length (end of handle to tip): 2.88"
Cutting Edge: 2.625"
Thickness: .156"
Steel: 1095 Carbon
Weight: 2 ounces without sheath
Finish: Textured Fire Red Powder Coat
Blade Width: 1.0"
Grind: Flat
Sheathing: Injection Molded, Black
Pommel: Hole to accommodate carabiner
Spine: Thumb grippers, .5" long
Each knife engraved with name, logo and unique serial number
2. Bark River Bravo Necker 2
Specifications:
Length, overall: 7 inches
Length, cutting edge: 3.5 inches
Blade steel: CPM3V steel @ 58RC
Blade thickness: 0.130 inch
Grind: Full convex
Weight: 1.77 ounces (knife only)
Finish: Electrostatic powder coat (except the blade); five colors available
Handle: Skeletonized tang; optional interchangeable handle slabs with integral storage
Sheath: 2 Kydex Sheaths--one for knife with and one for without handle set.
Options: Interchangeable handle sets with integral storage; Sharpshooter leather sheath; misch-metal firesteels
First of all is the length. The Bark River is 3/4" longer than the Izula. But the extra length is all in the blade. The handles are pretty much exactly the same size. On neither knife am I able to get all 4 fingers around the handle. My pinky finger manages to get part way around the end of both knives though. The Izula is much more comfortable to hold in the skeletonized form. I don't have a set of grips for the Izula to compare. The Necker 2 is not very comfortable without the grips on it. The edges are a bit sharper and more angled than the Izula. If you're going to leave the knife with the skeletonized handle the Izula is definately the way to go. I plan on keeping the Izula in my BOB. I did wrap the handle with para cord when I first received it, but decided to take it off. As I say a bit further down, I don't like the idea of my handle becoming a contamination danger to my food because it soaked up blood, water, oil, etc. The Necker also arrived at my house with a scuff on the left side of the blade. Nothing major and it is hardly noticeable in the photo's but it is there. It would probably annoy a collector, but if the knife is going to be used it's a non issue.
Although the Bark River is a bit slimmer than the Izula, according to the specs, I am unable to visually see a difference.
Due to the way the sheaths are made, both knives are very similar in overall length when sheathed. The Necker 2 is about a 1/4" longer than the Izula. It's an insignificant amount. If you plan to pocket carry the knives, as I do, they are essentially the same length when sheathed. As you can see, I was able to rig some para cord up with the Bark River sheath for easy belt carry if needed. I just couldn't figure out a way to do it with the Izula sheath that wouldn't look cumbersome. Also, the Bark River sheath will be much easier to screw tech locks to for either horizontal or vertical carry. Again, the Izula sheath is not as versatile.
When I ordered the Necker 2 I also purchased the G10 Tiger Stripe scales. While they look and feel nice, they looked as if they had a bit of green in them in the photo. I was disappointed that this wasn't the case. If anyone is wondering, they are orange and black. I still like them. I'm not a big fan of Micarta as it absorbs water, oil, etc. I don't like the idea of who knows what soaking into my handles and becoming a petri dish.
Cost:
Overall I'm not sure which I prefer as an edc knife, the Izula definately has it's place as more of a rough use knife. The Bark River, however, cost considerably more than the Izula.
The Izula came with just the sheath for a total cost of $55. The Bark River, with the G10 scales, cost $167. If cost is a factor, you get a lot of knife with the Izula. If you want to splurge for that bit of extra luxury, you won't be disappointed with the Bravo Necker 2. Keep in mind that the Necker is not what I'd call a hard use knife. It's made out of very good steel, and is stout enough, but it has a fine edge much better suited to slicing instead of battoning wood. So keep that in mind. It's more of a edc knife for things you would normally do with a knife. It's not a sharpened pry bar.
And now the photo's:
I hope this is helpful to someone.
First the specs of each knife:
1. ESEE Izula
Specifications:
Overall Length: 6.25"
Blade Length (end of handle to tip): 2.88"
Cutting Edge: 2.625"
Thickness: .156"
Steel: 1095 Carbon
Weight: 2 ounces without sheath
Finish: Textured Fire Red Powder Coat
Blade Width: 1.0"
Grind: Flat
Sheathing: Injection Molded, Black
Pommel: Hole to accommodate carabiner
Spine: Thumb grippers, .5" long
Each knife engraved with name, logo and unique serial number
2. Bark River Bravo Necker 2
Specifications:
Length, overall: 7 inches
Length, cutting edge: 3.5 inches
Blade steel: CPM3V steel @ 58RC
Blade thickness: 0.130 inch
Grind: Full convex
Weight: 1.77 ounces (knife only)
Finish: Electrostatic powder coat (except the blade); five colors available
Handle: Skeletonized tang; optional interchangeable handle slabs with integral storage
Sheath: 2 Kydex Sheaths--one for knife with and one for without handle set.
Options: Interchangeable handle sets with integral storage; Sharpshooter leather sheath; misch-metal firesteels
First of all is the length. The Bark River is 3/4" longer than the Izula. But the extra length is all in the blade. The handles are pretty much exactly the same size. On neither knife am I able to get all 4 fingers around the handle. My pinky finger manages to get part way around the end of both knives though. The Izula is much more comfortable to hold in the skeletonized form. I don't have a set of grips for the Izula to compare. The Necker 2 is not very comfortable without the grips on it. The edges are a bit sharper and more angled than the Izula. If you're going to leave the knife with the skeletonized handle the Izula is definately the way to go. I plan on keeping the Izula in my BOB. I did wrap the handle with para cord when I first received it, but decided to take it off. As I say a bit further down, I don't like the idea of my handle becoming a contamination danger to my food because it soaked up blood, water, oil, etc. The Necker also arrived at my house with a scuff on the left side of the blade. Nothing major and it is hardly noticeable in the photo's but it is there. It would probably annoy a collector, but if the knife is going to be used it's a non issue.
Although the Bark River is a bit slimmer than the Izula, according to the specs, I am unable to visually see a difference.
Due to the way the sheaths are made, both knives are very similar in overall length when sheathed. The Necker 2 is about a 1/4" longer than the Izula. It's an insignificant amount. If you plan to pocket carry the knives, as I do, they are essentially the same length when sheathed. As you can see, I was able to rig some para cord up with the Bark River sheath for easy belt carry if needed. I just couldn't figure out a way to do it with the Izula sheath that wouldn't look cumbersome. Also, the Bark River sheath will be much easier to screw tech locks to for either horizontal or vertical carry. Again, the Izula sheath is not as versatile.
When I ordered the Necker 2 I also purchased the G10 Tiger Stripe scales. While they look and feel nice, they looked as if they had a bit of green in them in the photo. I was disappointed that this wasn't the case. If anyone is wondering, they are orange and black. I still like them. I'm not a big fan of Micarta as it absorbs water, oil, etc. I don't like the idea of who knows what soaking into my handles and becoming a petri dish.
Cost:
Overall I'm not sure which I prefer as an edc knife, the Izula definately has it's place as more of a rough use knife. The Bark River, however, cost considerably more than the Izula.
The Izula came with just the sheath for a total cost of $55. The Bark River, with the G10 scales, cost $167. If cost is a factor, you get a lot of knife with the Izula. If you want to splurge for that bit of extra luxury, you won't be disappointed with the Bravo Necker 2. Keep in mind that the Necker is not what I'd call a hard use knife. It's made out of very good steel, and is stout enough, but it has a fine edge much better suited to slicing instead of battoning wood. So keep that in mind. It's more of a edc knife for things you would normally do with a knife. It's not a sharpened pry bar.
And now the photo's:
I hope this is helpful to someone.
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