First time becker buyer

T

technician1

Joined
Nov 25, 2009
Messages
214
I need help, I'm torn between the becker necker and the eskabar. further more the san mai version. My concerns are the handles and a good grip. I plan to wrap the handle in spyder wire, camo. My use EDC. I know nothing about san mai. I will answer any questions that would help in my choice.
plz no forum answer buy all three :), would if i could.
 
I personally prefer the eskabar 1095 version, myself. There's bit more handle space and the new zytel grips off a nice upgrade from paracord wrapping.
 
Why the san mai over the standard version? Not being funny, but you could buy both the 11 and 14 for the price of the san mai..
 
I always though that the san mai blade looked really cool with the two tone color but i couldn't justify the price. Looking more closely at tome pictures on here it looked like the grind on the handle section was somewhat sloppy. I have the 14 and really love it. the only thing that has really gotten me to put it down has been getting my 16.

some 14 goodness :)

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technician1 said:
I need help, I'm torn between the becker necker and the eskabar. further more the san mai version. My concerns are the handles and a good grip. I plan to wrap the handle in spyder wire, camo. My use EDC. I know nothing about san mai. I will answer any questions that would help in my choice.
plz no forum answer buy all three :), would if i could.
Click to expand...

The San Mai is neat and all, but I would say for your first Becker, go with 1095. Dependable. Tried and true. American. Cheaper. Takes an amazing edge.

With the Eskabar, you have the option of wrapping, using modified ESEE micarta scales, getting the new Grivory scales or going custom. With the Necker, you can either go custom, wrap, or buy the KA-BAR Micarta. The Eskabar gives you more handle options, but if you are already set on wrapping with Spyder Wire (I'll have to look that one up), then go for whichever is the most comfortable to you.

As much as I love the classic Necker, I would agree that the Eskabar is more comfortable and versatile. The Necker with Micarta is just barely comfortable in my medium sized hands, but I still love it. I gave my Eskabar away to my brother before I become a greedy, knife hording bastard. I won't let go of another Becker I don't already have again.
 
BK11. It opens beers real nice like. :D

And the micarta makes it nice.

The esee micarta for the 14 looks small. But the new Zytel scales look nice if you like that.

Both are cool but I choose the 11. In 1095..
 
I have used both

For a true neck-knife, something light, flat and to be used for light-duty EDC tasks- BK11 without scales, possibly 550-wrapped
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For a EDC/Woods knife, to be carried in a pocket or belt sheath, light to medium or extended tasks-BK14 with zytel
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The 14, sans scales, could also serve in the first category, but the 11 is a tad shorter, feels a tiny bit lighter (IMO) and the bottle-opener could be handy in EDC, to open bottles and as a mini-prybar


Regrettably the 11 in my possession leaves shortly to go to it's real home...I think Im gonna get one of my own, likely the RiverStore's serrated
model.

I always like to mention this in 11/14 threads...the blades are exact same on both models, ONLY the handles differ.
 
I have all three. I'd say the 14 with the zytel handles. The San Mai is awesome and gets wicked wicked sharp but for your first the bk14.
 
I like the 11 better because of the bottle opener. I have very large hands and the 11 and 14 are both a 3 finger grip for me. So the 11 with micarta fits just as well as the 14 with grips. I really like the bottle opener.
 
I completely agree that the 14 is a great knife for EDC. I have mine and the sheath set up for multiple carry methods.

But you can't go wrong with any of of Ethan's designs.

Hawk
 
I would like to know more about san mai, I learned it is no longer being offered. It is still available tho.
 
For your first Becker, I would also say the 14. Plenty of options for handles ( micarta, zytel, paracord) not to mention plenty of options for mods. And azwelke makes great aftermarket kydex in varieties of colors that are stellar. With all these paired with the 14, youll have an all around solid edc that is completely customized on your own.
 
Well after much research and finding out the san mai is 1095 w a touch more carbon content, and both knives r the same RC. I just ordered the Becker necker and a DMT fine stone. I also liked the story behide the necker. Thanks everyone... Does this make me family?
 
technician1 said:
Well after much research and finding out the san mai is 1095 w a touch more carbon content, and both knives r the same RC. I just ordered the Becker necker and a DMT fine stone. I also liked the story behide the necker. Thanks everyone... Does this make me family?
Click to expand...

Not until you have a bk5 in my eyes
 
Welcome to our little corner of the asylum! The necker is a great first knife, and very handy to have. It won't be the last though, and once you start getting the bigger ones in hand you will curse us for the addiction that follows. Post up pics when you get it! We live for those around here.
 
Congrats on your purchase! Those little guys are very useful. I've got the CSM version. It's a nice little blade. Only reason to get the 11, IMO, is the bottle opener. If you're not gonna use it, the 14 is probably a better bet, just because it has a longer handle.
 
Can somebody tell me the handle length of BK14? How does this compare to Izula II? Thanks!
 
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