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iam tires of wateing i realy want one now !
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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
how long till the Izulas come out
- Thread starter pimpnugget
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Codger_64
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Such a question. I really do want to try one out (not in pink, thankyou!). And I want to see the difference the new Cro Van steel and grind makes between the original Becker Necker and the new one just released by Ka-Bar. But circumstances dictate that I choose between them, not buy both. I was pleasently surprised to find that the Ka-Bar version was available at under $40, about what the Camillus BK-11 was priced at. But... not having a Rat Izula keeps me from playing the Rat contest games and posting "I got my new..." here in this forum. And I do like this forum, the philosophy and "feel" of the people behind the company and the knives.
Between the two knives, both are made from steel falling into the 1095HC family, very attractive to me. Possible rusting has never been an issue for me. Both knives have been made with a lot of attention to the details of heat treat, and should roughly be parallel regarding Rockwell.
Both come with molded neck sheaths which doesn't make or break the deal for me, even though I am adverse to neck carry. I've yet to try a sheath of this type which I couldn't easily modify to traditional belt or strap carry, or get a leather belt sheath made for.
Features like bottle openers and wire breakers are like tits on a bull to me, so don't enter into my consideration as to which knife to buy.
On the plus side for the KaBar BK-11, it is available now and at a known, quite reasonable price. As I have the Camillus version, I am familiar with the design and comfortable with it's utility, far greater than it's size might suggest. Even though I put off buying one until it was too late to get one on the primary market, once in hand it did convince me that such knives with skeletonized handles work just as well for me as more traditionaly made knives with handle scales.
On the plus side for the Izula, it's release is now suggested as being sometime within the next month, not a long time to wait for a new design I have been following (and drooling over) since it was announced quite some time ago. And while the essential design features of the BK-11 are by now well known to me, I've never handled an Izula. I have no idea of how well it will work in skinning, butchering and general camp and outdoor chores. In other words, the curiosity factor is very high on this one. From what I have read here and elsewhere regarding it's development and Rat knives in general, I expect the Izula to be of above average quality.
It is a sad state of affairs that market price should have to be such a large factor in making my decision. I've already suspended buying other knives for my collection and use hoping to accumulate enough discretionary (extra) funds to buy both. But as stated above, I may be forced to choose between them.
Today I am leaning heavily toward the Izula, even if the MSRP (and final "get it" price) is more than the new Becker. But tomorrow? Next week? Next month?
Codger
EDIT: This is not a grovel for a free knife. I am too old and have learned too much to fall into the "OhBummer" school of thought. The world owes me nothing. Like the old Smith-Barney commercial said, "WE MAKE MONEY THE OLD FASHIONED WAY; WE EARN IT".
Between the two knives, both are made from steel falling into the 1095HC family, very attractive to me. Possible rusting has never been an issue for me. Both knives have been made with a lot of attention to the details of heat treat, and should roughly be parallel regarding Rockwell.
Both come with molded neck sheaths which doesn't make or break the deal for me, even though I am adverse to neck carry. I've yet to try a sheath of this type which I couldn't easily modify to traditional belt or strap carry, or get a leather belt sheath made for.
Features like bottle openers and wire breakers are like tits on a bull to me, so don't enter into my consideration as to which knife to buy.
On the plus side for the KaBar BK-11, it is available now and at a known, quite reasonable price. As I have the Camillus version, I am familiar with the design and comfortable with it's utility, far greater than it's size might suggest. Even though I put off buying one until it was too late to get one on the primary market, once in hand it did convince me that such knives with skeletonized handles work just as well for me as more traditionaly made knives with handle scales.
On the plus side for the Izula, it's release is now suggested as being sometime within the next month, not a long time to wait for a new design I have been following (and drooling over) since it was announced quite some time ago. And while the essential design features of the BK-11 are by now well known to me, I've never handled an Izula. I have no idea of how well it will work in skinning, butchering and general camp and outdoor chores. In other words, the curiosity factor is very high on this one. From what I have read here and elsewhere regarding it's development and Rat knives in general, I expect the Izula to be of above average quality.
It is a sad state of affairs that market price should have to be such a large factor in making my decision. I've already suspended buying other knives for my collection and use hoping to accumulate enough discretionary (extra) funds to buy both. But as stated above, I may be forced to choose between them.
Today I am leaning heavily toward the Izula, even if the MSRP (and final "get it" price) is more than the new Becker. But tomorrow? Next week? Next month?
Codger
EDIT: This is not a grovel for a free knife. I am too old and have learned too much to fall into the "OhBummer" school of thought. The world owes me nothing. Like the old Smith-Barney commercial said, "WE MAKE MONEY THE OLD FASHIONED WAY; WE EARN IT".
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Such a question. I really do want to try one out (not in pink, thankyou!). And I want to see the difference the new Cro Van steel and grind makes between the original Becker Necker and the new one just released by Ka-Bar. But circumstances dictate that I choose between them, not buy both. I was pleasently surprised to find that the Ka-Bar version was available at under $40, about what the Camillus BK-11 was priced at. But... not having a Rat Izula keeps me from playing the Rat contest games and posting "I got my new..." here in this forum. And I do like this forum, the philosophy and "feel" of the people behind the company and the knives.
Between the two knives, both are made from steel falling into the 1095HC family, very attractive to me. Possible rusting has never been an issue for me. Both knives have been made with a lot of attention to the details of heat treat, and should roughly be parallel regarding Rockwell.
Both come with molded neck sheaths which doesn't make or break the deal for me, even though I am adverse to neck carry. I've yet to try a sheath of this type which I couldn't easily modify to traditional belt or strap carry, or get a leather belt sheath made for.
Features like bottle openers and wire breakers are like tits on a bull to me, so don't enter into my consideration as to which knife to buy.
On the plus side for the KaBar BK-11, it is available now and at a known, quite reasonable price. As I have the Camillus version, I am familiar with the design and comfortable with it's utility, far greater than it's size might suggest. Even though I put off buying one until it was too late to get one on the primary market, once in hand it did convince me that such knives with skeletonized handles work just as well for me as more traditionaly made knives with handle scales.
On the plus side for the Izula, it's release is now suggested as being sometime within the next month, not a long time to wait for a new design I have been following (and drooling over) since it was announced quite some time ago. And while the essential design features of the BK-11 are by now well known to me, I've never handled an Izula. I have no idea of how well it will work in skinning, butchering and general camp and outdoor chores. In other words, the curiosity factor is very high on this one. From what I have read here and elsewhere regarding it's development and Rat knives in general, I expect the Izula to be of above average quality.
It is a sad state of affairs that market price should have to be such a large factor in making my decision. I've already suspended buying other knives for my collection and use hoping to accumulate enough discretionary (extra) funds to buy both. But as stated above, I may be forced to choose between them.
Today I am leaning heavily toward the Izula, even if the MSRP (and final "get it" price) is more than the new Becker. But tomorrow? Next week? Next month?
Codger
EDIT: This is not a grovel for a free knife. I am too old and have learned too much to fall into the "OhBummer" school of thought. The world owes me nothing. Like the old Smith-Barney commercial said, "WE MAKE MONEY THE OLD FASHIONED WAY; WE EARN IT".
Where is the Ka-bar necker listed for $40? I can only find the San Mai version, and it's around $100...
This is really important to me as a consumer. The RAT forum had the longest political discussion I've ever seen that didn't make me puke! How cool is that?
Made by experts in the USA? Awesome!
A great bang to buck ratio...open support for my friends and family that are LEO's....cool
I'll definitely be picking one up....probably in pink!
Codger_64
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Check Knifecenter.com The San Mai can be found for about $85. The 1095 Cro Van is available for about $36.
Edit: I've not dealt with that source, but haven't heard anything negative about them. I didn't find them on 1SKS, our host's site yet. But as I said, I really don't want to buy until I see the price point of the Izula. Itis possible I could buy both unless the sheath tooling costs dictate a higher price for the Izula. I was disappointed by the news that R.A.T. wouldn't offer the Izula sans sheath, but understand that Jeff and company envision it is a system with the sheath an important component. Even though sheath tooling has delayed release, I'll still wait a bit before deciding.
Edit: I've not dealt with that source, but haven't heard anything negative about them. I didn't find them on 1SKS, our host's site yet. But as I said, I really don't want to buy until I see the price point of the Izula. Itis possible I could buy both unless the sheath tooling costs dictate a higher price for the Izula. I was disappointed by the news that R.A.T. wouldn't offer the Izula sans sheath, but understand that Jeff and company envision it is a system with the sheath an important component. Even though sheath tooling has delayed release, I'll still wait a bit before deciding.
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I have always been a fan of the Becker line. Good knives at a great pricepoint. With that said, I would give up two Becker Neckers for my Izula. Perfect size for this kind of knife and I love how the handle is snag proof seeing as I like to keep "neck" knives in my pocket most of the time.
Frankly, I believe in the "vote with your wallet" school of thought. Not to knock Ka-Bar, but when the choice comes down to supporting an up and coming small company (or two in this case when you include RAT and Rowen) or just giving money to a fairly major player, I prefer to have a vested intrest in a smaller company's success.
Another factor to consider is the innovation the Izula brings to the marketplace. It's not just a knife but a small "survival system". When you start to add up the costs of all the little things you get with the Izula, a fire starter, signal whistle and the like, the cost of the Becker starts to climb fast.
Either one is a good serviceable knife.
Frankly, I believe in the "vote with your wallet" school of thought. Not to knock Ka-Bar, but when the choice comes down to supporting an up and coming small company (or two in this case when you include RAT and Rowen) or just giving money to a fairly major player, I prefer to have a vested intrest in a smaller company's success.
Another factor to consider is the innovation the Izula brings to the marketplace. It's not just a knife but a small "survival system". When you start to add up the costs of all the little things you get with the Izula, a fire starter, signal whistle and the like, the cost of the Becker starts to climb fast.
Either one is a good serviceable knife.
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:thumbup: and fast shipping.
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the Izula sheath if I remember right ,will accept the Tec-loc so it can be carried on your belt if that is your fancy,but the tec-loc is extra... I have played with my neck knives for which I own Becker BK11(Camillus version),Swamp Warden and proto type Izula and pre production Izula (pinkie) well the truth be told the Izula is the better version of them,the SW is close but the cost factory of the SW is crazy after market $100-125 and no sheath.the BK11 is good but alittle large for pocket carry,Great knife but the Wire breaker is not an option I would have added to it..but my Pink Izula is great ,slips into pocket and carry well,light and easy better than folder IMO.
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Hi Codger,
Great to see you posting here. Texas' photo above kind of fixes it for me. I like the becker, but it is a little large for a necker I think and that bottle operner kind of turns me off. You can use the flat part of the end just fine to open up those bottles.
The handle on the swamp rat looks like a little bit better size in girth overall. Yet, getting a hold of an Izulu, even now when they aren't available, still seems like a much easier prospect then getting anything out of the Busse forum. I haven't cracked that safe yet nor do I really want to play in their 10 min auctions that is admittedly an intriguing if not oxymoronic business model. Still they make awesome products and have generated a loyal fan base so all the power to them.
That izula will come with a fancy, dancy kydex sheath. There is always a lot of thought put into the sheaths by Jeff and Mike that seem to go beyond the bottom line, or will it hold onto the knife. Kydex is a bit of a mysterious beast to come to grips with, but once you wrap you head around all the different attachment options that can be had in a simple, but flexible system, you start to wonder why you sweated all that weight and bulk on leather. If there is one thing to be said about the RC-products is that their sheaths can be attached to things in all different manners, and flexibility is mums the word.
Anyhow Codg, I though you already had yourself a good 'old school becker necker? You must have the buying jitters bad I know how you feel - I have this strange urge to pull the trigger on an RC-3 in orange G10 even though the standard RC-3 is in my hand right now. Thank Gosh the Mrs' hides the visa cards when I get drinking the wine!
Great to see you posting here. Texas' photo above kind of fixes it for me. I like the becker, but it is a little large for a necker I think and that bottle operner kind of turns me off. You can use the flat part of the end just fine to open up those bottles.
The handle on the swamp rat looks like a little bit better size in girth overall. Yet, getting a hold of an Izulu, even now when they aren't available, still seems like a much easier prospect then getting anything out of the Busse forum. I haven't cracked that safe yet nor do I really want to play in their 10 min auctions that is admittedly an intriguing if not oxymoronic business model. Still they make awesome products and have generated a loyal fan base so all the power to them.
That izula will come with a fancy, dancy kydex sheath. There is always a lot of thought put into the sheaths by Jeff and Mike that seem to go beyond the bottom line, or will it hold onto the knife. Kydex is a bit of a mysterious beast to come to grips with, but once you wrap you head around all the different attachment options that can be had in a simple, but flexible system, you start to wonder why you sweated all that weight and bulk on leather. If there is one thing to be said about the RC-products is that their sheaths can be attached to things in all different manners, and flexibility is mums the word.
Anyhow Codg, I though you already had yourself a good 'old school becker necker? You must have the buying jitters bad
I know how you feel - I have this strange urge to pull the trigger on an RC-3 in orange G10 even though the standard RC-3 is in my hand right now. Thank Gosh the Mrs' hides the visa cards when I get drinking the wine!
Codger_64
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Curiosity more than need, I suppose. Yes, I have a Camillus BK-11 "Necker". I like it and am curious as to how the KaBar issue will compare, but as I said, I'm considering the Izula instead. I've been following the ...dare I say "hype"?... since it was first talked about here and after reading in this forum regularly about the designers and makers, I would like to support them by buying at least one knife from them, Izula being the choice for me. As to the Busse alternative, I am sure they make a great knife. But I am turned off by their marketing style and pricing. I know a lot of people aren't and they have a loyal customer base and that is a good thing.
I've used my Necker for same tasks normally relegated to my old faithful Schrades and been pleasantly surprised at the utility, blade steel and ergonomics. Large for a neck knife? I suppose it is but that isn't my style of carry. Neither are Molle clips. Belt, pocket or hunting pouch is more my style.
Hopefully, if production release timing, availability and pricing allow, I'll have an Izula in time to test it this fall and winter before deer season ends, and possibly before I get to head out for my long-awaited winter canoe sojurn. Maybe this will be the year I get to go. If so, I promise a comparison of a wide variety of production and custom knives with pictures of them performing the tasks I expect of my knives.
Codger :thumbup:
EDIT: Schrade was working on a set of skeletonized "kit" knives very similar to these designes in 2004 when they bankrupted. I've been watching for stray blanks, but so far no joy on that. Shown here is a factory engineering photo with a Sharpfinger blank for scale:
I've used my Necker for same tasks normally relegated to my old faithful Schrades and been pleasantly surprised at the utility, blade steel and ergonomics. Large for a neck knife? I suppose it is but that isn't my style of carry. Neither are Molle clips. Belt, pocket or hunting pouch is more my style.
Hopefully, if production release timing, availability and pricing allow, I'll have an Izula in time to test it this fall and winter before deer season ends, and possibly before I get to head out for my long-awaited winter canoe sojurn. Maybe this will be the year I get to go. If so, I promise a comparison of a wide variety of production and custom knives with pictures of them performing the tasks I expect of my knives.
Codger :thumbup:
EDIT: Schrade was working on a set of skeletonized "kit" knives very similar to these designes in 2004 when they bankrupted. I've been watching for stray blanks, but so far no joy on that. Shown here is a factory engineering photo with a Sharpfinger blank for scale:
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out of the 4 Neckers I own the Pink Izula (Pre-production) model feels the best in hand,for my hands.I know I will buy atleast one of each color and let the family decide which color they want.
Tony,
In your post with photos above (#12), the handle edges appear to be sharper on the pink knife than on the black one. Maybe it's just the photos making it look that way or maybe it's because they are pre-production models. Do the edges on the pink knife seem to be sharp to the point that they cause discomfort or the likelihood that parachord will wear out prematurely? Thanks!
In your post with photos above (#12), the handle edges appear to be sharper on the pink knife than on the black one. Maybe it's just the photos making it look that way or maybe it's because they are pre-production models. Do the edges on the pink knife seem to be sharp to the point that they cause discomfort or the likelihood that parachord will wear out prematurely? Thanks!
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no it is just the angle of the picture,It came from jeff with Orange paracord wrap and was very comfy doing light whittling or making fuzz sticks etc. but I unwrapped it to see the serial number and have yet to have time to re-wrap the pinkie . just remember this is the pre-production model and this is just my observation on my Izula and in my hand ,your opinion and hand size will vary the outcome . I for one really enjoy it and will carry it as my new EDC and rest the RC3as soon as D-man sheath comes in he made for it.