Izula 2 vs Becker BK11

T

theaxel

Joined
Feb 27, 2013
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86
I'm trying to decide on one of these two Knives. I'd just like your opinion on both of them and any down sides to one or the other.
I'm starting to lean towards the Izula because it comes with micarta scales.

oh and how does the D2 becker eskabar compare to these two??
 
I have 2 IzulasI I am very happy the factory sheath is not much I had one made . I have been using them as my every day carry.
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I was in your same position recently, the izula II in tan, the bk11 or the 24. I opted for the bk24 in D2. When I picked it up I got the zytel scales and clip for the sheath... all said and done it cost about the same as the izula would have (but with a better steel IMO).
My plan is to scoop up g-10 scales for the 24 as soon as T-K-C comes out with them.
 
For me the Izula II beats the BK11 all day long.... Bk14 that's a different story. It basically breaks down to length of use, the 11 is ok for making a quick cut and opening bottles, etc. but the shape of the finger guard is where it loses me... same with the Remora and it's that change that makes the BK14 so nice and easy to use for prolonged periods of time.

Izula II
BK14


Eli
 
The Izula II is more similar to the BK14(and the BK24). The BK11 has a small handle, it's only useful if you need to open bottles.

Then to choose between the BK14 and Izul, decide which blade shape you prefer. They're both 1095, both companies have great warranties(and I think you can get a replacement BK14 from ESEE).
 
I stripped the paint off of the 16 and dipped it in boiling vinegar a couple times... it came out pretty nice but not perfect.
 
I own both an izula and a bk14. Both are great. The stock izula sheath is better then the 14(I had one custome made by 710'sheaths anyway) but the cost on the 14 is low enough to have a kydex sheath made. Get the zytel scales for the bk14--- they also work on my izula as well. Just your preference really. I can't speak of the bk11, but I love my bk14!

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Izula with custom python leather wrapped chocolate kydex by 710customesheaths

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Bk14 in azwelke kydex sheath. The710customsheaths also makes amazing kydex!

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I have the izula, bk11, bk14, and the bk24 as well as other skeleton neck type knives.... The bk11 and bk14 are tied as my favorite in this category. But its really going to come down to what you want, as they are all well made knives from good companies that back their products.

IMO the izula feels lighter and cheaper in hand despite the higher price. I use my bk11 and bk14 but the izula sits. I like the color options of the izula and the accessories but much more prefer to use the beckers. Im not being partial i have tried a bunch of esee's and cant find any that i really like the ergos on. The izula to me is a generic feeling 14 so The candiru is my favorite esee knife. i have traded out a few larger esees like the 6 and 4. I just dont like the ergos of esee. For the price of the esee 6, the RMD from swamp rat is 10x the knife imo... and i have 5 or so of them. The bk24 is a great knife as well, just a 14 in d2. mine came with a rough grind and being d2 it can be a pain to sharpen, so it sits as well and i continue to use my tried and true bk14 around the house or city, or bk11 on beer nights and going fishing/camping.

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Wow thanks for all the replies and those pictures are great. i just have one more question.
Do you need to get a new sheath for the beckers? ive heard they dull the edges alot when inserting them??
 
An upgraded or custom sheath is recommended. The sheaths will dull the edge but i personally have never had an issue with it. I am however careful when i draw the knife and make sure the spine rides out and not the edge of the blade. This simple technique will eliminate the dulling issues i have found.
 
SideTracked said:
I stripped the paint off of the 16 and dipped it in boiling vinegar a couple times... it came out pretty nice but not perfect.
Click to expand...

That 16 looks really good. I stripped mine recently and let it sit in hot apple cider vinegar for about 45 minutes and it didn't take the patina (was my first time). Then I sanded it a little and soaked it in regular vinegar...it got nice and dark and as soon as I went to wipe it...most of the patina came off. I tried an apple and now I have a sticky, patina'd bk16. Im afraid to clean it.
 
Izula II has the longest and in my opinion by far the most comfortable handle of all of the listed knives. It's on my belt every day at work. I really want to like my BK 14 as much but the handle is just too short. Izula II really is a pretty awesome knife.
 
Yea there will be some with large hands that will benefit from the half inch longer handle of the izula 2, personally my hand fits the bk14 handle just fine, the bk11 is a 3 finger hold though. I prefer the larger blade of the bk14. If i could not comfortably hold the bk14 i would get the izula 2.

A thanks to CCMI for the comparison pictures.

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AM515 said:
That 16 looks really good. I stripped mine recently and let it sit in hot apple cider vinegar for about 45 minutes and it didn't take the patina (was my first time). Then I sanded it a little and soaked it in regular vinegar...it got nice and dark and as soon as I went to wipe it...most of the patina came off. I tried an apple and now I have a sticky, patina'd bk16. Im afraid to clean it.
Click to expand...


I would wipe it down now and see what happens. Worse comes to worse it'll wipe the dark off but I think its had ample time to set up. I literally boiled vinegar (white) and then dipped my blade. If I recall correctly, in 10 min intervals. The 1st time I pulled it, like you I wiped it an wiped off the patina. The 2nd time around I gave it a min to set up and then lightly wiped it once, going the length of the blade. After that I let it sit another min and then washed it. The patina didn't budge at that point

Edit: I might add... take care to be sure to remove any debris it oils from the blade and handle, even the oils from your hand can effect the results. I washed mine with dish soap and wore rubber gloves as a precaution. Even better than that would be a scrub down with rubbing alcohol too.
 
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I have an Izula 2 and a BK-11. Both are great small fixed blades but taken straight from the factory, I much prefer the ESEE. Sprinkle a little pimp-magic on the Becker and the choice becomes more difficult... :)

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