Izula II or BK 14 Help me decide

Y

yuldeli

Joined
Apr 27, 2010
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I don't currently have any fixed blades, but was looking for one for weekend and day hikes. I have handled an Izula II at the local B&M and found it to be very comfortable in hand. Now that K-BAR has scales for the BK 14 how do the two knives stack up? Also, does anybody know whether the upcoming stainless Izula is going to patterned after the original Izula or the 2?
 
I have both the Izula and the BK-14. Both awesome knives that I love. I have eight Izulas, two Izula II's, and a BK-14. One of my Izulas gets the most EDC time, largely because of the sheath. Once I get an aftermarket sheath made, the BK-14 will see more carry time. The BK-11 is also a good knife to look at.
 
Hold your cash a little longer, these will be out soon.
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Honestly do you have bigger hands(large or above?)

I have both, and I have smaller hands and love the izula/bk14 The bk 14 is nice cause it has a bit more blade length, the izzy 2 is nice because of the extra handle length and full length micarta.

The fit and finish is a bit better on the esee for sure. I just got my bk14 and I love it, but had to take some sand paper to all the edges cause it was on the sharper side, whereas the izula all edges are rounded a little. One of those things I never read or knew till I got it in hand.

Those are the new becker tweeners above They look pretty great but are closer to the esee4/ full size knife, the izzy2 and bk14 are both rock solid edc knives.

After all that, if you have larger hands get the izula 2, if not go for the bk14 or izzy if you like that blade shape better
 
Well you said hikes not edc so I'd be more inclined to recommend one of the Becker shorts. 4 inch blades and longer handles for comfort. Now if plan on edc too I'd have to the izula 2. I love my bk14 but prefer a longer handle for woods work. I edc my bk14 everyday and the new zytel handles make it feel.great, but when I'm out walking in the woods I take my bk16 which is the drop point tweener since the longer handle is more workable.
 
Between an Izzy and an Eskabar, go with the Izzy. Far better sheath, far better knife coating, and it's got jimping that the Eskabar doesn't have. Sure, the Eskabar has a larger blade, but I've never used the Izzy and then had to switch over to the Eskabar for its extra blade length; the difference in length isn't big enough to warrant a significant difference in use.

Not only that, but the Izzy's ergos are just plain better for my hands and tasks. Your experience may differ, but I have both, and I have no need for my Esky now that I have my Izula handy.
 
EK20 said:
I have both the Izula and the BK-14. Both awesome knives that I love. I have eight Izulas, two Izula II's, and a BK-14. One of my Izulas gets the most EDC time, largely because of the sheath. Once I get an aftermarket sheath made, the BK-14 will see more carry time. The BK-11 is also a good knife to look at.
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I just left you a visitor message......
 
I'd go with the BK 14 seeing as I'm a bit more partial to the blade profile with that being said I've felt that ESEE does a better job with their 1095 as far as edge retention goes anyways.
 
Izula 2 all the way. That extra half inch on the handle makes the knife IMO. I wear med/large gloves and the 2 is the perfect length. The shorter Izzy/BK14 handle was too short.
 
I have much respect for Becker and LOVE my BK7 (aka 7" Combat Utility). However, in the smaller knife arena, I feel that ESEE is the hands down winner in just about every category except steel (where it seems dead even). I EDC the regular Izula in my front pocke and the Izula 2 is my backpack knife with something bigger on the belt when I go out doors.

I think and argument could be made that the Izula 2 is just about the perfect all around knife...not to big, not to small, a full four-finger handle, and very stout for its size. The sheaths are way better on any and all ESEEs as well.

So, since you asked for help deciding, I say, get the ESEE.
 
I haven't tried the izula or the bk14 with handle scales simply because I like having a lower profile but I personally would go for a 14. When it comes down to it, its personal preference. They are all great knives in their own ways. I would take the izula for an edc blade and the 14 for hikes because of the blade profile. The bk 14's blade shape gives me a little more cutting edge and in my opinion more versatility in an outdoor environment. Now I have medium-large sized hands and the handle on the izula and bk 14 fit me perfectly but I haven't been able to snatch up the longer izula 2 yet. Both will cost about the same because you will want to throw down the money to get another sheath for the 14 because the sheath dulls the knife like crazy and its going straight to the trash unless you want to break it in.

Also, as mentioned before, if you don't mind a little more weight hold out for the tweeners which should be out soon.
 
Izula 2 all the way. That extra half inch on the handle makes the knife IMO. I wear med/large gloves and the 2 is the perfect length. The shorter Izzy/BK14 handle was too short.
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I hadn't considered that the handle size on the 14 was that of the Izula. I have large hands and will go with the Izula II. Thanks to all for the input! :)
 
yuldeli said:
I hadn't considered that the handle size on the 14 was that of the Izula. I have large hands and will go with the Izula II. Thanks to all for the input! :)
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I wear xl gloves and the bk14 is very comfortable for me. Its not a full 4 finger grip but I left the cord wrap knot sticking out the back and my little finger fits on the corner of the knot and the handle butt end like it was made to be there. It cuts well, is easy to maintain, and get really sharp. The blade coating is sort of fragile but I havent had any problems with rust spots so its not a big deal to me.

The bk14 sheath is useless though. I got a kydex sheath made for it and it makes all the difference in the world. The stock sheath dulled the blade so it was useless after only drawing/sheathing once or twice. I filed out the inside of the stock sheath with a hacksaw blade, shoved a strip of leather in it, and pulled away from the edge while drawing but that didnt fix it. You basically need an aftermarket sheath if you get a bk14 imo so that should be added to the cost when comparing to esee.

I dont have an izula 2 so I cant say how it compares.
 
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