izula, izula 2, h.e.s.t., eskabar/bk14, or bark river necker?

beestokk

beestokk

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Just got an esee-6 recently and am very happy with it...excellent blade. my next purchase will likely be a small fixed blade to compliment the 6. i'd like to be able to carry it both on the belt (vertical and horizontal) and in the pocket for EDC...neck carry is less important to me although maybe once i try it i'll become a fan.

the options i've been considering are the izula, izula 2, h.e.s.t., eskabar/bk14, and bark river necker 1 or 2 (likely the 2).

initially i was gonna go with the izula but then all the other options came out fairly recently! at this point i'm leaning toward either the izula 2 or the eskabar, but the h.e.s.t. keeps grabbing my attention, and owners seem to love it...but owners seem to love all these options!

i appreciate any thoughts/input!!

thanks all!
 
Well there are some differences.

The ESKABar has a longer blade from the BK necker. Other than that its an Izula handle.
A. So big blade normal handle.

The Izula has a comparatively smaller blade, and the same normal handle.
B. smaller blade, same handle.

The BK necker, has a different handle and the blade from the ESKABar.
C. non comparable handle, larger blade same as ESKABar

The Izula II, is in response to consumer demand for a larger handled Izula of the same blade length.
D. An extra .5" of handle of the same pattern as A, B, with the same blade as B.

Take your pick based on your personal preference. :D I find it to work best for me the majority of the time.
 
I would have to say Swamp Warden or Izula II. My choice would be the Swamp Warden.
 
If you want a great neck knife with a no bull warranty go with the izzie hands down. I have used mine for all sorts of things from food prep to batoning and still couldn't be happier with it
 
Definitely the Izula 2. I love my Izula but my only gripe is that it barely fits my whole hand, where I prefer a handle that is slightly longer than my hand. I'm looking into getting the Izula 2 when its released.
 
I have the izula with scales and it's a work horse and very comfortable. Great to carry, easy to sharpen and holds an excellent edge...does way more than you think it can.
 
I can definitely recommend the Izula. It's a great blade, the handle seems small without paracord or the scales, but I put a simple wrap on it and it fits great now (I have medium-large hands). I like it over the Izula two because I can fit if into my pocket fairly comfortably. The two is probably too long for that. The Eskabar sounds pretty neat, haven't seen it though. I'm sure the Bark River is nice too... I think you have all fine choices, probably can't go wrong.
 
I just got a Bark River Necker today with ghost green jade scales.

It's incredible. I've never held an Izula before, but the Necker feels just right in the hand. It's got a great usable blade. Very sharp. The scales are awesome, and interchangeable. And the kydex sheath allows for great pocket or neck carry. It also fits awesome in my KSF pocket sheath.

All in all. It feels like a tool that is useful for 95% of my cutting needs. And I can throw different scales on it whenever I feel like it. A little more pricey, but it feels like my other bark rivers: well made, sharp, confident, and beautiful.

One vote for the bark river.
 
Probably can't go wrong with any of those althought the HEST is probably a totally diff. category because it's thicker. The Swamp Warden really is a great blade.
I settled on the original Izula just because it get's neck carried 100% of the time and the Swamp Warden is just a tad longer and heavier making it noticeable on my skinny self. My Izula is so comfy I sometimes have to tap my chest to make sure I have it on.

Another thing I have noticed is that although the Izula handle can feel short at times for all 4 fingers, it makes it work wonderfully for reverse cuts and other grips. It's also tough as nails. I've tried the Bravo necker and Swamp Warden and will keep both but I wear the Izula.
 
I'd like to throw another in the mix too. The Spyderco Street Beat is amazing too, but it might be a little pricey for you. I found a used one for $125 though. It's got custom quality fit and finish and perfect balance in the hand, a tough little blade too.
 
all of the knives you've listed are excellent knives. i got the bark river necker 2 and i absolutely love it but plan on wrapping the handle or getting the optional scales though. other than having to spend a little extra for handle options the blade comes super sharp, holds its edge, is backed by a great warranty, and is only 1.77 ounces. i love how easy they are to re-sharpen and the spot for the fire steel inside the kydex too.
 
Izula, ive had other neckers but really love this one, just really does any job easily that i throw at it, even if you need a bigger blade it seems to be jumping at the task. Plus if you accidentally cut it in half, its covered...:thumbup: Great company
 
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