Neck knives: Scrapivore vs. Izula

T

Torm

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Jul 12, 2007
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I've been meaning to pick up a neck knife for awhile now as a fixed blade EDC that is discreet for urban carry. My two most likely choices at this point are the Scrap Yard Scrapivore and the ESEE Izula, so I'm interested in hearing some opinions and recommendations on the two. If you were buying one which would you choose and why? Or would you recommend a different brand/model entirely?
 
I have a few handle-less (neck) knives, and the Scrapivore is the only one I've ever sold. The pry end just makes it a little uncomfortable, as it digs into your palm. I have small hands, so I imagine that occurs for everyone. There have been a number of complaints I've read on that.

The Swamp Warden is probably my favorite. They get put up on the Exchange pretty regularly, so you should be able to get one. The Izula is great (I have two Izulas and an Izula 2), but I like the handle shape of the Swamp Warden a bit better and like 52100 over 1095. The Izula is a much better bargain when you factor in the cost of a sheath for the Swamp Warden, though.

So of the two given knives, I'd go with an Izula. Outside those, the Swamp Warden would be my choice if money isn't a primary factor.
 
I've been leaning towards the Izula as well but still feel the need to expand the Bussekin collection. Well, there's only one solution: buy both!
 
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I just did a quick look over of the two and they both seem great. I don't know the prices on either but I'd probably choose the esee. The handle looks to be a little more comfortable and also I haven't heard of scrapyard before. Also I don't think i've ever heard anything bad about the izula. It seems like sound choice if I were to make a blind purchase.


I was in the hunt for a neck knife a little bit ago and I settled on a Brous Blades Silent Soldier V2 because it was smaller and looked to be a good performer. Overall I liked it, but I decided I didn't like the whole neck knife thing. I don't know what I was thinking, i don't even like wearing necklaces so why would I like having a couple ounces of steel dangling from paracord around my neck?
 
I have both, the Scrapivore is thinner and lighter, but you pay for that in comfort during use. My scapivore is still new while my izula is beat to hell if that tells you anything.
 
I have a Scrapivore attached to the inside of my bag, its very compact / flat so IMO makes a good backup. I prefer the steel on the Scrapyard, ergos on the Esee. Another vote for the Swamp Warden overall
 
There are some great custom makers on the forums here that make an even better neck knife. I'm anxiously awaiting the production of mine in 01 steel.
 
If I may suggest another one and if you have some time to wait, I'd suggest waiting for the Becker Esee/Ka-bar D'eskabar, or BK24. It's basically the BK14, but with D2 steel.
 
I've had over 20 different neck knives and the standouts for me are:

Murray Carter Neck Knife
Fallkniven WM1 3G
Bark River Bravo Necker CPM-3V
Spyderco Swick 2 (Discontinued)
ESEE Izula or Izula II
Bark River PSK

The best bang for the buck IMO is the Izula & Izula II. They have decent handles even without adding scales and good blade geometry. I don't care for the blade shape of the BK14 or Eskabar but it is also a very good value. The Murray Carter Neck knife is ridiculous in both performance and price. The Fallkniven WM1 is not really marketed as a neck knife but it should be because it makes one of the very best ones especially in 3G steel. The WM1 VG-10 version is a good buy for under a hundred street price but you would probably want to have neck sheath made for it or the 3G version because the stock ones suck. The Bark River PSK is a well made but very small necker. The Bark River Bravo Necker (and II) is great with the optional grips but not so great without, The Kydex sheath provided is good to go. The CPM-3V steel version is a very reasonable upgrade and well worth it. I don't care for the Scrapivore and have only handled a Swamp Warden. My impression of the Swamp Warden is it has good ergos and blade geometry (similar to Izula but better steel) but I would prefer it with scales and by the time you add that up I think that the Bravo Necker in 3V or the WM1 in 3G might be the better value. I would love to pick up a user Swamp Warden to compare them though.
 
Ever heard of the TOPS Tibo? Similar size and price as the Izula, but with thinner blade stock and a pointier tip. If you buy it here, you can even have the edge reprofiled for higher cutting ability.
 
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