photo comparison of BK14 and ESEE 3-mil

[Hunter Sharp]

What it comes down to is personal preference, I have both and I like the feel of my 14 more than any of my smaller knives. Long term the handle doesn't bother me at all. Not that the ESEE 3 is bad, I just love my 14. But I can see someone with large hands liking the ESEE 3

 

[Creaky Bones]

I have the BK 14, the Esee 3 mil, and an Izula 2. I love Becker knives, but the 14 is strapped on the backpack I wear when riding my mountain bike. Perfect emergency knife, but my least favorite of the three in hand. It just feels like it needs more handle to me. The 3mil is a sweet knife, and hard to put down. I'm wearing it now, but for everyday general use the Izula 2 is my first choice. The handle is longer than the bk14, and the micarta feels great. It's a little fatter than the 3mil, both in handle and blade thickness, but it's a smaller total package using the stock sheath with a teklok. The 3mil feels more like a knife to me, while the Izula 2 feels like a utility tool. If I was hiking I'd opt for the 3mil or my BK16. For edc at work the Izula 2 is perfect. Just my opinion. Your mileage may vary.

 

[DOC-CANADA]

Well, that was a timely resurrection of an old thread. Thanks, guys. For the last week, I've been debating the purchase of an Esee-3. I've been wanting a blade around 3" to 3 1/2", with a handle longer and more hand-filling than the 14's for an EDC fixed blade. Sadly, BK&T doesn't have a blade in that size window. The Tweeners are about an inch too long and the 14 just a bit too short for my purposes, but the Esee-3 looks like it might be just the thing. I don't really care for the Esee-3's choil, but I can probably learn to live with it.

Maybe you should consider a Swamp Rat Rodent Solution - 3.5" blade, 4.5" handle, or Bark River Gunny - 3.75" blade, 4.5" handle. If you want a comparison picture with an ESEE RC-3, let me know, and I will post one tonight when I get home.

Although I agree with Creaky Bones, the Izula II is hard to beat. That little bit of extra length handle makes all the difference. They should have used the II's handle on the Eskabar.

Doc

 

[tradewater]

..... They should have used the II's handle on the Eskabar.
Doc

Yup. Maybe a seed planted?

 

[mrn8]

I remember tsooj saying they'd look at a handle redesign, but not sure if anything came of it. If they did an eskabar ii, I'd buy at Least a pair.

 

[Galeocerdoshark]

Nope, factory serrated. It was a special run for Amazon, I think. Came with factory micarta and a tan sheath w/ TDI clip.

Here it is new and then after modding. Stripped, Cliched, new scales, and squared up the spine for firesteel striking.

The serrations are nice while I'm at work since I cut a lot of rope, twine, and poly banding, and the serrations work better on those items than a plain edge will; they don't dull as fast. For outdoor use, though, I'd go with the normal plain edge.

Thanks for explaining and the additional pics. Didn't know that, and man that is a looker for sure!

 

[Jonny1280]

So how is the handle on the BK11? Anyone know in comparison to the BK14?

Here's my take on them both.
I get a 3 1/2 finger grip on the BK14. It doesn't feel natural.
I get a full 3 finger frip on the 11 and it feels very natural and not awkward.
My 11 does have micarta, however, I seem to remember thinking the same thing before I added scales.
I really, really wanted to like the 14. But for me, the ergos go to the 11.
So...to answer your question-I think, while the BK11's handle is shorter, it still provides a better purchase.
I may be in the minority here though. And btw I have med/large hands.
Hope this helps.

 

[Psyop]

Here's my take on them both.
I get a 3 1/2 finger grip on the BK14. It doesn't feel natural.
I get a full 3 finger frip on the 11 and it feels very natural and not awkward.
My 11 does have micarta, however, I seem to remember thinking the same thing before I added scales.
I really, really wanted to like the 14. But for me, the ergos go to the 11.
So...to answer your question-I think, while the BK11's handle is shorter, it still provides a better purchase.
I may be in the minority here though. And btw I have med/large hands.
Hope this helps.

I have the same feelings. I cant get 4 fingers on the 14 and the 11 is better IMO for a 3 finger grip I also have micarta on it.