SIAP:ESEE Izula vs Becker BK-11 (or BK-14)

T

tigerfan413

Joined
Nov 7, 2011
Messages
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Sorry if this is a super redundant topic, but what do you guys think is the better choice between the Izula or the BK-11. Any insight is welcomed and appreciated.
Again, sorry if this has been covered, but i couldn't find it, and as you can see, this is my first post here, so i have not read anything on this before....
 
this is the reason they started making the BK14, which I just ordered from amazon.com. like many, I thought the bK had the better blade and the esee had the better handle.
 
I have both. I like the Becker as much as the Izula and it's a little cheaper in price. Pretty much the same steel and slightly bigger blade. I do like the slimmer Izula sheath better for pocket carry even though I usually carry either as a necker.

My vote is for the Becker . only for the price difference. Either one is a great small knife.

Welcome to Bladeforums and watch your wallet !
 
I don't want to hijack this thread, but it might help the OP with his decision. How does the Becker warranty compare to ESEE's?
 
You are in no way highjacking. I too would love to hear answers on warranty. The more i know i can beat it up and at least get it fixed or replaced, the more likely i will buy it. I want this as a real user for backpacking.
I appreciate everyone else's help!
 
ESEE has better warranty, slightly better quality, and slightly better heat treat. Becker has slightly better steel, is considerably cheaper, and has a bottle opener (or not if you go with the BK-14). I went with the BK-11 and I'm glad I did, the knife and sheath are excellent. I heard they had some problems with the sheath originally, but I've had no problems with the redesigned one they're selling now. I don't think you'll be disappointed with the BK-11, especially considering the price.
 
Despite being a huge Becker fan I would pick the Izula. It came sharper and stayed sharper than the Becker. It fits in the hand much better and I (personally) like the shape of the blade better. I love my Becker 11 as well and really appreciate the beer opening feature. The sheath on my Becker seems to dull my blade and I keep having to touch it up to keep it sharp. Not a problem with the ESEE. But, I notice more of a tendency for my edge to want to get surface rust on my Izula than I do my Becker. All in all they are both nice knives. The BEcker has more blade and more belly while the ESEE has a blade that feels better for detail work. You could just get both and call it a day. :)
 
The warranty should make no difference to a reasonable person. KaBar used to have the same warranty as ESEE until Cliff Stamp decided to start breaking BK2's in a vice with a cheater bar. Now they inspect knives for marks consistent with purposeful destruction. If you do not destroy your knives on purpose their warranties will be equivalent.

I'd say go with the BK11/14 unless you plan to clean small birds.
 
slapper said:
I'd say go with the BK11/14 unless you plan to clean small birds.
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Can you explain this statement?

I've owned the 11, the izula, and the izula 2. Hands down the most comfy out of all of them is the izula 2 with the longer handle. I personally like the blade shape of the Izula better and would choose it over the becker on that point alone.
 
I prefer the Becker blade shape, as well as the value. I also find their warranties no different to a reasonable man. As for the the small bird comment, I heard it from Ethan Becker, pointing out an advantage for the Izula.
 
I own the Izzy and have it chord wrapped. The blade shape is purposed designed and fills the role as a necker. I appreciate the Bk 11 but the handle length and the bottle opener was a problem. Bk14 might be the best of both worlds. Does anyone have an Izzy and Bk14? How do these two compare when considering edge retention?
 
I have several Izulas. I love them that much. If I want a bigger blade, I have my ESEE-3 with full handles and IMO arguably much better sheaths.
 
I have a BK11 and a BK14 and my son has a BK14 and an Izula. I like my BK11 best of the bunch and he likes his BK14 better.Izula's great and you won't be disappointed by one but I like the Becker blade shape better.

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Beckerhead #42
 
I think i have decided on the Izula. Just like that blade shape better...one more question. I can get either the Izula, or the Izula II. Which one would you choose? should i just buy the Izula and get the Micarta Scales, or just go for the II. I think i can do about the same price between the two. Are they exactly the same, but one comes with scales, the other not?
 
DSCN2109.jpg

I use the the BK-11 the most.

The Buck Paklite is also a great buy with the better handle than the other two.
 
tigerfan413 said:
I think i have decided on the Izula. Just like that blade shape better...one more question. I can get either the Izula, or the Izula II. Which one would you choose? should i just buy the Izula and get the Micarta Scales, or just go for the II. I think i can do about the same price between the two. Are they exactly the same, but one comes with scales, the other not?
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They both have the same blade length - the II just has a 1/2" longer handle.
 
tigerfan413 said:
I think i have decided on the Izula. Just like that blade shape better...one more question. I can get either the Izula, or the Izula II. Which one would you choose? should i just buy the Izula and get the Micarta Scales, or just go for the II. I think i can do about the same price between the two. Are they exactly the same, but one comes with scales, the other not?
Click to expand...

If you have larger hands, the Izula II might be more to your liking. I have one, and still love my regular Izulas just as much.
 
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