Small Outdoor FB

derrickd803

derrickd803

Joined
Jan 4, 2008
Messages
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I've been looking to pick up a smaller fixed blade pretty soon. The two that have caught my eye the most are the Kabar/Becker Necker BK11, and the RAT Izula. Im not dead set on just those two though, I'm pretty open to suggestions. This knife isn't going to be an EDC, it will be used outdoors: hiking, around camp, fishing, and hunting (bird, predator, small mammals, deer, elk) but not likely be used as a main knife to process any of these animals. So basically im looking for a smaller, tough fixed blade that can accomplish an assortment of different outdoor oriented (camp chores) tasks. Also the knife will mostly be carried on my belt or on a backpack strap.
Guidelines:
About a 3"-3.5" blade
Kydex (or similar material) sheath
Around $50

Also, please dont say Mora, I already have a couple and Im looking for something different.
 
Izula.


There is going to be a lot of people that agree with me commenting shortly....;)
 
I'm going to recommend the Izula highly. Have not handled the Becker, but I really don't need to, perfectly happy with my Izula.
 
I have a Becker BK13 which is made out of much cheaper steel and is smaller. I love it to bits. You won't go wrong with either but hang out in the fixed blade for sale section in the makers forums, you will get some more ideas for slim survival knives.
 
If you already own a Mora and you end up getting an Izula -you should plan on reprofiling it. The Izula is a great knife, but it needs a better (thinner) edge to perform anywhere near a Mora. Of course the Izula will stand up to harder use than any Mora, but that should go without saying.

I am still planning on reprofiling my Izula, and since I dont have the skills to do it myself -I have to find a sharpener who can do it proper. It is something to think about.
 
A different suggestion... a Buck Gen5 - #005GYS. It has a charcoal birch Dymondwood handle, nickel silver guard, and a full tanged 3" hollow ground modified skinner of 420HC - MSRP = $94; mail order ~$55. It comes with a nylon horizontal belt carry sheath - and makes a great hiking knife. The rosewood/brass variant is an 005RWS MSRP $150; mail order ~$95 - and comes with a CPM154 blade and molded vertical leather sheath. I obviously have both - bought them 2/08 - but the all-weather 420HC bladed one see's ten times the use of the more expensive knife. I like the nylon sheath better, and carried the rosewood one a time or two. I hate it's checkering, however. I've carved/cut a lot with the 420HC one - it still raises hairs off my arm - but will meet the fine files of my Sharpmaker before too long. Neat knife.

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Another great attribute - the sheaths are from 'elsewhere', but the knives are made in Idaho.

Stainz
 
The Izula has a 2.88" blade. I sold my Izula because the handle is too short. It's a 3-finger knife in my hands. For around $50 I think you'll be getting a good knife but not too many Kydex options. Most will be nylon or something similar.

You've got plenty of options and these are off the top of my head:
Becker Necker
Gerber Prodigy
Becker BK2 ($50 might get you a used one)
Ontario/Ranger Shiv or Shank knives
Boker LaTactica
Mantis MF-1, MF-4HC, or TA-2CM knives
 
I love RATs and Becker/Kabar but since I have a big hand, I admittedly am not a fan of the skeletonized handles like Izula and Becker Necker. Paracord wrap helps but I'd still rather have a proper handle.

I'm not a big fan of SOG but the Field pup is a good knife for the money. 4" of AUS8 and priced at $40+/-.

Kershaw Bear Hunter II looks pretty good. Cheap enough you can get a custom Kydex sheath made from someone here at BF too. But blade is 4.5".
 
A little different suggestion. I haven't tried the Izula, so I can't compare, but one of my favorite knives is the Benchmade Outbounder. I have one in 440C, and one in D2.
 

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Another vote for the Izula :thumbup:
The Government said:
If you already own a Mora and you end up getting an Izula -you should plan on reprofiling it. The Izula is a great knife, but it needs a better (thinner) edge to perform anywhere near a Mora.
Click to expand...

I agree with this completely. I took mine down to around 8 degrees per side and I cuts like a demon :D

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