Smaller Fixed Blade suggestion..UPDATED got an Izula

S

shandrydan1

Gold Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2011
Messages
1,255
Well I've been doing some reading and looking around the web and the forums and I am in the market for a smaller fixed blade. I know there are many different selections out there but I've narrowed down to the Izula 2, BK-14, Cold Steel Pendleton Mini Hunter, and the AG Russell Bird and Trout.

This is primarily just going to be something used on short hikes and walks in the woods and I may end up using it to clean fish as well. Right now the Izula 2 and the Becker are on top of my list but from what I've seen of the CS mini hunter I really like its handle.

My biggest question would be does anyone have any experience with the AG Bird and Trout in the AUS8? I have never used the VG1 steel of the CS and was curious as to how it compares as well.

Also, are there another other options I may have missed that I should look at before I make a decision? Right now I would prefer to keep the cost around the price point of the Becker, AG, and CS knives but I am not opposed to spending a little more on the Izula 2.

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
You can go with the Izula which is cheaper than the Izula II. Is perfect for hiking and has tons of carry options along with an exceptional warranty. You can also try the BK11 and if price is a concern, check out the benchmark backpacker.
 
You can't go wrong with either the Izula or the Becker BK11/14. I like the blade shape of the Izula the best out of all of them though.
 
The Izula is the only one of your lot that I've had so I can't do a comparison for you, but I can tell you that I'm comletely satisfied with my Izzy 2, so much so that I have two of them. One in my "arrive alive" bag that rides in the car with me and one for wearin' and general use. It's been everything I've needed on day hikes and around the home place so far. The 1095 has been very easy to maintain when I'm away from home and workbench for a few days and I've had no corrosion issues, even when wet (I use mineral oil on the blade). The handle on the Izzy 2 is wide enough to be comfortable for a bit of harder cutting and the finish on it is very grippy, even when wet.
 
I have the Izula II. It is a FANTASTIC small fixed blade. I actually prefer it with scales on.
 
I have an ESEE 4 that is my favorite fixed blade so far so it has me leaning toward the Izula II. Truth be told though I will probably end up with the BK14 as well as the Izula 2 just for the different blade profiles.

I hadnt considered the Benchmark Backpacker. It looks like a decent little knife for the price point.
 
I just picked up a BK11 in the carbon steel san mai, along with a Cold Steel Counter Tac II, and a Bark River Bravo Necker II. I really like the BK11 and the Bravo Necker, although the Bravo Necker definitely is the best cutter. Also, the BK11 sheath retention is pretty bad, and I'd be worried about the knife falling out. Other than that it's well designed. I'd add the Bravo Necker or Bravo Necker II to your list of options. I do like having the bottle opener on the BK11 though, and am in the process of making my own cocobolo scales for it.
 
I owned both the BK-14 and the regular Izula, so I will offer my take on both. Long story short, my vote goes towards the Izula.

Price was not a concern for me for either of these knives, because frankly, I'd pay more for them. They are a great value. The BK-14 was initially a better "cutter" than my Izula, mostly because the edge geometry was a little more acute since the spines were the same thickness but the BK-14 was a little wider (width is from spine to edge). After I stripped and sharpened them, however, the difference was negligible.

Even though the stock BK-14 sliced better then the stock Izula for me, the Izula still felt better to me in hand under normal use. The BK-14 blade is significantly larger than the Izula's, which in my opinion makes it a little unwieldy because the handles are the same size. This is entirely preference, however, and many guys out there don't leave their house without their BK-14, i.e. Moose.

Thanks,

JGON
 
Just an update, I wound up getting an OD green Izula with camo scales in a trade and I am really liking it so far. I will probably wind up getting a BK14 as well in the future but I really like the blade shape of the Izula.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top