Trying to decide on a knife

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Witty

Joined
Jun 13, 2014
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51
Long time lurker here. But I finally had a reason to sign up. ;)

Before I kick things off; I'd just like to say that I already used the search function, and couldn't find anything relevant to what I am looking for.

So... my dilemma is trying to decide between the BK14, BK24 and the IZULA 2. I know their all pretty much the same size and shape. But the BK24 comes in D2 and the BK14 comes in 1095 Cro-Van, IZULA 2 in 1095 Carbon.

I know the basics of the steels, but I wanna know which one is more suited to my climate here in Western Canada (humid summers, wet and cold winters). I'm also looking for the most durable of the 3.

I'm also wondering if the scales for the BK14 can fit on the BK24.

I'm leaning more towards the IZULA 2 at this point, even with the price difference; simply because it comes with a better sheath and handles. And after you buy after market handles/sheath it pretty much comes to the same cost, correct?

I also REALLY dig the look of these (having the hole at the bottom open for a carabiner or whatever is nice) scales, and would love something like that for the BK14/24.
 
First things first, all are great knives and you really can't go wrong with which ever one you choose, second, if you're worried about rust and corrosion resistance I'd go with the bk24 because while D2 is still a tool steel and therefore technically a carbon steel it has superior corrosion resistance to 1095. Durability wise they will all hold up more or less the same, yes the izula has the esee unconditional warranty, but the kabar warranty is still nice, plus I've never had problems with any of my beckers and if you were to ask anyone else here I'd be willing to bet that they would say the same thing. The bk14 and 24 are both the same size so yes the scales will fit on both, as will the izula scales(after some slight filling).
The scales that Guyon has were custome made by another member here a few years ago but I don't think he makes them anymore, but if you want ones like them, look at the TKC scales, or just make your own. Hope this helped
 
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But the BK24 comes in D2 and the BK14 comes in 1095 Cro-Van, IZULA 2 in 1095 Carbon.

I think you answered your own question. The 24 will withstand moisture best. The 14 coating + chrome in the steel will offer a minute rust protection. But I'm sure the izula will fall apart fastest. Under the same exact conditions. And you would have paid too much. I say get the bk24
 
Personally I absolutely LOVE the 14. It's second in favorite small blades behind the 11. The sheath for the 11/14/24 is a perfectly serviceable sheath for the knife. I actually really like it. People complain about a rattle or it dulling the blade. Mine have never had that problem though. The 24 is roughly the same price as the Izula and the Izula 2 is $15 more unless you get the complete kit then it's another $15 for that. (These prices are all at GPknives which is my local knife shop which is where I shop, I haven't looked into CDN prices.)

As for comfort and reliability, the 14 and the 24 have the handle of the Izula with the Izula 2 having a half inch longer handle. I actually both sizes to be an "awkward" size, it's not quite small enough to be a perfect 3 finger knife and not quite big enough to be a 4 finger knife. The handles on the 14 do fit the 24, they also fit the Izula. I have them on 2 of my 14s and my 24. I got rid of the micarta that came with the Izula 2 cause it landed in my hand odd. Mind you this was my hand and I have weird hands they are fat palmed and medium-long length fingers I have to wear an XL size glove. I wrapped my IZ2 with some paracord and I did a THICK wrap so it's actually tapered a LOT like the zytel for the 14/24 which I find more comfortable.

If you're looking at steel wise, ANY of them will work for you. The 24 will automatically have the strongest resistance to moisture however with proper knife care ANY of them will be just fine.

Just cause every thread demands pictures...
IMG_20140623_010956.jpg

In order in the picture is:
Camillus 11
Ka-Bar 11
Ka-Bar Roll stamped 14 with Zytel scales(Stripped and straight clipped)
Ka-Bar 24 with Zytel Scales
Ka-Bar Roll Stamped 14 with paracord wrap
Ka-Bar Laser Etch 14 bare
Esee Izula with paracord wrap with 1" toggle
Esee Izula 2 with paracord wrap

I'd also recommend checking around for a Camillus BK-11 cause it's rumored they are D2.

All of the blades are unbelievably durable, they are all hard use blades and all of them have a warranty that is mind-bendingly amazing.
 
The BK24 is my EDC since I picked one up at Blade show. Absolutely love it and I was a BK14 addict for years. It's been wet quite a bit and is hanging in like a champ.
 
Yup, I was a diehard 14er until I got the 24. The 24 is simply awesome!!

My BK24 with Izula scales, a Snakedoc lanyard and a 710 pocket sheath.



My Roll stamped BK14 with black Zytel scales, when I first got it. Irresistibly Beautiful. Of course, the newer BK14s are laser etched, have a thicker coating now and not quite as good looking, but they work....and they work hard.



Recommend you get the 24. It is so worth it!!!
 
I actually put the only Becker i have the BK24 up for sale once cause the handle is kinda hard for me to work with(not the knives fault big hands). But after using it more and more really getting used to the size and is made from one of my favorite steels D2 so absolutely keeping it. For a cheap fixed EDC can't be beat. Will probably have to get a bigger bladed, bigger handled Becker in the future. Probably 9 or 5.

Out of focus knife, blasphemy!

20140620_112859_zpse6dbd0f7.jpg
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Gotta say, I love my 14. I have large hands, and the EsKabar's 3 1/2 finger grip has never felt awkward to me. And the orange/black zytel scales really look and feel great.

3emylIC.jpeg
 
I would go with the BK-14 or BK-24. I have handled an Izula and didn't like the blade shape as much as the Becker counterparts.

I live in a similar climate as you. Maybe not a rain forest environment like some of the west coast but Maine in the summer is humid and the winters are long and cold. I have stripped my 14 and forced a patina with apple cider vinegar. I have had no issues with rust with very little after care. I have cleaned fish and dressed rabbits with my 14 and it has never let me down.

To be honest I am looking at getting a 24 so I can do the same tasks and not really have to worry about it at all.

As for sheaths there are plenty of kydex sheath makers out there that make awesome sheaths for the Beckers.

Here is a pic of my 14 on a recent hiking trip. Still going strong.



Jeremy
 
I have a 14, an Izula and an Izula II. The handles on the 14 and the Izula are too short for me, but the Izula II is perfect. I also wear XL gloves.

If you get the 14, get the Becker scales, not the ESEE ones. I had the ESEE scales on the Izula and they didn't do the job, but the Becker scales on the Izula (and similarly on the 14) were much better.

As far as the sheaths go, I like either the ESEE or the Becker.

The corrosion issue is another matter of course.

Doc
 
A huge thanks to everyone for the responses! I'm gonna go ahead and pick up the BK24 with scales. :D

I will probably just dremel and sand out the outer most ring, so I can have the loop available.

@Chameleonbear: You have no idea how helpful that comparison picture was. :)
 
Witty said:
A huge thanks to everyone for the responses! I'm gonna go ahead and pick up the BK24 with scales. :D

I will probably just dremel and sand out the outer most ring, so I can have the loop available.

@Chameleonbear: You have no idea how helpful that comparison picture was. :)
Click to expand...
Glad to be helpful, that was what I was going for. It seemed like you asked a legitimate question (not just showing up which one should I get?!) but actually were looking for some advice so I tried to figure out what I would want.
 
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