Why would you choose Ka-Bar over ESEE?

E

EDCBlader

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Apr 23, 2014
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I'm looking into buying a fixed blade, and I'm debating between the BK11 or BK14 vs the Izula. One thing that is a huge turn off is the fact that almost everyone has complained about Ka-bar's glass filled nylon sheaths dulling the blade, yet they don't care enough to fix the problem. That says a lot to me about their company. Another thing I believe that ESEE has going for them is their warranty and superior textured coating.

Is Ka-Bar's price point the main reason why you went with their knives over an ESEE knife?
 
Some people prefer the Becker handles over the ESEE ones, and the lower price is good for people who make their own sheaths and handle slabs.
It really depends on what you prefer, IMHO ESEE is the more complete package, with a good sheath and micarta handles from the get go.
The Becker knives are more of a blank canvas, strip 'em, mod 'em whatever.
Both companies offer a great product and really stand behind what they make, and I think you can't go wrong with either.
 
I had one ESEE and the handles were seriously uncomfortable. There's no way in the world I would ever recommend one. KaBar on the other hand I will always recommend. They are comfortable, well made and the company is run by people that I respect.
 
protourist said:
I had one ESEE and the handles were seriously uncomfortable. There's no way in the world I would ever recommend one. KaBar on the other hand I will always recommend. They are comfortable, well made and the company is run by people that I respect.
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I think C_Becker helped me make my choice and had a good point about "ESEE is the more complete package." I think both knives are well made, but I can't respect a company that'll knowing will continue to sell a defective product. If I brought a BK14 because of it's lower price, It'd still cost more than the Izula after replacing the defective sheath and more than the Izula 2 after replacing the sheath and buying handles.
 
I think your mind was already made up so go for it. Esee makes some great knives. Personally I sold mine off because the beckers are more comfortable for me. I also like their design options better and I can customize them how I like them. As for the sheaths, it was corrected and changed. As for the coating it was corrected and changed. As for the stamps it was corrected and changed. Seems to me like kabar and Ethan are listening to their customers just fine. BTW, you do realize the bk14 is a collaboration between Esee and Kabar/Becker right? They are all great knives. You don't have to knock one make/model in order to justify your choice. Just go with what you want. Good luck.
 
tueller said:
I think your mind was already made up so go for it. Esee makes some great knives. Personally I sold mine off because the beckers are more comfortable for me. I also like their design options better and I can customize them how I like them. As for the sheaths, it was corrected and changed. As for the coating it was corrected and changed. As for the stamps it was corrected and changed. Seems to me like kabar and Ethan are listening to their customers just fine. BTW, you do realize the bk14 is a collaboration between Esee and Kabar/Becker right? They are all great knives. You don't have to knock one make/model in order to justify your choice. Just go with what you want. Good luck.
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Not really. I wanted the Becker, but was upset/reluctant because of the complaints I've been reading across several forums, on just about every YouTube review, and on Amazon and other retailer sites. I think the ESEE knives are over priced, and if not for the sheath, the becker would be perfect for me. Yes, I know that the bk14 is a collaboration, but it's offered by Kabar and has a Kabar sheath and warranty. Also, I was not knocking one model to justify my choice (I did not make a choice yet), I was knocking it because it deserved to be knocked. I don't own the knife, so I'm knocking it based on what many owners of the knife have said.

This is the first I'm hearing about this. I read in the Amazon comment's on the bk11 that the coating is now textured power coating, but could not find any info about the bk14. You the first that I saw mention that the sheath problem has been fixed. How long ago was this fixed? If I were to order a bk14 today, would you happen to know how I would visually differentiate between the older sheaths and the updated ones?
 
Never mind... Now that I know that it they took care of the problems, I just ordered it from Amazon for $36.00 + $4.00 for 1 day sh. If the sheath dulls the knife or if it isn't powder coated, I'll just return and will shell out for an Izula. Thanks tueller and protourist.
 
I don't know how long the sheath issue has been fixed, but I have had an 11 since October 2013 (via tomarskabars). I used it nearly everyday, opening packages, cutting tape, string, light rope (nylon, manila, cotton). I just used it this morning pry up frames in 5 bee hives and scrape prophyllis off them (because I forgot my hive tool) and then to break down 2 pallets of insulation.

I have had absolutely ZERO issues with the sheath dulling the knife. All my dulling has been self-inflicted. :D:D From an esthetics view point, I prefer the adaptability of the Beckers for making mods to the handles the way I like them to be. From my frugal German farm boy attitude, I prefer the Becker prices.

If I got a "fixed" sheath back in October of last year already, the only way I know of to get one of the "old" sheaths now is buying one used on fleabay, at a pawn shop, garage sale or flea market.
 
zzyzzogeton said:
I don't know how long the sheath issue has been fixed, but I have had an 11 since October 2013 (via tomarskabars). I used it nearly everyday, opening packages, cutting tape, string, light rope (nylon, manila, cotton). I just used it this morning pry up frames in 5 bee hives and scrape prophyllis off them (because I forgot my hive tool) and then to break down 2 pallets of insulation.

I have had absolutely ZERO issues with the sheath dulling the knife. All my dulling has been self-inflicted. :D:D From an esthetics view point, I prefer the adaptability of the Beckers for making mods to the handles the way I like them to be. From my frugal German farm boy attitude, I prefer the Becker prices.

If I got a "fixed" sheath back in October of last year already, the only way I know of to get one of the "old" sheaths now is buying one used on fleabay, at a pawn shop, garage sale or flea market.
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Good to know. I should have mine's in hand tomorrow. :D
 
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Regarding the handle comfort of the esee series, I have researched this knife and saw that the box style grip was uncomfortable. But that was quickly solved with the g10 scales. They are much more fitting to my hand, and despite what I've heard, have plenty of grip.
I was so impressed with the esee series, my junglas will he arriving today with the same scales. They are more expensive, but that warranty is what really pushed me to hit buy. That and all the great reviews.
Not to bash ka-bar one bit, the esee series is much more appealing to me, in regards to the performance, coating, aesthetics, and accessories.
 
Tmack said:
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Regarding the handle comfort of the esee series, I have researched this knife and saw that the box style grip was uncomfortable. But that was quickly solved with the g10 scales. They are much more fitting to my hand, and despite what I've heard, have plenty of grip.
I was so impressed with the esee series, my junglas will he arriving today with the same scales. They are more expensive, but that warranty is what really pushed me to hit buy. That and all the great reviews.
Not to bash ka-bar one bit, the esee series is much more appealing to me, in regards to the performance, coating, aesthetics, and accessories.
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Me too, but not for the price.
 
Not being argumentative, but why is the ESSE coating superior? I have an Izula and frankly do not care for the coating on it. Its very thick and I don't really like the bumpy texture on it. I prefer a smooth coating as it offers less resistance when cutting. I don't own the 14, but it looks like a smoother coating (maybe its changed recently, or maybe its not as durable?) You could always get the D2 24 and not worry about any coating.
 
I personally have went through the same choice as you few months ago. deciding between esee or Becker. I chose the esee Izula black version. an it is an amazing knife to have with you. beat the crop out of it all you want an it's still ready for more. it's easy to conceal. forget I have it on me half the time cause it's so lightweight. great sheath to. it does rust easily though. beware of that. needs proper care or you'll see rust spots on exposed metal fast. the coating does come off rather easy imo. it's good feel to it an looks good but it tore some of the coating off doing camp task. but if you were to buy a bigger fixed blade I'd recommend the Becker 2. great knife. is basically indestructible. an holds a edge well. a lot cheaper then esee 4 or 5 as well. but get both if you can. both are great knives an always need 2 fixed blade survival knifes. lol.
 
Thanks man. Yeah its definitely a great tool. All of the esee proved themselves that day.
 
Why would you choose Ka-Bar over ESEE?

I wouldn't. But I do have Ka-Bar products that I enjoy quite a bit.
 
I cannot speak to Ka-Bar as a company but ESEE is a great company to deal with. I am a huge fan of how they treat their steel, I like most the handles and love micarta as a material, and think they are a great value. I do really like the different handles you see on the Beckers as I like paracord and think it's a great material for a survival knife and a cool way to customize. Both brands certainly have a huge following and have proven themselves time-and-time again in hard-use, but real-world situations.

I can't say that I really like ESEE sheaths a whole lot more than most other included sheaths I own and if I was going to carry it a lot, I would purchase something aftermarket with either thin Kydex or leather in a shape/style that matches my needs and preferences better than what a standard factory sheath can.

If more options or more economical options are available on the Becker, that would be a huge selling point to me. If the money saved on the Becker would allow you to get a custom sheath of whatever material you like most or allow you to get a custom handle that best matches you (where as the ESEE would not allow this in the budget), that would be a huge selling point to me too, especially if the knife will see a lot of carry as every custom sheath I have ever had made for me has been a lot more comfortable, useful, and generally more durable than the factory sheaths.

For frequent and extended usage, I think a nice custom sheath can make the entire knife much more enjoyable to use and every custom sheath or holster I have ever purchased (some from people who are partners on this forum) has left me really pleased with the quality and performance and has ultimately made me like the knife or tool significantly more than I would have without this added component.
 
EDCBlader said:
I'm looking into buying a fixed blade, and I'm debating between the BK11 or BK14 vs the Izula. One thing that is a huge turn off is the fact that almost everyone has complained about Ka-bar's glass filled nylon sheaths dulling the blade, yet they don't care enough to fix the problem. That says a lot to me about their company. Another thing I believe that ESEE has going for them is their warranty and superior textured coating.

Is Ka-Bar's price point the main reason why you went with their knives over an ESEE knife?
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For me it was a few reasons.

I like the added blade size of the BK-14 over the Izula. The 2.63" Izula blade and smaller handle makes me just want to carry a folder.
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Also I wanted something in stainless, and while I considered getting a Izula in 440C, it still mystery on when they are coming out, how to get one and how much you are going to pay. Instead of wishing for a unicorn, I just bought a BK-24 in D2 for $50 and called it done.

Yes I am PO'ed Kabar has crappy Glass reinforced nylon sheaths that dull the blade, but at the price point on an ESSE Izula, I can buy a BK-14 and get a kydex sheath for less.
 
I really ~~ really like my ESEE-3 & ESEE-5 & I am thinking about asking if they can be put in the ground with me with just a few other of my favorite sharp things just in case the Devil wants to chase me around.! He can't win though ~~ as ESEE rules
..!!!***^^^~~~---###
 
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