Why would you choose Ka-Bar over ESEE?

[GingivitisKahn]

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.

The sheath isn't defective -just draw the knife correctly (don't drag the edge across the sheath) and it works just fine.

User error.

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Beckerhead 42

 

[Garandimal]

What about the KA-BAR MkII Navy...?

GR

 

[EDCBlader]

The sheath isn't defective -just draw the knife correctly (don't drag the edge across the sheath) and it works just fine.

User error.

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Beckerhead 42

It was defective, but now it's fixed. According to multiple people who aren't new to knives, there was no getting around it. From what I heard from multiple sources, they claimed Ka-Bar told them they lowered the glass content in the sheath. Also, on youtube videos, the knife was shown to rattle in the sheath; however, my new bk14 did not rattle at all. I'm just going by what I've been told which directly contradicts you. You're the first and only one who has even implied it was user error.

 

[BRL]

Its so crazy how often KABAR vs. ESEE and Becker vs. ESEE threads come up, considering that out of almost every potential combination of designer/manufacturers, few or none are more of a "can't lose either way" proposition. In fact, anyone that's remotely a collector of these style of knives should really own tools from both companies. I understand if you're looking to only buy one knife to use the rest of your life, but otherwise they're all awesome.

 

[Tmack]

Couldn't agree more. It almost a price and style competition, rather than quality.
It's that warranty that pushed me.

 

[GingivitisKahn]

It was defective, but now it's fixed. According to multiple people who aren't new to knives, there was no getting around it. From what I heard from multiple sources, they claimed Ka-Bar told them they lowered the glass content in the sheath. Also, on youtube videos, the knife was shown to rattle in the sheath; however, my new bk14 did not rattle at all. I'm just going by what I've been told which directly contradicts you. You're the first and only one who has even implied it was user error.

If the edge doesn't touch the sheath, the sheath can not dull the edge regardless of glass content. Conversely, if the edge does touch the sheath, the sheath will dull the edge - maybe more slowly now with the reduced glass content.

I watched some of those videos too and in just about every case where the reviewer was most strident about how bad the sheath was, he could be clearly seen to be drawing the knife in such a way as to drag the edge across the sheath.

As to me being the only one to make that point - even if that were true, it wouldn't invalidate my argument. As it is though, there were others that made the same point I do - when this was a hot topic a year or two ago.

Whatever - they improved the sheath. It's all better now.

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Beckerhead 42

 

[Mrbladedude]

Where did you get those scales?

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]

Knife connection.
They carry the same lifetime warranty as the blade.
I love them. They have a much less boxy shape as well.