Ka-Bar BK14 Becker Knife and Tool Eskabar Knife, Black, 7-Inch

I really like the Izula II but I did wish it had a slightly longer blade. I was hoping ESEE would come out with an Izula III. Recently I was looking at neck knives on Amazon and the Ka-Bar Bk14 looked just like what I hoped the Izula III would. A little research surprised me as I found the the BK 14 was actually a collaboration between ESEE and Becker Knives. I decided to order one.I got the BK14 today and I am definitely impressed. It arrived razor sharp and was quite capable a shaving the hair on my arm and effortlessly slicing through paper. The coating on the knife seems quite similar to the Izula II which is definitely a positive. The sheath holds the knife securely at this time and the knife fits firmly in the sheath with no rattling .Inserting and removing the knife from the sheath did not seem to impact the sharpness of the knife. I can't say if the sheath will firmly hold the knife over a long period of time but it does look like it will. I've worn the Izula II for several years and its sheath still holds the knife securely.BK&T Ka-Bar was printed on one side of the blade just above the handle and ESEE on the other side. Therefore the BK14 Becker is indeed a collaboration between the two companies.I also ordered the Ka-Bar Becker Scales Handles in black and orange. I installed the orange scales without any problems but was careful not to over tighten as some reviews said they might break. I used some blue Loctite on the treads of the hardware for security. The scales seem nice and don't add much weight to the knife and should work well. I consider them to be an excellent deal for the price. I used a 7/64 hex key to install the scales which is not included with the scales.In passing I dislike hanging a knife around my neck and leaving it laying on my chest. It's uncomfortable and a knife as large as the BK14 will print. I've found the most comfortable way to carry a neck knife for me is to sling it crossdraw under my left shoulder (I am right handed.) I can easily draw it with either hand especially since I installed a lanyard on the knife.I have a small collection of knifes and since i have retired I have started to prefer fixed blade knifes over folders as they are easier to clean especially if you use them for food prep. . In my working days ten years ago I carried a Benchmade 710 McHenry & Williams 3.90" folding knifeas a fixed blade knife might have caused management some consternation.Be aware that in some states and cities carrying a neck knife under your shirt may be illegal. I live in Florida and have a concealed weapons permit which in Florida allows me to carry a concealed knife. It is always wise to check your local laws when you are considering carrying a weapon, even a knife.

I spent countless hours debating between the Eskabar BK 14 and the Esee Izula II. I now own both of them and have evaluated the designs in many different ways.-Blade shape and Design: BK 14 - Length: 3-1/4" Thickness: 0.165" / Izula II - Length: 2.63" Thickness .156"-Sheath: The BK14 factory sheath is almost worthless, but with the cheap price of the knife you can purchase an after market kydex sheath with the savings. / The Izula II factory sheath is a better material and works very well from the get go.-Grip: The BK 14 grip is longer than the original Izula, but a little shorter than the Izula II. The BK 14 sets in my hand without adjustment, whereas the Izula II requires a slight adjustment.-Steel: BK 14 & Izula II are a 1095 steel and take a nice edge. BK 24 is the D2 tool steel option, yet another plus.-Blade Coating: BK14 is more textured than the Izula II, but very similar.-Weight, Size, and Usefulness : I feel like both the BK14 & Izula II are too large for a dedicated neck knife, but they shine as a belt or pocket fixed blade. The small blade of the Izula II is very neat and practical for everyday tasks, but is tough enough to handle heavy work. The BK 14 gives up a little handle length, but you gain an advantage in extra blade. The BK 14's 3" blade is very practical and can replace a larger fixed blade. The BK 14 can be used for edc, but it would shine as a bushcraft / outdoors knife as well.-The izula II comes with a more complete factory package, practical/ better sheath, micarta scales, and the clip plate option and is in the $70-$80 price range.-The BK 14/24 accessories are purchased separately, but are inexpensive and equal in total cost. Bk14 + factory scales+ TDI Clip + aftermarket Kydex Sheath = $70- $80Conclusion and Final Thoughts: Both are awesome, high value, bomb proof knives! If I could only choose one, the BK 14 / 24 would be more useful in a survival situation because of the longer blade. In my opinion a 3-3.5" blade is the perfect all around length. That being said, for the past 6 months the Izula II has been my preferred EDC choice and has not left my side. It is the perfect knife for everyday cutting chores and will still easily handle a survival situation if needed. If you have been sitting at home staring at your Izula and saying "man I wish the blade was just a little longer" than the BK 14 Eskabar is right for you! If you desire a rock solid EDC knife that will always be dependable than get a Izula II. You really can't go wrong with either choice!