When shopping around for a small fixed blade “neck” knife, I found that there were two popular options, the Ka-Bar Becker Necker and the ESEE RAT Izula. I ultimately ordered an Izula – and while it has performed exceptionally well, I almost went with the Becker Necker.
It was a tough choice to make since both knives are well reviewed, and the countless Becker Necker vs Izula forum threads out there with sides evenly drawn didn’t make the choice any easier.
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Ka-Bar and ESEE got together and combined the best of both designs into a single knife, the EsKabar. This is pretty unheard of in the tool world, but a smart move on Ka-Bar and Esee’s parts.
The EsKabar looks to feature the Izula handle with a larger version of the Becker Necker blade and includes a kydex sheath.
The scale of the image above isn’t exactly accurate as it’s a combination of three different product image. In actuality, the EsKabar is 7″ long, the Izula 6.25″, and the Becker Necker 6.75″.
You can find the EsKabar at a number of Ka-Bar distributors for ~$35 or so, and it is made in the USA.
Let’s hope this ends all those Necker Becker vs. Izula debates. Or will we also need a KaESEE knife before that happens?
EsKabar Knife via Amazon
Becker Necker via Amazon
ESEE Izula via Amazon
Tom says
Seems kinda big for a neck knife. I have an old CRKT Stiff KISS that I love. It usually lives in my toolbag. I also like the Emerson La Griffe.
Clayton says
I thought this was a joke. Really, I didn’t think it was possible that they would combine the favorable parts of 2 designs into one EPIC knife. This is so awesome! I actually bought a Becker necker last fall before a camping trip, and I love it! But, admittedly the handle ergonomics aren’t great, even for my small hands. I’ve been wanting to try the micarta scales for it, but have a hard time getting over the fact that they cost as much as the knife itself. The big differentiator for the Izula was always that the handle was so much more comfortable, but the Becker has a slightly thicker/better blade. This is totally the best of both worlds!
The current price on Amazon is like $55, but as soon as this comes back down to $35ish, I’ll be picking one up!
Btw, another awesome small fixed blade, though not a necker, that I recently got my hands on was the CRKT Stubby Razel. It’s based off of a $300 Graham knife, but built more affordably by CRKT, featuring a chisel-shaped double edged blade. Very comfortable to hold, now I’m just trying to figure out what to use it for!
Dave says
Esee warranty is better than anything Karbar offers…Check it out on ESEE.com
Dave Smith says
For a long time I considered myself an ESEE/RAT fanboy. I bought a RC4 and RC6 many years ago. More recently I purchased an ESEE3. All performed wonderfully. Tough and scary sharp with ESEE’s famous no questions asked guarantee.
Recently I purchased an Izula. After only cutting a few feather sticks the knife dulls quickly. Also my buddy purchased a new ESEE4 that seems to have similar edge retention problems. I ended up selling the Izula and getting a BK14. The Bk14 holds a decent edge and am very pleased with it.
Yes I could have sent the Izula back, but what good would that do if I ended up with another knife with a bad batch of steel or heat treatment. I absolutely love my earlier ESEE knives. But I doubt I will buy any more of their knives until I am confident of their quality again.
YMMV