Eskabar

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AStone

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This is about Kabar's BK-14 'Eskabar',
a steel collaboration between
Becker, ESEE and Kabar.

I've been researching this bare tang :eek: blade for days
while seeking a small (< 3.5") fixed-blade EDC for city and camp.

Hso sent me a link to a large selection of neck knives.

This one wound up in a selection of 5,
but rose to the top over 24 hours.

I've read reviews and watched videos 'til I'm saturated.

It's a chimera of a Becker Necker blade
and the handle of an ESEE Izula,
the best of two worlds in 1095.

Summary: I want one.

Reportedly a good blade, fine handle, paracord wrap = easy,
two sets of scales available (Kabar fit; ESEE Izula works with min adjustments)
stock sheath needs work; order a custom. Makers abound, including on THR.

Links and pics to come.

What say you?

Nem
 
It's a good little blade, and a great knife for a service member.

It's a little too solid/sturdy for neck carry, IMO.
 
Nem,
Take a look at the BK-11. I have one with micarta scales. Think I paid $34 for the knife and $27 for the scales. Very similar to the Eskabar.
The scales fit with no adjustment. I know I am behind on pictures. Travelled all day yesterday and got home around 8:00. My IT Director was in no mood for pictures as she accompanied me and was road weary.

Jim

Edit to add: Beker-11 aka Becker Necker
 
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I picked up five Eskabars at the Blade show that were on sale as cosmetic seconds (the finishes would have been marred the first use as much as the "defects" I've been able to find). They also had polymer composite scales available in sets of orange and black so I picked up a set of those for each Eskabar. I got a great deal on the knives and scales, if you don't count the cost of the trip and the other things I spent money on I didn't need at Blade.:eek:

I'm not a fan of cord wrapping for knives. Lack of stability, collecting "gunk", unraveling at the least desirable times are all problems that can occur with wrapped grips.

I like the Eskabar, although I like the Becker Necker as well if not better. I like KaBar's quality. I like them even more for their new lines since they took on Ethan's designs (they took off on offering more maker designs after Dozier and Becker). I'm a fan without being a fanboy about it.
 
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I've had my hands on them a few times and they're pretty cool. I doubt you'd be unhappy with one!
 
Just logging on for first time today.
Great to read your views, opinions and advice.
Muchas gracias x 2.

Will reflect some on all this and offer some updated thoughts later,
but after this coffee and raspberry turnover have the appropriate effect on my cerebral cortex.
 
"...I like the Becker Necker as well if not better."

Tell us why, hso.

I have two esKabars, one of which is wrapped. Too new to have been carried and used but that will change shortly.
 
So, a Friday early evening update.

I'm still more fond of the BK-14 than the BK-11, Jim. I just don't need a bottle opener or wire cutter on the back of my EDC (my SOG multi-tool is just a bit deeper in the pack for the rare times I'd need those functions).

Hso, good points re paracord wraps - grunge, coming unraveled, etc. I'd still like to try it once, just for grins, and to see what if feels like first hand in my hand, but will probably get some scales for it. I like the ESEE Izula scales for the Eskabar. I'm reading that they'll fit with a slight mod, and like the open "ring" on the back of the handle for use with RG.

I'm in a busy period with a trip scheduled for tomorrow,
but will eventually post some links to reviews
- written and video - to this thread for completeness.

That's it for now. Keep those cards and letters coming in.
 
PS: I forgot to address John's comment in my Friday evening update.

It's a little too solid/sturdy for neck carry, IMO.
Click to expand...

I agree.

It's a belt-carried blade, for sure.

Even the stock sheath is way too big for neck,
as more than one reviewer pointed out.

And a far better belt sheath can be made by skilled makers.
 
I like it, Nem. I would definitely get/make some scales though. Not a fan of paracord or "butt nekkid" tangs (man that just sounds like it would give Art's grammaw a coronary, but you know what I mean). Good looking knife.

Jason
 
The Eskabar can work for pocket carry...if you have deep pockets, and one you can dedicate to JUST the knife.
 
John,
Whether I have on jeans or cargo shorts, I carry the BK-11 and a Benchmade 9100 in my right pocket. The Neckker is flat enough to do that without printing.
On the other hand when I go to the office and have on thinner material wool pants, I only carry the Neckker.

Jim
 
Good to see you here, Jason. Knives and archery go together well. ;)

Question about pocket carry of something like this: how can one deploy it quickly from a pocket? With belt carry (or neck), the sheath is stationary (relatively) so the blade comes out quickly. But I'm assuming not with pocket carry, right?

Do you have to draw the whole then, then hold the sheath to draw the blade?

That seems to defeat the purpose. That's no faster than a folder.

Am I missing something?
 
Nem,
May I offer my technique? I grasp the sheath with my left hand as I am drawing the knife out. Sheath stays in the pocket. Is it faster than my EDC auto? Doubt it.
Alternatively have a sheath designed that incorporates the pistol/revolver holster which is designed to grab the sides of the pocket. I have one of these and I have never pulled the revolver and the holster at the same time.

Jim
 
Ah, interesting. Yes, I can see how that could work.
___________

Added by edit after a bit of reflection.

Even though I understand how holding the sheath in place with one hand while drawing with the other could work, I don't think it's a good strategy for SD situations. To much action, too much intention communicated; and besides, the other hand may be tied up, so to speak.

So I think the idea of a sheath that 'sticks' to the inside of a pocket is a better idea.

But I still want to belt carry this knife, Eskabar or what ever I wind up with. I think it'll be easier for EDC use and SD use (hopefully never, but ...), and I like my pockets for other stuff.
 
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When I've done pocket sheaths, I've done them as very minimalist items that attach to a lanyard. The lanyard goes to the belt and just tethers the sheath to the belt. When you draw the knife, the sheath is popped off as the knife comes up, and then hangs there without getting lost as you're doing whatever it is you needed to do.
 
Nem, Completely agree regarding a SD scenario. Also consider that most sheaths with retention devices, even disengaged, take a pretty strong tug. So a tight, thick belt is a wise strategy.

Sam,
So, I am pulling the knife and sheath and the lanyard acts to stop the sheath's movement but not the knife, thereby allowing the knife to be drawn.
I will be trying that. Great idea. Thanks.
On another topic, please direct me to some pictures of your Camp Defender.

Thanks,
Jim
 
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