Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This is a review of the Izula 2 compared to the the Kabar BK 14. I own Both of these knives and will compare these two very similar blades. Both knives are very sturdy, equally capable, light weight knives in this review I will list the advantages of the Izula 2 over the BK14 and the reasons I think the Izula 2 is a better purchase. Handle and length: 1/2 inch extra of handle on the izula 2 makes it much more comfortable to use than the BK 14 and really fit well into my size XL glove hands. The wide micarta handles included with the Izula 2 Help make the Izula 2 a better value as neither knife can be used comfortably without a Handle, even para cord warped handles don't cut it for large hands. Sharpness: The Izula 2 came sharper and is easier to sharpen thank the BK 14. The BK 14 seems to have a less fine grained steel than the Izula 2, I could not get the BK Shaving sharp but with the same tools I can get the Izula 2 sharper than shaving sharp, wicked sharp? As sharp as my Mora can get. The Izulas sharpness is likely due to its Rowens heat treatment ESEE has. Weight: the Izula 2 w/ handle scales is less than the BK 14 without handle scales. Fit and finish: MY BK14 has uneven edge grinding getting worse at the tip and was missing blade coating in several very small spots. The BK14 also was only working sharp when delivered. The Izula 2 shaved hair on my arm when delivered and after using it on a backcountry camping trip as our only knife. Handle scales fit perfectly. Blade coating: The blade coating on the Izula 2 is less abrasive and stays cleaner than the BK14's coating. It seems more durable and was more evenly applied than on the BK14. Sheath: The Izula 2 has a better sheath hands down. It's smaller, has better retention, has no rattle and is much lighter than the BK14 sheath. MY BK14 doesn't snap into the sheath like It did upon purchasing. Blade geometry: The spine of the blade of the Izula 2 has more of a downward curve and IMHO it gives the knife better ergonomics, cutting ability and fine control. While the BK14 has a longer blade IMHO it does not seem any more capable and it's wide blade hindered its ability to do fine wood carving. See images I uploaded comparing the Izula 2 and BK14's blades. Heat treat and steel. The Izula 2 is made from 1095 steel with a Rowens heat treatment all ESEE knives have. The BK14 is 1095 chromium vanadium steel with a not quite as good as Rowens heat treatment. 1095 cro-van steel is better on paper but according to many people heat treatment is more important than steel chemistry at least to a point. After using both practically speaking I like the steel of the Izula 2 better because I can get it sharper than the BK14 steel. Warranty: ESSE has the best warranty in the knife business, a unconditional if you break it you get a new one warranty. Kabar BK has a good warranty but not unconditional. Is the Izula 2 worth the extra $30? I think so. For $30 more than the BK14 you get 1/2" extra handle, better ergonomics, better fit and finish, mythical Rowens heat treat, comfortable micarta handles, a unconditional warranty, a better sheath and more effective blade geometry. I uploaded lots of images so how this helps.