Kabar: BK14 Eskabar

[Guest Razz]

I wanted a new camp knife and I also wanted to try my hand at some para cord knots, wraps etc. I picked up the Eskabar on Amazon for $36 and 100' of OD para cord for $8.95.

[IMG]http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/11/15/ygenaja3.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/11/15/9uva3a2y.jpg[/IMG]

The handle wrap and lanyard used just under 20' of para cord. I chose the wrap and lanyard braid because the whole setup can be unraveled, easily, by undoing three simple knots. This gives me usable para cord, quickly, should the need arise.

[IMG]http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/11/15/ja3a6ame.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/11/15/asa7a5e2.jpg[/IMG]

The factory edge is horrendous. I'll go to work on the blade's edge, later today. I have also found quite a bit of evidence that the plastic sheath that came with the blade actually dulls the knife, rapidly. I've got some kydex sheets on the way, from amazon, that I'll use to fashion a new sheath.

[IMG]http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/11/15/yquhe5u3.jpg[/IMG]


I'll be picking up a folder and a multitool, soon...

Razz

[Oh Shoot]

[quote name='Razz' timestamp='1352990574' post='846048']
....I have also found quite a bit of evidence that the plastic sheath that came with the blade actually dulls the knife, rapidly.
[/quote]

Known issue, but they changed it 6 months ago or more to remedy that.

But you could very well have the original sheath, sometimes the Zon sells older stock.

Surprising it didn't have good edge on it though, not sure I've ever heard that complaint before.

- OS Edited November 15, 2012 by OhShoot

[Capbyrd]

Great choice and good work on the paracord. Although, I highly recommend staying away from Amazon for the cord. I learned the hard way that it isn't all what it seems. I recommend SupplyCaptain for cord. Best selection of colors, great prices and fast shipping.

[Moped]

Good job on the para cord. Personally, I would buy some after market scales though. If you use the knife to gut an animal or to cut up meat, you tend to get fluids and other stuff that will soak into the para cord and then you have an avenue for contamination. I think they look better too and are more comfortable. I'd also look for or purchasing another sheath. OS is correct that they corrected that issue a while back. Hard to believe it was dull. Usually they are very sharp!!!

[Oh Shoot]

[quote name='Moped' timestamp='1353023628' post='846240']
Good job on the para cord. Personally, I would buy some [b]after market scales [/b]though. ... I'd also look for or [b]purchasing another sheath[/b].
[/quote]

KaBar itself has scales for the Eskabar now, comes with both black and orange; they're hard polymer though, not G-10 or micarta. Don't over tighten them, ask me how I know:

[img]http://www.bladehq.com/imgs/fixed-blade-knives/kabar-fixed/ka-bar-becker-series/ka-bar-becker-eskabar-handle-set-bk14hndl.jpg[/img]



and don't quote me, but seems I saw on some forum that KaBar might replace the sheath. I actually have one of the original ones myself, probably ought to look into it, although I picked up Al Welk's excellent kydex pancake model for it.

- OS Edited November 16, 2012 by OhShoot

[Moped]

How do you know OS? Will a set of Izula scales fit on a Eskabar? .I was thinking they had the same handle. But my thinking isn't always right. They even make them that glow in the dark.

Also, SMKW has the Becker Scales for $12.99.

[Guest Razz]

[quote name='OhShoot' timestamp='1353011784' post='846151']

Surprising it didn't have good edge on it though, not sure I've ever heard that complaint before.

- OS
[/quote]
I was pretty shocked about the edge. I did find others who have had the same issue, recently. Luckily, I'm very comfortable putting an edge on a knife.

[quote name='Capbyrd' timestamp='1353011859' post='846152']
Great choice and good work on the paracord. Although, I highly recommend staying away from Amazon for the cord. I learned the hard way that it isn't all what it seems. I recommend SupplyCaptain for cord. Best selection of colors, great prices and fast shipping.
[/quote]
I take it you didn't always get real 7-string? I got lucky with my first order but I'll definitely check out SupplyCaptain.

[quote name='Moped' timestamp='1353023628' post='846240']
Good job on the para cord. Personally, I would buy some after market scales though. If you use the knife to gut an animal or to cut up meat, you tend to get fluids and other stuff that will soak into the para cord and then you have an avenue for contamination. I think they look better too and are more comfortable. I'd also look for or purchasing another sheath. OS is correct that they corrected that issue a while back. Hard to believe it was dull. Usually they are very sharp!!!
[/quote]
Food-prep sanitation is a concern of mine and I figured I'd need to get some scales, eventually. I picked this little neck knife up to practice knots and have a small project to work with while I'm waiting for bigger toys to arrive.

Thanks for the kind words and advise, guys. I think making my own sheath is going to be fun, even if the factory one proves to be less damaging to the blade.

[Capbyrd]

Yep. I got one section that had a shoestring inside.

As for the scales, the izula is a different size. And I'm not positive which way it works but they can be modified to fit each other.

[JKGlock17]

looks nice

[Major Kong]

Great choice and good work on the paracord. Although, I highly recommend staying away from Amazon for the cord. I learned the hard way that it isn't all what it seems. I recommend SupplyCaptain for cord. Best selection of colors, great prices and fast shipping.

Supply Captain is good, I usually use Vermont's Barre Army Navy for my cord. Tons of options and good prices. If you get on their mailing list they send out coupons pretty reguarly too.