Best Backpacking Knife

The knife has been my constant companion since it arrived. It is light, comfortable, and constantly useful (opening packages, breaking down cardboard, cutting down weeds, slicing irrigation flex-pipe, etc.). It is big enough to handle the most serious tasks without being overly bulky or causing concern to none-knife-people. The continuous belly and full-flat grind make it a capable slicer. The slight drop-point at the very end of the blade strengthens the tip considerably. VG-10 steel is a delicate balance between durability and easy sharpening. The giant Spydie hole makes for easy opening (though the edges are sharp). And the lock-back mechanism appears to be the strongest of the Spyderco lineup, according to controlled tests viewable on YouTube.

Some have complained about the lack of a finger choil, but you can still choke up on the blade without cutting yourself. The Zome handles (on *my* knife, at least) are a bit "murky" - essentially a muddy black-and-green camouflage that would be difficult to see if dropped in the woods. The pocket-clip is only painted, not parkerized, and wearing quickly. I'd also prefer a deeper carry to protect against getting snagged and pulled out when walking through brush. But I have to say, the knife is very easy on the hand, so this is just nitpicking.

1/2 inch extra of the handle on the izula 2 makes it much more comfortable to use than the BK 14 and 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 paracord warped handles don't cut it for large hands. 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. The Izula 2 w/ handle scales is less than the BK 14 without handle scales. 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. 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. 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. The spine of the blade of the Izula 2 has more of a downward curve, and IMHO 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 its 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 Rowen's heat treatment all ESEE knives have. The BK14 is 1095 chromium-vanadium steel with a not quite as good as Rowen's 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, you can realize that the steel of the Izula 2 better because it is sharper than the BK14 steel. ESSE has the best warranty in the knife business, and unconditionally, if you break it, you get a new one warranty. Kabar BK has a good warranty but not unconditional.

The Honeybee folded is the same length as a house key, and the width is that of about one, and a half keys pressed together. Let's just say it has enough thickness to get a decent grip on it. Where the functionality comes into play is Spyderco's signature Round Hole that they fashion into virtually all of their knives. In my experience with buying an array of folding knives in general, most folding knives of this size or that wield a similar blade length use traditional nail nicks in order to get the blade out. With the round hole, you're able to squeeze the back-side of the blade with the soles of your thumb and index finger, and pull the blade out. It almost makes you respect the blade of your folding knife more. And rightfully so. The blade sharpness on this thing is razor sharp and is NTBFW as it was able to sharp my arm hairs with ease. Damn thing might as well be a surgical scalpel.

In summary, if you're looking for a folding knife to attach to your keys that are unobtrusive, functional, and exceptionally sharp, then this is the knife for you.

This cut incorporates a honed edge with no serrations or teeth now and then alluded to as a smooth edge. The strong stainless steel handle is amazingly solid and gives a fabulous surface for etching. Steel containing a least of 12.5% chromium, making the steel safe (not recolor verification) to erosion. 

The blades are fairly thin, and the Virobloc blade-locking ring (patented in 1955) is brilliant in its simplicity and effectiveness. No high-tech, futuristic, open-assist, pocket clipping, combo straight/serrated-edge, seat belt-cutting notch, "tactical" blade here, just a piece of fascinating history that anyone can afford, or afford to give as a gift to someone who will appreciate such nostalgic, yet practical things.

One important note, a lot of Opinel owners who are blade-savvy seem to prefer the carbon steel version of these knives because they hold a better edge, and they're even less expensive. Still, the trade-off is that carbon will rust and thus requires more vigilance and regular maintenance. (A light oiling)

For a knife design that hasn't changed much since the late 1800's, it turns out there are more than a few folks who collect and love Opinels. This is my first Opinel knife, a ubiquitous No. 8 (a roughly 8 centimeter -- meaning three and a quarter inch blade and the most popular size), and now that I have this one, it's pretty clear. It's very humid this time of year, and the wood handle was swollen from the moisture.

The build quality on this is pretty high for something that ultimately came out of China. The steel is good quality for what it is, and the knife is quite well designed. The blade comes sharp with a nice grind on it, ready for use right out of the box. It also comes with a beautiful little cloth carry bag that keeps it from getting too beaten up in your pocket. It also has a removable belt clip if the hip-side is more your speed. Finally, the matte finish on the blade makes this knife quite attractive overall.

Now the amazing part the Juniper handle smells fantastic. It looks great, and it works well as an everyday knife. However, because it lacks girth in the handle, to maintain its minimalism, it is difficult to chop or dice things with. There is not enough surface area for your palm to press down firmly. You can get away with chopping veggies for camping, but if your primary use is more rigorous than you might want to consider a more ergonomic handle design. Blades sharp too!