Mini review of an Esee Izula II

[Guest Xring04]

Well, after almost a month of using my Izula II, I think I am ready to give a little review.

I wanted a pocket fixed blade to carry everyday. The Izula II looked like the perfect candidate.

The size of this knife and it's sheath fits perfectly in the front pocket of a pair of jeans. It carries well and always seems to be oriented in the correct position. Great.

So the little knife carries well but how does it cut? From the start I felt the edge was a bit on the blunt side, (still very sharp, just the angle of the edge left me wanting a better slicer) so I beveled and polished the edge more to my liking.

Here it is with the carbon Opinel #7 I typically carry as well and you can kind-of see the tune up I gave the factory edge.

Now it cuts and slices like a champ. I have used it from everything from cutting fruit, to cutting a fresh mounting surface for a 3/4 inch thick fiber reinforced mud flap on a dump truck.

The little knife cut it all with ease. So I decided to try something a little more difficult, just for fun I wanted to see if the little Izula could cut down a small tree. While not something most people do with a small knife (The blade is only 2.65 inches and the over all length is 6.75 inches.)I figured since it is touted as a small survival knife, it is conceivable it could be pressed into service to build a small shelter.

After finding a good heavy stick I proceeded to baton down a small tree. Granted it took a bit more time than using an axe or a saw, but it worked and the blade even held a great edge afterward.

All in all I am very impressed with the knife. The 1095 carbon steel takes a great edge and offers a great mix of toughness and edge retention. The scales on the knife are canvas micarta and extremely comfortable. The sheath works great for pocket carry and is very positive in its retention. This has become my favorite edc knife, and I enjoy having a sturdy fixed blade pocket knife way more than I would have imagined.

[MacGyver]

Nice review. I love my HEST and use it all the time. I've been meaning to pick up an Izula II.

I do wish they would have kept the hollowed out handles like on the HEST. That was convenient for a mischmetal rod and a couple of firestraws.

[f3joel]

I love my izula, carry it everyday