EKA H8 vs ESEE Izula II: small comparison

M

martineden

Joined
Jun 26, 2007
Messages
621
Hi all,
today a brief comparison between two compact fixed blades, the ESEE Izula II and the EKA H8. I will post just my impressions of use, nothing scientific; I’ll give a score to the knives just to quantify my impressions.



Let’s start whit the EKA H8

The knife is razor sharp

Now, making a stick-point and a notch



Score:
Cutting efficiency: 8,5/10
Handle comfort: 8,0/10

Now, the Izula II

the knife is razor sharp

Now, making a stick-point and a notch



Score:
Cutting efficiency: 8,5/10
Handle comfort: 8,5/10


Final score:
EKA H8: 16,5/20
ESEE Izula II: 17,0/20


The cutting efficiency is a tie, no doubt on this. Both the blades are fairly good cutters, not the best I have tried, but fairly good, one could be enough satisfied. Now, few notes about the handles

As you may see, the handle of the Izula II is thinner and also smaller of the handle of the H8


but for some reason, the Izula handle is more comfortable than the H8 handle, and this is against the previous thoughts I had before the trials.

As a note, the Izula is really compact, it can stay also in the front pocket of my bag

the H8 is compact too, but not as the Izula, it can’t stay on the front pocket, just in the main pocket of my bag


Conclusions: my comparison lacks, I just made few works on woods, so again these are just my impressions about the two knives. Against this, I used many knives on these years, so I consider myself good enough to made a fair evaluation

Both these knives are good knives. I like the compactness of both, the good level of fit and finish, the cutting efficiency. What surprise me is the handle comfort of the Izula: as I say again, the handle of the Izula is more comfortable than the H8 handle, and I may work the woods whit the Izula more efficiently. This is weird some way, as I have very big hands.
In brief, I could take both the H8 and the Izula for hiking, but if I had to choose, my final choose is for the Izula, as per the nice cutting efficiency + the handle comfort + the compactness.

Ciao,
Alfredo
 
Great comparison! I love my Izula II, and I agree; the handle does not look comfortable or ergonomic, but it really is. It's a great combination of minimalism and functionality. Another advantage with the Izula II handles is that if you don't like them, or want an even more minimal carry, you can just take out the bolts and remove the handle scales altogether.

The choil on the Izula is also a great feature; it's saved my fingers from slipping onto the blade a few times.
 
Initially I thought the handle on my H8 was a bit awkward too, but after using it for a while this is now one of my favorite small knives - really grew on me. The proportions are about as stout as you can build into a small knife and still have it cut well and be light weight. The Sandvik is one of my favorites for a stainless knife - holds onto an edge for a long time. I cut the sheath down enough to add an IWB strap and its one of my most carried knives. Am considering buying a second H8 just to have a spare.

HH
 
Thanks for the comparison Alfredo. I have an Izula II I've had for about a year or so and have never any major complaints about it. It does handle and cut well enough for a small knife. Great pocket fixed blade for a production knife. Rowen does a really good job on their heat treat. I would have thought going by looks alone that the H8 handle would have been more comfortable though. But the tip of the blade of the H8 looks to be even less pointy than the Izula II so it really doesn't appeal to me because of that. The Izulla II really isn't as pointy as I would like, but I manage with it, I just make sure to also have a small folder with a very pointy blade when I carry the I-2.
 
Thank you for your thoughts. I also would have thought the handle on the EKA would have been more comfortable. Just goes to show you can't always tell by a photo.
 
Thanks for the comparison. I like EKA in general and find their offerings to be pretty interesting. I've got a couple of their folders, and am very satisfied with the blade steel (12C27 Sandvik). I also own one in 1095, but have yet to use it. The fixed blade you featured looks interesting to say the least.
 
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