Looking for a smaller fixed blade camping knife, and I've narrowed it down to the Izula II and the RAT-3. They are both about the same price, so that really isn't a factor. I would love to hear thoughts from those who have owned either or both of these knives. Thanks!
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Esee Izula II vs Onterio Rat-3
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I own the Izula II and it's a perfect size for my bigger hand. I haven't held the Rat 3, but I would imagine both knives will do the job just fine. I will warn though, that the Izula II isn't super "slicey". It's actually fairly thick behind the edge for such a small blade. I don't mind it, because I'm not using it for tiny or precision slicing, but figured you'd want to know.
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I have the Izula (Blade is same as Izula II, but slightly shorter handle). I would agree that if you are wanting to slice, it isn't necessarily the best blade, but I do like it for what it is. It is durable and for me the perfect size. I have no experience with the Rat-3, but I do like my Izula.
haven't ever used a rat-3. I like my izula a lot, though it wouldn't be my first choice for a camping knife. It's great as an edc or attaching to a pack when hiking. I would go with the rat-3 based on the longer blade length for general camping. I would also suggest a becker bk14. Cheaper than either of your two current choices but is an excellent knife. Longer blade than the izula but with the same handle. It would be my choice for a camp knife with sub 4 inch blade.
I would always vote for the knife that has a real handle - the Rat-3, in this case.
I'd take a look at an Enzo Trapper in this size range. Better steel and a more useful design overall. The complete kits save a lot of money.
The same might be said of the Becker BK-16. But the sheaths and handle aren't as nice as the Rat.
I'd take a look at an Enzo Trapper in this size range. Better steel and a more useful design overall. The complete kits save a lot of money.
The same might be said of the Becker BK-16. But the sheaths and handle aren't as nice as the Rat.
I've had an Izula II for years. As mentioned above, it is a great little fixed blade. I have large hands and still find the grip comfortable, it takes a reasonable edge, it is very durable, and rides just right with the tek-lok. I also agree that the blade geometry dictates that it is a poor slicer - not a tomato slicer anyway.
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I actually had both knives for years and the Izula was one of my camp chore knives which it was good at but like everyone else said, not a slicer. Not trying to get to far off track but I recently sold my Izula because it was not very good at food prep and I picked up a small BHK woodsman and I couldn't be happier with a little thinner blade profile, carbon steel that takes a crazy edge easily, used on here around $100. The BHK outperforms both the RAT-3 or Izula I owned, but I would pick Izula if those 2 are your only options.
I already own an Enzo Trapper in 01.
Just have the itch for a smaller fixed blade knife. It is a sickness after all. Lol.
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The Izula 2 does have a real handle. Full grip for me.
Not sure why people are saying the Izzy is a bad slicer but then I removed the coating on mine and sanded the sides of the blade a bit so maybe mine is thinner then most? IMO it's just fine for food prep. The only draw back is blade length. For picnics it's great.
These two knives are apples and oranges really. The 3 is a full size belt knife whereas the Izzy 2 is a full size neck knife. The Izzy is easier to carry but the 3 will be a bit easier to use. I like the 3 a lot and it's really ideal for a lot of things I use a knife for except for one major issue, the choil. IMO choils have no business on knives this small. When I point a stick I use the reverse grip, chest lever maneuver. I found that either the knife worked with the choil and no guard or guard and no choil. Not both. If you choke up to have the edge close to your hand you have to wrap your hand around the guard which is uncomfortable. When you hold on the handle behind the guard, the edge is too far from your hand to get good leverage. I've owned the 3, 4, Izzy, and Izzy 2. The Izzy 2 is the only one I kept and I still use it over higher end knives like the Survive GSO 3.5 which I think I'm going to let go as well.
I already own an Enzo Trapper in 01.
Just have the itch for a smaller fixed blade knife. It is a sickness after all. Lol.
Then you might want to look at something that is actually smaller. Here's a Trapper with a Rat 3:
Personally, after using the little BK11 and BK24, I find the thick edged US knives like the Izula to be a pain compared to stuff like the Enzo or Moras. I'm going to sell my Beckers.
Have you considered the Enzo Necker?
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Then you might want to look at something that is actually smaller. Here's a Trapper with a Rat 3:
Personally, after using the little BK11 and BK24, I find the thick edged US knives like the Izula to be a pain compared to stuff like the Enzo or Moras. I'm going to sell my Beckers.
Have you considered the Enzo Necker?
Both the Izula II and Ontario Rat 3 are smaller than the Enzo Trapper. That would be why he was considering them, because they're "actually smaller".
The Rat 3 is taller, thicker and heavier than the Trapper. The only dimensions that are actually smaller is total length, where they are .45" different, and 1/8" of edge. What do you consider "actually smaller"? Is length the only dimension that matters?
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Ah, I see. Your belief appears to be that YOUR interpretation is what matters.
And there's nothing wrong with "US made blades", thank you. They're only a pain if your primary cutting tasks consist of slicing tomatoes up thin enough to read through. For pretty much everything else, the Izula and the Rat 3 won't only be adequate, they'll be great.
I mean, a Mora? I love them, and have several, but if I wanted a strong little knife, a small plastic handled stick tang Mora would be the last thing I'd take over either of the knives the OP is asking about.
This comment from you leads me to believe in fact, that you haven't ever held an Izula II. The handle is of similar dimensions to the RAT 3.
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Did you just say that? This isn't W&C so I will just let it breath....
:thumbup:
If the OP does want a smaller blade than the small blade he already has it would make sense to get a smaller blade. And while I don't have the II, the Izula I do have is a great small knife.
I'm sorry, but is it clear enough that I was comparing the only the Rat 3 to the Enzo Trapper? I'm not sure why I'm the one who is being argumentative suggesting that they are pretty nearly the same size. Aren't the people arguing that it isn't similar the ones being argumentative?
The Izula II has a long enough handle, but it is narrower and ends halfway up your index finger.
For doing woodsy stuff, like carving, I don't much care for the thicker blades of some of these knives, and I don't like doing much of that sort of thing with the Izula's handle shape.
As far as Mora's go, I'm not sure what blade heft has to do with small knives like these. None of them are choppers. Moras batton fine. I think these discussions are a little strange - what are you guys doing with a sub-4" blade that makes thickness matter? You would think cutting matters, more.
If the blade is actually long enough to chop, then I understand why heavy construction makes sense.
The Izula II has a long enough handle, but it is narrower and ends halfway up your index finger.
For doing woodsy stuff, like carving, I don't much care for the thicker blades of some of these knives, and I don't like doing much of that sort of thing with the Izula's handle shape.
As far as Mora's go, I'm not sure what blade heft has to do with small knives like these. None of them are choppers. Moras batton fine. I think these discussions are a little strange - what are you guys doing with a sub-4" blade that makes thickness matter? You would think cutting matters, more.
If the blade is actually long enough to chop, then I understand why heavy construction makes sense.
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I'm sorry, but is it clear enough that I was comparing the only the Rat 3 to the Enzo Trapper? I'm not sure why I'm the one who is being argumentative suggesting that they are pretty nearly the same size. Aren't the people arguing that it isn't similar the ones being argumentative?
The Izula II has a long enough handle, but it is narrower and ends halfway up your index finger.
For doing woodsy stuff, like carving, I don't much care for the thicker blades of some of these knives, and I don't like doing much of that sort of thing with the Izula's handle shape.
As far as Mora's go, I'm not sure what blade heft has to do with small knives like these. None of them are choppers. Moras batton fine. I think these discussions are a little strange - what are you guys doing with a sub-4" blade that makes thickness matter? You would think cutting matters, more.
If the blade is actually long enough to chop, then I understand why heavy construction makes sense.
The OP expressed interest in two knives and asked for personal impressions of those knives. Seems to me that taken at face value, he's interested in those two knives.
The Izula II and the Rat 3 both cut just fine. As I said in my initial post, the Izula II (which has a handle that's just fine for my hands, and I wear an XL glove) is a great knife, it just isn't a super fine slicer. I have actually whittled with mine, and it works great. So, your comments continue to lead me to believe that you have experience with neither. Not trying to be a jerk here, but come on. Cutting DOES matter (which is why we're discussing knives, after all). Both of the knives the OP asked about will cut almost everything he'd want to cut just fine.
I've owned an Izula II, a BK11 and BK24, all of which cut about about the same for me. I'm not sure why your experience is more valid than mine - the fact that you like the way they cut could equally lead me to believe you are the one lying.
Specific to the OP's question, I addressed what I thought was a big difference in the Izula and Rat handles in actual use, which you again seem to know so much more than I possibly could about.
So ya, "come on".
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