esee izula, need help with decision

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macwoodard1000

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Jan 3, 2016
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Looking at purchasing an izula, but I can't decide between the 440c and 1095.. i know 440c is brittle, but I would like to have better edge retention and corrosion resistance that 1095..
With esees heat treating, should I worry about 440c chipping if I ever had to do some light batoning? This would be my edc carry knife, and probably would be used to skin small game every so often..

I know there are threads about 440c and 1095, but I can't find any specific ones about esse izula 440c

Thanks
 
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Not sure if it helps, but I love my izula in 1095. I haven't had any problems with corrosion. Not the knife I would choose to filet fish though. Its a little too short and a little too thick as a filet knife.
 
Fileting fish? This knife has a very short blade, and is thicker than any filet knife that I've seen. are you sure this would be the right tool for the job?

I have an Izula 2, and it is in the EDC rotation. I love that knife dearly, but a filet knife, it certainly isn't.
 
19-3ben said:
Fileting fish? This knife has a very short blade, and is thicker than any filet knife that I've seen. are you sure this would be the right tool for the job?

I have an Izula 2, and it is in the EDC rotation. I love that knife dearly, but a filet knife, it certainly isn't.
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Sorry, I meant as a skinning knife for smaller game hahah I have separate filet knives
 
macwoodard1000 said:
Looking at purchasing an izula, but I can't decide between the 440c and 1095......With esees heat treating, should I worry about 440c chipping if I ever had to do some light batoning? This would be my edc carry knife, and probably would be used to skin small game every so often..
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I can't comment on the 440C but I like the edge retention of 1095 and have never had an issue with corrosion on any knife from ESEE. The Izula makes a great EDC, I have used them on fish(cleaning not filleting) and small game with no noticeable wear to the finish. The ESEE heat treat on 1095 is excellent but I'm not sure how much battoning you will do with a 2 1/2" blade.
 
I seriously doubt you would have any chipping with the 440C. Esee would not have chosen it for a hard use knife if that were the case since they have a lifetime warrantee and it would cost them a lot of money in replacements or repairs. They even make the 4 in 440C and that is meant for batoning. I have a couple of Izulas in 1095 and that is the only reason I do not get a 440C. It is good steel.
 
I don't know how Esee's 440c is but they do not warrant it like their 1095 so that should tell you something. I have a lot of Esee knives and love the way Rowen does 1095. Corrosion has not been an issue even in our humid and wet summers. The coating does very well and a patina that forms (or is forced) protects fairly well. Also just a bit of maintenance goes a long way.
 
DocT said:
I seriously doubt you would have any chipping with the 440C. Esee would not have chosen it for a hard use knife if that were the case since they have a lifetime warrantee and it would cost them a lot of money in replacements or repairs. They even make the 4 in 440C and that is meant for batoning. I have a couple of Izulas in 1095 and that is the only reason I do not get a 440C. It is good steel.
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Their warranty does not apply to the 440c :(
 
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