ESEE Izula vs other

G

GGD

Joined
Sep 20, 2014
Messages
25
I am looking for an outdoor knife, around 2 3/4 inches long and no more than about $50. I am currently decided on the ESEE Izula, but am wondering if it is any good if you do not get the nicer handle.
 
I got my gf the g10 handles from knifeworks when I got her izula. I think they were $10 and are just as comfee as the handle on my izula 2. Id almost trade my izzy 2 for a 1 with the g10
 
Get the Izula II, or the ESEE 3. Personally I like something thinner, but I have the Izula, the Izula II, the BK11 and the BK14. The Izula II feels the best. It has the largest grip and the best dexterity of all the above contenders. I had all of them sent to FortyTwoBlades and had the edges thinned for a small fee per knife. Now they perform incredibly well.
 
The BK-11 and 14 are the real options for you. TOPS might have one or two if you want to wade through all of their other stuff.

The aftermarket handles are nice but can limit your carrying and sheathing options if you're trying to stay minimal. I paracord or leather wrap most of my skel knives. Try that.
 
I've been happy with Anza for a small outdoors knife. Granted, I haven't put them through hard use yet, but they do seem to hold an edge.
 
I had an Izula, but the handle was too small. I went with an Izula II and love it. Even in my rather large hands I get great control and have a high level of comfort. It is my favorite small knife.
 
You can wrap the Izula or the BK-14 with paracord. But I find the handles much better. I wouldn't use one of these knives much without a handle.
 
Izula wrapped in paracord then on a lanyard around my neck. I'm not at all tempted to put handles on it or get the II. Or look for something else.
 
When it comes to the issue of paracord verses handle scales, I think some of it depends on how you're going to use the knife. If you're just going to use it for general utility tasks while hiking or camping, then a paracord wrap will probably be sufficient. Paracord will also keep the knife nice and light in the event that you want to carry it around your neck. However, if you plan to use the knife for bushcraft tasks that involve a lot of carving, then I recommend the handle scales for increased cutting power, control and comfort.

As for the Izula verses the Izula II, it really depends on your hand size. I wear a size XL glove, so I went with the Izula II and absolutely love it. You may be just fine with the original Izula though.
 
Decisions decisions. I hope a decision is made rather than reading a similar thread a week from now. I am not a big fan of the paracord wraps. They get dirty and you can't really clean it, plus the optional scales/handles provide more protection. But the paracord wraps are cheap. ESEE 3.... good knife. :D

I have the BK-14 and BK-24. The BK-14 is still original and unused. Like the BK-24 with handles. If I have any complaint about both of these knives is the blade thickness (would prefer kydex rather than plastic sheath too). They aren't big knives and a thinner bar stock might cut better or at least cut stuff that you are more likely to cut with a 3" neck knife.

Added: I'd take the BK-16 or BK-17 over all of them, but the neck knives are fun.
 
Last edited:
I actually prefer the izula 1 paracord wrapped to the micarta handle that doesn't cover the hole. I guess a full size handle like the g-10 one, or the izula 2 type are something else, but when i tried an izula with a regular handle on it, although it looks good, i wasn't a fan of the actual grip.
It's a weird grip, at least for me, and i find the candiru is more comfortable with handles than the izula, which i enjoy using, but as i said, wrapped in paracord.
That said, if i want a good grip for more tough jobs, or prolonged use, i'd take a fixed Hest or an F1.
 
With the cord-wrap, the knife performs as well as you would expect for such a small package:

 
I was going to buy handle scales for my Izula, but the cord wrapping feels just great. So I left it on and gave it a few coats of varnish to make it waterproof.
 
Make your own scales:

Izula_Walnut_00.JPG
 
Cord wrap is an improvement over the bare handle, but the stock micarta scales on the Izula II are *much* more comfortable for any appreciable amount of use. I'd highly recommend that. I like the Izula II a lot.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top