Izula 2 vs HEST for EDC

M

mdsmith

Joined
Jan 7, 2009
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Hey guys, I was hoping for some advice from those who have handles both the HEST and Izula 2. I have always carried folders for EDC, but was considering giving a fixed blade a shot. This knife will strictly be for daily task such as opening boxes and light food prep (ie peeling fruit, ect.). It would not need to be used for hiking, fishing, ect. as I have other knives for these situation. Concealibility(sp?) would be a concern, as I don't want to advertise that I'm carrying a knife. Comfort both in the sheath and in the hand would take top priority Any opinions?
 
The HEST has a 3/16" thick blade, and the pry bar is a pro and a con.
The Izula II is a better all round user friendly knife. The thinner blade would be better for food, the rounded pommel would be more comfortable in pocket, or as a neck knife.
The HEST has it's fans, but I find that I don't carry mine.
 
I like my HEST as a neck knife or as a horizontal cross draw on my belt. Those are the only two ways I've found it comfortable to wear, especially as it pertains to the pry bar. I do not yet own an izula but I would assume it would be a more comfortable EDC knife.
 
Thanks guy. I would like to be able to put it in my pocket. I dont want to be at the post office ,and have to draw a knife that I'm wearing scout style, to cut some tape.
I think that might get me a few dirty looks. :)
 
lol I have drawn out a ESEE3 at the post office and opened & broke down boxes there ....
I'd go for the Izula or Izula II
 
I have both a HEST and Izula (not a II).

I love both, but just don't carry the HEST too much - the Izula, however, disappears until needed.

The HEST, to me, feels much more substantial than it should - not heavy, just has a "presence" that is hard to describe. The Izula is like a ninja - don't really notice that it is there, it does its business, then goes away again.
 
Have you looked into MD laws regarding the concealed carry of a fixed blade knife?
 
Hi, I have the izula, the izula2 and the hest. For carrying in a pocket unnoticed my vote would go to the izua with a paracord wrap. Its much flatter and thinner and would show less, as well as being slightly shorter than the izula2. the hest is just a bit big for pocket carry and does better on a belt for me.

enjoy
cricket
 
_DZ_ said:
Have you looked into MD laws regarding the concealed carry of a fixed blade knife?
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That's an excellent question. I have done some research, and the knife laws here aren't very clearly defined. There is no actual mention of fixed blades. It does say that "pen knives" are legal, locking or not. It also gives no size limits. I'm thinking that I would probably be o.k given the small size, and non threatening looks of the Izula. Now the HEST, at least to me, has a more agressive loook to it, which might cause someone to question my reasoning for carrying it.
 
My read of it says that fixed blades, concealed are a no:
http://knife-expert.com/md.txt

Also, the carry of any knife with intent to kill or injury is a no. Thankfully cardboard boxes are exclude - maim all you like.

Commmmmmmon ESEE folder! :P
 
_DZ_ said:
My read of it says that fixed blades, concealed are a no:
http://knife-expert.com/md.txt

Also, the carry of any knife with intent to kill or injury is a no. Thankfully cardboard boxes are exclude - maim all you like.

Commmmmmmon ESEE folder! :P
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Yeah, I guess you're right. It could fall into the dirk or bowie category. So, if I carry it openly, I'm good as long as my intent isn't to hurt someone? That's what it sounds like. As for the ESEE folders, they look awesome, but being a lefty, the framelock doesn't really work for me.

Come on non framelock ESEE folder !!!!!!!!
 
Don't carry a fixed blade in MD concealed or not unless you have a very good reason to do so... Also, I would take the Izzy II over the HEST as the pry bar seems, to me, to be an accident waiting to happen...
 
The prybar on the HEST makes a pocket carry, for me, a no-go. Unless you have deep, baggy pockets they butt-end sticks out and likes to gouge chairs, seats and couches. Great knife, but more apropos as a tool w/ which to survive in a hostile environment, than as EDC.

I don't have an Izzy II, but my "regular" Izzy stays contentedly tucked in my back pocket w/ my wallet until needed. I might add that I've never EDC'd a knife before my Izzy showed up a couple months ago. Now I feel like I'm missing my right arm if it's not there when I reach for it.
 
I Sam said:
The prybar on the HEST makes a pocket carry, for me, a no-go. Unless you have deep, baggy pockets they butt-end sticks out and likes to gouge chairs, seats and couches. Great knife, but more apropos as a tool w/ which to survive in a hostile environment, than as EDC.

I don't have an Izzy II, but my "regular" Izzy stays contentedly tucked in my back pocket w/ my wallet until needed. I might add that I've never EDC'd a knife before my Izzy showed up a couple months ago. Now I feel like I'm missing my right arm if it's not there when I reach for it.
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I EDC an Izula II, both with and without the clip. I carry it in my front pocket.

Without the clip, it is barely noticeable......if it even is.

If I clip it inside the pocket, metal clip on the outside, the handle sticks up a bit and 'profiles' but not too bad.

If you cannot conceal a fixed blade in your state don't chance it - if it is found on you you'll catch a Carrying a Concealed Weapon charge.

If you were to get the Izula II, though, and use the clip to clip to your belt at 2 or 3 o'clock with the sheath exposed and a shirt tucked underneath it it would not be concealed.....however you will get more attention and if a LEO sees you he will hassle you, if not arrest you for CCW if he wants to be a jerk.

edit: The HEST is cool.....I really, really like it.....except for the prybar. I am going to grind it down/off. I found it to get stuck on whatever I was wearing when I had it in any type of pocket and was scared it would rip through my inner jacket pocket. It's an awesome knife, minus the prybar and the bottle opener is a little gimmicky - if I saw someone open a beer bottle with their knife it would be clear to me they were trying to 'look cool' or 'show off' and I do not like to do that with knives or guns.
 
Im in Md too and I carry a fixed blade all the time, but I also try not to do attention drawing things for the badge wearers. I love that in Md an Izula is a dangerous weapon of death and destruction, but a Rajah II is just a pocket knife...whatever politicians :D
 
Maybe it's just the fact that both my izula and hest are only a few weeks old but I carry both of them! Haha I know how dumb right! But I have my izula as a neck knife under my shirt and the hest on the front left of my belt. Both outta the way easy to get to.



But that's just me, two is one, one is none.
 
SocalSurvivalistX said:
Maybe it's just the fact that both my izula and hest are only a few weeks old but I carry both of them! Haha I know how dumb right!
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No dumber than me carrying my Izzy in back R. pocket, -3mil in back L. pocket, and as often as not my -4 somewhere or other. :p Not all the time, but... well, yeah, usually.
 
I attached my Izula II in a horizontal carry position on my belt with the paracord that came with my 4 and went for a walk through our blizzard aftermath and it was so light and unobtrusive I forgot I was wearing it. I don't think I could say the same for my HEST.
 
I have the Izula, and had the HEST. Key being had the HEST. For me, the knife was a bit different. I won't go into the 10 things I hate about the HEST. Just never could get used to it, so it was sold to fund other knives. Like the wife units pink Izula. I still EDC the Izzy I and love it. The 550 cord wrapped handle set up is the easiest way to conceal it (like Dave said). For a small fixed, it has plenty of beef cake.
 
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