Izula as main survival knife?

freq18hz

freq18hz

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Mar 4, 2010
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So I recently had a thread or two on picking a survival knife. I was debating between the F1, ESEE-3 and the Izula.

Well I ended up buying the Izula, and while its small, I am very happy with it. I have since kicked my two griptilians out of my hiking pack. So now all I have is my swiss army, a CRKT Ritter MK5 in my pocket survival kit, and the Izula.


Question is, do you think the Izula is tough enough to act as a main knife for emergencies?

-Freq
 
I don't think its toughness is the issue - the size is.

I'd imagine a larger blade would be immensely more helpful for processing wood.
 
I agree with the above. The Izula is a great knife, and damn near indestructible, but in a true survival situation, I'd opt for something with a little more firepower(in this case size) given the choice.
 
While the Izula is a great little blade and an excelent addition to the kit as a small knife for finer tasks. It is far from adequate as a main survival blade.

The main blade for survival purposes must be capable of heavy uses such as the proccessing of wood for shelters, and fire, building multiple parts for traps. Cutting poles for shelter or possibly litters. Plus cutting a slew of cordage materials as well as proccessing game etc.

The Izula may well serve your needs in civilized backpacking but survival concerns require that you think of how the gear will help you meet your needs if separated from all or most of your gear.
 
Pair it with a hatchet, machete, or large fixed blade (whichever best suits your location) and you are set for just about any task, but as a primary survival blade it is somewhat undersized as others have mentioned.
 
do you think it depends on where you are surviving? like would some environments have enough downed wood, and such that you wouldn't need to baton it?
 
As a main survival knife? Yes I think it would be fine.... As long as you carry a good survival axe along as well :)
 
If the izula is the biggest knife that you will actually carry 24/7 than it is the perfect survival knife for you
 
I read an article in Blade a while back about how Tom Brown teaches his "real life" emergency class. (Yes, the guy that designed the Tracker knife) He sends everyone off into the woods with whatever they happen to have in their pockets. Although, everyone must have a knife. He teaches everyone to set up shelters, start fires, do everything you need to do. Most everyone brings a small folding knife. He teaches them how to baton through wood and do many other things with a small knife.
I'd say if you're TRAINED, a small knife might be enough for you. Otherwise, I'd get something bigger.
Personally, I'd suggest a saw before an axe for emergency situations.
I have a folding Opinel saw that I try to keep with me most of the time, and it works great. Another good option is the survival saw that looks like a chainsaw blade. It's best feature is that it's very compact, yet very effective.
 
The Izula should be able to do alot if one has the skills.

If want to call it your "Main Survival Knife" I would say that means it's on your person at ALL times . It meets that criteria.
 
What would you recommend instead then? I'm really trying to keep my pack weight down.

-Freq
 
An Izula and a light folding saw would handle all your needs. Check out the youtube video of the Bark River bravo necker that demonstrates end battoning. He takes down roughly a 6" caliper tree.
 
hoopster said:
An Izula and a light folding saw would handle all your needs. Check out the youtube video of the Bark River bravo necker that demonstrates end battoning. He takes down roughly a 6" caliper tree.
Click to expand...

Cant seem to find that vid, got a URL?

-Freq
 
Depending on where you hike, you may not even need to process wood. It really depends on where you live. A good survival knife is great and all and we can debate on whats best till the sun comes down. In any case, if you dont have the skills and the knowhow of the area your hiking in, your just as good off without the knife.

For example, processing wood is all fine and dandy but pretty useless if you dont know how to start a fire without paper and matches. WHat will you do if your arm is broken? What do you do since your knife is in your bag, and you dropped your bag when you ran from the couger that ate your wife and your now lost in the woods?

Answers? Learn how to start fires in many different situations. The answer for question two...ill leave that one up to you :)
 
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