Izula for Deer?

J

JohnJames

Joined
Mar 16, 2010
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18
I am looking at getting either an Izula, or RC-3. As I live in Canada, and have no dealer nearby, I have seen neither in person.
Has anybody used either of these knives for gutting, skinning, and butchering a deer?
I generally prefer a smaller blade, but is the Izula too small?
...any thoughts
Thanks
 
I have used my RC-3 for processing deer. Works excellent. Great blade profile, thinner blade, grippy handle. The 1095 makes it easy to touch up when you are through. Can't comment on the Izula. I have one for EDC but have not used it for deer. It will work but it would not be my choice as a primary field knife for hunting. RC-3 works just fine.
 
I have all three.. I would say the ESEE 3 or a 4 would be the best bet for deer.. I prefer the 3 over the 4 for skinning as the blade is a tad thinner... the Hest and Izula will do the job but the 3 IMO would be the best
 
The Izula would work ok but if you have it wrapped with paracord you will be in for a world of stink. Blood and guts get in the paracord. RC-3 would be better imho.
 
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I used an Izula to dress a deer in November, worked, but I have bought an RC3 since for future deer hunting.
 
The first time I held and a 3 I said “This knife is the PERFECT knife for field dressing and skinning deer.”

Blade is perfect size, thin enough for delicate work, and razor sharp. Should split rib cages like butta. I say go with the 3.
 
I have used my 3 on everything from squirrel to deer to hog and it has been flawless, however i remember seeing picks of a izzy being used on an elk.....I beleave if you want to edc and dress go with the izula...if it will be a straight field dresser go with the 3....but like most of us it don't matter because you will end up with both...lol...and a 4 and 5 and 6 and junglas and lite machete etc etc etc....see where i am goin with this........Drew
 
Wow...thanks so much for all the speedy replies!!!
Looks like the RC-3 is the way to go!!
But like Drew says....I'll probably end up with both.
 
JohnJames said:
Wow...thanks so much for all the speedy replies!!!
Looks like the RC-3 is the way to go!!
But like Drew says....I'll probably end up with both.
Click to expand...

You will. It's a sickness. They're sharpened tools to help accomplish a goal....but man they're awesome.
 
JohnJames said:
Wow...thanks so much for all the speedy replies!!!
Looks like the RC-3 is the way to go!!
But like Drew says....I'll probably end up with both.
Click to expand...

I used a RC-3 on 4 deer last season. Worked like a champ. This year an Izula will likely take over the duties since the new scales will allow for easy clean up. I prefer a smaller blade for field dressing and skinning because it gives more control. That said, an RC-3 will do you well as Virginia deer are not as big bodied as Canadian deer.
 
I prefer a different knife for field dressing and skinning.

For field dressing deer, I prefer a smaller knife. It's easier for me to "work inside" by feel with a shorter blade. For me, around 2 1/2" fixed blade works the best. The IZULA with scales would be great for this task.

For skinning deer, a slightly longer blade with more belly. In my opinion, A knife the size of the RC-3 is about perfect for this.

For bigger game like elk, I prefer slightly bigger knife for each task because everything is bigger on the animal. RC-3 size for field dressing, RC-4 size for skinning.
 
I have dressed a few deer in my day and the Izula would be fine for deer. Most people buy knives that are too big for the task, actually making the task more difficult. A sharp thin profile that is easily controlled works great for deer. During some tasks while processing deer you must make sure you don't cut too deep. Again control is important. I would recommend a firm handle though.

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Bill
 
I specifically bought my Izula for skinning. After my hunting buddy whipped his out to dress a black bear, I had to have one. I'll probably get another one so I can have two for dressing moose. I'll keep mine skeletonized.
 
One thing the Izula has going for it, regarding the gutting of deer, is its drop point. This the ideal type for opening a deer up. Make a small incision at the bottom of the sternum, place the knife in the opening edge facing up towards the sky, and simply work your way down. Just be careful not to puncture anything below the level of the hide; the dropoint, as opposed to a clipoint or other style will make this easier, as it won't tend to dig in deeper.
 
Hopefully I can let you know in November!

That being said, my preferred skinner is currently a small Anza - smaller than the Izula by about 1/2". I think I'm going to put some skate tape on the skeletonized handle to give me a bit more control, but it should work just fine. If I happen to be blessed with a larger deer I'll use a safety saw for the aitch bone - that's possible the only issue I see with the Izula (you'll wreck your hand trying to pound on the skeletonized handle I would think).
 
Be weary when dressing game with the skeletonized handle. It would probably start to wear on your hands after a very brief while. I would highly recommend some scales...
 
Hello JohnJames & welcome!

The Izula certainly would work but the better choice would be the RC-3.
 
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