Izula or Landi PSK

B

brassbent

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Oct 9, 2009
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I've been thinking of getting a small utility knife (2-3") for backpacking, camping, and kitchen use around the house. Will probably get a tek lok and wear it on a kydex sheath on my belt and not as a neck knife.


So far I've found the following options:

1. ESEE (Rat Cutlery) Izula
I've heard nothing but legendary praise for the Izula. If I got that route I'd get the optional scales (another $16) for more comfort. I'd probably strip the coating to make it more cooking friendly as I've heard the epoxy has a smell to it.

Izula.jpg




2. Landi knives' PSK.
They offer it for slightly more with also the option of getting it in A2 tool steel or 154cm. It also has full length handle scales instead of just bikini scales like the Izula. Free kydex sheath.

LandiPSK.jpg




3. Orion Knives K2
Also in 154cm. Don't know much about this knife but it has the same basic profile as the above. Will have to buy a kydex sheath.

k2g10_black_x460.jpg




4. Blind Horse February Apprentice Special
Same size as the patch knife but slightly thicker 4140 stock. Don't know the steel but good shape (which is like all the other knives above). Would have to buy a kydex sheath to replace the leather sheath.

februarysp2.jpg


februarysp4.jpg





I would appreciate any advice and suggestions.
Thanks so much for your help.


Best,
Brass
 
My advice on the Izula would be to get the knife before you decide on scales. IMO the scales are for looks only because to me the feel of the knife is improved by lengthening the handle not widening it. That's the reason I like to wrap the handle all the way to the end. It gives just enough extra length and width to make it feel great. I really wish they came out with full scales for the Izula but I guess I was in the minority.
 
brassbent said:
1. ESEE (Rat Cutlery) Izula
I've heard nothing but legendary praise for the Izula. If I got that route I'd get the optional scales (another $16) for more comfort. I'd probably strip the coating to make it more cooking friendly as I've heard the epoxy has a smell to it.

Izula.jpg
Click to expand...

Really, $16... that's it?!? I didn't even know Izula production scales were available. I don't understand why the Bravo Necker's scales are between $40-$55.

Just last week I too was flip-flopping around various neck knife choices, until I discovered that neckers from custom makers are relatively cheap compared to regular size custom knives and not too much more than most production neck knives. I found a custom maker in Canada who does amazing pieces for under $100. And I find that most production neckers are too big to actually be worn around the neck. But I understand you'd be carrying it on your belt instead and it using it more in a utility role than back-up/light duty necker-ish role, so in that case you can go a bit bigger, and those Landi's look great with their filling grips... and free kydex sheath, which looks very well shaped and done. My vote is Landi with Izula a close runner-up.
 
It's not an epoxy coating on the Izula. It's powdercoating. If you want to make it food friendly, be prepared to have it take on patina from the foods you cut with it.
 
It seems the Landi is the one to get.

Any advice on 1095 vs A2 vs 154cm Steel?

Steel pins vs bolts?
 
I had a landi in A2.. Nice knife.. I did not care at all for the kydex sheath.. If I bought another, I would go leather.

The kydex does not hold it very securely.. The knife rests very shallow in the kydex. The handle is veru comfortable.
 
I realy like the Landi PSK I got for Xmas. I just loop the para chord lanyard on my belt and drop it in my front pocket. The Landi Is a great choice but with all the praise the Izula gets I have to have one.
 
zombieHD55 said:
I realy like the Landi PSK I got for Xmas. I just loop the para chord lanyard on my belt and drop it in my front pocket. The Landi Is a great choice but with all the praise the Izula gets I have to have one.
Click to expand...

That's a good idea for carry. I have one of the orange on orange PSKs he did back in the fall. It's a little dude, but the ergos are very good. I will confess that I find that very rounded tip a challenge to sharpen well.
 
I've got 2 Izulas and one Landi PSK (but 2 more on the way). They are both standout knives in the small fixed blade class. Both are close in length, but the Izula has a longer blade, and the Landi, a longer handle. Also, the Izula is made from thicker stock. For me, the Landi is more comfortable...but this may change after I gin up a set of scales for the Izula. If you have large hands, the Izula may be more of a 3-finger knife.

At the end of the day, they are both at a price point (especially if you price shop the Izula and keep a sharp eye out on the for Landis on sale on the BF for sale boards) that owning both is not that great a hardship for most.
 
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brassbent said:
It seems the Landi is the one to get.

Any advice on 1095 vs A2 vs 154cm Steel?

Steel pins vs bolts?
Click to expand...

I think that pins and 1095 go great. The A2 runs he does take some time but are well worth it. 154CM is a good all around stainless steel, and if you like stainless go for it.
 
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