Izula/RC-3-like knife with different steel?

well since the op didn't mention anything about stainless, does anything have m4?

i think spyderco makes some fixed blades in some steals you might prefer
 
I have both the Izula and Swamp Rat Swamp Warden.

Both are great knives. The Warden is a little larger and in my experience SR-101 holds an edge longer than the the 1095 on the Izula. Basically, the Warden is an Izula on steroids.

Order now before it's too late.

I'll try to post a comparison photo tonight.
 
Ontario has recently discontinued the RAT line in D2 steel, but it appears that Knife Center still has some in stock.
 
When I look at the "new line" photos in the swamp rat forum, the knife that really sticks out is the Rat Hunter. I should really say that I am more interested in an RC-3 type design than the izula. Since starting this post, I think I have realized that. There is also the baby coot LM.

It seems that *perhaps* (again, not trying to ruffle any feathers here) that you could view something like the Rat Hunter as an rc-3 on steroids and maybe a busse INFI equivalent as a swamp rat on steroids?

I'm looking into the busses, and I see the Game Warden and SMOG warden as possible equivalents to the rc-3. I'm new to this whole custom knife world and trying to figure out what is what, so any advice about what busse or swamp rat I should be considering is welcome.

Assuming that the busse game warden and smog warden and the swamp rat rat hunter are indeed what I should be considering, anyone have opinions on these?
 
Here's the photo I promised:

IMG_3018.jpg
 
Wouldn't want another steel personally. Rowens 1095 seems to have the perfect heat treat, it is the toughest per width blade steel I've used yet, my rc3 has had 30 to 40 degrees of deflection in the middle of the blade while batoning to no ill effect. I have never seen another knife of that thinness do that. The edge retention is also great even with the toothy edge I keep on it, beats out a few of the s30v knives I have it seems.
1095 has been used in traditional folders up to a very high hardness and still works well with great retention, but isn't very forgiving, but neither are most steels at high hardness.

I doubt the toughness would be there if they switched steels for some reason, and that is the entire point of a survival knife. These just happen to have great edge retention too! Something izula size and thickness in m4 would be interesting to see though, as that is another very tough steel with good retention.

There are plenty of smallish fixed blades out there, alot of bird and trout knives would qualify, and are occasionally made is o1 and w2 or some stainless (never liked stainless steels, as very very few are done well enough to have the toughness and retention of carbon)
 
Spyderco Swick2 in S30V is another alternative, as well as the Street Beat in VG10 (not sure about size on the Street Beat though)
 
I had a look at my Izula against my Falkniven WM1 last night after reading this thread

Both very nice and remarkably similar in length - back of the blade through the handle is very similar etc. The Izula has a slighly wider blade and more agressive belly so less less of a point. Thw WM1 appears to be slighly thinner stock - it is really designed as a general purpose hunting and camp knife. it comes in a slighly bigger but still low profile synthetic sheath which ist straps and clisk into. The Izula actually fits well - and even clips into the WM1 sheath reasonably well. The WM1 does not clip into the Izula sheath as the Thermorem (?) scales prevent it from sliding in quite far enough.

For actual use I would rather the WM1 hands down - much nicer in the hand and I prefer the blade shape with slighly less belly. For pure survival toughness, and the lowest profile pocket carry possibly the Izula. Which sould I take if going trail trekking for a month? Hard to tell - i'd prefer the WM1 (and it would attract less attention form anyone who saw it being used) but might take the izula to save a very sligh amount of weight
 
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