- Joined
- Dec 26, 2008
- Messages
- 536
IZULA RAT Cutlery
I purchased an RAT Cutlery Izula, because of the want for a light, very well made neck knife. The Izula (which is a nasty, mean ant in Peru) was just what I was looking for. Its light and comfortable, priced very reasonable and comes from my favorite knife company with one of the best warranties in the business. The Izula showed up at the house in its usual plastic packaging. I purchased the Izula by its self and not with the optional kit. So in the package came the knife, its sheath, instructions and a survival card.
Fit and finish on this knife is top notch. The textured powder coating in OD Green is flawless. It also comes in Black, Desert Tan and Tactical Pink. While also looking good the powder coat will also aid in helping in corrosion resistance. The knife is engraved with its name, logo and unique serial number. The edge is shaving sharp as with all RATs, right from the factory. You get a 6.25 knife, with roughly 2.88 of cutting edge. Its .156 thick of RATs 1095 steel which is an outstanding combination of ease of sharpening and edge holding ability. It has a RC standard full flat grind with a drop point tip, which is a very utilitarian blade shape. It weighs in a 2 oz. with just the knife and I would say no more than 3 oz. with the sheath. The handle is comfortable just the way it is. RC did a great job of rounding the edges to make it very nice to hold. The shape of the handle fits very nicely in my hands and has thumb. It could very easily be cord wrapped for extra comfort, but I dont mind it at all and dont want the bulkiness. The handle also comes with a carabineer hole in the end to hang it off of just about anything.
Well for a little practical use review, I took the Izula out to the woods to see how it would do. I first used it to cut off a limb about thumb size from a tree. Bending the limb down and using the tension I was able to cut right through the limb. I made a fuzz stick (out of green stick) and was able to get some really thin slices. I then used the Izula took sharpen a point to make a field expediant tent peg with a notch. I felt it cut and shaved wood very well. Im sure with prolonged use the handle could get uncomfortable but I thought that it was fine for its intented uses.
I found some dry old 2x4s and decided to do some batoning. Despite being a short blade and not having much area to strike with the baton, it did extremely well. It didnt snag or get hung up and I even had a couple of knots I split right through. The small twigs I made batoning I used to make some more fuzz sticks. I got some nice curls.
After all that work out I took it inside to look at the edge. I found no damage to the edge or the blade itself. What I did find is that the edge is still shaving sharp. Youll have to trust me but it shaved arm hair off no problem.
I did take a picture of me shaving regular post it paper. In the picture Im slicing little peels of paper without going all the way through the paper. That in itself tells you how sharp this knife is even after the abuse it went through.
Overall I have found my new favorite EDC knife. Ive had it around my neck since the day I got it and dont plan on replacing it. I think I made a very smart buy with this RAT Cutlery Izula. I love their products. I also have an RC-3 and a Ontario RAT-1 folder. I plan on getting an RC-4 and RC-6. These are very high quality MADE IN THE USA knives but at affordable prices, especially for what you get. You also get the warranty, No Questions Asked Warranty. If you screw it up, break it, or cut it in two with a cutting torch, send it back and we'll replace it. Warranty is transferable. In other words, we warranty the knife no matter how many times it's been traded, sold or given away. We don't ask for a sales receipt, date of purchase or where you bought the knife - No fine print and no hassles. If you have a problem, contact us. One of the best warranties in the business. Jeff and Mike did awesome with this knife. You can check them out at www.ratcutlery.com. You can also check Howes Knife Shop for some of the lowest RAT Cutlery prices. Jim Howe is great to deal with and can be found at www.howesknifeshop.com.
I purchased an RAT Cutlery Izula, because of the want for a light, very well made neck knife. The Izula (which is a nasty, mean ant in Peru) was just what I was looking for. Its light and comfortable, priced very reasonable and comes from my favorite knife company with one of the best warranties in the business. The Izula showed up at the house in its usual plastic packaging. I purchased the Izula by its self and not with the optional kit. So in the package came the knife, its sheath, instructions and a survival card.
Fit and finish on this knife is top notch. The textured powder coating in OD Green is flawless. It also comes in Black, Desert Tan and Tactical Pink. While also looking good the powder coat will also aid in helping in corrosion resistance. The knife is engraved with its name, logo and unique serial number. The edge is shaving sharp as with all RATs, right from the factory. You get a 6.25 knife, with roughly 2.88 of cutting edge. Its .156 thick of RATs 1095 steel which is an outstanding combination of ease of sharpening and edge holding ability. It has a RC standard full flat grind with a drop point tip, which is a very utilitarian blade shape. It weighs in a 2 oz. with just the knife and I would say no more than 3 oz. with the sheath. The handle is comfortable just the way it is. RC did a great job of rounding the edges to make it very nice to hold. The shape of the handle fits very nicely in my hands and has thumb. It could very easily be cord wrapped for extra comfort, but I dont mind it at all and dont want the bulkiness. The handle also comes with a carabineer hole in the end to hang it off of just about anything.
Well for a little practical use review, I took the Izula out to the woods to see how it would do. I first used it to cut off a limb about thumb size from a tree. Bending the limb down and using the tension I was able to cut right through the limb. I made a fuzz stick (out of green stick) and was able to get some really thin slices. I then used the Izula took sharpen a point to make a field expediant tent peg with a notch. I felt it cut and shaved wood very well. Im sure with prolonged use the handle could get uncomfortable but I thought that it was fine for its intented uses.
I found some dry old 2x4s and decided to do some batoning. Despite being a short blade and not having much area to strike with the baton, it did extremely well. It didnt snag or get hung up and I even had a couple of knots I split right through. The small twigs I made batoning I used to make some more fuzz sticks. I got some nice curls.
After all that work out I took it inside to look at the edge. I found no damage to the edge or the blade itself. What I did find is that the edge is still shaving sharp. Youll have to trust me but it shaved arm hair off no problem.
Overall I have found my new favorite EDC knife. Ive had it around my neck since the day I got it and dont plan on replacing it. I think I made a very smart buy with this RAT Cutlery Izula. I love their products. I also have an RC-3 and a Ontario RAT-1 folder. I plan on getting an RC-4 and RC-6. These are very high quality MADE IN THE USA knives but at affordable prices, especially for what you get. You also get the warranty, No Questions Asked Warranty. If you screw it up, break it, or cut it in two with a cutting torch, send it back and we'll replace it. Warranty is transferable. In other words, we warranty the knife no matter how many times it's been traded, sold or given away. We don't ask for a sales receipt, date of purchase or where you bought the knife - No fine print and no hassles. If you have a problem, contact us. One of the best warranties in the business. Jeff and Mike did awesome with this knife. You can check them out at www.ratcutlery.com. You can also check Howes Knife Shop for some of the lowest RAT Cutlery prices. Jim Howe is great to deal with and can be found at www.howesknifeshop.com.
