Izula vs "hard use" folder

FWIW, I've been carrying my Izula instead of my small Sebenza lately. I searched for "the perfect folder" for many, many years, and finally found it in the Sebenza. As perfect as the Sebenza is, I've never been able to bring myself to beat on it hard. I know it could probably take it, but it's just too pretty, to finely crafted, and too expensive to treat like a rough-use tool. Not so with the Izula! I have no problem whatsoever in beating the Izula like the proverbial red-headed stepchild. It's great fun, and I think the knife enjoys it!

I use my knives hard, but I don't abuse them . Under realistic, hard use, I don't think there is any way I could break an Izula. Well, maybe if I tried to aggressively baton it through a frozen pine knot. I'll try not to do that. Shouldn't be too hard, since I live in Georgia! :D
 
AKnife said:
Any fixed blade will be stronger than a folding knife, basic physics.
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:thumbup:

That is the epiphany we all have to come to sooner or later. No matter what folder we buy, they will all eventually develop blade-play problems. They are inherently week by design.

For any task that would make you want a stronger folder, the best answer is almost always "get a fixed blade."

Take a look at one of your fixed blades. test it for blade play, up/down and side to side. Do a spin whack test. It will pass with flying colors.
 
I'll play devil's advocate here. Don't you hate it when the killjoys arrive?

I think there is a time and place for everything. While I agree with every other post in this thread, I don't think that every place is appropriate for a fixed blade knife. While many employers don't have a problem with folders, even larger ones like the Sebenza or Manix, most of them do have a problem with fixed blades. Unless you have it in deep concealment and use it when nobody's around, it might cause you some mayhem in the workplace.

I carry a FB on my belt every once in a while at work, but mostly I carry my Manix. I do consider the Manix a "hard use" folder and have used it accordingly. However, if you were going to pit it tit for tat against the Izula, there is no doubt in my mind the FB would come out on top.
 
All hard use folders I've handled so far are way more heavy than the Izula.
And I've actually had less eyebrows raised with the Izula than with a one handed folder. But that probably depends on surroundings ...
 
Idaho Jarhead said:
I'll play devil's advocate here. Don't you hate it when the killjoys arrive?

I think there is a time and place for everything. While I agree with every other post in this thread, I don't think that every place is appropriate for a fixed blade knife. While many employers don't have a problem with folders, even larger ones like the Sebenza or Manix, most of them do have a problem with fixed blades. Unless you have it in deep concealment and use it when nobody's around, it might cause you some mayhem in the workplace.

I carry a FB on my belt every once in a while at work, but mostly I carry my Manix. I do consider the Manix a "hard use" folder and have used it accordingly. However, if you were going to pit it tit for tat against the Izula, there is no doubt in my mind the FB would come out on top.
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I have to agree with you. It is kind of sad though. We have to substitute function to be PC. I am guilty.
 
I currently own two Spyderco folders, and am hoping to get an Izula. The knives I have are real slicing beasts though (Military especially)

I feel that folders and FBs appeal to different crowds. For EDC use, my Military would win out over an Izula, both to be "PC" as you put it and because of its cutting performance. If I'm going to a fancy event, then it's either a SAK or a dress folder.

If I'm in the outdoors, the Izula wins. I live in the tropics, but I don't see rust as a big issue. The toughness and cutting ability of a fixed blade like the Izula will win out over the admittedly strong design of a Millie or even a Manix.

I'll probably never get a folder that's just a folding sharpened prybar. If I need a sharpened pry bar I'll use a fixed blade. Something like the Manix with Spyderco's cutting performance and a load of strength as well, is probably as far as I'll go.
 
wongKI said:
I'll probably never get a folder that's just a folding sharpened prybar. If I need a sharpened pry bar I'll use a fixed blade. Something like the Manix with Spyderco's cutting performance and a load of strength as well, is probably as far as I'll go.
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Agreed!
That's why I never understood people who prefer thick bladed folders. Striders, Hirenders and such. Just because it would more likely be able to take certain prying tasks and handle strain generally better.
But hell! I'd rather have a tough fixed blade, and a good, crazy slicing folder on me.
I EDC at least one small fixed blade, and at least one large folder at all times.
 
Razorsharp1986 said:
Agreed!
That's why I never understood people who prefer thick bladed folders. Striders, Hirenders and such. Just because it would more likely be able to take certain prying tasks and handle strain generally better.
But hell! I'd rather have a tough fixed blade, and a good, crazy slicing folder on me.
I EDC at least one small fixed blade, and at least one large folder at all times.
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Don't be fooled, a lot of people don't buy them because they're "sharpened prybars." Amazingly enough the designs are very nice. The sharpened prybar comments are from hype, fanboys, and the ignorant.
 
AKnife said:
Don't be fooled, a lot of people don't buy them because they're "sharpened prybars." Amazingly enough the designs are very nice. The sharpened prybar comments are from hype, fanboys, and the ignorant.
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What I really meant, was that I don't get people who spend all that money for the REASON of prying. That is what seems silly to me.
 
I think for hard use a fixie is the way to go. However, I prefer a folder for edc simply because I find it comfortable and functional for simple cutting tasks. However, for when im in the bush, I prefer my fixies :D
 
My hard use folder that sees the most carry around the sheeple is my Harsey t-3 Ranger. It is definitely a HARD use folder. It sits in it's sheath onmy belt and never gets a croosseyed glance. But when I wear my RC4 in the horizontal it gets a fair amount of attention if it is uncovered.

I hate making compromises for the foolish, but they can be such an inconvenience that I'd rather avoid that I find myself doing so.
 
chipped said:
It seems to me that carrying a small and thin folding knife in addition to a small fixed blade would work about as well and be cheaper overall.
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Yes that works.

Izula and SAK Tinker, one of my standard carry setups.
 
The term hard use folder is really starting to grind my nads. Most "hard use" folder users are putting their knives through their "paces" in the Wal-mart stock room.
 
Izula is a great little knife, but when it comes to hard cutting, I'd rather have 1 of my better folders. Their thinner grinds and ergonomic handles will allow more force onto the edge, and outcut Izula.
Izula is way better in things like prying, opening paint cans or lifting a manhole cover.
 
Martin Swinkels said:
Izula is a great little knife, but when it comes to hard cutting, I'd rather have 1 of my better folders. Their thinner grinds and ergonomic handles will allow more force onto the edge, and outcut Izula.
Izula is way better in things like prying, opening paint cans or lifting a manhole cover.
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That's sort of what I was thinking... but why would you pry with a knife? Just get a mini pyrybar or multitool. I don't think of the Izula as a prybar at all, more of just a knife to use on tougher materials where a folding razor might be a little too fragile or hard to clean, like when going through a lot of wood or cutting up an animal.

I agree that a dedicated folder is better for many things, which is why I suggested carrying both instead of an expensive and dull "heavy duty" folder. I'm thinking that an Izula, a multitool with saw, nice thin slicing folder and maybe a hatchet together would make a great set of gear, because the hatchet is the only thing you couldn't EDC.
 
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