Newbie Izula Question

K

Kurtz265

Joined
Sep 21, 2010
Messages
100
Gents- I am a proud owner of my first ESEE knife after my purchase of the Izula with Kit in olive drab. My first reaction went something along these lines

"oooh a package! I wonder if it's my Izula"
"hells yeah- I think it is"
hmm, better figure out a way to get this in the house while the wife isnt looking
"honey- is the dog out back?"

then the appropriate amount of ooohing and ahhing. Naturally, I absolutely love it. So here comes the newbish question. I like the idea of the firestick that came with the kit, and I am in the process of preparing a personal kit as I begin to plan a few 1-2 day camping/hiking trips with my son. It seems to me that you would ruin the blade by striking the firestick, no? What is the proper way to strike it without dulling the blade? Should I not worry about that and just strike away and re-sharpen?
 
I took a round file to the small choil area to scrape the coating off. Then again, I have a small fire steel from going gear, I'm not sure if the fire steel with the Izula kit will fit in that area or not.
 
This question pops up every so often. The intent of the Izula kit is a last ditch thing. If you are in a situation you have to have fire and have nothing else then use the edge for maximum sparks. Otherwise, if you just want to practice use another sharp object. No sense in filing your Izula spine.
 
A hacksaw blade cut to the length you like works great as a striker... And Welcome to the ESEE addiction.:D
 
Yes, striking will dull the blade. Doing it frequently might even mess up the temper (ferro rod sparks are HOT)

I have that little rod attached to my sheath, but I don't use it, like RAT said, that's a sorta last ditch one. I'd say pick up another rod, with a purpose built striker for regular use and practice. And you should practice.
 
the spine....the jimping....rake it across a brick or two...
gets rid of some coating...and it's ready to go.
No need to use the blade of a knife to strike a fire steel...
try it, you might like it! :)
 
I was thinking maybe I could use this as an advantage to ask my own question about the steel...

Is the metal on the back magnesium that you can scrape into shavings to get an accelerated burn from the sparks?
 
According to the descriptions of the package I have seen on the web stores, that is exactly what it is: magnesium.
 
thanks all for the replies- very helpful. As this is my first ESEE, im not planning on scraping off the coating to expose the steel. I like the idea of keeping it with the leatherman!
 
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