RAT Izula

myowngod

myowngod

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Dec 3, 2009
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This is my first neck knife, so I really have nothing to compare this too, but I can comment on the knife as a whole...

RAT Izula

First Impression:
Smaller than I expected it to be. I thought the handle was too small at first, but wrapping it fixed that. Very light, very slim, very "neat".

Overall Design:

So it is a small fixed blade neck knife... I had no intent of using it as a neck knife. I want to carry it on a belt or in pocket. Overall I love it, it is the perfect size, sharp, and light.

[10/10] Best 50 bux I ever spent

Ergos:

Ergos with the bare handle were lacking to me. I have medium sized hands, and the handle was uncomfy and small. After a para-cord wrap it all changed... size and grip were perfect. I think the knife feels great. Perfect size for an EDC fixed blade, and very comfortable.

[10/10] Fits my hands perfectly

Build Quality:

It feels solid.. but I mean.. it's a fixed blade. So far it has not rusted, the coating holds up as well as expected, and it has not let me down for anything I use it for. Knife holds an edge pretty well, and the coating doesn't really hurt anything that I use it for. I know its not the best steel ever... but at 50 dollars... it's a winner.


[9/10] Bang for buck build quality is a 10/10 though..

Price/Bang4Buck:

All I can say is... 50 dollars shipped for a light edc fixed blade with quality steel, a decent sheath (though I'm getting kydex made), and a super warranty...

[10/10]

Size/Weight and EDCability:
Fits in my pocket slim and carries well. A little noticeable in some pants, but for the most part, no more difficult to edc than most hard use folders... I would rather carry it over my zt0350.. and most the time over my SNG... unless the pants just blatantly show that I'm carrying a knife... the knife is very light too so it is barely noticeable.

[8/10] Probably less noticable than most fixed blades, but still not AS invisible as a folder.. not really sure how to rate it...

Materials:

This category really doesn't apply aside from the coating, and blade composition. Coating seems pretty good, blade composition also is pretty good. Holds an edge well, so I can't complain.

[9/10] I know there are better carbon steels out there, but not at this price.

Thoughts from use:

Para-cord wrapped in my pocket, this knife has replaced most of my typical EDC blades... why? it's small enough to be pocketed - and it is probably never going to it break... and at 50 dollars I could replace it if it ever broke... but I wouldn't need to because of the awesome warranty... I guess I have decided that a hard use folder is not always a good idea... especially when you can carry around this $50 fixed blade that will be just as strong as 400 dollar folder... or at least probably as strong...

Individual Scores:

Ergos ----------- 10/10
Build Quality ----- 9/10
Materials -------- 9/10
Bang 4 Buck ----- 10/10
Weight ---------- 10/10
EDCability ------- 8/10

Overall Score: 9.6/10 (not an average)

Comments:

I am very glad I bought this knife. I now know I can edc a fixed blade and it doesn't have to go on my belt... I cannot comment on this one VS a bark river bravo necker, or a becker necker, etc... but I can say that I am very happy with this knife. I am glad I spent 50 dollars on it, and I would gladly do it again. Browsing the RAT forums, you learn the company is awesome and it has a serious following. I can highly recommend giving this a look...
 
myowngod said:
... especially when you can carry around this $50 fixed blade that will be just as strong as 400 dollar folder... or at least probably as strong...
Click to expand...

Actually it's much, MUCH stronger, even if you went to a $4000.00 folder. No kind of blade steel or handle material can make up for a knife being broken in the middle by design. That's not anything against folders--I love folders! But, when it comes to doing hard work with a cutting tool, there are fixed blades and "will need to be fixed" blades. ;)

Nice writeup--I've been tempted by one of these for a while.
 
I was going to comment on the as strong as a $400 folder as well.

It is VERY much stronger. A fixed blade will always be stronger than a folder ;)
 
TheGame said:
I was going to comment on the as strong as a $400 folder as well.

It is VERY much stronger. A fixed blade will always be stronger than a folder ;)
Click to expand...

+1 on everything that's been said.
The Izula is outstanding and totally knocked "hard use" folders out of my EDC rotation.
 
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Good assessment, I agree with everything you said. Especially the comments about wrapping the handle. I love the naked look but find it a little to small and thin to be perfect without a wrap. Once wrapped, even with gutted paracord, the Izula is perfect in my hand. So much so that I took up making kydex for this knife specifically and will probably own 4-5 of them eventually.
 
I hear that soon RAT Cutlery may be selling G10 or Micarta handles to put on the Izula.

If this is true, can't wait to get something other than cordwrap on mine.

Nice review. I love my Izula. :)
 
David Lowry said:
I hear that soon RAT Cutlery may be selling G10 or Micarta handles to put on the Izula.

If this is true, can't wait to get something other than cordwrap on mine.

Nice review. I love my Izula. :)
Click to expand...

I've heard rumor about scales as well. I personally would love to see a very minimal type of bolt-on scale, filling just the main "cut-out" area on the handle, leaving the hole open. I'm a pocket carry guy for my Izula, and this option would fit me best.

I have also seen a wood handle fashioned by a private owner which extended over the entire handle and hole, actually making for a larger grip, which could be a nice option for those who belt carry.
 
t1mpani said:
Actually it's much, MUCH stronger, even if you went to a $4000.00 folder. No kind of blade steel or handle material can make up for a knife being broken in the middle by design. That's not anything against folders--I love folders! But, when it comes to doing hard work with a cutting tool, there are fixed blades and "will need to be fixed" blades. ;)

Nice writeup--I've been tempted by one of these for a while.
Click to expand...

I said probably just to cover my butt.. I don't know of every folder ever made, so it is possible there is one out there that is stronger.. but you are probably right...
 
I stripped the coating and added G10 scales. And with this sheath I can pocket, neck, or belt carry it. Love this knife.:thumbup:

IMG_0357.jpg


KaBarmod008.jpg
 
I agree with most of the things you said about the Izula.But,I really love RATs 1095,with Rowens heat treat,they get the most that steel has to offer.
 
GRIM 62 said:
I agree with most of the things you said about the Izula.But,I really love RATs 1095,with Rowens heat treat,they get the most that steel has to offer.
Click to expand...

Please explain that to me...I understand 1095 has to be HT to 57-59 range...for it to be a knife. What does Rowen do differently?
 
Nice review. You captured the best aspect about the Izula...

-you can carry it instead of a folder! Everyone always says the best knife in the world is the one you have on you, and the Izula is a very easy knife to always have in your pocket, around your neck, or on your belt. It is a utilitarian fixed blade and it rocks! Much stronger and easier to maintain than a folder.
 
A great way to carry this knife on your belt or even beltless pants or shorts is the Spyderco g-clip. You can order direct from Spyderco (call in ordering online) for about $7. It fits the Izula sheath perfectly and is a rock solid clip.

Given the light weight design of the Izula and the design of the g-clip it can be used with nearly any kind of short or pants, with or without a belt.
 
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