talk me into buying, and using, a small fixed blade like the izula or candiru.

sogflash

sogflash

Joined
Aug 28, 2011
Messages
1,595
I'm looking at small fixed blade, and especially the esee izula and candiru.

any comments as to why I should get one of these for daily carry instead of a folder? I currently carry a benchmade 15020 bone collector, and I'm happy with it. still I want one of those small knives with orange handles, or maybe make some wooden handles myself.

do you prefer fixed blades over similar sized or folders?
 
You WANT to buy a fixed blade.

tumblr_lnnkm2iar91qiadpyo1_500.gif
 
bk01-1.jpg

BK-11 with custom scales and sheath. Beauty! :)

As much as I like my small fixed-blades, I own far more folders. I find them more than adequate and quite convenient for city-life... YMMV.
 
I agree with some of the comments already made, but......if you want to carry a fixed blade, then by-golly, carry a fixed! Along those lines, I only have experience with the Izula (of the two you mentioned). I absolutely think you would enjoy it. It has great ergos, great all purpose blade shape, and a lot of color and sheath options. Plus it is pretty darn affordable and easy to sharpen. Darn! Just talked myself into buying another. Let us know what you decide, and of course, don't forget the pics! Good luck!
 
Most times you can buy a folder to fit your need for EDC.
If you need something tough- ZT 0350,0550, 0560, 0200 (pretty much the whole ZT line)
Lightweight- Flash 2, Flash 1, Skyline, OD-1, Salvo, Delica, Grip, Endura (the list goes on and on)

I think folders are easier to carry and EDC and I have found that when I do EDC a fixed blade, I usually use my folder more often.
It's up to you though.

-orangish ducktape
 
Haven't owned a Candiru, but the Izula is great, I've done everything from package opening to field dressing deer with one.
 
It's really just going to come down to a matter or preference and what you would rather carry. Rather than espouse the benefits of a fixed blade, let's just look at the downsides...

-Unless your sheath is attached to you, it gets a little cumbersome keeping track of both the knife and sheath
-In some areas (urban envrionments, office places etc) a fixed blade knife might be seen as a weapon

Past that, you're not really left with a lot of disadvantages. So unless you just really like the convenience of one-hand-opening and one-hand-closing folders ( I have to admit I do kind of miss them ) then chances are you will prefer a fixed blade unless these other limitations prevent you from carrying one.

I think it's a bit obvious to go on about their advantages, but maybe they're not obvious to everyone so...

-Cleaning is a breeze. Wipe the blade off, dry it--compared to cleaning out all the confined spaces on a folder this is a breeze
-A good solid feel. A fixed is inherently stronger than a folder, but even the most robust folders often times have enough "flex" to them to feel a bit filmsy--a fixed is a rigid piece of steel
-No mechanical failures of any kind--about the only thing that can open is your sheath losing retention.

I just like working with a fixed blade more than a folder, and if all of my limitations allow me to carry a fixed that's what I'll carry.

Edit:
Oh, yeah, and I forgot to mention I carry the Izula. It's a fantastic little knife... So much better than it looks, believe me. When I got it I thought, "Did I really just spend $50 on this thing?" but then I started using it and I was amazed how such an unassuming little knife could be so great.
 
Last edited:
I have been carrying an Izula in rear pocket for last several years. A fixed knife is always going to be stronger and faster than a folder. Great little knife. I recently purchased a Black Jack neck knife also. I do not use either one as a neck knife, I carry in my pocket.
 
Essee and Izula are both on my want list. I just started carrying a Buck Paklite. Super light compared to the Spyderco folder it replaced. Since its sheath carried it freed up a pocket too.
 
A small neck knife that lays flat against your chest is unobtrusive and essentialy forgotten, until needed.
 
As others have stated it really boils down to personal preference in the end. If you do decide to go for fixed blade for EDC don't skip on a good sheath. While most smaller fixed blades these days come with sheaths intended for carry around the there are several different carry options including my favorite pocket carry. When I carry my fixed blades I carry them in a universal sharpshooter pocket sheath while a number of people use these for backpocket carry I've found them to fit nicely in the front pocket. I have no quarrels with carrying a smaller fixed blade knife on the belt in the open and at the same time free up a great deal of picket space which is an added bonus.
 
I prefer to carry a Spyderco Military, ZT 0350 or some other strong folder instead of a fixed blade. I really can't foresee a situation where I'd need an Izula going from home to work and work to home. If you think you need a fixed blade just get an Izula. It's a great little knife and you can use it for camping or even EDC. Whether or not it's overkill you'll find out on your own.
 
Both the Izula and Candiru are at the top of my want list. I'm probably going to be buying the izula first, makes more sense to me.
 
ill second the buck paklite skinner...awesome knife for $20...sheath could stand some improvements, but the knife is top notch (And I've also got two Izulas, bk 11, 13 and 14 and a bunch of other small fixed blades)
 
I like mine, and I would recommend it to you if you were interested..

photo-7.jpg


pic4copy.jpg


photo-1-4.jpg


photo-10.jpg


photo14.jpg
 
The ESEE Izula 2 is my most recent purchase I got it for a small easy to clean and maintain fixed blade for weekend worrier work that I could wear out in public. I wish there were a folding version in the same 1095 because the knife is fanfeakingtastic. It comes sharp stays sharp and getting it back to razor sharp (shave your face sharp) is simple as could be. I also like that the sheath makes it ride high so the whole knife is tucked under my shirt (I wear my shirts untucked) all I do is use some paracord to lash it to my belt. I stick with my skyline for the office though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top