Traditionals vs Izula ii

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Pokerface

Pokerface

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I know that if I put this in general, the answers I get will be different, so allow me to explain...I currently have as pocket knives in rotation: a Benchmade Barrage, 3 Victorinox SAK's, and 2 GEC Missouri's in ebony wood (have the trapper and the trader). I've taken a hard liking to the GEC's for EDC and to one of the SAK's for light hikes here in San Diego. I also own a BK16, a Bravo 1, a Fallkniven F1, and a couple Moras.

So for my question...

Is the Izula ii worth getting? It seems that as a fixed blade, I have more than enough options that I would rather use, but what about as EDC? I really want to get the knife, but I think that it's purely aesthetic...my folders work great, and I'm wondering why go with the Izula when these others (especially the Missouri's) perform just as great? Other than batoning the Izula, what are the benefits in a camping scenario of the ESEE over any of my pocket knives (larger fixed blade in bag)?
 
I like the knife and the company but I sold my izula. No need for something so robust IMHO and it was ill suited to everyday tasks like food prep at which thinner traditionals excel. The izula would be better in a more abusive light prying/twisting role.
 
In my opinion you would be better served with a traditional such as an Old Timer Sharpfinger. I find them to be much handier, more comfortable to use and just better looking.
As my ol' pappy used to say, "if it looks good it will work good" and the 152OTs really look good.
 
Sonnemann said:
was ill suited to everyday tasks like food prep at which thinner traditionals excel. The izula would be better in a more abusive light prying/twisting role.
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This is what I thought. I know the Izula is the rave in its own element, I like the way it looks, but I was hesitant to buy it because it seems to fall in-between what I already have. Here in SD, we don't have any local knife stores...everything has to be hit and miss through the internet.
 
I've got an izula II that lives in my briefcase for no good reason.
Great knife, I just don't seem to get into situations that my slipjoints can't handle.
I am thinking it may not be long in my keep. I've got a Blind Horse patch knife that I prefer. And a little Western fixed blade that has loads more charm (though it is a rickety thing).
 
Prototurist...the knife that I wanted if I didn't get the Izula ii was a Buck 196, but this takes me back to step one. I already have more than enough pocket knives that I like, as well as some 3-4" fixed blades. The Izula, the 196, and the Sharpfinger seem to be in the middle of very capable knives that I already own.
 
I would think what your slippies can't cover, the Bk16 can. Most folks prefer the Bk handles to the ESEE.
 
Well - I don´t have the Izula II but the Izula. It just sits in drawer without too much use. It´s not a bad knife but definitelly not designed for being an EDC knife. It´s designed for being a backup knife when you get lost in the jungle. The main problem with the Izula is its blade thickness, imo. It doesn´t cut - it splits. You can get it razorsharp, but it won´t cut. ;)

As Mack already mentioned, I would recommend a smaller traditional fixed blade. Like the Sharpfinger or of the traditional BRKT ... you could also look at some Gossmann or some traditional german made fixed blade (Jagdnicker for example).
 
DDML...I was looking into the BHK Small Workhorse. I really like the look of the knife, but I'm afraid the same thing would happen to me. If I were to find that I use the Izula, I'd buy it now, but if it's going to be laying in my truck, or in my bag, what's the point of owning, right?
 
Blind Horse patch knives or Long Trail. Bark River also makes some smaller knives. Take a look at the custom makers out there. Many of them will make what you want in your price range.
 
I think it all comes down to what it's used for. I'm a bit biased because it's one of my "ALL TIME" favorite knives period. It only becomes my regular EDC during the summer months because of the work I do.

There are much better food prep knives by far but the Izula II certainly handles the task. I brown bag my lunch on the road when I work so cutting up meats, cheeses etc is no problem what so ever.

Gets SCARY sharp, the fixed versus the folder debate always wins out in favor of the fixed (in my opinion) and I literally trust my life to it when working. I seriously depend on it "neck carry" wise to free me when I'm harnessed on a roof if it ever came to cutting me loose. My harness hinders my ability to get to a folder if I had to.

Compared to other fixed blades size wise it's a lot more capable then it's smaller size in my opinion. Off work I whittle branches for walking sticks and it's simply the most comfortable knife I have for that task. Also when camping it's my go to knife.

I have many traditional folders and use them daily but, when it's comes to fixed blades the Izula II is my favorite.

Just sayin :p

Paul
 
Thanks for the answers guys. I think that you guys may have swayed me from buying an Izula, unfortunately, I think you guys are slowly convincing me to buy another blade ;)
 
AM515 said:
DDML...I was looking into the BHK Small Workhorse. I really like the look of the knife, but I'm afraid the same thing would happen to me. If I were to find that I use the Izula, I'd buy it now, but if it's going to be laying in my truck, or in my bag, what's the point of owning, right?
Click to expand...

Spend some quality time on the auction site looking for a USA Sharpfinger. You'll find a good used one for very little money. Once you get it in your hand you will know why I am recommending it so much. If somehow you find that you don't like it you will easily sell it for as much or more than you paid for it. My bet is, you'll have a really hard time putting it down.
 
I was interested in the Izula ii, but had a picture of the Izula up on the computer screen...my 5 year old little girl walks up and says, "just get it dad", then she added that she wants the pink one for herself...gotta love a child's thought process
 
AM515 said:
Now it makes sense. I was wondering why there was a price difference for the "same" knife.
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The old USA ones are some of the best quality 1095 you will ever find. Schrade was really at the top of the game with their heat treat. If you were 100 miles north today I would hand you mine and let you play with it for a while.
 
AM515 said:
I know that if I put this in general, the answers I get will be different, so allow me to explain...I currently have as pocket knives in rotation: a Benchmade Barrage, 3 Victorinox SAK's, and 2 GEC Missouri's in ebony wood (have the trapper and the trader). I've taken a hard liking to the GEC's for EDC and to one of the SAK's for light hikes here in San Diego. I also own a BK16, a Bravo 1, a Fallkniven F1, and a couple Moras.

So for my question...

Is the Izula ii worth getting? It seems that as a fixed blade, I have more than enough options that I would rather use, but what about as EDC? I really want to get the knife, but I think that it's purely aesthetic...my folders work great, and I'm wondering why go with the Izula when these others (especially the Missouri's) perform just as great? Other than batoning the Izula, what are the benefits in a camping scenario of the ESEE over any of my pocket knives (larger fixed blade in bag)?
Click to expand...

Depends.

If you're a knife nut looking to get another knife, have at it. But if you are really questioning if the Izula will do anything that your present line up of knives can do, no, there's no need of it. If you have a couple of mora's, then you have 99% of your fixed blade knife use covered. The mora will handle what your folders won't, and if they won't, then the Izula is too small as well. It's a in between knife, kind of too small for one role, yet too big for the other.

Aside from real wilderness survival, which is rare these days, I can't see the popularity of these modern fixed blade knives. Blades too thick for fish and game, and too short for real chopping. If you need a heavy duty knife, you have the BK16.

Since you have some good sheath knives there, I'd take the money and get some more GEC's if that is what you like. You'll get a lot more use out of an edc pocket knife than another sheath knife that will live in the drawer. Just my .02 cents

Carl.
 
Carl,

I think you may have given me the answer I needed to set me straight
 
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