Traditionals vs Izula ii

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I think that I'm giving the knife buying business a rest for a while...thanks to all!
 
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It doesn't sound like you need one but I really like mine a lot. I don't really put it through anything that my slip joints couldn't handle though. I do slightly like the ESEE-3/RC-3 better though because its thinner and slightly longer while still being NYC legal (<4" blade). I like the very simple look of the knife while still being very comfortable to use. I wish they'd make another, maybe the Izula-3, that's the same thickness as the 3 series. To me, its a great folder sized fixed blade for when you don't want to carry a folder. Obligatory pic with my current EDC, a GEC #33 Conductor.

edit: Right now, I alternate using the Izula II, a GEC #73 liner lock, a #47 Hayen Helper, or a lightweight Spyderco UKPK. Each one has a blade of about 3" long.

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bemo said:
I would think what your slippies can't cover, the Bk16 can. Most folks prefer the Bk handles to the ESEE.
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????
most people don't like the plastic BK handles and are always upgrading to micarta
 
Bmurray said:
????
most people don't like the plastic BK handles and are always upgrading to micarta
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I operated on my BK16 because of the plastic scales. As a whole I was very disappointed in the knife when I received it, but now that I stripped it, put a patina on it, and grinded off some metal on the underside (pinky finger) to make it more comfortable in hand...I appreciate Ethan Beckers work a bit more

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The scales were pretty much luck of the draw...I thought I had purchased black/grey and they seem to be camo. Work in progress
 
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Since this is the Traditional sub-forum, here is a bad phone picture of the knives I was talking about earlier:

folders.jpg
 
You could probably get a knife similar in size to the Izula, but with some thinner stock that might cover both food prep and bushcraft type tasks. You'd have to be a little more gentile with the knife, but it would do the daily tasks a little easier. You could also go a little more traditional while you did it.

I love folders, but they are more likely to break than a fixed blade.
 
okbohn said:
NYC legal is not easy to do!
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Not to stray too far into topics discussed in the Knife Laws forum but I mean "NYC legal" by letter of the law where specifically defined rather than how its actually enforced. The letter of the law it really isn't that bad... 4" is the law on the books for NYC while the rest of the state doesn't have a limit. Its just current interpretation/enforcement isn't knife friendly especially towards locking folders. I wouldn't carry a fixed blade in the city unless I was on my way out for outdoor activities.

On topic... have you looked at the GEC H73 pattern fixed blades? Another favorite of mine and this one actually has a nice thin blade.
ESEE-3, Izula-II, Bravo Necker 2, GEC H73. They're more expensive though except for the Bravo.
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Also available in black canvas with lanyard hole if thats your thing. H23 and H73 below.
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Trand,
how thick is the blade on the GEC's? They keep catching my eye...
Back to the OP: I agree that alot depends on what you're using the knife for. The "need" for a fixed blade (especially if you're willing to carry it everyday) is not really for me, unless I'm going hiking or something like that. The question is: when you only carry your folders, do you miss a fixed blade? is there any occasion when you think that you would rather have a fixed blade? no one can answer that question for you.
Then, if you decide to get a fixed blade, what will you use it for? I've handled an Izula II recently, and I have to say that I do like it. Yet, I agree that it's a bit thick for my taste and use, but that's very personal.
I don't think anyone here is willing to discuss the quality of the Izula...you just need to understand if that's the best knife for you.
And when you realize it's not, you can start searching for more traditional fixed blades :D

Fausto
:cool:
 
quattromori said:
Trand,
how thick is the blade on the GEC's? They keep catching my eye...
Back to the OP: I agree that alot depends on what you're using the knife for. The "need" for a fixed blade (especially if you're willing to carry it everyday) is not really for me, unless I'm going hiking or something like that. The question is: when you only carry your folders, do you miss a fixed blade? is there any occasion when you think that you would rather have a fixed blade? no one can answer that question for you.
Then, if you decide to get a fixed blade, what will you use it for? I've handled an Izula II recently, and I have to say that I do like it. Yet, I agree that it's a bit thick for my taste and use, but that's very personal.
I don't think anyone here is willing to discuss the quality of the Izula...you just need to understand if that's the best knife for you.
And when you realize it's not, you can start searching for more traditional fixed blades :D

Fausto
:cool:
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Hey Fausto,
By memory, the H73 is slightly thicker than the #73 but the blade is slightly longer and wider too. It tapers down to a thin edge just like the #73, just with a little more spine thickness. I'll try and snap a pic, maybe tomorrow, for you.

Also, I keep asking myself if I should strip the Izula-II every time I use it. I know it'll still be thicker but I wonder of taking that little bit of coating off would help. It cut better once it smoothed out a bit.
 
Thank you Trand. I look forward to seeing your picture, when you have time for it. The H73 keeps calling me: too bad I don't seem to find any H73210 Bocote around...but the black micarta doesn't look bad either :)

Fausto
:cool:
 
2Dead said:
Also, I keep asking myself if I should strip the Izula-II every time I use it. I know it'll still be thicker but I wonder of taking that little bit of coating off would help. It cut better once it smoothed out a bit.
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I did strip mine, and one thing to consider is that it's a rough sandblast finish (although a nice one). Especially when cutting cardboard the surface friction is pretty high, but I'm not sure how it is compared to the coated finish because I reprofiled it too in the same step :(. Now I'm thinking about a satin finish with sandpaper, but I never tried that before...

And for the OP, even if you don't need it it's still a nice little beast :). I tend to use it for almost abusive things like yardwork, where I would only worry about the nicer knives.
 
I'm not sure I answered the questions the OP was asking or not.

Certainly my Traditionals do 99% of everything I do. Carl has enlightened us with how his Father used the mighty Peanut for many years for just about everything :)

I just had to sing the praises of the Izula/Izula II because it has done everything I needed it to do. You'll noticed the regular Izula is no where near stock. I had an incident that bonded me to the Izula for life involving a trip it took off the roof of my work van and tumbled along the highway---but that's a whole different subject ;)

I agree with Protourist that the Sharpfinger is a terrific knife and a fan favorite with me. I'll also sing the praises of Schrade's 1095 :thumbup: Lifelong user and believer here :D The 1095 ESEE uses is fantastic as well. My Izula II has encountered many knots while de-barking walking sticks with never a chip or roll---good stuff for sure.

For what I do work wise it's just that the Izula has worked so well for me. It's the only tool I have in the field most of the time I'm at work in the summer months. I even count on it's thick stock to be a lid remover off 5 gallon buckets I use.

Will Traditionals do most everything we need---of course :thumbup:

Pictures of my Izula's, the Izula II being the workhorse as of late.

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Paul
 
I sure love my Izula II. It no longer looks very pretty because its my workhorse. Paul has already said it all so no need for me to expound...
 
I wish I'd have noticed this thread earlier today. I don't view the Izulas as traditional knives. Not that they aren't nice knives they just don't belong here. I'm hoping this thread kind of trails off so I don't have to close it.
 
Here is the GEC H73 top and #73 bottom. I hope the pic is clear enough. The H73 is thicker but also has a more pronounced swedge.
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H73 and Izula-II
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Peregrin said:
I wish I'd have noticed this thread earlier today. I don't view the Izulas as traditional knives. Not that they aren't nice knives they just don't belong here. I'm hoping this thread kind of trails off so I don't have to close it.
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The reason I put it here is because in General...I will get mostly praises for the knife. The reason it's here is because I own Traditionals and the Izula ii would take over the same role as these Traditionals. I wanted Traditional users to tell me what they think of the knife...I already know what the "survivalists" think of the knife.
 
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