ESEEKnives Izula-II Fixed Blade Knife, Micarta Handle, Molded Sheath, Clip Plate (Black)

I really like all of the blades from ESEE knives. This replaced an Izula version one with the smaller handle and I carry it in my bag. Very useful in camp for cutting meat and sticks for skewers. Have not used it for heavier duty tasks, but I imagine it will hold up to whatever you use it for within it's size class.The blade and handle are one piece with "scales" or grips added so it is very durable. The smaller blade profile also lends itself well to more precise cutting tasks (like cutting meat from bones)

I have made a resolution to purchase only the finest American steel for personal use from here on out. What follows are my first impressions of this choice little blade in my hand now:The Izula-II is a serious working knife, small and light enough to slip into or out of a pocket with ease, but stout enough to withstand the punishment due its namesake, the Amazonian Bullet Ant, and dish it right back out to whatever you set it to. I’ll admit I’m no survival guru or blade expert. The craziest I’ve gotten with it is batoning and feather sticking thin oak branches and piercing steel soup cans, and it has yet to chip or dull beyond use. It's stout enough that I'm sure I could use it to pry the jeweled eyes of an ancient cult statue from their sockets without worry. Rowen is widely renowned for their attention to the details in their 1095 high carbon steel, and ESEE’s no-questions warrantee grants peace of mind in the case it does break while I’m still within range of civilization and not stranded in, say, the Peruvian Amazon. I’ve seen enough Youtube videos of dudes twice my age brutalizing its siblings with logs and rocks to feel assured that this knife will endure anything I can throw at it, or throw it at. That said, I have so far repeatedly tested it on a few easy tasks likes clothes tags, pet food bags, nylon rope, cardboard, plastic bins, etc, and I can at least attest to the manufacturer’s attention to the sharpness of the blade, which is easy enough to restore with any number of retail sharpening solutions.A smooth black oxide coating on mine, everywhere but the sharp factory edge and the quality laser etching with no discernible tool marks on either side. I understand this makes the blade more susceptible to rust than the standard powder coat, but a little Remoil on the reg or any kind of waterproof sealant will protect it. I can always force a patina or rub it down with gun blue if it starts looking a bit too bare. The reduced friction versus the usual ESEE powder coat I think is very useful in a small EDC-style blade like the Izula.The plain black plastic sheath, again a matter of taste, is functionally fantastic, the blade soundly popping in and out with very strong feedback and a variety of carry options given some creativity on the user’s part. The detachable belt clip is stiff and holds to a regular 1.5 inch men’s belt securely enough. The clip sits flush with the top of the sheath, which is great for carrying with the sheath in your waistband and only the handle sticking out. The clip also secures comfortably to the outside cuff of an 8-inch combat boot.The Micarta scales are truly a matter of taste. I wasn’t sure how I felt about the material knowing it absorbs moisture, but I'm glad I went with the longer old-school furniture on the second iteration of the world-famous Izula. It gives decent grip even when wet and dries efficiently. If one chooses not to smack it with some kind of sealant, then the semi-organic material of the handles will take on character the more you use it as it absorbs the oils from one's hand. When wearing the knife on my belt or on my boot, the fine canvas feels like just another layer of clothing, as opposed to the synthetic rubber handles or aggressively-textured plastic on some knives. The rounded pommel doesn’t poke or grab my shirt as I move around. The profile is such that it appears more as a tool than a weapon when it does print under clothing with the flat oval handle, or pokes up out of a pocket with that big lanyard hole, or even when when drawn with its fairly short blade and utilitarian demeanor.All in all, it’s a pretty little thing that I am sure will last the rest of my life if I don’t lose or abuse it.

Great little fixed blade! I have fairly large hands (XL gloves) and this fits with just enough handle to have a solid grip with all 4 fingers. The blade came very sharp with no visible defects.

Best small fixed blade for EDC hands down. Sheath is super tight, got to use your thumb to push it, dont try ripping the knife out of the sheath. I own the 3 and the 6 as well. These are the only 3 fixed blade knives I will ever need.

This is my new fixed blade, EDC knife. It is well balanced, and does not send everybody into shark mode. As soon as you pull it out I have other knifes buy the same brand, and I am really pleased with the quality and craftsmanship. Another selling point for me is there no questions asked lifetime warranty. The edge retention and blade coding or a really high quality. The sheath holds the knife extremely well and can be configured IWB, OWB or even scout carry. I know it seems expensive if you’re not a knife person, but let me tell you the money as well spend.

I absolutely love this knife. Super sharp, and high quality 1095 steel. Weight is perfect and the sheath holds it in place well but you can draw quick. Best knife for the money

Was my favorite edc for camping/fishing before being replaced with the thinner, slicer, better value Kizer smolt.

This is a review of the Izula 2 compared to the the Kabar BK 14. I own Both of these knives and will compare these two very similar blades. Both knives are very sturdy, equally capable, light weight knives in this review I will list the advantages of the Izula 2 over the BK14 and the reasons I think the Izula 2 is a better purchase.Handle and length: 1/2 inch extra of handle on the izula 2 makes it much more comfortable to use than the BK 14 and really fit well into my size XL glove hands. The wide micarta handles included with the Izula 2 Help make the Izula 2 a better value as neither knife can be used comfortably without a Handle, even para cord warped handles don't cut it for large hands.Sharpness: The Izula 2 came sharper and is easier to sharpen thank the BK 14. The BK 14 seems to have a less fine grained steel than the Izula 2, I could not get the BK Shaving sharp but with the same tools I can get the Izula 2 sharper than shaving sharp, wicked sharp? As sharp as my Mora can get. The Izulas sharpness is likely due to its Rowens heat treatment ESEE has.Weight: the Izula 2 w/ handle scales is less than the BK 14 without handle scales.Fit and finish: MY BK14 has uneven edge grinding getting worse at the tip and was missing blade coating in several very small spots. The BK14 also was only working sharp when delivered. The Izula 2 shaved hair on my arm when delivered and after using it on a backcountry camping trip as our only knife. Handle scales fit perfectly.Blade coating: The blade coating on the Izula 2 is less abrasive and stays cleaner than the BK14's coating. It seems more durable and was more evenly applied than on the BK14.Sheath: The Izula 2 has a better sheath hands down. It's smaller, has better retention, has no rattle and is much lighter than the BK14 sheath. MY BK14 doesn't snap into the sheath like It did upon purchasing.Blade geometry: The spine of the blade of the Izula 2 has more of a downward curve and IMHO it gives the knife better ergonomics, cutting ability and fine control. While the BK14 has a longer blade IMHO it does not seem any more capable and it's wide blade hindered its ability to do fine wood carving. See images I uploaded comparing the Izula 2 and BK14's blades.Heat treat and steel. The Izula 2 is made from 1095 steel with a Rowens heat treatment all ESEE knives have. The BK14 is 1095 chromium vanadium steel with a not quite as good as Rowens heat treatment. 1095 cro-van steel is better on paper but according to many people heat treatment is more important than steel chemistry at least to a point. After using both practically speaking I like the steel of the Izula 2 better because I can get it sharper than the BK14 steel.Warranty: ESSE has the best warranty in the knife business, a unconditional if you break it you get a new one warranty. Kabar BK has a good warranty but not unconditional.Is the Izula 2 worth the extra $30? I think so. For $30 more than the BK14 you get 1/2" extra handle, better ergonomics, better fit and finish, mythical Rowens heat treat, comfortable micarta handles, a unconditional warranty, a better sheath and more effective blade geometry. I uploaded lots of images so how this helps.