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.
Frequently purchased items with fast delivery
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Product Description
ESEE Izula-II
The Izula-II is designed to be the perfect lightweight survival kit or concealed carry knife. The difference between the Izula and the Izula-II is the 1/2″ longer handle and the full canvas Micarta scales. The Izula-II includes a durable black injection molded polymer sheath with a removable ambidextrous clip plate.
Care/Maintenance: ESEE carbon steel knives are made from 1095 steel. 1095 is a top choice for professional cutlery designed for hard use, it will rust and stain if not properly cared for – especially on the cutting edge and around the laser engraving. It is the user's responsibility to keep the blades properly lubricated and cleaned. We suggest using a dry film rust inhibitor such as TUF-GLIDE or TUF-CLOTH.
IZULA-II-B
IZULA-II-DT
IZULA-II-OD
From the brand
-
Beginning in 1997, Jeff Randall and Mike Perrin launched Randall’s Adventure & Training to bring realistic tools and knowledge to the consumer market. After a number of years under contract with the Peruvian Air Force’s School of Jungle Survival operating in South America, they relocated their training stateside and launched a sister company to produce high quality field grade knives and gear – ESEE Knives.
-
ESEE Izula with Handle
- Overall Length: 6.25"
- Blade Length: 2.63"
- Molded Polymer Sheath and Clip Plate Included
-
Shop More Knives from ESEE
-
-
Shop More Knives from ESEE
Compare with similar items
This Item  ESEE Knives Izula-II Fixed Blade Knife, Micarta Handle, Molded Sheath, Clip Plate (Black) | Recommendations  |  |  |  | |
| Price | — | -8% $44.00 Typical: $47.85 | $77.47 | $122.35 | $119.74 |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Friday, Mar 14 | Get it as soon as Friday, Mar 14 | Get it as soon as Friday, Mar 14 | Get it as soon as Friday, Mar 14 |
| Customer Ratings | |||||
| Sold By | — | SUSA KNIVES | Prime Valley | Prime Valley | Prime Valley |
| blade length | 2.63 inches | 4 inches | — | 3.9 inches | 4.5 inches |
| blade shape | Drop Point | Tanto Point | Drop Point | Drop Point | Drop Point |
| blade material | High Carbon Steel | Alloy Steel | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
| handle material | Micarta | white resin | Carbon Steel | Micarta/G10 | micarta |
| blade edge | Flat | Straight | Flat | V-Grind | Flat |
Both knives are very sturdy, equally capable
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.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2018Color: Desert TanVerified Purchase
Great smaller knife, that lives up to the hype. I probably own + 50 personal working knives, mostly fixed blades. All of them get USED, as I'm wearing/using a fixed blade +18 hrs a day, every day. No "pretty-boy" display knives. Most of my knives tend to be bigger than the Izula 2, but thought I'd give it a try, after reading/watching a bunch of reviews here/YouTube. I gotta admit, I was pleasantly surprised. The handle has a nice feel to it, the blade has nice coating, and it came razor sharp. Sheath is actually pretty good for a 'stock' sheath, and has a nice small profile. I was concerned about the belt clip, as most 'stock' belt clips might work okay for the casual knife person, but usually don't hold your knife in place (very well). But for this Izula 2, I have been able to use the belt clip attachment that came with the knife, as the spring tension of the clip is really strong. I was impressed.
Great knife that lives up to the "hype" ...
Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2018
I like the sheath that came with it, as it has nice retention to it, with no rattle. But for folks who buy the Tan or OD Green colored blade, the sheath tends to leave a dark black mark on both sides of your blade, whenever it's inserted/extracted from the sheath. I found 2 little nubs on the inside top part of the sheath, that holds the blade in. But they tend to rub on the blade, leaving a small black smudge mark. Easy to clean off, but will probably continue to leave those marks, and eventually wear away the protective coating.
For many of my fixed blade knives, I buy a custom sheath, as some 'stock' sheaths are sub-par. While waiting for this knife, I started looking for a custom sheath. Found a great double-layered, two-tone kydex sheath, made for the price that most folks charge for a single layer kydex sheath. DeepCreekCustoms did a great job on it, and very inexpensive (about 1/3 the cost of the knife). Nice part is, I now have two really good sheaths that I can use, and each has their purpose. My 'stock' sheath works nicely if wearing my knife on pants, etc., and my custom one works great if attached to my pack or work gear.
I've only owned this knife for a week or two, so I won't go into assessing how functional it is. Most of the other reviews here have covered most of that pretty well, already. I will say that I am very satisfied with my purchase, and for a smaller, utility knife, it will handle almost anything I throw at it. Try one .... you'll be glad you did.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
-
-
Cliente AmazonReviewed in Spain on August 23, 2022
Pequeño gran cuchillo
Color: BlackVerified Purchase -
NemoReviewed in Italy on January 29, 2022
Izula II uno dei migliori RUK
Color: Desert TanVerified Purchase -
Roberto BinciReviewed in Italy on September 8, 2021
Fantastico... lo adoro!!!
Color: BlackVerified Purchase
Un fantastico Edc a lama fissa di dimensioni ridotte. Comodo da impugnare con la sua manicatura in Micarta e una lama in acciaio carbonioso molto affilato che mantiene ottimamente il filo e che è super facile da affilare. Lo consiglio a tutti.Roberto BinciFantastico... lo adoro!!!
Reviewed in Italy on September 8, 2021
Images in this review
- LiamReviewed in Canada on June 23, 2020
You can open a paint can with the tip
Color: Olive DrabVerified Purchase
Best work knife you will ever buy period. I used to go though cheap folders once a month. Then I decided to try this and it's been going strong on the construction site for over a year now. I bought 3 that's how much I like it. Whether it has to open paint cans, chip concrete or sharpen your pencil thsi knife will do it. Dulls fast bust sharpens fast too. Love it love it love itLiamYou can open a paint can with the tip
Reviewed in Canada on June 23, 2020
Images in this review
