ESEE Knives Izula II Fixed Blade Knife w/Survival Kit, Sheath, Clip Plate, Micarta Handle

This little beauty was recommended to me by a knife expert/professional sharpener/knife dealer friend of mine who carries the same knife daily. I was a bit reluctant at first, since I've long been a fan of stainless alloys, and this knife is NOT stainless. Still, one cannot argue the ability of 1095 steel to take and hold a good edge, and only my laziness has kept me away from the high-carbon, non-stainless steels like 1095. I previously never got "less stainless" than D-2 for my daily carry blades. I got this little knife at about the same time I received an Edge-Pro Apex 4 sharpening kit, so I sharpened the knife with the kit, and now have for daily carry the sharpest knife I've ever had for such use. The factory edge is not bad at all, but a few minutes of judicious work with the Edge Pro kit will provide a razor edge, which holds up VERY well. Literally, I can shave with it. The sheath and the rest of the kit are well thought out and are very functional, although for daily carry I have just attached the belt clip to the sheath for vertical carry and use it that way, and the lanyards, whistle, etc. currently reside in my briefcase. I tried it with a horizontal carry mounting on the sheath, and it just did not work for me, but it might be fine for others. Other parts of the kit are great, but not that useful to me on a regular basis. The steel clip on the belt sheath is quite strong, but the clip can be bent (as I did today, getting into my car) and lose its grip. I have learned that I can carry the knife in its sheath in my strong-side jeans hip pocket, and draw the knife out of the sheath by hooking the corner of the sheath on the edge of the pocket, leaving the sheath in the pocket when the knife is drawn. Nifty, sexy and "tactical." I would STRONGLY recommend that those who get this knife obtain some Sentry Solutions Tuf-Cloth and Tuf-Glide products to protect the edge after sharpening, even if you choose to live with the factory edge for awhile. Sentry Solutions products are most wonderful for protecting ferrous alloys from rust and corrosion, without leaving oily or greasy residue on the surface. If you've become spoiled by stainless alloys (as I was) you'll be surprised at how quickly 1095 steel goes black, and if you ignore it, how quickly it rusts. Doesn't mean it is bad, just means you need to pay attention and keep it properly lubed and protected. The Micarta scales that come with the Izula are "old-style" Micarta, which means that they are very grippy, almost like bare cloth on the surface, and look great, but that they are very absorbent of water, blood, sweat, tears, etc. ALL Micarta is absorbent of schmutz of various kinds, which is why I mostly prefer G-10, but compensation can be made. I am in the process of treating mine with sequential applications of rust-resistant lubes, but I'd still recommend occasional removal of the scales to check for and treat against rust-inducing goop between the scales and the blank, even though the powder-coat on the steel seems pretty thick.Bottom line: I LOVE a sharp blade, this little knife comes with one, and can be made to have even a much sharper one. Therefore, I recommend it heartily. However, if you are too lazy to take the time to care for a non-rust-resistant blade, I suggest that you pass this one up and go for something else. Despite my laziness, I'm glad I did not take that route, but I'd understand those who did.

This is a fresh-out-of-the-box, first impression review. Finally! A neck knife with a handle that isn't completely swallowed up by my x-large hand. The micarta scales are well shaped and sanded but left rough. Very good traction. The blade arrived with a working sharp edge but about 10 swipes with a ceramic rod had it scary sharp. I'm not too sure of the powder coat paint. The finish is very textured and it would seem to drag when cutting. Also it forces you to use the blade edge to strike sparks from the fire striker. Not good, in my opinion. I'll have to use the knife for a while before deciding whether or no to strip it. The sheath is far better than the ones that came with my Becker Becker and Eskabar. It's plain injection molded polymer instead of glass filled and does not dull the edge when drawing the knife. My only potential complaint with the sheath would be having the one hole at the end instead of two holes to run the necklace thru, another "time will tell" issue. I have decided to order a bead chain to use in place of the included paracord. I haven't messed with all the pieces and parts that came in the kit but on inspection I am sure they will all function as advertised. All in all, my hand fell in love with this knife at first grasp and I have no reason to dispute that choice.

I wanted a second knife as a carry on on hikes and generally light bushcraft expeditions. I researched on smaller fixed blades, possibly to be used and adorned as a neck knife or a horizontally mounted belt draw device. I purchased this version (with the survival kit) but ultimately I returned the Izula II and here is why:Let me preface by saying that I really, really liked the idea of the Izula II and I actually liked it more in person, although I was not terribly impressed with the sharpness (out of the box) of the one which I had received (Amazon fulfillment) Since it would take me a few days to decide as to whether to keep or to return, I do not wish to perform serious sharpening on knives which I am sitting on the fence during the decision making process. I would try some light oiling and stropping and may even use a fine ceramic honing tool, but that would be about it. With my Izula II, I honestly could not get the blade to become uniformly sharp with these simple techniques. The edge of the knife toward the tip just felt duller than the rest of the blade, an issue which I am sure CS either at the seller or the manufacturer (ESEE) would have corrected without hesitation, but as it always goes, fist impressions are very important and for the non-uniform sharpness reason I was not terribly impressed with the one I had received and didn't wish to engage in the back and forth adventure!I loved the size, the shape, the carbon steel, the Micarta handles and the Kydex sheath. I found the alligator clip to be very "alligatory" because of its hard snap on one's belt so i would not imagine this to be an easy tool to lose out on the field, if it is fastened to one's belt with that alligator clip. I found the survival kit to be useless and not worth the extra $18-$20. Having experienced the Izula II close and personal, I would consider repurchasing it in the future again but in its most simplistic format as a neck knife only. I would perhaps not even bother ordering one with the Micarta handles because to keep it true to its purpose as a neck knife, I think wrapping one's own paracord around the handle would be a better and more cost effective option. In closing if you want the Izula II, get the one without the Micarta handles and without the kit, but with the Kydex sheath, unless you want it as a belt knife and possess none of the items in its survival kit.

A brilliant EDC knife. It is very handy and well balanced. It offers a full hand grip even if it's short blade. The Micarta handles are perfectly shaped. It comes razor sharp out of the box and when needed the 1095 balde is easy to resharpen. The powder coat is durable but will wear over time. Make sure to protect the bare metal with some kind of oil (vegetable or baby oil works for me) or it will rust over time.

Super awesome compact small durable knife American made lifetime warranty

New favorite knife. The coating is awesome and extremely durable. The edge is super sharp from the factory and will be easy to re-sharpen when needed.

Love these knives!

Love this knife. I also have the 6p and these knives complement each other well. The 6p is too big for EDC but this is perfect.

My favourite knife, feels amazing in the hand. Recently converted into a neck knife, absolutely love this knife, I highly recommend this knife.

Small enough to wear on my backpack strap. Very sharp.... Well made.

Awesome knife. Kit looks good, I broke the whistle but Esee sent a new one out no questions asked.

Throw it in your truck and forget it. It'll be there when ever your in the field.

Awesome little knife.

This is an excellent smallish knife for EDC. I wasn't sure if I would like the Izula for EDC, since it is a fixed blade, but I works very well.