The ESEE Izula fixed blade knives were appropriately named after the Peruvian ant called the "Isula." The modern day American equivalent of that same ant in known as the Bullet Ant--an aggressive survivor that is independent, light on its feet and very very tough. The Izula knife features a lightweight yet extremely sturdy design comprised of a skeletonized handle which allows you to customize the knife to your specific needs. This knife makes an ideal survival knife, skinning knife, emergency rescue knife, or even a concealed carry back-up knife which makes it the ultimate universal tool. This particular model includes a black textured powder coated finish along with a black injection molded polymer sheath and ambidextrous clip plate. Made in the USA.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Blade Length: 2.875"
- Overall Length: 6.25"
- Blade Thickness: 0.156"
- Blade Material: 1095 Carbon Steel
- Blade Finish: Black
- Handle Length: 3.375"
- Handle Material: Carbon Steel
- Weight: 2 oz.
- Sheath: Polymer
- Sheath Weight: 1.5 oz.
DESIGN
The ESEE Izula was designed to be the perfect lightweight survival knife. ESEE has said this themselves. The cool thing about the Izula is that when you pick it up, you can tell that survival is exactly what it was made for. ESEE hit the nail right on the head with this one. The natural way your hand grips the skeleton handles turns the blade to the perfect angle for feathering wood. The other nice thing about the design of the Izula is the afore mentioned skeleton handle. This allows the user some options: a bare handle, a handle wrapped in paracord (whether for the extra grip or so you have paracord in a pinch), or you can purchase some handle scales. This allows an extra sense of the Izula being your knife as opposed to just another survival tool.
USE
The Izula, as I said before, is well endowed with an ability to feather wood. As you know, this is one of the first steps to starting a fire in the wilderness if no dry wood can be found. However, this is not the only field application of the Izula. Once you have your feather stick the blade of the Izula can be struck against a flint to start a fire. Another thing the Izula seems to be built for is the obtaining of food in the wilderness. It's only logical. The Izula is perfectly capable of crafting a makeshift bow and arrow, a spear, or snares if those are more up your alley. After the animal is yours the Izula is a great size for cleaning rabbits, fish, or birds. This is just another reason that the Izula is a great lightweight field knife. No, you won't be taking down any bears with it but you will be able to survive the cold and hunger.
THE SHEATH
One of the things that I have to mention about this knife is the sheath. Usually i wouldn't devote a whole section of the review to something that merely holds the knife but this one begs to be mentioned. Most sheaths of this style do not hold the knife anywhere near this good. When you sheath the knife you know it. There's an audible click and your knife won't move. No rattling around like some kydex sheaths, this one fits like a glove. Plus it has multiple mounting options including paracord, Tek-Lok, a clip plate, or Molle Locks.
CONCLUSION
The ESEE Izula is one of the best all around lightweight survival knives in the industry. This thing holds up to use and can be re sharpened in the field if necessary. It's small and can pretty much be stored anywhere; strapped to a pack, your arm, your hip, or your boot. The really nice thing about this knife though is it's ability. For it's size it can do almost anything, from starting fires to cleaning small game to helping piece together a simple shelter. I've taken the Izula camping, hiking, and fishing. Don't let the Izula's size fool you, like the ant it's named after it's nothing to be messed with.
