HI there. I take a look at these popular knives and compare them. I also share my thought and experiences with them from over the last year of use. Thank you.
Thanks for this interesting review! I have just bought an Izula 2 and was surprised with the small size of the cutting edge. A good alternative to both knives is the Brisa Bobtail, made in Finland and available in scandi and flat grind. I own 2 and they"re amazing. The ergonomics are very good and the 12C27 steel is stainless, resistant and holds a good edge. You can buy them with a kydex sheath.
Good, honest review. I don't own an Izula, but I do own a Xancudo in S30V. I can see some similar issues you've pointed out with the Izula. I carry mine as a neck knife only, and can't really see it as a "belt knife" personally. I wonder if people pay more for the name and warranty? ESSE has a loyal fan following. I don't own the Gerber either, but I have a bias against Gerber knives, so that's a blind spot for me. However, I have seen videos showing the top 'layer' of the handle basically 'peeling off' after hard use. Your compare/contrast reviews are interesting. 👍
I'll have to check that knife out. If I was going to EDC the Izula II, I would definitely get the Aramtus sheath. This resolves the "well" issue and is a much more stable platform for draw and recovery of the knife. That in conjunction with a stainless version. Only problem is that you're taking a $100 life adding a $40 heath and maybe another $50 to be in stainless. For $200 there are a lot of other options out there. Gerber has been impressing me lately. I think they have had a lot o variety in quality over the years but every product I've bought in the past 2 years has been pretty good in quality. Even my $20 Down winds which I use every day as a kitchen utility knife and they are super solid. The slimsada a $30 knife was also surprisingly nice for the money. Now they are really beginning to expand their USA manufacturing so I'd give them a try. I've been considering a Sedulo but I have 2 940 BMs allready.
More differences between the two than similarities. One is bushcraft design the other is EDC/Neck blade. The Izula does not come with 90 degree spine. it's spine is entirely coated just like the rest of blade. I've had the Izula II for years but only used it few times. It rusts and doesn't cut well. Just bought the Principle and i like the design. Its compact without being too small like izula II.
I like how you described them as a belt vs neck knife. I think part of the debate is that the izulla is often described as a small belt knife. I really like mine as a small, comfortable and concealable belt knife. I’ll use a pocket folder as my everyday utility knife. Cheers
