Is It Still Relevant? Esee Izula Long Term Review 

The ESEE Izula is not only still relevant because it was a paradigm shift in EDC, neck, and skeletonized knives categories, but it is still the benchmark by which all knives in those categories are compared in terms of warranty, performance, cost, and overall package (specs, sheath, carry, accessories, etc.)

My brother got this for me when it first came out. I didn't appreciate it because I didn't appreciate knives. I was a teenager, to be fair. He bought it off of me a few years later. I wish I had never sold it back to him.

I love my Izula 2 and the warranty is one of the best. Thank you for your service and thank you for this video!

I carry an Izula in S35VN everyday, it's a great knife. Esee heat treats their S35VN really well, I agree that you do have to purchase scales and a sheath for it to get all you can out of it...great video!

Esee Xan S35VN has been my fixed EDC blade for 2.5 years now . I was going to get Izula S35VN but I'm glad I got Xan . Esee in general is my go too blades . Esee Laser Strike paired with GB SFA is a super nice combo to take into the woods . I've sold off a lot of knives and Freedom sticks over the past year or so . Down sizing and keeping what I actually use is where in at in life . I kept 5 Fixed Blades and 5 Folders . I kept 3 Pistols and 3 Carbines . I'm super glad I did downsize. Now I have everything I need and nothing I dont . Nice video bro

I love my izula2. It’s thick enough it won’t break. The sheath is rattle free and 100% secure too.

I love to edc my izula 2 , small fixed blade is just way more assuring for emergencies. (Vs folder)

what a well thought out video, ive been trawling through a lot of stuff on youtube and the internet in general, hundred brick plus on a knife isnt to be taken lightly. I was looking at the izula 2 but i think my heart is set on an esee 3. Bloody good video that makes a lot of excellent points mate

Well said and thought out, Jacob.

First vid. You are one level headed S.O.B. No disrespect to your Mother. Subbed.

I was on the fence a few years back about izula 2 or bk 14 and eventually went with the bk 14 because of the height of the blade and the ability to spread condiments I know what a reason to decide but hey if you’re a fixed blade guy and packing every day the smaller details matter …. The last few months I’ve been carrying the Lionsteel m5 in sleipner wish I could have gotten a 3v version but I’m happy for now after I made a nice kydex sheath …. Thanks for the video

Interesting blade!

Only had experience with the izzy 2 but gave it to a friend when I got the BK14. Nothing wrong with it but opinion only, I prefer the Becker blade. For the izula or izula 2 blade size, I enjoy a good folder instead. That said, I still desire that 3.5 Firecraft.

The Tibo came out around 2012 and the reason TOPS quit making them is the designer of the Tibo parted ways with TOPS and asked them to quit making them. I never purchased an Izula, but I do have a couple of the ESEE Xancudo knives in S35VN and I really like them.

I have a ESEE camp lore for several years now. I love that knife. Don’t know if it’s still made. Never heard anyone talking bout it. It’s similar to the isula but larger. I like knifes that are practical. I’m also curious why you chose the knife you did when you were deployed. I’m older and old school also. When I was younger I went thru different stages of knife buying. Those days the choices weren’t as big (80’s) but knife companies were really beginning to expand.

Outstanding review I do own the Esee Izula in 440C I edc this small fixed blade and actually really enjoy it. The edge is however a little thick for slicing tasks but it adds to a tough edge for battonning if the need be. I would however like to see how this blade would perform in S35vn as the latest models of the Izula. I sometimes think i should perhaps change the edge on my Izula to a convex edge as to enhance edge holding ability 🤔 Thick edges are not a favorite for me,but they do have their purpose. If the Esee Izula had a slightly longer blade and added belly which tapers to a thinner edge geometry the Izula would be an even better knife, im sure..

I personally prefer the blackjack 155 it is damn near identical but it uses 154cm steel and has a beautifully convexed edge! Mine has the micarta scales just like the izula and it has a kydex sheath that came with it... While they're a bit harder to find now I do believe they're still available

I sold my Izula II, because I couldn't really find a reason to carry it. It was too bulky for a neck knife, for EDC, and not big enough for heavy duty use. Cried when I sold it, I loved it. But I still have my Izula, wtih a cord wrapped handle. Love it too. I did purchase the BK-11 as well, but the sheath was crap. It constantly blunted the knife. It took me a few years to figure out what was going on, and now that I store it in a cardboard sleeve, it is actually getting pretty sharp. But I need a kydex sheath before I can start carrying it. Whoops. Nowadays they have a redesigned sheath.

My favorite small knife but the clip sometimes leaves much to he desired. What sheathe is that that you showed?

Buck paklite 140 bought it for $15 in 2015, been in my daily carry for 8 years now. Best dang skeleton knife i have ever had.

Hello, thank you for your service😊. I'm 77 and love your sight. I have an Izula 1, and still love it. I don't see sufficient difference to go with an Izula 2. However, I do carry at the same time an Izula 4. Between the two, I've brought many deer home (dressed out). I do a lot of off shore fishing here in Daytona. The Izula 1 works great cleaning and filleting my fish. I like your channel and will follow you daily. Again, thank you for you service. I have three grand children currently serving. One grand daughter is a Crew Chief on an F-16, my oldest just returned from 10 yrs in Italy and the youngest is a Marine specializing in aircraft avionics. So military is important to me as well as a great blade.😊

I have given many Izulas to infantry (IDF) soldiers and have a couple of my own.. Tough, cheap and lite. Having said that, for main knife I prefer the Esee 3 mil. The Izula was a game changer like the K-bar, Buck 110, Spyderco Endura, Rat 1. Good , affordable working/military mans knives.

Esee has a fixed blade version of their Zancudo folder. Made here in the US if I’m not mistaken. You know I always find a way to mention my little D2, Taiwanese cutty!

I know this vid is 2 years old but You can get an IZULA 1 in S35vn for less than $100 and buy the extended scales which make the grip as long as the IZULA 2.

Jacob, are those the grey or OD green scales on the izula? Your combo looks great. Thank you

Good video. Is the esee 3 actually thiner? Looks it. Very odd. I ordered one so. Maybe it will work for EDC.

In '07 I was looking for a couple better duty blades. I, too, jumped on Bladeforums for a start. Alas, my reading eye caught sight of something new. The headline of the thread read: "CPM 3-V? Is it even worth the extra trouble to sharpen?". Every blade I found offered in 3v was sold out. I settled on a good old Kbar Tanto in 1095 for primary belt knife. I kept my Schrade folding friend of a long time slid above the second shirt button above the belt in case I ever got pinned. The Gerber Skeletonized Para in my right pant pocket. In hindsight, as those knives were for an urban venue, they were good enough. After a while they made us ditch the primary belt knife because "they're too intimidating. Waaah!". It was mint when I parted with it. I was the only one to carry a big 5d MagLite on the squad. Everyone else had tiny fist lights AND an expandable baton. I'm still not convinced the "thwap" of the baton is as intimidating as the "shhhhvt" of the Maglite being drawn from the holster I made for it... a cross between a Gladius and a Louisville Slugger. God, save the Ash tree, and if the Good fall, please assist. Amen. There's my 3-beer in 3 hours input. How's KY's Ash population doing? The borer is doing a number up here in Indiana.

there is something you didnt cover that is a relaity for many people, for example I use the izulla 2 because I can only carry a blade max 3 inches and I prefer a a fixed blade to a folder. Some of the other options you spoke about have blades that exeed what I can legally carry. I tried the tops and the izula

Some good comments but I have a few observations. S30V and 154cm are good steels but pricey. That white river backpacker is like $200. , not exactly in the same price range as the izula. 1095 carbon steel is tough but requires a bit more care than stainless. My Esee izula with scales makes a dynamite backpacking blade and clips to my shoulder strap. A backpacking blade is mostly going to be used for opening packages and food prep, not as a serious survival blade. For that I looked at what was out there and it was the best option for what I wanted to spend.

I got the Izula a few years ago, and soon wrapped it with p cord. then I got the scales. Scout carry edc. Now, I'm thinking its a bit of an odd duck - why have a blade that thick and that deep on a knife that short? Certainly a good blade for what it is I'm just circling around in my thinking about what the most important features/attributes are. I have the Esee 4, but its too small to be a real chopper and a bit big and thick to be a real slicer... Now I'm trying the Esee CR2.5, but it may be the Esee 3 is my sweet spot...

❤

I still need to get one

I have an ESEE Izula II with TKC scales as a neck knife and an ESEE 3 as a option, these are my smallest fixed blade knives and work well. FYI: I got the Baldrige sling, it's great Jacob!

Correction: the White River backpacker is $120 on Amazon now. Still double the azula.

Absolutely love my 642,I have a 365, a s&w shield and a Glock 23, and more often than not, I'm carrying the 642.

I assume you will regret selling this Icon

🥇👍

When you doing the auction

Izula is my first love

👍🏼

I got the Izula in S35VN steel. It is a great knife, but I was disappointed with the factory grind. It was WAY off center and I had to remove a lot of material to fix it. There are plenty of companies still making blades that look exactly like the Izula. So I'd say it's still relevant. Esee still has the best warranty. Instead of fixing the off center grind I could have just broke it and got a new one. You can also get extended scales for your Izula which makes it as long as the Izula 2.

FOR ME, IZULA IS ENOUGH.

Glad he loves to hear himself talk. Probably the only one. Too much hot air here. BYE BYE

I like ESEE knives a lot, just don’t have any yet lol. Bought Becker knives back in the day because they were cheaper.

😂😂😂😂 Killed my mother-in-law!😂😂😂😂

I keep it because I could take an izula and a Hamer and cut up a car and still use it the next day

They make them in s35vn and ever since then my 1095 pot metal one is just not the same. I now feel it is inadequate for all purposes since the thought of having a stainless version. . .should have always been made with stainless. No knife should rust. Not from daily use.

Bro said “i murdered my mother in law” and I bought it

As long as it cuts.... lol

Tops totally suck... I wouldn't accept one if it was free.

Wtf are you even talking about “ relevant “ ???? I don’t get it