Fixed Blade Knives

ESEE Izula II Review

Last Updated: September 22, 2018

The ESEE Izula is one of the most iconic small fixed blade knives of our time. Named after an infamous South American Ant, the Izula was designed to be a small, sharp, and incredibly tough blade for outdoor and everyday use. In practice, the knife is just that. The simple design and solid build catapulted the Izula into fixed blade fame in very short order. More recently ESEE released the Izula II, a version of the knife with a slightly longer handle. Having larger hands I went with the Izula II, but 95% of this review applies just as well to the original Izula.

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As for the intended use (and my overall perspective of this knife for purposes of the review) I have carried my Izula II extensively as both a suburban EDC and as an outdoor knife. The Izula is a great size for the pocket and is something I have no issue pairing with a larger fixed blade, a folder, or just carrying it by itself.

General Dimensions and Blade Specifics

The main differences between the Izula and Izula II are the handle length, weight, the color selection, and the fact that the Izula II comes standard with micarta handle scales while the scales are optional with the original Izula. The handle of the Izula II is exactly half an inch longer than the Izula, giving the knives a total length of 6.75″ and 6.25″ respectively. Both have a blade length of 2.75″. The Izula II has a weight of 3.2 ounces and the Izula has a weight of 2.0 ounces. Both knives are made in the USA.

Both knives are forged from a single piece of 1095 High Carbon steel (the same steel used in all ESEE knives). 1095 is a very tough tool steel that is great for outdoor and survival knives because it is very tough (less likely to chip or break), sharpens easily, and takes a very nice edge. The biggest disadvantage to 1095 is that it is not a stainless steel and will rust if you aren’t careful. In order to help combat rust ESEE coats the knives in a textured powder coat. 1095 is a proven steel that I have written at length about, and Rowen (the manufacturer for ESEE) knows how to heat treat this steel (to 57 HRC).

The Izula and Izula II share the same drop point blade shape. This is a great shape for all around utility, with plenty of belly, a stout tip, and a full flat grind. What impresses me the most is how thick the blade is at .156″ (~4mm). The thick steel holds up well to batoning, tip torture tests, and everything else I could throw at it. “Indestructible” is a word that readily comes to mind when I ponder the Izula II’s blade. Of course the thick geometry means that this won’t be your best slicer – it’s no chef’s knife for sure. But the Izula does a good job cutting and will make quick work of most EDC tasks, camp chores, basic food prep, and carving.

Handle and Ergonomics

The regular Izula comes “naked” without any kind of handle material. The skeletonized 1095 is perfect for wrapping paracord around it, or you may opt for the canvas micarta handle scales ESEE sells separately (they can be had for around $15). The scales beef up the knife a bit and it provides a great feel to the knife. Even without any kind of handle scales the Izula is a reasonably comfortable knife. A paracord wrap is an attractive and inexpensive option that will add additional comfort to the handle and also allow you to carry a couple extra feet of cord on you with the knife.

The Izula II comes with canvas micarta scales that feel good and wear well. They are attached to the handle with two sets of allen bolts – making them fully removable. Having used the knife hard in the outdoors I do wish the bolts were flathead bolts. That would make them much easier to service with something like a multi-tool, coin, or even the spine of another knife. That is probably my biggest complaint with the Izula II, and I generally feel they did a great job with this handle. The micarta is lightly textured, and it provides a good comfortable grip in wet or dry conditions. One thing about canvas micarta is that it will soak up sweat, oils and moisture and it will darken over time. I happen to think this looks cool and adds a little character to the knife.

As for overall ergonomics, you will want the Izula II if you have larger hands. I take a large glove and the Izula II fits me perfectly. In my opinion anything less would feel cramped. I also really like having micarta scales on this knife, it fills the hand well and makes for an extremely comfortable tool. Both knives have a nice spot for your index finger and functional jimping on the thumb ramp. It gives you good control over the knife and feels very natural. If you are the kind of person with smaller hands, in need of a neck knife, or want to take a crack at making your own handle scales then the original Izula might be a better choice.

Sheath

Both knives come with black injection molded plastic sheathes. These are lightweight sheathes made of a dense polymer that is very durable. Blade retention with these sheathes is excellent – the knife locks into the sheath with a very satisfying audible “snap.” The fit is nice and tight (no rattle), but it is not impossible to pop the knife out with your thumb. This is about perfect in my book because the knife is secure but it is also easy to get at when you need it.

The sheath on the Izula (and Izula II) allows for multiple mounting options. The sheath has 2 smaller eyelets for paracord, a slot for belts or webbing, and a large eyelet near the tip of the sheath for a lanyard. My favorite way to carry this knife is in my pocket. I’ll sometimes loop a largish (18″ or so) lanyard through the large eyelet of the sheath and secure the other end to my belt. It makes retrieval of the knife easier and you don’t have to worry about misplacing your sheath.

All in all I am extremely pleased with the versatile and durable sheath that comes with the Izula / Izula II. This is easily one of my favorite small fixed blade sheaths.

ESEE Izula II Review – Final Thoughts

The Izula II is a great little knife. The simple design and sturdy construction make for a very versatile tool that works just as well around the house as it does out on the trail. If you need a small no-nonsense utility knife then I would say to look no further. The sheath is excellent, the handle is comfortable, and the 4mm blade stock holds up to even the toughest tasks.

The Izula goes for around $55 for the knife and the sheath ($16 more for handle scales) while the Izula II can be had for around $65. I’d say these are fair prices. Remember that these knives are made in America and that ESEE has a no questions asked lifetime warranty so if anything happens to the knife (besides rust) ESEE will replace it. Some will argue these knives are expensive. I think in this case you get what you pay for.

Finally, if I could go back in time and pick between the Izula and Izula II again I would stick with my Izula II. I like the standard micarta handle scales, and greatly appreciate the slightly larger handle of the Izula II. That said, if you are looking to make your own handle scales, have smaller hands, or want to keep the weight down then the regular Izula is probably your best option.

ESEE Knives Izula-II Fixed Blade Knife, Micarta Handle, Molded Sheath, Clip Plate (Black)

Overall Length: 6.75″
Blade Length: 2.63″
Steel: 1095 High Carbon, 55-57 Rc.
Weight: 3.2 Oz. w/o Sheath
Molded Sheath & Clip Plate

I recommend purchasing the Izula II at Amazon or BladeHQ. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Benchmade Nimravus 140BK Review

by Dan Jackson Leave a Comment

Last Updated: July 26, 2019

The Benchmade Nimravus is one of Benchmade’s original fixed blade designs. It has stood the test of time and remains popular to this day. A “Nimravus” is an ancient cat with large teeth. I’d say that’s fitting when you consider this blade’s profile.

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Benchmade has offered the Nimravus in a number of blade steels and colors over the years. Today I’m checking out a 154CM version that has been blacked out completely.

General Dimensions and Blade Characteristics

The Nimravus has a blade length of 4.5″, a total length of 9.45″, weighs 6.2 ounces, and is made in America. This is a lightweight tactical fixed blade. Generally, a tactical fixed blade is going to be primarily used as a utility knife, but it needs to be able to serve in a defensive role as well. The Nimravus has the ability to flex into both of those roles. The 4.5″ blade gives you plenty of options. This knife will get plenty of work done, but can also be used as a martial blade if necessary.

The Nimravus comes both tanto and drop point versions, and you can get it with a plain edge or partially serrated. I opted for the drop point with partial serrations. Partial serrations can be handy for cutting rope and other fibrous materials, and it doesn’t dull as quickly as a plain edge, which can be helpful for use in the field when you may not have ready access to a knife sharpener.

My drop point blade has been given a high flat grind. The blade gets thin behind the edge, and this knife can assist with food prep, baton smaller pieces of wood, and take care of the myriad of small tasks that crop up in the out-of-doors. There is a partial swedge, that is mostly for decoration. The tip is fine and must be used carefully.

My blade has been coated in BK1, Benchmade’s proprietary poly-ceramic coating. BK1 is tough stuff, but it does show wear. Personally, I’m not a big fan of blade coatings, and would prefer to see Benchmade offer this knife in a stonewashed or satin finish. Especially since this knife is offered in stainless steel.

Speaking of stainless steel, my Nimravus came in 154CM. 154CM is the same workhorse steel that Benchmade uses on their Griptilian. It’s an excellent all-round steel, exhibiting good edge retention, corrosion resistance, and easy sharpening. This is a proven steel that is a good choice for this smaller fixed blade knife.

Handle and Ergonomics

The Nimravus is a full tang knife that has two hard-anodized aluminum handle scales. Handle construction is simple and neat. The scales are fastened to the handle with large torx hardware. Everything has been meticulously finished. The edges of the handle are chamferred and sit slightly proud of the aluminum scales. The scales themselves are deeply textured for traction.

This is a very grippy knife. The handle scales provide excellent grip, there is a large finger choil to keep the knife securely in hand, and there is a row of toothy jimping. I find the jimping too toothy without gloves. It digs into the pad of your thumb, and can be uncomfortable. Thankfully, the aluminum handles have been milled so you can hold the knife in a pinch grip. I find that to be more comfortable.

The balance point of the knife is right behind the finger choil. It gives the knife a neutral feel and hand and helps the Nimravus feel fast and balanced.

Rounding things out is a metal pommel with a hole for a lanyard. While it isn’t designed to be a glass breaker per se, this pommel could be used to break some glass or as an impact device.

Sheath

The Nimravus a sturdy nylon sheath with a kydex insert. The sheath offers several methods of attachment and you can remove various straps and connections to modify the knife as you like, however, I much prefer the optional kydex (hard plastic) sheath.

As far as nylon sheathes go this one is top notch, but the durability of the kydex sheath is hard to beat. Keep in mind that it’s a $40 option, which may seem pricey but I assure you that it is money well spent if you are going to seriously carry this knife. In a perfect world I’d like to see this come with the knife.

A final thing to note about the nylon sheath is that it comes MOLLE compatible. For those that use MOLLE (a system of attaching gear to yourself and your equipment) this is a nice feature that you don’t find with a lot of sheathes and it is worth taking a moment to mention.

Benchmade Nimravus Review – Final Thoughts

The Nimravus is a lightweight and capable knife that could fit the role of a large EDC or tactical blade. One thing that I may not have communicated through the review is the quality and level of fit and finish. This knife is well built. The blade is thinly ground, the balance is good, and the finish is everything you would expect from Benchmade. This is a durable blade and a convenient size to get real work done.

Here is the Nimravus next to my Ka-Bar BK-16, a more inexpensive tactical fixed blade:

It is lightweight enough to be a backup blade, but it’s got enough length on it that you could use it as a primary field knife or tactical option. For those seeking a piece of Benchmade history, or simply a good fixed blade knife, the Nimravus is well worth considering.

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If you would like to buy a Benchmade Nimravus, I recommend purchasing it at Amazon.com or BladeHQ. Please consider that buying anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

ESEE-3 Review

by Dan Jackson 22 Comments

Last Updated: July 14, 2019
ESEE Knives specializes in outdoor fixed blade knives designed to take a beating and perform in a number of environments. Something special about ESEE knives is their no questions asked warranty that covers everything but rust. If anything happens to your knife through use or misuse, ESEE will replace it – no questions asked. This is great for a hard use tool because these knives aren’t cheap.

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The ESEE-3 is one of ESEE’s smaller knives designed for anything from general field and utility work, to use as a full on survival knife or bug out bag blade. These knives (like all of ESEE’s offerings) have been proven in their jungle survival training courses. If you are looking for a smaller survival knife, or simply want to add a versatile fixed blade to your system, the ESEE-3 could be an excellent choice.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The ESEE-3 has a total length of 8.31″, a 3.88″ blade and a weight of 5.2 ounces without the sheath (9.3 ounces with the sheath). This is a great all purpose size and a lightweight carry for such a strong knife. Could see the ESEE-3 doing great in a variety of scenarios, from a day hike to life on a ranch.

The ESEE-3 is of full tang construction and comes powder coated in black or desert tan. This makes the knife both strong and durable. The blade is a drop point shape and features a full flat grind, excellent for slicing, and batoning. The point is reinforced on which is almost critical for use as a survival blade but it also serves well in defensive scenarios. I looked at the plain edge version although ESEE offers this knife in a combo edge as well.

The ESEE-3 is made of 1095 high carbon steel. 1095 is a durable tool steel that is very good choice for survival knives because it is easy to sharpen, holds a good edge, and doesn’t chip under hard use. It’s a high carbon steel, not a stainless steel, so one issue with 1095 is that it will rust if you aren’t careful. You must oil this knife. Something as simple as WD-40 will be adequate although some prefer specialized knife and gun oils.

Handle and Ergonomics

The handle scales on the ESEE-3 are made of micarta. They are fixed onto the tang with 3 allen bolts. The handle scales are nicely milled and rounded. They provide good grip and the knife feels good in the hand with no noticible “hot spots” after use. The level of fit and finish on ESEE knives is very high, and one way to confirm that is by examining how the handle and the tang meet together. Examining the handle and tang on the ESEE-3 reveals that everything is flush with no edges or gaps. This is a nod to the high quality control and production values ESEE adheres to. The overall length of the handle is very adequate, even for larger hands. For a knife that is meant to be used, a large and comfortable handle is very important and ESEE did a great job with the handle on the ESEE-3.

The pommel (butt) of the ESEE-3 is pointed and can be used as a glass-breaker. This is a cool little addition that I may never need but like to have. Naturally, it’s good for breaking glass but it is also as a potentially non lethal way to use the knife (although I think there is still great potential to seriously injure someone with it – be careful). There is also a lanyard hole drilled into the pommel which is essential for heavy chopping and other hard use tasks.

Sheath

The sheath on the ESEE-3 is also very well done. The standard sheath is made of molded kydex and has a boot clip. An optional MOLLE adapter is made of cordura and provides the option to mount the sheath with a MOLLE system. When you secure the knife in the sheath there is a nice snap as it fits together. There is a retention strap and a elastic cover which is used if you want to mount the sheath for upside down carry. There is a small drain hole at the base of the sheath which helps keep your blade dry (especially important with that 1095 steel).

ESEE-3 Review – Final Thoughts

The ESEE-3 is a very heavy duty and high quality fixed blade knife. If you are looking for something on the smaller side, I think the “3” combines a light weight with a lot of utility. That blade has a lot of belly and the full flat grind is always nice. I could see the ESEE-3 performing well as an EDC knife (if you can swing carrying a fixed blade), a tactical knife, a camp knife, a hunting knife or as part of your gear for bushcraft and wilderness survival.

I love how the ESEE-3 has been built in the USA to very high tolerances and is backed by one of the best warranties in the industry. I’m not sure I can say this knife is an outstanding bargain, but you will definitely get what you pay for. As long as you don’t lose the knife, or leave it in a bucket of salt water, the RC-3 will serve you well for the rest of your life.

ESEE Knives ESEE-3MIL-P Military Plain Black Edge / w Green Canvas Micarta Handles

Overall Length: 8.31", Blade Length: 3.875"
Blade Material: 1095 Carbon Steel
Handle Material: Canvas Micarta
Sheath: Olive Drab Molded Polymer
Made in USA

I recommend purchasing the ESEE-3 at Amazon or BladeHQ. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

SOG Pentagon S14-N Review

by Dan Jackson 1 Comment

Last Updated: August 9, 2019
The SOG Pentagon is an interesting little knife. What other knife solves the age old dilemma of carrying a plain edge or a serrated edge so effortlessly?

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Purpose

Make no mistake, the Pentagon is a full out tactical knife. It’s relatively light weight and slim design make it a discrete carry or backup carry option. I think it’s a little too aggressive looking to be an every day carry knife, and since it is technically a dagger, it may very well be illegal to carry depending on where you live.

General Dimensions and Blade Characteristics

Today I am looking at the full size Pentagon. SOG offers a smaller version of the Pentagon (the SOG M-14K) that is equally cool and perhaps even more practical if you want to carry this knife every day or use it as a boot knife. The S14-N has a 5 inch blade, an overall length of 9.75″ and a weight of 5.8 ounces. For its size, this is a lightweight knife and it fills the tactical / emergency tactical role well.

The steel of this knife is AUS 6, which is a little dated by today’s standards, but is still a decent steel (and is reflected in the knife’s very modest price tag). AUS 6 is in the same family as the very familiar AUS 8 stainless steel, and shares AUS8’s quality of being easy to sharpen while offering good corrosion resistance. Edge retention is this steel’s weakness so you will find yourself sharpening this knife more often. That said, the AUS 6 is serviceable, and it has 2 edges so if the plain edge gets dull, the serrations will continue to rip things up until you can find a whetstone.

In terms of blade shape, this is a wicked dagger designed for stabbing and slashing and has a relatively thin blade with a weak tip – I wouldn’t use the knife to open any paint cans. I big feature is of course the Pentagon’s double edge. One side is plain edge and the other is mostly serrated, with a plain tip. The knife is shaving sharp from the box and I really like the options this knife provides. Serrations are great for cutting fibrous material and they don’t dull as easily. Plain edges are great for slashing and detail work. You really get the best of both worlds here, provided you live in an area that allows you to carry a double edged knife.

Handle and Ergonomics

This is a full tang knife with a Kraton handle. Kraton is a popular polymer used with a lot of fixed blade knives. It feels soft but it is very resistant to wear. The Kraton is nicely textured and provides outstanding grip wet or dry, with our without gloves. There is a lanyard hole near the pommel which you could use for added security. Since this isn’t a chopping knife, I typically leave the lanyard at home. This is an incredibly comfortable handle and I think SOG generally did a great job with it.

One concern I do have with the handle however, is the total lack of finger guards. I would really like to see some sort of guard on this knife, especially since it is double edged. The handle is super grippy but it gives me peace of mind to have that guard. To combat that SOG doesn’t start the edge immediately where the handle ends. The first inch of blade is completely unsharpened and in fact has some jimping for grip. I would prefer that SOG included a finger guard and started the edge sooner, but perhaps that says more about me than the knife.

The Sheath

SOG includes a nice molded kydex sheath with this knife. It holds the knife securely and provides 3 options for mounting. First we have a pocket/belt clip on the outside of the sheath. This is handy if you want to carry the knife in your boot or waistband (or pocket for that matter). SOG has also included a traditional belt loop and several eyelets for lashing the sheath to you or your gear. The sheath also has a drainage hole at the bottom so if you were to get water in the sheath, it isn’t going to sit there and rust out your blade. I also like how thin and light the sheath is, it makes for a very discrete carry. All in all, this is a good sheath that will appeal to a lot of people.

SOG Pentagon Review – Final Thoughts

The SOG Pentagon is truly a wicked blade. 2 edges make this knife incredibly versatile and potentially dangerous. It is an all out tactical knife designed as a backup for military personnel and law enforcement. However, there may be some minor issues with this knife depending on your point of view. The lack of a finger guard bothers me a little and some may like to see SOG use a steel that holds an edge longer. That said, there is a lot of value in this knife, and when you consider that this good sized doubled edged blade can be had for around $40 these issues become very forgivable.

SOG Pentagon Outdoor Knife with Sheath - Fixed Blade Knife, Survival Knife and Hunting Knife with 5 Inch Double Edged Spear Point Blade (S14-N), One Size

5-INCH AUS-8 STAINLESS STEEL FIXED BLADE KNIVES: The SOG Pentagon fixed blade knife is a double edge knife with a straight and serrated knife edge; measures 9.75 inches in overall length
5.6 OUNCES W/ KRATON RUBBER HANDLE: Double jimping and crossguard keep this combat knife nimble in the hands of any tactical pocket knife user; textured rubber offers sublime control
DOUBLE-EDGED FULL TANG KNIFE: Formidable as a boot knife, outdoor knife, pelt knife and fighting knife with superior grip and balance; a rare straight-edge and full serrated knife blade combo
BALLISTIC NYLON MILITARY KNIFE SHEATH AND LANYARD HOLE: Great as a camping knife, rescue knife, boot knife, throwing knife or general outdoor knife; a very versatile carry with lanyard hole
SOG KNIFE FOR LIFE: Take care of your dagger knife and we’ll take care of you; SOG fixed blade knives are built to last, and we consider all repair and replacement requests

If you would like to buy a SOG Pentagon, I recommend purchasing it at Amazon.com or BladeHQ. Thanks for reading.

Smith and Wesson Homeland Security Survival Knife

by Dan Jackson 3 Comments

The Rothco Smith and Wesson Homeland Security Survival Knife is a large Urban Survival Knife from Smith and Wesson. As the “Urban” designation suggests, this knife is designed differently from a forest survival knife. The large tanto blade, urban camo paint job, and large non-functional serrations on the back of the blade add to the urban effect.

Stainless Steel Blade

The tanto blade shape was a good choice for this knife. Tanto blades are great for stabbing and piercing attacks. In an urban survival situation I could see myself having to drive this knife through all sorts of things like drywall, sheet metal, or even an assailant so I really like the extra tip strength the tanto blade provides.

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The 8″ long 440C high stainless steel blade is<--!more--> plenty big and it has a titanium nitride coating for added durability. This is a large and solidly built knife and it feels nice and heavy in the hand. What I really like about this knife is the balance. It slightly favors the blade which makes it perfect for chopping survival tasks. I could see myself busting up pallets for a fire or hacking a door down with this knife.

G10 Handle

The S&W Homeland Security comes with 5 3/4″ handle. The handle scales are made of a textured G10 and are bolted on to the knife in 3 positions. The G10 offers nice grip and the shape of the handle feels good in the hand. Something I really like about this handle is S&W’s inclusion of three lanyard holes. This is important if you are going to do any kind of heavy chopping. Also, you can lash this knife to the end o a pole to make a spear.

Cordura Sheath

The Homeland Securty comes with a decent cordura sheath. This isn’t the best sheath in town but it will get the job done. It is pretty simple sheath with belt loop and a velcro strap for the handle. It has good blade retention and provides ambidextrous access. As an added bonus the outside pouch comes with a diamond coated sharpening stone. You can use the stone or replace it with a firestarter or whatever other survival gear you find necessary.

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Schrade Old Timer – 160OT Mountain Lion

by Dan Jackson 1 Comment

I’ve been in a bit of a fixed blade mood lately so today I am taking a look at the Schrade 160OT Mountain Lion. This is small to medium sized skinning / hunting knife with a 4.3″ blade and an overall length of 9.3″. This knife has a weight of 6.9oz and comes with a thick leather sheath.

This knife is of full tang construction (meaning the knife is one continuous piece of steel with the handle bolted on to either side) so it is quite strong. The upswept blade shape lends itself to skinning. The 160OT has [Read more…] about Schrade Old Timer – 160OT Mountain Lion