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ESEE Izula II Review

by Dan Jackson 10 Comments

This post contains affiliate links. We may get paid an affiliate commission if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of the links on this web page.

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.

ESEE Izula II
Buy the ESEE Izula II at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

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).

ESEE Izula

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.

ESEE Izula Handle

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.

ESEE Izula: Final Thoughts

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.

Sale
ESEE Knives Izula-II Fixed Blade Knife, Micarta Handle, Molded Sheath, Clip Plate (Black)
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
$83.47
Buy on Amazon

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.

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Related

Filed Under: Camp Knives, EDC Knives, ESEE, Fixed Blade Knives, Made in the USA, Recommended EDC Knives, Recommended Survival Knives, Survival Knives, USA Made EDC Knives Tagged With: 1095, Made in the USA, micarta

About Dan Jackson

Dan is the creator of BladeReviews.com. He founded the site in 2010, and for the first 5 years Dan wrote all of the reviews and recorded all of the video reviews. He grew up using pocket knives, and the decision to start the website stemmed from his fascination of all things sharp combined with a deep passion for writing. He has personally reviewed almost 300 knives of all shapes, sizes, and price points. He is recognized as an authority on daily carry knives and has consulted with knife companies on product design.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sahil@Stormcrowgroup says

    January 26, 2012 at 12:44 pm

    Nice review, I liked the photos of the Izula in action. I’m considering getting one of these for myself and one for my girlfriend for camping/hiking. The pink one for me though… I mean.. 🙂

    Actually, my girlfriend hates the pink and wants a DT blade like my Esee-3. Go figure!

    Reply
    • Dan says

      January 27, 2012 at 1:56 am

      lol! Pink, desert tan… you just can’t go wrong! 😉 These are sturdy knives, and you really can’t go wrong with them. I plan on updating this review with a video and better pics eventually. Thanks for stopping by Sahil!

      Reply
  2. jay says

    February 8, 2012 at 9:21 pm

    “Both have a blade length of 3.75″.”

    They are both actually 2.75″

    Reply
    • Dan says

      February 8, 2012 at 9:26 pm

      Thank you, Jay! The blade length is indeed 2.75″, not 3.75″ as I incorrectly reported. I’ve revised the review accordingly. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Mac says

    March 17, 2012 at 4:15 am

    Do you know how this knife would compare to the Becker BK14?

    Reply
    • Dan says

      March 17, 2012 at 7:14 am

      Hey Mac,

      The BK14 has a bigger blade, but the handle is about the same size. I also understand that the sheath on the Izula is a little better. That said, I haven’t played around with the BK14 personally, so it’s hard for me to say. But from what I understand, they are both nice little knives. For only $34 shipped on Amazon I am tempted to pick up that BK14 myself. Hope this helps a little, thanks so much for stoppin by.

      Reply
  4. Terry Torgerson says

    March 28, 2012 at 10:06 am

    I have the Izula 2 and think it is as good a quality as any production short fixed blade I own. That being said, I think the blade is just a little to short. I realize they are shooting for a pocket friendly fixed blade and for this it is an excellent choice. Price to quality ratio is about as good as you can get.

    Reply
    • Dan says

      March 28, 2012 at 12:25 pm

      Hey Terry,

      I see your point, and definitely agree that there is always something of a compromise with a little knife like this. And I totally agree, for a pocket sized fixed blade, the Izula 2 is very tough to beat. Thanks so much for reading.

      Dan

      Reply
  5. Dave says

    February 6, 2018 at 1:52 pm

    Had a Izula II for a couple of years. Terrible fit and finish right out of the bag from ESEE. Knife never would hold an edge very long. Finally got rid of it and got a BK11. Doubtful I’d ever buy an ESEE again.

    Reply
  6. Moe says

    March 4, 2021 at 5:16 pm

    Thx for the vid! Those screws made me to back a buy. No way i cary somtehing extra to fix the handle. Thx.

    Reply

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