SUBSCRIBE | NEWSLETTERS | MAPS | VIDEOS | BLOGS | MARKETPLACE | CONTESTS
TRY BACKPACKER FREE!
SUBSCRIBE NOW and get
2 Free Issues and 3 Free Gifts!
Full Name:
Address 1:
Address 2:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Email: (required)
If I like it and decide to continue, I'll pay just $12.00, and receive a full one-year subscription (9 issues in all), a 73% savings off the newsstand price! If for any reason I decide not to continue, I'll write "cancel" on the invoice and owe nothing.
Your subscription includes 3 FREE downloadable booklets.
Or click here to pay now and get 2 extra issues
Offer valid in US only.

Also on Backpacker.com


Enter Zip Code

Backpacker Magazine – June 2010

Gear Review: ESEE Izula Knife

Wear this knife and sheath as a necklace for quick grabbing.

by: Justin Forrester

ESEE Izula (Courtesy Photo)
ESEE Izula (Courtesy Photo)

Small & Sharp
More Knife Reviews
[quick draw]
This nonfolding, no-nonsense tool comes with a plastic sheath designed to be worn around the neck, for fast access. The 2.88-inch carbon-steel blade (harder, with better edge retention than stainless, but more prone to rust) has a sharp, flat-ground edge that sails through tinder and rope, as well as trout and salami. The design is all function.

“The indent in the middle of the handle let me maintain a firm grip, but also kept my fingers away from the blade,” says one tester. And jimping (cross hatches on the spine) provides good thumb control when extra pressure is needed. Bummer: price. $81; 2.7 oz.; eseeknives.com.


Subscribe to Backpacker magazine
Sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter
Name:
Address 1:
Address 2:
City:
State:
Zip:
Email (req):
Reader Rating: -

READERS COMMENTS

Joe
Mar 29, 2012

The Izula is a great knife, but I like the EsKaBar better, it's Ka-Bar/Becker's BK 11 necker blade with the Izula handle, much larger blade, much nicer knife.

anonymous
May 24, 2011

You WEAR a knife..not "where a knife" as you suggested in the title. #notwinning

Jack
Nov 05, 2010

Get the same knife from Buck, called the Paklite for $17-22, along with the "Forever Warranty"!

Guy
Oct 15, 2010

These are great little knives. They go for under $50 if you shop around. Really strong steel, with a perfect heat-treat. Holds an edge really well, but also easy to sharpen. Fits in a pocket easily.

Blake
Sep 17, 2010

This is a great little knife. I have compiled a bunch of different Izula video knife reviews that I pulled from YouTube. You will see that everyone that reviews the knife absolutely loves it, especially for it's price. Check out the video reviews at www.izulaknife.com

Nemo
Jul 28, 2010

Great little fixed blade.
It you need some hard used knife in your bag this is the only way to go.
10000 owners cannot go wrong.
But seriously, designing little fixed blade is not so easy. This one once used hard is very addictive. Great heat treating, great grind and especially great design. A classic which will never let you down.

andy
Jul 15, 2010

I like my Stiff Kiss better. Same multimount sheath, skeletonized handle, paracord, etc . . .

SuperDave
Jul 14, 2010

WEAR this knife. Not where.

Anonymous
Jul 13, 2010

I love this little knife. Brought it to GNP to wear as a neck knife and it was excellent. Just purchased the micarta grips for some added bulk in hand. Looking forward to carrying it while in the boundary waters in august.

Their price point is way off. I bought the knife when it first came out as a part of a kit with paracord to wrap the handle, a molle lock, and the sheath for $59. Retail on just the knife was cheaper. Look at esee's dealer section to find a place to buy.

Kevin
Jul 13, 2010

I imagine the $81 price which is listed is MSRP. It's very easy to get a lower price online.

Dustin
Jul 13, 2010

The Izula is an amazing knife - this short summary does not fully illustrate this, though. The sheath is multi-purpose... belt, neck, pocket, waistband, vest, bag, etc. carry are all easily configured. There are also 2 different sets (aside from several different colors, micarta scales, etc. as options): 1 is the basic knife and sheath, the other is the knife, sheath, and a bunch of other items in a "kit."
Don't forget ESEE Knives "no-questions asked" warranty that is fully transferable ad-infinitum.

Lee Pagni
Jul 13, 2010

Where this knife?

Check your editing on the subtitle.

Kyle
Jul 13, 2010

It's "Wear", not "Where".

Mike R
Jul 09, 2010

Who the heck pays $81 for these? Gees...

They are great little knives, but try more like $39.99 from http://www.rockynational.com

Brian
Jul 06, 2010

$81 price is a bummer.

But! You can readily find this knife online for 42 shipped! If you know where to look.

*ahem*

Bladeforums.

*cough*

Knives For Sale: Dealer Section.

ADD A COMMENT

Your rating:
Your Name:

Comment:

My Profile Join Now

Most recent threads

Gear
What are your nit picks?
Posted On: May 22, 2013
Submitted By: Talus.
The Political Arena
Religion
Posted On: May 22, 2013
Submitted By: Walkinman

Go
View all Gear
Find a retailer

Special sections - Expert handbooks for key trails, techniques and gear

Editors' Choice 2013
412 trail-tested products

Boost Your Apps
Add powerful tools and exclusive maps to your BACKPACKER apps through our partnership with Trimble Outdoors.

Carry the Best Maps
With BACKPACKER PRO Maps, get life-list destinations and local trips on adventure-ready waterproof myTopo paper.

FREE Rocky Mountain Trip Planner
Sign up for a free Rocky Mountain National Park trip planning kit from our sister site MyRockyMountainPark.com.

Follow BackpackerMag on Twitter Follow Backpacker on Facebook
Get 2 FREE Trial Issues and 3 FREE GIFTS
Survival Skills 101 • Eat Better
The Best Trails in America
YES! Please send me my FREE trial issues of Backpacker
and my 3 FREE downloadable booklets.
Full Name:
City:
Address 1:
Zip Code:
State:
Address 2:
Email (required):
Free trial offer valid for US subscribers only. Canadian subscriptions | International subscriptions