Rat Izula

[FLYBYU44]

I'm thinking of getting one of these. What I'm looking for is a fixed blade that can be used as a survival knife, bugoutbag knife and also for some general camping use. Probably won't be used to baton or chop as I have several good hatchets to use for that. My only concern with the Izula is it seems a bit small. I've had a Blind Horse Patch Knife and a Perrin Neck Bowie, but got rid of both of them as they didn't fit my hand super well. I know several members here either EDC or at least occasionally carry a Izula, what are your thoughts on it?

[CanisMajor]

I'm wondering that as well, I plan on picking one up soon.

Canis

[Jijoel]

I have one :p .
Never had a necker knife so decided to buy the izula.

It's a really nice strong knife. It's a very good necker because of his small size and light weight .
The standard sheath has a good hold and the RC warranty is great :D .

What i don't like about the knife is the very rough coating.
This coating will not do the slicing ability any good.
Ok with some use the coating will smooth out .

I have big hands to and the handle size is a little bit to short for me.
I would have liked them to be a little longer.
The grip is not comparable with a normal knife.
You can wrap them with paracord so the grip is a little better.

So i think the knife is a really great back up knife but as only knife i would choose something with handles.

If we keep it spyderco i would say street beat :D .


Another choice could be the bark river necker.
Same size as the izula but with really nice handles.
Ok the size is still a little to short on the handles but you get the comfort of the thicker handles.
And a big bonus would be the stainles steel and the covexed not coated blade. Minus would be the that the BR necker with handles is 2x price of the izula.

[npueppke]

I had the ka-bar neck knife and thought it was a bit small so I got rid of it. I think it's about the same size as the Izula. The Izula probably carries better because it's not as wide, but I think it would be too small for camp usage. Probably would make a decent BOB knife, though.

[FLYBYU44]

I was looking at a Street Beat in the knife store today and realized it is much smaller then I thought, don't think it will work for me.

[D1omedes]

I have an Izula and think it's a great utility knife. It's thickness doesn't allow it to slice as nicely as other knives but it's very tough and takes a nice edge. If you're camping and need it for food prep, it can do just fine. I've seen other users put the Izula for skinning - it works but is not ideal for that.

My hands are on the small side and I find the Izula to fit well. I can understand that guys with bigger hands would feel there's too little room. You could always graduate up to an RC 3 but the cost goes up substantially and the blade is thinner. That makes the RC3 a more versatile blade but less tough.

[Piet.S]

I EDC one.
I think it is a good substitute for a 3'' folder, but much stronger.
There are of course no pivot or lock to fail.
For light use, it's too strong.
The tip could be more pointed, as I like in a Delica.
For harder use, it's allright.
Edge thickness is average and the blade sharpens up very quickly.
The retention of the sheath is reliable but I found it a bit to bulky, so I made a kydex one.
For in a BOB or for survival, I would choose a bigger blade.
As a sturdy little knife to have always on you, it's a good choice.

[Blue72]

Tough little knife.

I batoned the **** out of it last summer, splitting firewood. A longer blade would have been better but it got the job done. The coating did wear off so I stripped it and did a forced patina. Its a great knife at a great price

[FLYBYU44]

How does it fit in the hand? I have larger hands (size 10 glove) and I'd like at least a good three finger grip, four fingers would work better.

[brandonreed2008]

I love the Izula. It is one TOUGH little knife. Here check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSrlvqrZQKY

still shaving sharp after a whole 3x4 :eek:

[Jijoel]

I was looking at a Street Beat in the knife store today and realized it is much smaller then I thought, don't think it will work for me.

It is indeed smaller then most people think.
I have to say i haver never handled one but it will be bigger then an izula(i think) :confused: .

It would be a better slicer en the handles will be much more comfortable.
Ok for the price you can buy 3 izula's.



I have big hands and have a strong 3 finger grip on the izula.
It can be 3,5 finger grip.
The handle should have been 0.5-1 inch longer for me and it would be perfect.

I have an rc3 too and think its much more usable.
Better grip with handles. Some extra handle length and some extra blade length.
The blade is thinner but will be a better slicer.
The rc3 is still a very compact knife and is easy to carry.
I carry mine in my pocket.
It could be used as a necker. I saw someone who took the handles of and put some paracord on it. This way you have a bigger necker with more comfort. But again probably 2x the price of an izula.

So i would say just buy an izula :D .Try it out. If you don't like it its very easy to sell because they are very popular :) .