The ESEE Izula is undoubtedly one of the most popular compact fixed blade knives on the market today. Equally at home in the forest making fires or in the office slicing an apple for lunch, this small drop point knife features a flat ground blade just over 2.5″ in length. It has an OAL of 6.25″.
The ESEE Izula comes in a host of colors and patterns, including Damascus, Engraved with Ants, Black Oxide, Black, Olive Drab, Dark Earth, Desert Tan, Venom Green, Fire Ant Red, and even Purple. It is made of 1095 high-carbon steel, and it includes a tough powder coat finish to help avoid any excessive rusting.
Although most versions come with a skeletonized handle, some versions do come with scales from the factory and aftermarket scales you can add yourself are available as well. I have used it with and without scales (and with a paracord wrap) and the scales noticeably increase comfort and usability for hard tasks while also increasing the thickness and weight. For neck carry, forgoing the scales provides a slim 2 oz. knife that really shines as a backup blade or EDC.
Made in the U.S.A. and featuring a legendary heat treat from Rowen Manufacturing, the ESEE Izula offers a lot of knife for a street price starting below $60 (some versions cost a bit more.) In addition to the color choices, there is also a stainless steel version made of 440C for those folks who prioritize stainlessness over toughness.
If the Izula proves too compact for your liking, there’s even an Izula-II that offers the same blade with an extra half inch of handle.
If there are any negatives to this outstanding knife, it is the somewhat lackluster factory sheath. Don’t get me wrong, it’s perfectly serviceable, holding the blade securely with little to no rattle, but the molded polymer sheath is a bit bulky and lacks the refinement of aftermarket kydex.
There are many providers of quality aftermarket kydex sheaths for the Izula, but my favorites come from Armatus Carry Solutions.
Final Thoughts
The ESEE Izula is a truly great knife. I own three of them personally and I carry them regularly. While my preferred method of carry for small fixed blades is using a ball chain for neck carry, the Izula also carries well as a small belt knife. The factory sheath even includes a clip plate suitable for vertical or horizontal (i.e. scout) carry. If you don’t yet have an Izula, you’re missing out on one of the best fixed blades in the game. What are you waiting for?
