ESEE Knives (formerly RAT Cutlery) offer some of the finest fixed blade survival knives in the $70 – $200 range. They are designed to be simple and a balance of quality and price.
What I have always found most impressive is their “NO Questions Asked Guarantee“. It says a lot about a company’s belief in their product. For that reason they have been my go to brand when I am in the market for another survival/camping knife.
Amongst the nine basic styles of knives ESEE Knives makes, they produce an excellent neck knife known as the ESEE Izula. If you are not sure what a neck knife is, it’s quiet simply a small knife you wear around you neck via a lanyard and sheath.
Izula is the common name in Peru, a favorite training ground of ESEE founders Mike Perrin and Jeff Randall, for the Bullet Ant. Known for being tough, aggressive, and particularly for its powerful sting that is said to be akin to being shot.
Aside from the warranty, the Izula Neck Knife stands out for its: 1095 steel, weight, and strength.
The 1095 steel means the knife holds a great edge even when abused. Yet, its soft enough to field sharpen easily. Out of the box the Izula is very sharp. With a few minutes on a good stone the knife can take on a razor-sharp edge and hold that edge exceptionally well.
At 2oz the Izula is very light. It adds very little to a pack and feels like nothing around your neck. The addition of the optional Micarta scales do add to that, but the knife still remains relatively lightweight.
What’s most impressive about the Izula is the sturdiness of such a small knife. This is par for the course with any of ESEE’s knives, but you just don’t expect it from a neck knife. The Izula definitely lives up to its namesake.
Technical Specs:
- Over All Length: 6.25″
- Blade Length (end of handle to tip): 2.88″
- Cutting Edge Length: 2 5/8″
- Over All Blade Length: 2 3/4″
- Maximum Thickness: .156″
- Weight: 2 Ounces (Knife Only)
- 1095 Steel – 57 Rc.
- Blade Width: 1.0″
- Grind: Flat
- Handles: None (Optional Scales Available)
- Sheathing: Injection Molded, Black
- Pommel: Hole To Accommodate Carabiner
- Spine: Thumb Grippers
- Finish: Textured Powder Coat
- Colors: Black, OD Green, Desert Tan, Tactical Pink
- Serial Number On Tang
Personally, I sorely dislike things around my neck. However, because of the minimal size and weight (2oz) the knife makes an excellent EDC fixed blade knife when thrown in a bag. For this, and the reasons listed above it has earned a place in my EDC bag for the last several years and has traveled with me through cities, forests, and tropical environments.
The ESEE Izula is a great little knife that good for tasks from every day to bushcraft. Get yours here.
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