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May, 2025

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Attention! - Knife nerds needed here

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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
Looking at getting two knives as a little graduation gift to myself (among so, so many other things...) The ESEE Izula and the ESEE Model 5 look to be two knives I've been looking to add. I have a SOG Spec Elite Mini for work but I want something a little more quality and at a fixed point blade just because that's the way I roll. The Izula seems like a perfect fit. Similar blade size, lighter weight, can get a grip for it or just wrap in cord (nice for camping), etc.
Secondly the Model 5. This one I can take or leave, I like to have a bigger knife for camping. Currently I use and old military spec knife from WWII (Yeah its old...) and the leather is beginning to rot or something on the handle. Considered just ripping that off, cleaning it up, and wrapping it in paracord but then thought a new knife with an easier interface might just be easier to work with. The Model 5 has a 1/4" thick top with a nice blade underneath: perfect for splitting wood whereas my current knife is double edged making that process a little bit of a bitch. Anyways if anyone has any more info/reviews on these guys let me know what you thing and should I pull the trigger on a new blade?
7 years ago
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Bondy
Posts: 277 - Karma: 469
Ontario RAT 5 is your best bet sooo nice its full tang and made of carbon I have one and it's the most durable shit ever
7 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
BondyOntario RAT 5 is your best bet sooo nice its full tang and made of carbon I have one and it's the most durable shit ever


You ever bash on the top of it to split wood? I only ask this because I don’t like carrying an axe with me do I just club the top of my knife with a small log to split wood for fire. I was looking at the rat 5 vs the esee 5 and they seem super similar, just wondering if the 30 dollar price difference is noticeable
7 years ago
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cultrara
Posts: 5147 - Karma: 46,849
ZypherYou ever bash on the top of it to split wood?

I have an ESEE Izula and I've used it to baton wood several times.

The Izula is the perfect camping knife because it hardly takes up space, can handle rugged jobs like splitting wood, and is easy to clean.
7 years ago
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Bondy
Posts: 277 - Karma: 469
ZypherYou ever bash on the top of it to split wood? I only ask this because I don’t like carrying an axe with me do I just club the top of my knife with a small log to split wood for fire. I was looking at the rat 5 vs the esee 5 and they seem super similar, just wondering if the 30 dollar price difference is noticeable

Yah all the time there indestructible if you want even more power get the RAT 7 its same thing just beefier with a 7 inch blade opposed to a 5
7 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
cultraraI have an ESEE Izula and I've used it to baton wood several times.

The Izula is the perfect camping knife because it hardly takes up space, can handle rugged jobs like splitting wood, and is easy to clean.


Awesome! That’s something I’ve been looking to hear, if the smaller knife or daily can handle big boy tasks when the other isn’t handy. Did have a question on the izula though, what size hands do you have (go by mondo glove size I guess). Only reason I ask is because ESEE has the Izula and the Izula ii which are both the same knife but the Izula ii is about a half inch longer on the handle. I wear a large size glove but can often slip into mediums so just questioning which I should go with.
7 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
BondyYah all the time there indestructible if you want even more power get the RAT 7 its same thing just beefier with a 7 inch blade opposed to a 5


Ah geez look what you’ve done, now I have to compare/contrast the rat 5 and esee 5 haha. It’s good to know the rat series can hold up pretty well considering their price point is a bit better than the esee’s.
7 years ago
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cultrara
Posts: 5147 - Karma: 46,849
ZypherWhat size hands do you have (go by mondo glove size I guess). Only reason I ask is because ESEE has the Izula and the Izula ii which are both the same knife but the Izula ii is about a half inch longer on the handle. I wear a large size glove but can often slip into mediums so just questioning which I should go with.

My hands are rather larger and I usually wear an XL glove.

I opted to get the original Izula instead of the Izula II for mainly aesthetic reasons; I think the proportions of the original look better with the smaller handle and larger hole. I also wanted to get it in fire ant red which the Izula II does not come in.

In terms of fit, the original suits me just fine. I'm sure I could use a bit more handle length, but the smaller hole on the Izula II is too small to fit your pinky. By putting you pinky through the hole of the original, you get a really secure grip. It's also fun to twirl around.

I also use mine without scales or para wrap because I think it looks better and it's easier to clean. If you were to use scales/wrap, I'm sure the Izula II would be more comfortable.
7 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
cultraraMy hands are rather larger and I usually wear an XL glove.

I opted to get the original Izula instead of the Izula II for mainly aesthetic reasons; I think the proportions of the original look better with the smaller handle and larger hole. I also wanted to get it in fire ant red which the Izula II does not come in.

In terms of fit, the original suits me just fine. I'm sure I could use a bit more handle length, but the smaller hole on the Izula II is too small to fit your pinky. By putting you pinky through the hole of the original, you get a really secure grip. It's also fun to twirl around.

I also use mine without scales or para wrap because I think it looks better and it's easier to clean. If you were to use scales/wrap, I'm sure the Izula II would be more comfortable.


Thanks for the info! I was debating skeleton or para wrap ( I have some spare chord lying around) and like the idea of working off a bare bones knife based on need. I can get the scales but I doubt I’d really need them if I had a para wrap. I’ll have to do a handle size comparison to my current daily to see which may feel better. I was leaning towards the Izula regular because of my smallish hands but I guess it just comes down to what I need the knife to do and how steady a grip do a really want.
7 years ago
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cultrara
Posts: 5147 - Karma: 46,849
ZypherI’ll have to do a handle size comparison to my current daily to see which may feel better.

No problem! What do you normally carry?
7 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
cultraraNo problem! What do you normally carry?

SOG Spec Elite Mini I believe it is called. Good knife but the blade isn’t the greatest and thus gets dull pretty fast so looking for an upgrade there and I’ll be buying a proper sharpening kit as well.

And cant forget the camping buddy, the ol rando WWII knife grandpappy gave me. Needs a sharpen bad but gets the job done for what I need it to do. This I’ll probably replace with either the ESEE 5 or Rat 5 depending on what my research yields.

7 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
cultraraNo problem! What do you normally carry?


Also, dont know if you have any experience, I've been looking at the Spyderco Delica 4 as an edc. Still on the fence whether fixed blade (Izula/Izula ii) or non fixed is the way to go. I dont often wear a belt so there lies my biggest problem as to where to carry a fixed - (Neck/custom sheath?)
7 years ago
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cultrara
Posts: 5147 - Karma: 46,849
ZypherAlso, dont know if you have any experience, I've been looking at the Spyderco Delica 4 as an edc. Still on the fence whether fixed blade (Izula/Izula ii) or non fixed is the way to go. I dont often wear a belt so there lies my biggest problem as to where to carry a fixed - (Neck/custom sheath?)


The Delica 4 is a fantastic edc. It's ergonomics are some of the best and it has a great blade size/shape.

Without scales, my Izula fits really well in both my front and back pockets. I rarely cary it unless I'm camping or hiking though.
7 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
cultraraThe Delica 4 is a fantastic edc. It's ergonomics are some of the best and it has a great blade size/shape.

Without scales, my Izula fits really well in both my front and back pockets. I rarely cary it unless I'm camping or hiking though.


Sell some stuff on ns and buy all of them? Seems like a great idea haha.

I know some people who can work magic with some leather so maybe making a super low profile case for the Izula could be an idea, just enough to cover the blade and clip around/secure it. I just don’t want to have something bulky in my back pocket and definitely not something unsheathed back there. Pretty sure the delica and the Izula 2 run around the same price (75ish) so now I’m in a bit of a pickle lol.
7 years ago
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49566738265
Posts: 0 - Karma: 7,705
ZypherYou ever bash on the top of it to split wood? I only ask this because I don’t like carrying an axe with me do I just club the top of my knife with a small log to split wood for fire. I was looking at the rat 5 vs the esee 5 and they seem super similar, just wondering if the 30 dollar price difference is noticeable


I got turned onto the Rat 5 because the Air Force survival specialists guys swore by them. They spend 80% of their year out in the Washington forest with an axe and a knife, those blades are super durable. I was able to split wood with them easily, still carry one in my larger pack.
7 years ago
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MLB
Posts: 4462 - Karma: 298
Get a rat 5. I have big mitts, and it’s one of the only knives that I’ve used that feels good in my hands. Another thing is that OKC manufactures the ESEE knives under license. They are basically the same brand pretty much. The only thing I would say is see if you can talk to a pro grinder to get a scandy grind done on it ( unless you have the equipment to do it your self).

Also if your into spending time in the bush, and really want a nice piece I would check out Helle knives. Beautiful stuff that will last forever and is purpose built for bushcrafting. I also own a few Mora knives as well. Best knife for the buck.
7 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
Dustin.I got turned onto the Rat 5 because the Air Force survival specialists guys swore by them. They spend 80% of their year out in the Washington forest with an axe and a knife, those blades are super durable. I was able to split wood with them easily, still carry one in my larger pack.


MLBGet a rat 5. I have big mitts, and it’s one of the only knives that I’ve used that feels good in my hands. Another thing is that OKC manufactures the ESEE knives under license. They are basically the same brand pretty much. The only thing I would say is see if you can talk to a pro grinder to get a scandy grind done on it ( unless you have the equipment to do it your self).

Also if your into spending time in the bush, and really want a nice piece I would check out Helle knives. Beautiful stuff that will last forever and is purpose built for bushcrafting. I also own a few Mora knives as well. Best knife for the buck.


Looks like I may be going with a rat as my car/camping buddy then. I've kinda dropped the Izula from my mind and am leaning towards a folder as a new edc - Any preferences between the Spyderco Delica 4 and Paramilitary 2? I know the para 3 is closer to the delica but i like the grip of the delica better. My main thing is blade size. Para 2 is about 3.4 and the Delica is about 2.9. I like the fact that the Para 2 seems more friendly to choke up with thus making it versatile in multiple situations. That being said, the delica's smaller size and stature give it a light and nimble feel and weighting 1.5oz less isn't too shabby. I guess, is the higher grade steel, grip, and construction of the Para 2 worth that much more than the delica? I don't want to make this about price - I know that if i get a knife ill use it till the damn thing snaps in half but a Para 2 does cost about a dollar more than 2 Delica 4's haha.
7 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
And then I stumble on the manix 2... seriously, there are too many options...
What I want - non-serrated blade (easier to sharpen), durable steel, grippy handle, easy open, solid pocket clip, under 150, 2.75-3.5" blade - comfortable and adaptable grip; What do all of these knives deliver? Exactly that...
7 years ago
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OregonDead
Posts: 7072 - Karma: 26,618
Do you live near any good knife factories OP? If so I'd see about getting a deal on a 2nd or overrun. You are talking about really using your knife and it sounds like you might want to get more knives for your $. We have a bunch of knife factories in OR so I have trouble buying any other way after getting some huge discounts. Kershaw factory sale can be like 80% off + and they have all sorts of really good stuff and knives you might not even find anywhere else. I have so many knives I have had to resist going to any of these for a couple years.
7 years ago
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MLB
Posts: 4462 - Karma: 298
I would check out Benchmade for foldies. They are a touch on the expensive side, but they are by far the most reliable folding knives on the market.

I would check out the Griptillion, and the Barrage series to start. You can made to order stuff from them as well ( grip material, tonto style, and mechanical openings, etc). I know some guys i used to work with inherited benchmade knives that were 30+ years old and looked great.
7 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
OregonDeadDo you live near any good knife factories OP? If so I'd see about getting a deal on a 2nd or overrun. You are talking about really using your knife and it sounds like you might want to get more knives for your $. We have a bunch of knife factories in OR so I have trouble buying any other way after getting some huge discounts. Kershaw factory sale can be like 80% off + and they have all sorts of really good stuff and knives you might not even find anywhere else. I have so many knives I have had to resist going to any of these for a couple years.


Are they all around portlandia? I am in Bend so idk whats really around me. Factory seconds though... I'm totally down for that haha, probably my favorite type of sale because I like putting in a little work to make it my own.
7 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
MLBI would check out Benchmade for foldies. They are a touch on the expensive side, but they are by far the most reliable folding knives on the market.

I would check out the Griptillion, and the Barrage series to start. You can made to order stuff from them as well ( grip material, tonto style, and mechanical openings, etc). I know some guys i used to work with inherited benchmade knives that were 30+ years old and looked great.


I really like the benchmade foldies. My buddy has on as an EDC (forget the model) and loves it. The only thing that makes me go spyderco over benchmade is the fact that I wear gloves of varying sizes for different jobs and that little spydie hole makes so much sense because its easy to unfold and close the knife with one hand while gloved. I like the way my SOG folds but those little knobs are sometimes a bit weird to push with a gloved hand; not impossible or even hard, just takes a second so I thought that the hole may be easier.
7 years ago
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OregonDead
Posts: 7072 - Karma: 26,618
There are a bunch of good knives made in Oregon. Benchmade is in the Oregon City area. SOG still makes some here I think too. Don't know if Gerber or Leatherman still makes anything local. Lots of little guys too. We have a guy with a shop downtown Silverton now but I haven't checked him out yet.

Those Kershaw sales are where its at though. Crazy lines but it goes fast and the energy is good. I love the Shun kitchen knives. They have giveaways too and I won a Damascus steel filet set. https://kershaw.kaiusaltd.com/blog/the-kai-usa-warehouse-sale-returns-dec.-1-3-2017 I don't know when they'll do it again so keep an eye out .
7 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
I just wanted to thank everyone for their help! I am going to go with the Ontario Rat 5 and the Benchmade Mini Griptilian w/ sheepsfoot style blade per your feedback and recommendations. There could possibly be a Paramilitary 2 in my future but Im just on the lookout for a quality edc and camping knife for right now. Thanks again!

https://www.knifeworks.com/benchmade-mini-griptilian-555bkhgsn-2-91-in-154cm-stainless-black-plain-edge.html
https://www.knifeworks.com/new/ontario-8667-rat-5-5-1095-plain-blade-tan-micarta-handle.html
7 years ago
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MLB
Posts: 4462 - Karma: 298
ZypherI just wanted to thank everyone for their help! I am going to go with the Ontario Rat 5 and the Benchmade Mini Griptilian w/ sheepsfoot style blade per your feedback and recommendations. There could possibly be a Paramilitary 2 in my future but Im just on the lookout for a quality edc and camping knife for right now. Thanks again!

https://www.knifeworks.com/benchmade-mini-griptilian-555bkhgsn-2-91-in-154cm-stainless-black-plain-edge.html
https://www.knifeworks.com/new/ontario-8667-rat-5-5-1095-plain-blade-tan-micarta-handle.html


Your not going to regret it. I have had my 5 for about a year of wildland fire service, and it’s the best knife I’ve ever used on the line. Give us a little review of the benchmade when you get it. I’m looking at one myself right now and it would be cool to get some feedback before I buy.
7 years ago
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
MLBYour not going to regret it. I have had my 5 for about a year of wildland fire service, and it’s the best knife I’ve ever used on the line. Give us a little review of the benchmade when you get it. I’m looking at one myself right now and it would be cool to get some feedback before I buy.


Sure thing! I was surprised to see they made a modified sheepsfoot with the thumb hole to begin with so im pretty excited on that. There are a few Delica 4s around me right now and a PM2 brand new in box on craigslist so im going to see if anyone wants my Spec Elite mini on trade. I also ordered sharpening stones and a strop so ill get my hand in sharpening too haha.

If anyone wants my Spec Elite, its a pretty good little knife. VG-10 steel with a 2.75" blade, nice pocket clip and perfectly centered too, and has an axis type lock. Imagine mini griptilian with thumb studs had a baby with the delica - Looks of the grip and the specs of the delica pretty much. Just wanted something that kept an edge a little longer and was a little longer in length for my hands w/ gloves.
7 years ago
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