Having used both, I prefer the Izula 2 for daily carry. Although the grip isn't as "pretty" as the MSK, I find it much easier to find, grab and deploy. Additionally, the edge is more forgiving of hard use and for straight up slicing. Scandi grind is great, but I don't want to have to babysit my blade: This is a working, daily carry and the Izula 2 just took the use much better. I hate the sheath on both. However, I'm one of those people that loves to test a product the way it comes to me. The thin kydex sheath is ok, but not if you need to grab-n-get your knife all day. The Esee sheath screams "cheesey" but I've abused it at work (Wildlife Control) and it's still rocking. Overall, I would definitely purchase an Izula 2 again if I lost or wear this one out.
Great review-- perfect for me since over the past week I bought a Esee Izula (1 not 2) stainless w Micarta scales as well as a TOPS MSK Survival. Can't wait to receive them -- should be here tomorrow. I plan on using them both as neck knives when out camping-- I already have a ton of folders and larger fixed blades and wanted something a bit smaller and easily accessible for small chores. Also maybe EDC one of them around my neck if don't print too much. Thanks!!
After carrying an Izula daily for over 10 years and even bringing one on my AT thruhike I decided to try out the MSK. It's currently on its way and I can't wait to try it out.
I have the tops voided the warranty and removed the scales but found out they use a small piece of tubing tread it and screw into it. I striped that coating which is ceracoat not powder by the way and blued it. if you think it cuts good with the coating even better without it. was thinking of getting the izula just really like the MSK.
Since making this video, have you come to appreciate one of these over the other? I plan to own both, but I would love help deciding which one to get first. Hard choice, so any direction is appreciated.
Izula 2 FTW...... I love both brands....but the Izula 2 is better. Speaking of TOPS, check out the Camp Creek.... it is a hidden gem in the TOPS line up. :)
G day mate Dan from down under just wondering do you make and sell your kydex sheath just finnished watching this vidio I have just bought a msk2.5 and a tops bob fieldcraft and looking to get new kydex sheath for both would you be interested regards Dan
2Wheel Delinquent it is a awesome knife I use the information from topsknives.com and it says black linen micarta for the handle material but Amazon says canvas so maybe they have two options. This one is linen micarta.
+temujen I did the same thing. That is why I bought both. I ended up giving the Tops MSK away to my buddy Frogtac. Now I use the ESEE IZULA 2 for everything.
Just bought the TOPS mini scandi survival! Super excited about it. I know it's a three finger knife but I think it looks sooooo much better and sleeker than the Esee Izula!
I bought the Izula and I can't say I'm super happy with it. The coating is horrible. Any smooth cutting stops when the material touches that crap. I removed it, which caused horrible rattle in the sheath but at least it actually cuts now. I didn't like the paracord wrap so I forked over my money for scales, which don't help. I think I actually hate this knife. Every time I look at it I remember I spent way too much money on something like a 30 dollar Condor Mini Bushlore can do better in every single way. I like the looks of the Tops, but I'm not sure I'll buy it. As much as I prefer fixed blades to folders, I think I've given up on neck knives. They are always more expensive than is reasonable and limited in their actual use. You could get a Bk16 for the price of one of these knives and that makes zero sense.
I think that’s just you bro. The izula is an absolutely capable near bullet proof knife that you can do a ton with for such a small knife. Buy a few sheets of kydex for knives that come with sub par sheaths if that’s a main concern, but I’ve removed the coating and have had no issues. I’ve done things with the izula that is way outside of its design perimeters and it’s never let me down.
@@John5.56 while you can definitely beat the hell out of it, I'd prefer a better slicer. I just don't like most of these smaller knives, and Esee is just too expensive.
@@Dkclemons1 Yeah fair enough. Just depends on what you’ll be using it for. And yeah sadly we’re so used to buying stuff from foreign countries it seems a bit steep when stuff is American made lol.
Having used both, I prefer the Izula 2 for daily carry. Although the grip isn't as "pretty" as the MSK, I find it much easier to find, grab and deploy. Additionally, the edge is more forgiving of hard use and for straight up slicing. Scandi grind is great, but I don't want to have to babysit my blade: This is a working, daily carry and the Izula 2 just took the use much better. I hate the sheath on both. However, I'm one of those people that loves to test a product the way it comes to me. The thin kydex sheath is ok, but not if you need to grab-n-get your knife all day. The Esee sheath screams "cheesey" but I've abused it at work (Wildlife Control) and it's still rocking. Overall, I would definitely purchase an Izula 2 again if I lost or wear this one out.
Great review-- perfect for me since over the past week I bought a Esee Izula (1 not 2) stainless w Micarta scales as well as a TOPS MSK Survival. Can't wait to receive them -- should be here tomorrow. I plan on using them both as neck knives when out camping-- I already have a ton of folders and larger fixed blades and wanted something a bit smaller and easily accessible for small chores. Also maybe EDC one of them around my neck if don't print too much. Thanks!!
After carrying an Izula daily for over 10 years and even bringing one on my AT thruhike I decided to try out the MSK. It's currently on its way and I can't wait to try it out.
Nice comparison! So either go with one with good purchase on the handle or the one with a good grind and bites into wood well!
forgot to add it is solid steel under the scales with only holes for the screws probably where the added weight comes from.
Iv dremelled the original izula sheath down to the size for a little blade slip for pocket carry works great
I have the tops voided the warranty and removed the scales but found out they use a small piece of tubing tread it and screw into it. I striped that coating which is ceracoat not powder by the way and blued it. if you think it cuts good with the coating even better without it. was thinking of getting the izula just really like the MSK.
You should look the TOPS Scandi Woodsman. It is a lot closer in size to the Izula 2.
Thank you for the great review! I just ordered the Tops for a backup neck knife to be used with my bunker gear.
At the end of the day it comes down to preference and purpose. What are you going to use the knife for etc
Great comparison on the knives. You have a new subscriber.
In theory, you can get a metal pocket clip for the TOPS sheath. I ordered one from them it gets here tomorrow. I had to write and ask though.
If you want handle purchase get the larges versions. These knives weren’t designed as larger knives.
Since making this video, have you come to appreciate one of these over the other? I plan to own both, but I would love help deciding which one to get first. Hard choice, so any direction is appreciated.
I can never get past the billboards that are TOPS knives. They are obsessed with having huge writing covering every inch of the blade.
Both are great to carry in your front pocket
The MSK chain can be doubled up and tied to your belt loop and the knife in your pocket with the sheath on!
The MSK sheath is easy to modify adding a thumb ramp.
My favorite is my Esee Stainless steel Izula with black G-10 handles 💪🇺🇸
If only it had their warranty
would you do a side by side with the scandi tekker and izula 2, please.
How do you know he has that knife? He is supposed to go out and buy it just so you can see a video? Buy them yourself.
Complimenti. Ps..Izula ll quanto costerebbe volendo comprarla? Grazie
Izula 2 FTW...... I love both brands....but the Izula 2 is better. Speaking of TOPS, check out the Camp Creek.... it is a hidden gem in the TOPS line up. :)
if you had to use one for fihing and camping wich one would you choose?
The tops but get the Trekker not the msk
Esee Stainless 4 💪🇺🇸
G day mate Dan from down under just wondering do you make and sell your kydex sheath just finnished watching this vidio I have just bought a msk2.5 and a tops bob fieldcraft and looking to get new kydex sheath for both would you be interested regards Dan
tops msk survival is awesome and it's scales are canvas micarta not linen micarta like on the tom brown scout jr. I have both and are both awesome.
2Wheel Delinquent it is a awesome knife I use the information from topsknives.com and it says black linen micarta for the handle material but Amazon says canvas so maybe they have two options. This one is linen micarta.
Now that youve spent time with both - for edc, and light camp duties (companion to a larger knife) which would you recommend?
I would recommend the Esee Izula 2 because it has a better handle. The Tops MSK is nice but the handle hinders its capabilities a little.
+Gear Nut awesome thanks for the quick response. I've been agonizing over the decision and have just been waffling back and forth. That help a ton!
+temujen I did the same thing. That is why I bought both. I ended up giving the Tops MSK away to my buddy Frogtac. Now I use the ESEE IZULA 2 for everything.
Just bought the TOPS mini scandi survival! Super excited about it. I know it's a three finger knife but I think it looks sooooo much better and sleeker than the Esee Izula!
Just subbed...nice review.
2 good looking knives !!
Nice Vid. im a New sub. Glad I came over and took a look
I bought the Izula and I can't say I'm super happy with it. The coating is horrible. Any smooth cutting stops when the material touches that crap. I removed it, which caused horrible rattle in the sheath but at least it actually cuts now. I didn't like the paracord wrap so I forked over my money for scales, which don't help. I think I actually hate this knife. Every time I look at it I remember I spent way too much money on something like a 30 dollar Condor Mini Bushlore can do better in every single way.
I like the looks of the Tops, but I'm not sure I'll buy it. As much as I prefer fixed blades to folders, I think I've given up on neck knives. They are always more expensive than is reasonable and limited in their actual use. You could get a Bk16 for the price of one of these knives and that makes zero sense.
I luv my Esee Stainless steel Izula with black G-10 handles 💪🇺🇸 Cuts Great"
I think that’s just you bro. The izula is an absolutely capable near bullet proof knife that you can do a ton with for such a small knife. Buy a few sheets of kydex for knives that come with sub par sheaths if that’s a main concern, but I’ve removed the coating and have had no issues. I’ve done things with the izula that is way outside of its design perimeters and it’s never let me down.
@@John5.56 while you can definitely beat the hell out of it, I'd prefer a better slicer. I just don't like most of these smaller knives, and Esee is just too expensive.
@@Dkclemons1 Yeah fair enough. Just depends on what you’ll be using it for. And yeah sadly we’re so used to buying stuff from foreign countries it seems a bit steep when stuff is American made lol.
And if you want quality try out a company called Utica cutlery. Great customer service.
Utica are junk
I love tops knives but they make terrible sheaths for their knives.
2 years later but, yes, agreed.
The Tops Scandi Trekker is probably a better comparison.
Oh I loathe tops, I have, this msk. I’d take essee all day and twice on Sunday. Anyone wanna trade? Nuttn but essee from here on out for me
This little msk is just impossible to sharpen to my liking
The big difference is warranty. TOPS isn't that great.
The tops is better of the 2 although the scandi Trekker would be a better option.
Florida Man I’m not liking the tops,, just can’t sharpen it
Tops msk any day. Step it up and get the b.o.b or pasaytan. Tops over esse for fixed