ESEE Medellin II vs. Izula: The Choice Comes Down to How You Carry

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You don’t need the same knife for opening packages at home and cutting cord at a campsite. A folding knife is easier to keep in your pocket, while a fixed blade gives you a cutting tool that’s ready as soon as you remove it from its sheath. ESEE offers both, with two compact models that take different approaches to everyday utility.

The ESEE Medellin II combines CPM-S35VN stainless steel, olive Micarta handle scales, and a crossbar lock in a folding design. The ESEE Izula uses a carbon steel fixed blade, an olive drab G10 handle, and a molded sheath. Both can handle routine cutting jobs, but their construction and carrying options make them better choices for different situations.

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Medellin II: A compact folder for everyday carry

Opening deliveries, cutting packaging, and trimming cord are the jobs where a pocket knife earns its place. ESEE equips this model with a blade measuring under 3 inches, made from CPM-S35VN stainless steel, a steel known for its balance of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance.

Olive Micarta handle scales provide a textured gripping surface. Micarta is a durable composite commonly used for knife handles, and the olive finish keeps the knife understated.

A crossbar lock secures the blade in its open position. The ambidextrous mechanism makes it accessible from either side, while a reversible deep-carry pocket clip allows left- or right-hand carry.

Price: $71.43
Where to Buy: Amazon

ESEE puts its weight at 2.6 ounces, making it manageable for everyday carry. Its folding construction also keeps the cutting edge enclosed when stored, a practical advantage when you want a knife that stays with your regular gear.

At $71.43, the Medellin II is the stronger everyday carry purchase. You get CPM-S35VN steel, Micarta scales, a crossbar lock, and a reversible pocket clip for less than the Izula. Choose this one for regular cutting jobs, but skip it if fixed-blade construction is your priority.

Izula: A compact fixed blade for outdoor gear

A fixed blade makes sense when you’re putting together a camping kit or want a small cutting tool to keep with your outdoor equipment. There’s no folding mechanism to operate, and the blade stays in a fixed position during use.

ESEE uses carbon steel for the black blade, paired with an olive drab G10 handle. G10 is a fiberglass-based composite that provides a durable gripping surface. Carbon steel requires regular cleaning and drying to help prevent corrosion, so you’ll need to give the blade some attention after exposure to moisture.

At 6.25 inches overall, with a 2.63-inch blade, the Izula is compact for a fixed-blade knife. Its short cutting edge works for trimming cord, opening supplies, and preparing materials around camp. Those dimensions make it easier to accommodate in a small outdoor kit than a larger fixed-blade knife.

Price: $90.41
Where to Buy: Amazon

Full-tang construction means the blade steel extends through the handle, eliminating the pivot and locking mechanism found on a folder. You get a continuous steel structure with no moving blade components.

A molded polymer sheath protects the cutting edge during storage and transport. The included clip plate provides an attachment option, making it practical to keep the sheathed knife with your equipment. You’ll still need space for its full length, since the blade doesn’t fold into the handle.

At $90.41, the Izula is the better purchase for someone who specifically wants a compact fixed blade. Its carbon steel construction, G10 handle, and included sheath give it a clear purpose in an outdoor kit. If your knife will spend most of its time in a pocket, the Medellin II offers better convenience at a lower price.

Which ESEE knife should you buy?

The Medellin II costs $18.98 less than the Izula, and that difference strengthens its appeal for everyday carry. Its stainless steel blade, Micarta handle, crossbar lock, and reversible pocket clip give you a useful combination for routine cutting jobs. You also get a folding design that takes up less space when stored.

The Izula offers a different advantage. Its full-tang construction eliminates the moving parts of a folder, while the molded sheath provides a dedicated way to protect and carry the exposed blade. It’s a practical option for camping equipment and outdoor kits where a compact fixed blade makes sense.

For most everyday cutting tasks, the Medellin II is the better value. It costs less, stores more conveniently, and offers features that support regular pocket carry. The Izula earns its place when you specifically want fixed-blade construction and are comfortable carrying a sheath.

Buy the Medellin II for everyday pocket convenience or the Izula for a compact fixed blade to keep with your outdoor gear. Both have a clear purpose, and choosing between them comes down to how you plan to carry your knife.

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