Mora Eldris vs. ESSE Izula 2

A one year knife review on 2 small fixed blade outdoor knives

[@Boxerjake77]

Both great knives. Carry the Izula daily and my Mora I use to cut bait when surf fishing.

[@pamelafrancis6086]

The eldris has a loop style sheath holder for mounting on a belt.

[@TheGrenadier97]

I've finally ordered an Eldris, may arrive next week. The thing i'm most curious about is how it carries in the pocket (which is my favourite method) and most importantly, the accuracy with "minor slices". I like the blade shape of the Kansbol but the forward thinner part is sometimes affected by the length of the blade overall - at least in my perception - so i think the Eldris will be better because it's smaller.

[@forestadventureswithscott8777]

I don’t have the Kansbol, yet, but from what I understand there is some flex factor towards the tip which is actually good if you’re planning to use it for food prep too. The Eldris has zero flex but is a solid blade. I like the fact if you buy the Kansbol you can use the dangler on the Eldris sheath. Cheers!

[@StevanOutdoor]

The Kansbol is a great slicer for food prep. But as you mentioned to weak near the tip for anything else. The Eldris has that same grind but the Eldris Light Duty has just a scandi grind.

[@nickreed3031]

Love the review. I'm sold on the essee

[@forestadventureswithscott8777]

Yeah, I really like the brand. I also have the 5.

[@kitcraft9516]

I've had an Eldris since 2018 and I just don't love it. It carries bigger than it is and feels smaller than it is in use. I find myself reaching for a folder or my Companion. The Izula 2 has been on my radar for years, but I have never pulled the trigger. That said, your SDOKEDC has me thinking in another direction, lol. Anyway, off to check out more videos. Keep up the good work, it is apricated.

[@forestadventureswithscott8777]

Thanks for the support! I don't carry the Eldris very often. Kinda lives in my fire kit honestly.

[@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies]

I do not have the Izula (yet) but I just got my second Eldris. While I have no doubt that if it came down to an all out destruction test (like Joe X does on his channel) the Izula would last a bit longer than the Eldris, I can state categorically that the little Mora can work WAY above what you'd think its level would be. First off, the handle is ridiculously comfortable. I carved a tremendous amount of wood with the Eldris and never got a complaint from my hands. In addition, we all know the toughness rep of 1095 overall, and Esee 1095 in particular. What many don't know is that Mora uses Sandvik's 12C26 in most of their stainless (apart from the Garberg) which is such a tough stainless steel that a lot of machete companies use 12C26 to make the long, thin bladed machetes. It's tougher than you'd ever think a stainless steel would be. The Izula is a great backup knife. However, I have no qualms putting my trust in my little Swedish knives as my bet-my-life backup.

[@forestadventureswithscott8777]

@@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies All great points and over time I've seen more use out of the Eldris as a backup knife. Both knives are great and excel at different tasks. Eldris is a much better whittler and the Uzula is better at food prep. I'm in that 3.5 to 4.5 inch range on what I like to carry and use on outdoor excursions so neither see a lot of use. Cheers and thanks for commenting.

[@thomasmaloney843]

Used to be able to buy the Eldris Light Duty for 20 dollars. Price is now 27 dollars. I have several of both the regular and light duty. I carry them in my pocket, in addition to a Victorinox Tinker and maybe a Mora Companion. Do appreciate stainless steel for this application.

[@standingbear998]

I have eldris and really like everything about it. never had an esse

[@forestadventureswithscott8777]

I really like the ESSE brand. A little pricier compared to Moras but they have a ‘no questions asked’ warranty which is great.

[@1-0-8]

Obviously neither is your main knife . As a back up knife the SAK offers more options. One of my favourite moras is the 2000. Very light with a very comfortable handle and with a slicey thin blade. Probably a better utility knife than either of these knives. I enjoyed your review. Thanks for sharing

[@forestadventureswithscott8777]

Thanks for watching!

[@southbendshovelslam7750]

Knifeworks and The Knife Connection both sell the Izula 2 for around $66 - 75 depending on finish

[@forestadventureswithscott8777]

Nice. Yeah I just did a quick check on Amazon before I shot the video. Good to know.

[@forestadventureswithscott8777]

I plan to get the Kansbol at some point. I hear what your saying about the thinning towards the tip. I actually thin the Kansbol will be a great food prep knife with still some woodworking tasks.

[@thomasmaloney843]

Have several Kansbols and 2000s, more of a hunting, skinning, food prep knife, than a big baton chopper knife. Like the handle on the 2000 better, but it does not have the 90 degree spine. Sharp spine is a mixed blessing.

[@Smaug1]

A good review, fairly-done. I think in a fixed blade this size, I'd go with the Mora; It's not as thick, nor is it full-tang, but this size knife doesn't NEED to be so sturdy. It is more useful to be more slicey, IMO. The next size up (6" fixed? 10" chopper?) it's a different story, but not here. I would even go out on a limb and say for a blade this size, there's no need for it to be fixed at all, except for processing game animals.

[@forestadventureswithscott8777]

Good observation for sure. I honestly don’t carry either very often but really like having the option of a smaller knife when it’s needed.

[@carlbakerjr1088]

You left one thing out about the Mora Eldris. The sheath fits back of the handle to extend it

[@forestadventureswithscott8777]

Yes! I learned that a few weeks after this video. Great little knife for sure.

[@ronagoodwell2709]

You can turn the sheath around and stick the Eldris handle into the socket(with a nice satisfying snap!) to extend the grip by quite a bit. One knife is $20-ish and the other is $80-ish. But, who cares, right?

[@StevanOutdoor]

I subscribed and gave a like but not necessarily agree with everything. I'm neither American or Swedish so I don't care where it's made. I agree they are back up knives or 'just in case' knives. I don't care about lifetime no questions asked warranty because you pay for that when buying the knife. And if the knife breaks while your in the bush you can't send it back and get it replaced until you're home again. For the Eldris you can buy a belt loop for a few dollars that will also fit the sheaths of the Kansbol and Garberg but to me it's just a throw in your backpack, haversack or pocket 'just in case knife'. Because it's plastic, rubber and stainless steal it's carefree and easy to clean. The Eldris has a pretty strong stick tang and batoning just kindling size is no problem. You are limited by the length of the blade but the tang is stronger than most other Mora knives. The Essee has basically the same function but is carbon steel so it will rust, has useless jimping, srews that can come loose and is way overpriced. It's not carefree. I have big hands so the handle of the Eldris fills up my hand much better but of course what handle you like is always personal. To me for the purpose of the knife the Eldris is the cheaper and way much beter option. You can keep 3 Eldris in your canoe, car and daypack for the price of one Izula.

[@forestadventureswithscott8777]

Good points. These two knives see very little use on my excursions to the woods & water. The Eldris lives in my waterproof Otterbox canoe fire making kit and the Izula stays attached to my bushcraft backpack. I agree that the Izula is overpriced for what it is but I’m still a fan of the brand as I own a few and plan to purchase the RB3. I really like to price to performance that the Moras provide and carry the Garberg regularly. Cheers and thanks for subscribing!

[@StevanOutdoor]

@@forestadventureswithscott8777 Of all ESEE models I like the RB3 the best. But again carbon steel and a leather sheath don't work well where I live and travel. I don't mind rust on my machete but not on my food prep knife. I found the Chinese made 'Brother F006' that has the same model with micarta scales but with a very good kydex sheath and made of 440C stainless steel. Delivered from China to my door for less that 30 usd and amazing good quality and fit and finish. The strong kydex sheath has very good retention and comes with a decent tech lock for normal, scout or upside down carry. I bought 3 of them and still combined half the price one RB3 costs in my country. As mentioned these small fixed blades are to me all 'just in case' knives for when you might need something a little but stronger than your folding knife. I have two Eldris and 2 Eldris LD (Light Duty). Throw them in your tackle box, glove compartment, day pack, haversack, fanny pack or even in a pocket and you won't have to look after them but they are there if you need them. Just in case.

[@Alexander.Grekhov]

I only carry my Eldris on the belt - two half hitches and you're good to go!

[@richroc7]

Great video, my only gripe with the eldris is the price. Although it’s a third of the izula, it’s the same price as the mora companion for half the size 🤷‍♂️

[@forestadventureswithscott8777]

I hear ya. I have both the Eldris & Companion. I wonder if the grind on the Eldris makes it a little more to produce? Not sure.

[@richroc7]

@@forestadventureswithscott8777 one of the other models has that same multi grind, the kansbol and maybe one other. I’d like to get that

[@forestadventureswithscott8777]

Yep, looking hard at the Kansbol & Garberg.

[@StonrMoose69]

I like the green color on the eldris but I know that'd be gone in a split second when i walk in the woods

[@forestadventureswithscott8777]

Yeah, it does blend in. I typically use it as a neck knife so as long as I resheath it after using hopefully I’ll keep up with it!

[@GAUROCH2]

I would never consider using an eldris...but I love my Isula. For a really small neck knife I am veri happy with the Extrema Ratio nk1 (old model)

[@forestadventureswithscott8777]

I like both blades but I don’t carry either that often. I keep the Eldris in the canoe fire kit and the Izula as a backup in my bugout bag.

[@GAUROCH2]

@@forestadventureswithscott8777 I was shown the Eldris when it was launched a few years ago by the seller at a bushkraft meeting... it's not my "cup of tea"... I generally do not like Moras...the only I own is the original model in the special laminated steel...it is really sharp. In the "cost effective" choice, I prefer the jaakarii puuko (I have the bigger model and the smaller one)...excellent knives. I have the Isula II (which I like), the Kephart PR4 (the scales are too thin and unconfortable, but I like the blade geometry), and the 3 (the 4, 5 and six seem way too big for my environment). As a really small blade, I have a couple of Extrema Ratio NK1 ("neck knife model 1) of the older (original) model... the modern one does not seem as good for me. Stay well

[@richroc7]

I favor the Izula but the eldris is nice as well. I don’t know if you are aware but I wanted to mention that the eldris sheath fits over the handle to give more purchase to your grip. Just fyi, not saying you’ll like it.

[@forestadventureswithscott8777]

I learned that recently. I haven’t tried it yet but that’s a really neat feature.

[@JasonWarren-t4y]

The kansbol belt loop works on the Eldris the light duty is $22 and the belt loop is 20 and 10 mins with a file and I can strike a ferro rod too. The USA thing means nothing considering the eldris is made in Sweden. The stainless steel in the eldris is very good not 1095 but very for less than have the price and no maintenance to worry about. I’m not even sure why in the world anyone would think about beating these tiny fixed blades into wood. If you can afford an esee I think you can bring a bigger knife or better yet a hatchet to process wood with

[@forestadventureswithscott8777]

I have bigger blades and hatchets. I usually carry a 4”+ bushcraft blade and really only use these blades as backups and/or day hikes when all I’m doing is opening a bag of food or maybe some light carving. Kinda mentioned that in the vid. Cheers!

[@patriceb26]

Bonjour so which one is the best ?

[@forestadventureswithscott8777]

I prefer the Izula because of the carry options. But if I’m carrying a neck knife in colder weather, when I’m wearing a heavy coat, I prefer the Mora.

[@patriceb26]

Ok merci 👍

[@kanukkarhu]

Great video. 👍 I have never had an ESEE Izula 2, but I think it would be way too small for me. My ESEE 3 hm is my 'Izula'. But I do have the Eldris and was enamoured with it at first. I have a custom kydex sheath for mine. And while I find the grip/ergos workable, I find the blade is just way too short. That's the biggest con for me. I just cannot see a reason for it being that short. And every ad or review I see is basically people defending, explaining, or somehow justifying what you can do with the tip of a knife... Just makes no sense to me. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@forestadventureswithscott8777]

I see your point. And I don’t use the Eldris very often. I keep it in my canoe fire kit because of its size and the 90 degree spine. Fits perfectly in my Otter box. It is a decent little carving knife.

[@runerennemo6614]

Morakniv has a belt loop for the Eldris.

[@forestadventureswithscott8777]

I’ve been using the belt loop from my Garberg for the Eldris. Fits perfectly!

[@shamitoson]

I have both and like the Eldris far more. I don’t get having carbon rusty steal on a neck knife when they will get and do food prep. I hate coated blades and the handle is much more comfortable on the mora. Esse charges way too much for 1095(I like A2 for carbon).

[@forestadventureswithscott8777]

I hear ya. I don’t let my 1095 carbon knives get to the point where they rust. I agree with you on the comfort of the Eldris I just believe that the flat grind and somewhat longer blade on the Izula is better for food prep. Love them both!

[@Boxerjake77]

You’re right about the price, but the heat treatment is second to none so that makes up the difference for me.

[@richardhenry1969]

That is such a false claim. I’m not a esee fan but I am a mechanic. I’ve used tools my whole life. Being a diesel mechanic I’ve worked on everything including boats. Anyway my point is carbon steel doesn’t just rust. This nonsense spread online is just ridiculous. The only time I’ve seen knives rust is when you leave them in water for a long time. If you buy a tool to use it will not rust. Of course you need to wipe it down. But even some stainless will rust if stored wet. It’s just nonsense to say a knife will rust just because it’s worn around your neck. I’ve carried a Utica utkn2 neck knife. It’s like a esee but with a better grind an kydex sheath. When I got mine it was $40 compared to esee charging $70. Anyway I’ve worn the 1095 knife for years. In rain an heat I’ve used it to cut anything an everything. Yes some for the steel changed color but never have I seen rust. Even my 1075 machete doesn’t have rust. Why because it gets used.

[@shamitoson]

@@richardhenry1969 come on now. It’s common knowledge how fast 1095 rusts. I pocket carried a 1095 blade for a about a week. It rusted by being in my front pocket. Just from moving around and sweating the pocket was moist and there was actual rust on the blade, not just patina. If you get the blade wet during use and miss a tiny drop when you wipe it off, it rusts. It rusts within an hour.

[@richardhenry1969]

@@shamitoson nope just making up stuff. Funny how thousands of others don’t have that problem.

[@koningklootzak7788]

Mora is so plastic-y IKEA cheap looking, never want to own it.

[@forestadventureswithscott8777]

I can see where you’re coming from. I’m not a fan of plastic sheaths but at that price you can’t beat Mora’s knife quality. I’ve been carrying some of them for several years now and can say with confidence that they truly hold up to camp and bushcraft abuse. I have other outdoor knives that are 10 times the price of the Companion but for the price to performance ratio the Moras are hard to beat.

[@etiennerochon62]

too bad formyou, so good, so comfortable, good blade, cheap price, I have nothing wrong to say against. For sure I like a good fixe blade with a wooden handle, but for the price and how usefull it is. In North America we can travel in plane with a 6cm blade, this is less. So having a bushcraft knife on me eveytime it is a perfect fit for me.

[@lydianeilklassen]

You will change your mind once you own it, for the money, it is one of the best EDC you can buy, period. If not the best, 2.2 inch for the money.

[@spocker22]

Why would I choose a stubby ugly knife like that