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## What we won’t do with your information!

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Cookies

# Job openings at Knivesandtools

With 11 webshops, we operate in 9 countries in Western Europe, and we are rapidly expanding. At Knivesandtools, we are passionate about kitchen knives, pocket knives, sharpening products, torches, binoculars and other quality outdoor products. With a large range of more than 16,000 products and unparalleled service, we have experience in e-commerce since 1999 and are continuously growing, year after year.

That's why we're regularly looking for great new colleagues to join our team. Working at Knivesandtools means working in a dynamic and international company. Did you know that Knivesandtools employs people from as many as 16 different countries?

This company was built and made successful by its employees. People who get the freedom to grow in the company and develop their careers. That's why we value mindset over education and experience. If you have the ambition, you can grow within your role and within the company.

Keep a close eye on our vacancies and who knows, maybe we'll see you soon!

[Check out our vacancies](https://nl.indeed.com/cmp/kato-group)

Interested in working for Knivesandtools? Send us your CV via Indeed with a clear motivation as to why we should have a cup of coffee with you (in person or online). Keep in mind that we're located in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands.

_Recruitment agencies and intermediaries: please do not contact us with unsolicited services or offers._

Vacancies

# What about the warranty?

Almost all products we sell are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. However, how that warranty works and what the terms and conditions are can differ per brand or product. For that reason we love to tell you more about what we mean when we say warranty and what common exceptions and point of attention are. It may be a confusing amount of exceptions and differences so buckle up: here we go.

## What does your warranty apply to?

In nine out of ten cases you will receive a warranty on **material and manufacturing flaws** when you purchase a product. This means that if there is a defect in the product caused by a flaw in the material, or the manufacturing you are entitled to a warranty.

This also means that wear and tear never entitles you to a warranty. After a while each product will wear out, to a greater or lesser extent. This, however, doesn’t mean that the product or the manufacturer is to blame. Some products wear out faster because they are perhaps of lesser quality. As long as this is inherent to the product, and not an exceptional material or manufacturing flaw you won’t be able to invoke the warranty offered by the manufacturer.

## So what does warranty mean?

What a brand feels should be a part of a warranty differs as well. For instance, if a product breaks within the warranty period you are legally entitled to a repair or replacement. This means that a knife can sometimes be fixed and enhanced with a new blade or any other replacement part. Sometimes it means you will receive a completely new product. If the product is no longer produced the product can be replaced by a product of equal value. This is taken care of by the supplier or manufacturer.

Some manufacturers choose to replace the product with a refurbished product. This is a fixed and checked version of the product. As long as this product is of equal value as the product you sent in, the manufacturer may decide to do so.

## What about the warranty period?

Many products list a warranty period. Often a minimum of two years after purchase, up to life. Within that period you can claim the warranty offered.

It is important to know that for some products the conditions of the warranty differ from other products produced by the same manufacturer. Think of a bottle of oil or a tube of diamond paste for a strop. Fortunately these are also products for which the warranty is (almost) never claimed.

Some manufacturers can also decide to, for instance, offer a standard two-year warranty which they will extend to five years if you register online or send a postcard.

## What does life-long warranty mean?

What life-long warranty means differs per brand. While some brands consider life-long to be as long as the initial purchaser is still alive, some feel life-long actually applies without a limit. However, most common is that a warranty lasts as long as the expected life of the product.

There are American manufacturers who print a label saying ‘Lifetime Warranty*’ on the box. However, when you look up the star on the back of the box you will notice that life-long only means when you live in North-America, and that you ‘only’ get a 25-year warranty if you live elsewhere.

## Defects due to incorrect use

Sometimes something happens to a product because it isn’t correctly used. Defects caused by incorrect use are practically never a part of the warranty. Simply think before use if the product was intended for what you are about to do with it.

A favourite example is batoning with an outdoor knife where you cut or split a piece of wood by using a baton-sized stick to hit the spine of a knife. Yes, many knives can handle this. Some are even made for it. However, in the end it is a task which should be carried out with an axe.

We do have to state here that some brands give you a warranty on anything. No matter what you do with the product. These are, however, rare exceptions.

## Rust and warranty

Knives rust. That is a given. Even when a knife is made from ‘stainless’ steel it can still rust. It is, after all, not ‘stain free’. This is the result of external factors: moisture, acids or salt. Or a combination of the three. Think of salty sea air or fruit acids. Just clean and maintain your product well. You could, if need be, also use [Flitz](kato://product/FZ002) to remove the rust. It is never covered by the warranty.

## Modifications and disassembly

For many products the following applies: if you modify the product yourself your warranty will expire. Sharpening a knife is, of course, not included as it is necessary maintenance. But as soon as you start filing, painting, sanding, soldering, anodizing etc. your warranty will expire immediately. There are manufacturers who look at this a little more pragmatically: a small modification to the handle won’t affect the blade, which will make them lenient. But never assume they will be!

Disassembly could also lead to the warranty expiring. Think of the famous stickers on electronics: ‘Warranty void if seal broken’. It, however, really differs per brand how this is handled. First you should always check the website of the manufacturer before you bring out your toolbox.

## Transferability and warranty

Some brands are very strict in saying they will only hand out a warranty to the first owner of the product. One of the reasons being that they assume that during the first purchase a user manual was included in the box that attempted to assure good use. If it is a second-hand product this manual is not always still included.

## Batteries and warranty

When it comes to batteries things are slightly more complicated when it comes to warranties. For many lights, even those which include a battery, a five-year warranty is listed on material and manufacturing flaws. However, this applies to the light and not to the battery. Some manufacturers don’t even hand out a warranty on the battery at all, others only six months.

This is because the battery is considered to be a consumer product. Like you also need vacuum cleaner bags to keep your vacuum working, you will need a battery to make your light shine. A vacuum cleaner bag won’t last forever, even though you occasionally empty it. The same applies to a battery. On average you charge a Li-Ion battery 500 times, after which it is basically done. The way you handle a battery also determines how well it keeps working. Whether you charge it completely and completely empty it. Or if you leave it out empty too long, or consequently overcharge it in a faulty charger. Do you store it in a hot environment or a really cold one? These types of things cannot be checked in case of a warranty claim. So keep in mind that batteries are almost never covered by the warranty.

## So many different opinions, what about names?

In this article we have talked about many different views amongst different manufacturers. It would make sense to say: but what are the names of these manufacturers? We will not say. Mostly because it would mean that this page would never be up-to-date. For that reason we always recommend to always visit the website of the manufacturer in case of a defect to see what type of warranty conditions they adhere to. After all, these may be subject to change.

## Product defective? Contact us!

Is your product defective? Please contact us. You can do so via our [service page](https://support.knivesandtools.com/hc/en-gb?w-warranty=1). It helps a lot if you can clearly describe how you used the product when it went wrong. It also helps if you can include photographs of the problem. Based on those we will be able to see how we can help you.

Warranty explained

ESEE Knives produces survival knives you can trust. At ESEE they love to say that their knives were born in the Amazon jungle. The experts at Randall's Adventure & Training have been teaching survival techniques there since the 1990s. There, they design the perfect outdoor knives for demanding users. As a result, these knives can withstand the harsh conditions of life in the jungle.

ESEE Knives

ESEE Knives

ESEE pocket knives were designed with the same goals in mind as the well-known fixed ESEE knives: to be simple and reliable. You probably won't carry a fixed knife with you every day, but with an ESEE pocket knife you can still carry an ESEE knife wherever you go. Perfect for daily use. You don't need to be in the woods to use this knife; simply opening packaging or peeling an apple works perfectly fine.

ESEE pocket knives

ESEE pocket knives

The ESEE 6 will come in handy during the more demanding tasks. The knife has a blade length of over 16.5 cm. Whether you use it for survival or bushcraft purposes: the ESEE 6 can do it all. The ESEE 6 was designed by the folks at Randall's Adventure & Training survival school. They have been training in the Amazon jungle and beyond for decades. Think of survival skills and bushcraft activities or rope rescue and navigation.

ESEE 6

ESEE 6

The ESEE Candiru is an incredibly compact and razor-sharp survival knife. It is the perfect back-up knife for in your survival kit, but it will also prove its worth as a neck knife. This ESEE knife derived its name from the Candiru fish, a parasitic fish that lives in the Amazon jungle. It is small, bites into its target and continues until it is finished. Just like the ESEE Candiru.

ESEE Candiru

ESEE Candiru

The ESEE 4 is a survival knife that will come in handy no matter where you are. The trainers at the ESEE survival school designed the ESEE 4 while they were working in the middle of the Amazon jungle. Thus, this outdoor knife was born in the outdoors. Today the ESEE Model 4 is popular amongst survival enthusiasts, preppers, bushcrafters and professionals.

ESEE 4

ESEE 4

The ESEE Junglas is a large machete designed in the Amazon jungle. Actually, the term ‘machete’ does not quite do it justice. With its thick blade and solid construction, the ESEE Junglas is more of an oversized survival knife. Great to cut your way through dense vegetation or for trimming blackberry bushes. This knife is also great for general tasks around the camp. For example, building a shelter, splitting wood for a campfire or even to prepare food. The ESEE Junglas is a lot more versatile than you might think at first glance.

ESEE Junglas

ESEE Junglas

The ESEE Zancudo is one of ESEE's most popular pocket knives. It's a simple, yet practical pocket knife for daily use. Nothing more, nothing less. There are many versions available of the Zancudo. There are differences in finish, steel type and handle material. There's a suitable Zancudo for everyone! And all that at amazing prices.

ESEE Zancudo

ESEE Zancudo

The ESEE 5 is one of the sturdiest survival knives on the market. With a blade that's 6.5 mm thick, this knife is the real deal. The ESEE 5 was designed with a couple of experienced SERE operators working at an American air base. They were looking for a solid survival knife that would enable pilots to survive in the wild after going down with their plane. This knife was the ESEE 5! Designed according to their requirements of a rock-solid survival knife

ESEE 5

ESEE 5

The ESEE 3 is a sturdy but compact survival knife. In terms of size, it's one of ESEE's smaller survival knives. Still, with its 9-cm blade, this knife can handle a wide array of cutting tasks. The main advantage of the ESEE 3 is therefore that it's more compact and lightweight than other survival knives. This is also why the ESEE 3 is so popular among hikers. It's also a popular choice for professional users looking for a lightweight option.

ESEE 3

ESEE 3

Looking for ESEE Knives products on sale? Discover all discounted products from ESEE Knives on this page. With discounts on pocket knives, fixed knives and more. The discount is already factored into the price, so you don't need a discount code. Make sure to keep an eye on this page, because we regularly update our best offers!

ESEE Knives deals

ESEE Knives deals

The knives in the ESEE Camp-Lore series are traditional bushcraft knives. The Camp-Lore knives are designed by experts with different backgrounds. That's why the Camp-Lore knives are so different from each other. While some knives are designed with hunting in mind, others are mostly intended for food prep and then there are knives designed to excel in tasks like woodworking.

ESEE Camp-Lore

ESEE Camp-Lore

The Izula is a compact, razor-sharp survival knife that can also be worn as a neck knife. ESEE named the Izula after the notorious bullet ant from the Amazon jungle. Locals call this ant Isula. Like the vicious bullet ant, the ESEE Izula is small but large in terms of impact. It's the perfect little survival knife. The ESEE Izula will feel at home anywhere. With its compact size, you can easily take it with you wherever you might go. From a back-up knife in your bug-out-bag to a light-weight EDC knife: the Izula can do it all.

ESEE Izula

ESEE Izula

They applied this knowledge to their outdoor products. They thought of everything and functionality and reliability are key. The ESEE outdoor products won’t let you down when you need them most!

ESEE outdoor

ESEE outdoor

Survival knives made from carbon and tool steel are extra strong and easy to sharpen. These are two massive advantages when you need to be able to rely on your knife. Brands such as [ESEE](kato://category/esee), [KA-BAR](kato://category/kabarbrandpage) and [TOPS](kato://category/topsbrand) produce a lot of knives made from carbon steel and tool steel. Not surprisingly, it is precisely these brands that are also used by many professionals.

Survival knives made from carbon steel

## How good is 1095 Carbon steel? 
When it comes down to a steel type 'good' is of course relative term. A steel type is as good as it adheres to the demands of the user. So how does that pan out for 1095 Carbon? Because of the high carbon content in 1095 Carbon steel its sharpness retention is very good. This type of steel is also relatively easy to sharpen razor-sharp. It is a hard type of steel and relatively tough. As such it is suited for different cutting tasks. 

## What are the disadvantages of 1095 Carbon steel? 
With so many steel types out there it can be quite the task to determine which is the best choice for you. That is why it is also important to keep the 'disadvantages' of 1095 Carbon in mind. 1095 is prone to rust and corrosion and needs to be properly maintained.

## Which is better? 1095 Carbon compared to...? 
Many types of steel are used to produce fixed knives. But which steel type is better? First and foremost, this depends on what you are looking for. However, if you do want to make a comparison: 1095 Carbon steel is similar to 1075 Carbon steel and 1095 Cro Van Carbon steel. 1075 has a lower chrome content and is better equipped to handle blows. It is, however, less hard and also does not retain its sharpness as well. 

### 1095 Cro Van
1095 Cro Van is a steel alloy with a high carbon content. It is an improved version of 1095 steel, with additional elements such as chrome, vanadium, molybdenum and nickel. These elements improve the wear resistance and the toughness. 
 
## 1095 Carbon fans: which brands use 1095 Carbon steel? 
You have never been more sure: you are looking for a fixed knife with a blade made from 1095 Carbon steel. But which brand uses this type of steel for their fixed knives and appeals to you most? Multiple knife manufacturers use 1095 for fixed knives. [ESEE](kato://category/esee), for instance, uses 1095 for survival and outdoor knives due to the reliability and ease of sharpening.

## 1095 Carbon maintenance 
1095 Carbon, like any type of steel, needs to maintained to make the most of it. For 1095 it is important to prevent corrosion. Properly clean and dry the blade after use and apply a thin coat of protective oil to the surface of the blade to decrease the risk of corrosion. Store your knife in a sheath that won't absorb moisture. Leather, for instance, can absorb moisture which can affect the blade of your knife.

A sharp edge ensures that your fixed knife will function as it should. But how do you make sure the edge of your 1095 steel blade will always be sharp? 1095 is relatively easy to sharpen. Use good sharpening stones and a leather strop to remove any burrs.

1095 Carbon steel fixed knife

Hammers are essential tools for almost every DIYer, woodworker and professional. They are used to drive in nails, secure joints or tap materials loose and tap gouges or chisels. From carpentry to light demolition jobs: with the right hammer you work safely and effectively. There are different types of hammers, such as claw hammers, mallets and bench hammers. Well-known brands such as Estwing and Hultafors are known for their quality and durability.

Hammers

Deba knives are essential for serious chefs or enthusiastic amateur chefs who want to upgrade their culinary experiences when it comes to preparing fish. These traditional Japanese knives were specifically designed for precise cutting tasks and filleting fish. We sell a wide selection of Deba knives from renowned brands.

Deba kitchen knives

In addition to essential [kitchen knives](kato://category/kitchenknives) such as [chef's knives](kato://content/migrated_pageid_822), [peeling knives](kato://content/migrated_pageid_94), [bread knives](kato://content/migrated_pageid_231) and [santoku's](kato://content/migrated_pageid_89), we also sell all other, more specialized kitchen knives. Whether you want to open oysters, fillet a piece of fish, want to chop up some bones or want to set the table with stunning [steak knives](kato://content/migrated_pageid_98): we have got the perfect knife for you.

All types of kitchen knives

Pocket clips are essential accessories to keep your pocket knife safely within reach. On this page you will find pocket clips from various brands, perfect as replacement parts or upgrades. Whether you need to replace a bent clip or want to give your pocket knife a new look, we have the right pocket clip for you.

Pocket clips

Bushcraft axes are essential tools for outdoor enthusiasts. Designed to meet the demanding requirements for outdoor activities, these versatile axes are suitable for many tasks including splitting wood, building a shelter or woodcarving. With ergonomically-sound handles and strong, sharp axe heads, bushcraft axes make for a reliable companion to anyone ready for adventure.

Bushcraft axes

ESEE Buying Guide: which ESEE knife is the right one for me? 

ESEE Buying Guide: which ESEE knife is the right one for me?

ESEE knives, formerly known as RAT Cutlery, are produced in America by Randall's Adventure & Training. Before they bring a new ESEE-model on the market, it will be tested by several experienced users. A knife is subject to tests in different outdoor situations , in the jungle, the desert area and in a polar climate. Then, when the knife is adjusted according to the feedback by the users and to all other requirements, it is brought on the market.


By testing all its knives, Randall’s Adventure & Training guarantees the high quality of ESEE-knives. This also enables them to offer a lifetime warranty on the knives. It doesn't matter how many owners the knife has had, or if the proof of purchase can be shown. Normal wear and tear and rust are never covered by warranty.

ESEE model 4P-KO Review

ESEE model 4P-KO Review

The [ESEE Izula](kato://category/eseeizulaserie) and [ESEE Izula 2](kato://product/EE-IZULA-II-B) are legendary knives in the world of bushcraft, survival and EDC. They are relatively small, but exceptionally strong and versatile. Designed as a **compact survival knife** for precision work, lightweight adventures and situations where you must rely on your knife. 

Which one will suit you best though? The Izula is ultralight and minimalist, while the Izula 2 offers a slightly longer handle and extra grip for greater comfort. In this spotlight, you'll discover the differences and why both knives are popular among outdoor enthusiasts.

Spotlight: ESEE Izula and ESEE Izula 2, compact and powerful for every adventure

Spotlight: ESEE Izula and ESEE Izula 2, compact and powerful for every adventure

The [ESEE 4](kato://category/esee4serie) is one of [ESEE](kato://category/esee)'s most popular knives. This knife is the larger version of the **ESEE 3**, the knife that started it all for ESEE. For years, the ESEE 4 has been the standard by which other brands measure their survival knives. ESEE knives were originally designed as survival knives for use in the Amazon jungle. Years later, these knives are still being used in both the Peruvian jungle and the urban jungle. The knife's no-nonsense design is simple and effective, allowing you to fully focus on survival tasks instead of worrying whether your knife will be able to handle it.

Spotlight: ESEE 4

Spotlight: ESEE 4

In 2020 ESEE will introduce a number of cool additions to the line-up. Take, for instance, the Xancudo: a new fixed knife with a well-known shape. And the existing ESEE models are made available with 3D scales. Meet the newest ESEE products for 2020.


`youtube: grjO57unFso`
## ESEE Xancudo: new, but still familiar


'ESEE Xancudo, didn't it already exist?' That was our first response. Until we read it again. Xancudo. Not [Zancudo](kato://content/migrated_pageid_889?ms_fk_zm-series=%5B%27Zancudo%27%5D&Category=78953a53-61db-4786-bb14-0192441e93dd). It turns out to be a fixed version of the popular ESEE pocket knife: the Zancudo.

New ESEE Knives in 2020 with the Xancudo and 3D scales

New ESEE Knives in 2020 with the Xancudo and 3D scales

Maarten van der Sluijs, a bushcraft specialist and outdoor enthusiast, was kind enough to test the ESEE model 4P-KO survival knife for us. The knife comes with a sheath and belt clip. Maarten grew up on the Veluwe where he was blessed with a piece of private forest. From childhood, he developed a close relationship with nature.

Expert review: ESEE model 4P-KO survival knife

Expert review: ESEE model 4P-KO survival knife

The [ESEE PR4](kato://product/EE-ESEE-PR4) is an interesting bushcraft knife, designed by Patrick Rollins and inspired by the great Kephart knife. We asked bushcraft enthusiast Padraig Croke of the Trial by Fire podcast to review this bushcraft knife for us. Read what he has to say on this blade and its history:


## A Modern ESEE Classic


[ESEE Knives](kato://content/migrated_pageid_356) are renowned for producing tools that are seriously reliable. The look of their knives are as distinctive as they are sturdy, with their signature look of micarta scales and powder coated blades.


Their tools are truly tried and tested; from the smallest neck knife in their IZULA range, to their Junglas knife, capable of hacking through jungle terrain. They are carried and loved by soldiers and woodsmen alike.


## Camp-Lore Series


A couple of years ago the company introduced a new range of knives, known as the [Camp-Lore series](kato://content/migrated_pageid_888).


It could be argued, that the look and feel of most of ESEE’s range were more akin to one-tooloption, survival type blades, rather than classic woodman’s knives.

ESEE PR4 Expert Review by Padraig Croke

ESEE PR4 Expert Review by Padraig Croke

In 2020 [ESEE surprised the world](kato://content/migrated_topic_589) with new 3D handles for the best selling line of knives. Even more surprising was their choice for a new steel: S35VN. Bushcraft enthusiast Padraig Croke put the new [ESEE 3 in S35VN](kato://product/EE-3PM35V-001) and the [ESEE 6 with 3D handle scales](kato://product/EE-6PB-011) to the test.


## Breaking the Mould


***A closer look at ESEE’s new offering***


Truly tried and tested, and known for their utilitarian tools, their no nonsense warranty service, and their use of simple but effective materials, [ESEE](kato://content/migrated_pageid_356) are the quintessential made in the USA knife company. They have firmly established their place on the belts of law enforcement officers, military personnel and survival enthusiasts. I think a lot of this reputation comes down to the quality control they are known for. When you use the same steels and the same materials for your blades, I bet you become pretty familiar with the nuances of those materials. But this doesn’t mean that they have rested on their laurels, and they are constantly looking at new markets to tap into. New ways to get their knives into the hands of people that need a reliable tool. Their Camp-Lore series for example, which launched a few years ago, saw them looking to classic knife shapes to bring us tools more suited to bushcraft and woodcraft uses. The two staples in this range were the JG5, inspired by the legendary woodsman Nessmuk and designed by James Gibson, and the PR4, designed by Patrick Rollins and takes inspiration from Horace Kephart. You can read more on these with my articles on the [ESEE JG5](kato://content/migrated_topic_626) here and the [ESEE PR4](kato://content/migrated_topic_477) here.


ESEE have their ear close to the ground, interacting with users of their blades and listening to what people want, and with this new range, they have branched out into entirely new materials and production methods. The two blades I had the pleasure of looking at were the new ESEE 3 in CPM S35VN steel and the ESEE 6, both with 3D milled scales. Whether you are already the proud owner of either of the originals, or you are on the market for a new blade, I believe there is something for everyone in here with these new choices. So let’s take a closer look at what the differences are, as well as some advantages and disadvantages on the table.

Review: ESEE 3 in S35VN & ESEE 6 with the 3D handles

Review: ESEE 3 in S35VN &amp; ESEE 6 with the 3D handles

I have been a fan of [ESEE](kato://content/migrated_pageid_356) knives for a long time now, having owned a significant range of their models over the years. This range includes the [ESEE 6 and ESEE 3](/en/ct/esee-3-s35vn-review-esee-6-3d-padraig-croke.htm), in the very same specs and materials we are looking at today. Not to mention the PR4, JG5 and the Izula II. [Just take a look at my Izula](/en/ct/esee-izula-long-term-review.htm) and you will see how much use I get out of mine. They are knives of pure utility and functionality. However, the team over at ESEE don’t like to rest on their laurels, and they’re constantly improving the materials and styles of their knives. So, let’s take a look at the [ESEE 4 in 3D milled Natural Canvas micarta](kato://product/EE-4POD-011), and explore the advantages of upgrading if you already own the original.

ESEE 4 in 3D Handle - Expert Review by Padraig Croke

ESEE 4 in 3D Handle - Expert Review by Padraig Croke

Bushcraft enthusiast Padraig Croke has been using the [ESEE Izula](kato://content/migrated_pageid_884) for many years. He’s the perfect person to tell us about his long term experiences with the ESEE Izula in this Expert Review.


I have had the Izula II for a number of years now, and it has become a really solid part of my kit. At 4mm thick and with a comfortable 4 inch handle, it’s a lot more knife than it first appears. The Izula II was my first “non traditional” bushcraft knife. Having only dealt with scandi grinds up to that point, the Izula was my first introduction to a flat grind blade and ultimately led to a love affair with [ESEE knives](kato://content/migrated_pageid_356).


## Why carry a companion blade?


Often times, when packing for a trip or a day hike the choice of tools comes down to the pairing of certain combinations. For example, if I was to take my [Morakniv Garberg Carbon](kato://product/MO13147) blade with me, a perfect companion to this could be a simple [Mora 106 carving blade](kato://product/MO106-1630), or my [Eldris](kato://content/migrated_pageid_449?ms_fk_zm-series=%5B%27Eldris%27%5D&Category=0ee353ea-8981-44f3-9d0a-fbf0881dbc09), which is stainless. The question I ask myself is, what am I doubling up on here? Is there a reason I would choose to carry this blade over that one, and what do I plan to do when I’m out? Is it a craft based camp, or am I just going for a hike and some lunch? What type of woodland am I going to and what type of tools are going to be needed to process wood. If I was in a coniferous woodland for example, then maybe I would not need a heavy processing tool like an axe with me, as a saw and a large belt knife would maybe prove more effective. My small tinder and kindling sources in a woodland like that are most likely going to be processed by hand, gathering bundles of resinous branches off the forest floor or between the crooks of the trees. Or if my material is marginal… some light batoning and feathersticking. Carrying a larger knife in this instance would make sense, as the lack of an axe might limit your options, should you need to process something larger or split logs down. On the other hand, a broadleaf forest will consist of harder, denser woods that will burn much longer but will require larger tools to process it, such as a bow saw and a hatchet or small axe. In that case, the carrying of a hatchet would mitigate the need to carry a larger knife.


When it comes to carrying a companion blade or “neck knife”, I have found the ESEE Izula II finding its way into my kit on almost every trip since I’ve bought it, about two years ago, becoming one of my most beloved tools to carry. Paired with a larger knife, such as my [Fällkniven S1X](kato://product/FKS1X) or [ESEE PR4](kato://product/EE-ESEE-PR4), the Izula can really deal with the more nimble of tasks required of a blade in the field. Food processing is a little tricky, due to the thickness of the blade, but ferro rod striking, notching and carving, and cutting cordage are tasks I regularly assign to the Izula II. Of course we all love our primary belt knives, but in reality I have found when I carry a neck knife like the Izula II, it’s often more than enough to tackle basic camp chores.

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