ESEE Izula Fixed Blade Knife - Stainless Steel Survival Knife with Micarta Handles for Camping, Hiking & Outdoor Adventures

After using a paracord wrap on my izula for a few years i was getting tired of the wrap slipping and having to re-adjust/re-wrap the handle. I wanted a set of scales, looked at TKC and decided against for now as the $40 for TKC's was near what i paid for the knife. Plus I consider the esee scae to be a 'baseline', I could use them for awhile and decide where to go from there.I knew I was getting simple G10 scales that bolt onto the esee izula. I was very impressed with the fit and finish. The G10 checkering is very grippy and feels great in the hand. The edge radius is consistent, the back face is very flat/ stiff and butts up to the tang without gaps. The screw holes are counter sunk. All radii, edges, holes and surfaces are free of g10 chips or burs. There is an internal spacer that fits in the skelotonized section of the tang with holes for the screw, a nice feature that should be listed, keeps the scale alignment with the tang even if the screws loosen. Speaking of screws they are male/female counter sunk screw heads with a nice fitting shoulder.I think the scales let the knife be used more hardly than bare or cord wrapped. Considering the material, heat treatment and length/thickness of the knife I really dont think this is a problem. The scales let the user get closer to the knife limits but they are still far away.I like the micarta material look and feel but I wish they were full length tlike the G10 scales. I plan on making my own micarta or wood scales using the esee's as a template.