I never had the factory Candiru scales. I got the Izula first with the factory G10 scales, and while they're functional, they're slab sided with no contours to fill your hand. When I ordered the Candiru, I got just the blade and a set of the TKC scales. See photo below for a top down comparison between them. For me, it feels better drawing the egg shaped butt end of the Candiru scales from centerline vs the Izula with factory scales.
Based on my own experience and feedback from others who have tried my Candirus (and Izulas), I would say yes, though the TKC's can be a bit like finger-groove handgun grips in that there are some people who don't get along with the contours of the TKC scales. ESEE scales tend to be minimalist, simple and slab-sided, while TKC scales have a swell to them.
If you want the knife to have scales and still be relatively "flat," the TKC scales might not be your first choice. I have more Izulas with ESEE scales than TKC scales, but they fill different roles.
gn
"On the internet, nobody knows if you are a dog... or even a cat."
Close enough.
***
I will say this for the Candiru: it makes for a decent stowaway knife, even though it is not small enough for the proverbial "Altoid tin" emergency kit. HOWEVER... I had a couple of early (stainless steel) Becker Remoras that I felt fit better in that role; they were gifted away one at a time until I waited too long to replenish my supply and found that they had changed over to 1095. I used some expletives over that, and am still waiting for ESEE to make a stainless Candiru.
gn
"On the internet, nobody knows if you are a dog... or even a cat."
I have the Izula and like it but has anyone considered the small Spyderco Street Beat Lightweight?
https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/det...lack-Blade/946
Or even maybe the Subway Bowie: https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/FB48BBK/2307
"It was the fuck aroundest of times, it was the find outest of times."- 45dotACP
I had the Candiru and currently own the Izula.
The Candiru was too small for my hands, but the TKC scales didn't exist at the time. That would have been a game changer.
My Izula currently sports a set of the extended TKC scales and rides in a G10 holster that can work as a pocket holster or clip IWB. I usually carry it in my pocket or clipped to some piece of kit (such as a PFD strap while kayaking).
Chris