I get a lot of questions about ESEE knives, many times people are asking why I'm always using, talking about and mentioning ESEE knives. Why not other brands? What's my relationship with ESEE? In this video I make an attempt to explain.
Man we appreciate the video and your loyalty to us....we do our absolute best to put out the best products we can that reflects our values as a company...We want to put stuff out that works and that we feel good about.....Thanks again!
I own many knives but the two that I recently purchased from your company are quickly growing on me. That is the Esee 6hm and the Izula. Great-real-world-working knives.
"We do our absolut best to put out the best products we can" your right if you wanna learn how to sharpen a knife get a 1095. If you want to learn how to take care of a knive get 1095. If you want a cheap knife get 1095. But if you wanna have fun in the woods 1095 isnt the way to go.... if you somehow realise that and you Switch the steel i would buy every Single one of them bcs your design is 10/10
@@royalhclub881 ; yes and no. In the past, nobody used stainless steel, and the knives, and other weapons( ands tools like axes, hatchets) lasted for many and many year!
Nice discussion video, I have owned it and tested Esee Knives on my own channel and I have always said this that they are the best bang for the buck. There is no other knife that you can get that’s better for the money and has the quality sheath for the money
I have pretty much only 2 knife companies that I get my blades from. Albeit Esee has in my opinion a lot of models that have roughly the same blade design. It's a design that I very much prefer. And the reason I own so many Esee knives. Keep up the good work!
Love ESSE knives Tim, I've got the 4 with kydex sheath nothing but love for it mate. Keep going with the ESSE stuff... I love it. Lee (Burton Outdoors)
TheTacticalDefender Suggestions for the best belt clip for the ESSE 4 with Kydex sheath like yours Tim, I ordered a TekLok for it but it doesn't fit and it's the large size... any advice would be helpful in in the UK by the way. Cheers. Lee
@@GearReviewDepot what’s your thoughts on the HM vs standard? I keep hearing it is a better design, I’m just having a hard time getting over the aesthetics.
@@TexasPatriotOffRoadAndOutdoorsI don't know much about this topic, but I think that the hm versions are more of a, let's say, bushcraft design. More rounded handles so you can use them longer, carve with them without worrying about blisters, in general for slower and longer work... the handles of the original models have guards, so you would be able to use them in "tactical" situation. In this case, the flat scales also make sense, because the knife feels like a tool (which it is, but i hope you understand what i'm trying to say) in your hand, you know what way you are holding it and where exactly the blade is without watching it in your hand... i think this is why "bushcrafters" don't like these versions, because they are not ment for slow and long work, but only for the essentials in a moment when you really need the knife... i hope I helped somehow, btw I own the 4 (original) and the 6 hm, that is how i came up with this "theory"... I wish someone from ESEE would tell us what They think of this...
Hey Tim long time no see! I lost you for a couple years, I don't know why or how but here you are. Anyway I have the #3, #4, two #5s and I think I've missed out big time by not getting #6 and the Junglas #1 and #2. The #5 was my go to knife for a while but I got away from it when I started with the stainless knives. I moved from NJ to ID a couple years ago and haven't looked back but my interests remain the same, knives, guns and wilderness. I see you're still having trouble with imaginary assassins stalking you out there. That's OK, better safe than sorry, talk to you soon buddy, good luck with everything.
I bought the esse 6 because of your video years ago. Loved it so much I bought the 3 for edc. It’s one of my favorite knives I own and I’m not afraid to beat on it because of the warranty. Zero problems and I love the character the blades get after years of use. Your videos crack me up because it’s like you’re in the middle of Jurassic Park always looking over your shoulder
I absolutely love my ESEE Junglas it's my go to knife if shit hits the fan & I can only take one knife! Tops knives & Bark River knives are right up there too.... But I just haven't found anything that would or could replace my ESEE!
Dude I live in your area, have a 4, a 5 and getting the 6 inthe new year. You can come try them out if you want, also have a Rowen made dpx hest which is my favorite knife so far. If you use them all the time or atleast make an effort to keep them in a dry place they hardly rust. They are definitely worth the cash. Like your channel btw, and ive been to lots of those spots lol
Perfect trio: Izula II, ESEE 4 and a Junglas. All bases covered. The Izula as a neck knife. The 4 on your belt, and the Junglas on your pack. Start with the 4. Around $100. Well worth the money. And if ever, prying open car doors becomes an everyday thing....get an ESEE 5. lmao Cheers
Nice 1095 man. Yeah it will rust but as long there is done perfectly hardening and quenching meaning the edge is hard enough so even there is rust it will cut n easy to remove the rust, i just find the wet branch and slice it then dry wood n slice it the rust will go off 70% on the edge. 1095 easy to sharp even with cheap stone.
For anyone who finds the Esse Micarta handles too boxy feeling in the hand you simply upgrade to the G-10s which are rounder, problem solved. I just ditched a much more expensive knife in my bugout bag for an Esse 5 with G -10 handles. Thank God Esse makes that possible vs knife makers who use permanent pins.
Agreed. I've never really had any complaints about the ESEE scales but I recently bought some scales from TKC and OMG!!! Having that slight swell in the middle to fill the palm of my hand has made a huge difference. Thanks for stopping by.
@@GearReviewDepot , the other thing I've learned the hard way ... The more exotic stainless steel knives also require much more extensive knowledge of sharpening & way more time invested to achieve and maintain an edge. The Esse 1095 carbon steel is a breeze to sgarpen,sharpen, just carry an eye drop vile/canister fled with mineral oil to finish it off super easy/compact.
You sound about like me as to how my knives are used. I have so many knives of many types and brands and treat them the way they should be used. I don't have an ESEE brand knife yet, but do have and take care of the ones I do have and have a machete to do the work which it was designed for.
Ive owned a ESEE-4 for 2 yrs now carry it religeously everyday love it but long story short i got in a bind out in the woods one day needed to chop my way out of a bad situation. Went to grab my ESEE-4 started chopping sadly it just kinda let me down......it didnt do what i needed. So ive come to the conclusion... im getting a ESEE -6 "WHOO-HOO"! its bigger how can it not be better?
It will chop but it depends on what you're chopping, why and most of all how you're chopping. I find the batoning method works best, even with the 4. Here's a video I made about 4 years ago demonstrating how to chop with the 4. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Onwqaaajwrw.html
TheTacticalDefender Thanks man what a cool surprise. I watch alot of your videos their always interesting & very informative. Now ill definitley keep an eye out for future ones.
Hello Sir! I received my ESEE 6 yesterday and I am very impressed with the quality and feel of the knife. I also ordered the molle back sheath which I really like. I look forward to using it in the "bush" :)
Dutch Bushcraft knives did a review on the esee 5. The edge was ruined by simple batonning. It also wouldn't work with a firesteel. These are to must haves in a fixed blade I take into the woods.
Too each their own my friend. Never had a single issue with the edge on any ESEE I've owned. I also don't use my blades with my firesteel so it's not a problem. Luckily we have lots of choices out there.
You cannot ruin the edge of an ESEE 5 by simply batoning . I have one and it stays next to me even when I sleep. I put a convex edge and you can shave with it. And what is this thing with these so called outdoor, survivalist etc, that always the first thing they do with a knife is batoning because carrying an axe is too heavy for their fragile hands?! Sad generations who have no clue about life and no respect for our ancestors who handled the bussines. 1095 steel heat treated by Rowen is the best. Try it and see for yourself. Stay sharp brother.
Show us a link to the video you refer to where they "ruined" the edge by batonning. I saw the one where they dulled the blade on the Esse 5. Surely you don't mean that dulling a knife is ruining it.
Those 2 blessed individuals on "DUTCH BUSHCRAFT" are extremely biased towards supersteel knives that are strictly made for Bushcraft. If you take those 2 seriously, you need help.
Great video!! I love the passion you show for your favorite knives, great to see!! I am very interested in Esee,but can't figure out which one would be best for scout cary in the small of my back. Any suggestions?? Thanks for taking the time to do these videos...it really helps us common folk out!!
Jay Ballard Thank you for watching and the kind words. Any ESEE can be carried scout style but the sheath it belt attachment gas a lot to do with it. Personally I feel Armatus Carry makes a well made kydex sheath with a double belt loop attachment method that carries the sheath really well for scout carry style. The sheath is also pretty low profile which will make it that much more comfortable.
Because they are great knives from a great company with an awesome warranty. I own the Izula, 3, Avispa & zancudo. I just sold off a lot of knives I never use, but if I gave anything you want to get your hands in to review let me know. Your not far from me, I’ll mail it out.
I've had my esee 6 and I've had it for 3 year it's my EDC knife and all I do is uses a Japanese stone done side and strop and oil with rendered pig fat never had a problem pig fat is obviously food safe
One has been seen in the area multiple times, but not by me. I’ve had a few “incidents” but I can’t say with certainty what exactly I saw and heard. Bears, mountain lions and coyotes are more of a concern than Bigfoot for me.
@@GearReviewDepot Good morning sir. I hear ya loud and clear. My wife spend a lot of time in the PNW backcountry. Let me tell you, nothing more frightening than a pissed off puma. Love the videos. 👍🏼✌🏼
One day, maybe, when ESEE decide to address the stainless steel issue, I might decide to pay more attention to their knives. I love everything about ESEE knives - except 1095 steel! I'm too used to my knives being ready all the time without having to pamper them all the time, like every weekend derusting chore. If ESEE have a major problem with stainless steels (especially the modern ones) then tell us about that. If it's because they only know 1095, let them tell us. Do Rowan only work with 1095? Apparently not! So why only the little knives for stainless? Share with us so we can understand.
Not exactly sure why but I have none of the problems you mentioned. None of my ESEE’s have any rust and I do very little to keep ‘em sharp and rust free. After every day spent in the woods if my ESEE was used I’ll do a quick strop and spray the blade with WD40, wipe any excess off and sheath the knife for the next trip. Nice and easy. Always sharp and never had rust.
@@jimreplicant I suppose you could leave them a while and then chip it off. I'll stick to stainless! As I wouldn't dream of carrying flint & steel, I don't need high carbon steel blades!
Help! #TheTacticalDefender I've been trying to put the factory edge degree back on my Esee 4 for the longest time and no sharpening system is giving me the finish I want! I've had to reprofile the edge multiple times and am sick of removing so much material. What's the trick to sharpening these knives?? Great video! You've got another subscriber sir
I'm with you, ESEE is my go to for knives. I mostly modify (etch, custom etch, and sometimes mirror polished) and resell them, but I have an esee 3 that I'll never get rid of. Your point on are there better knife steels, yes there are but are there better warranties or customer service? Absolutely not. Unfortunately the esee 4 no longer comes with kydex, but with three 3 and 4 the plastic sheath works just fine. I would replace the 6's sheath with kydex though. I just don't like the jimping on the thumb ramp. Do you still have the esee 4 clip point? I remember in your earlier videos that was your go to.
I still have the 4 but it's not a clip point. That's too bad about the 4 no longer being shipped with a kydex sheath... I don't ever see me getting rid for mine. Thanks for stopping by my friend.
I have a lot of knives to choose from but surprisingly, my izula 2 gets everything done that I need. To the point where I question why I’d need anything bigger than the izula 2 while also carrying my Laplander
@@GearReviewDepot ok thanks bro the jungalas has a much better sheath and i saw a video tac put up on youtube he did a tip test on the armageddon the tip bent that really turned me off on the armageddon hopefully chrismas ill be getting the jungalas lol
Most likely I'll get an ESEE. Very much liked what you presented and I'm quite interested. My folders are Spyderco, Buck, Gerber I have both folders and fixed blades, also SOG. I bought the Vanquest Mobius 2.0 V Packer a couple of months ago after I saw your review on them, got it in "Wolf Gray", and I love it! Now I'm looking into acquiring a 3-day pack, probably deciding between the Vanquest Trident 31 and/or the 5.11 Rush 72. So obviously I'm relying on your reviews to decide, so thanks in advance!
That's awesome! As you know I'm a big fan of both Vanquest and 5.11 but right now I'm really digging the Vanquest products, they're designs and innovation is far above 5.11... actually I just spent some money on Vanquest website, bought myself some new gear. Time for a new EDC set up and I'm really feeling that Wolf Gray color.
@@GearReviewDepot I used to be into Maxpedition products, I used a Jumbo S-Type L.E.O. Versipack for about 4 years and I still have a Monsoon Gearslinger, both in black. I'm retired law enforcement so that was my gear color for everything, now I'm changing, so maybe if I order the Trident 30 it will most likely be in Coyote Tan. Love your channel, your reviews are great and I've been subscribed for about 4 months now.
The 3 and 4 is definitely more practical and will get more use than the 5. Although very functional the 5 is more of a collection piece and it’s fun watching the reaction from people when you hand it to them. 🤣 Out of all my ESEE’s the 4 gets the most use.
The 4 is awesome and there’s a reason why I still have the brand new one in the bag they come in. I just figured Id better grab another one just in case
Another great video! I love my ESEE 4! Attached it to my hike/get home bag. Debating on getting either another 4 or a 5 or 6. What would you recommend?
You already have the 4 so I'd go with the 5 or 6. The 5 is a beast but not much longer than the 4. The 6 is a great blade, not too long and not too short, great for wood processing. I'd go with the 6 before I bought the 5.
By far my favorite knife company. I use to have a good collection of most of them. I had my 6 with all of the sheath options all pimped out stolen from my checked bags at Alaska Airlines a year ago. It was actually heart breaking. I still haven’t replaced it but I will. The 6 is my favorite. I moved from Idaho to NC and worried about the humidity but I haven’t had any issues. I still have the izulas, the 3, and the jungless. But I miss my 6. I will never see my first esee and my first 6 again but I will have another one day.
Depends on what you already own. My favorite knife overall is right in that size range, but is hand ground to a thin edge, beautifully satin finished and made out of m390 (no chips or rolling yet), so there is no need for an ESEE 6 in my collection (what doesn't mean, that I wouldn't want one). The Laser Strike although is my second favorite overall, because it has the same "no-worries-toughness" that you get from an ESEE 4 or 5 with the controllability of a Mora when choked up. I don't find it as simplistically beautiful than the rest of the lineup, but it has it's own charm to it. Not to forget the amazing value you get (especially in Europe). Sheath's also unbeatable from my experience.
I have two of the same model - TRC Apocalypse L 2nd gen. They where 5mm (.19") stock, high flat ground and in M390. The current model (3rd gen) is in 6,5mm (.25") high flat ground ELMAX. They have various models though, you'll find something out of M390 for sure, maybe just not as large. If you don't mind the minuscule difference between M390 and ELMAX, I'd say just go with the current Apocalypse. The blades are built exceptionally well for what I have seen yet (I own five), and for that, their prices are fair. Plan on spending between 250-400 bucks depending on model, finish and exclusivity. Arizona Custom Knives had some and I believe BHQ carries them as well... if not you'll find them in europe.
I have a couple of their knives. They’re all durable and functional as well. Carry the Izula as my EDC. My favorite is the Laser Strike. Can’t beat their lifetime warranty.
What lubricant do you use to prevent your 1095 knives from rusting? I just picked up another esee4 but uncoated. I heard frog lube is good cause its natural and non-toxic.
Honestly I use any kind of oil or lubricant, my fixed blade knives never touch food so I'm not too worried about what I use. Lately I've been using WD40. After I get home from the woods I do a couple passes on a strop, hit the blade with WD40, wipe off any excess and I'm good to go.
ESEE is my favorite knife company, hands down. They're my most beat up and most carried knives. But they make an awesome product because they've got awesome people. I've been to a couple of their classes and couldn't believe how down to earth they were. Not once did the owners or instructors push ESEE products. In fact, each class I've attended I've used a knife from a competing brand. They ask to check my blade out and offer compliments. They're just normal people who put their passion for outdoor skills in front of their sales. When you make a solid product and stand behind it, it sells itself.
You just sold another esse. Btw i noticed you looking around. If you want to catch something get another camera and film behind you. If your walking thru the woods set up a camera over your shoulder. Youll be suprised what you catch on film. 👣
Not all 1095 is created equal, what I mean is, Rowen does an excellent job of heat treating the steel and thereby produces a great product. Not every company makes 1095 as good as Rowen. You could use food grade mineral oil on your blades or frog lube & then you can use the esee knives to cut food and keep rust at bay.
Well, to be honest, besides saying that the sheath is good as well as the size and weight of the knife you didn't really tell why these knifes are so awesome and what exactly are they awesome for. I have no idea what are you doing with your knives sir besides this misterious 'cutting', but in my opininon if you hardly ever baton with a knife, you're not being 'brutal' on it. I highly recommend watching a DBK video about ESSE 5 in which they respectfully show why ESSE is perhaps not a very good outdoor knife, specially for that price. If you want something just to 'cut things' go with a mora knife for 15 bucks and get a Sandvik steel so you won't have to worry about the rust. It's just my opninion, please don't get offended.
No offense taken. You misunderstood the video my friend. We all know how great ESEE knives are, how tough they are... That's not what this video was about. It was more about my experience dealing with ESEE, how they where there for me many years ago when I was started my business. You can have the best knife ever made, but how you treat people, your customers separates your business from all the others. That's ESEE for me, it's more than just the knife, more than any of their products... It's the company as a whole. I appreciate you taking the time to watch the video, even though it wasn't what you where hoping for. But well and stay safe. Keep them knives sharp! 👊
Darth Croll I just use WD40. I've tried and used other oils, some especially for knives or outdoor tools but I usually just grab the WD, given the blade a spray, wipe off any excessive drips and back into the sheath. So far so good.
They seem to be made to be tough, not necessarily the best edge retention or handle ergonomics or sheaths or blade geometry...I will never break my ESEE 6, mainly because I won't pick it up over my other knives to use in the field. Great warranty not necessarily a great knife...good-ish maybe.
Fortunately I've never had an issue with any of the complaints you listed. I would prefer a kydex sheath but it does it's job. It does exactly what it needs to do. Thank you for watching. Much appreciated.
Thank you for providing the video and your opinion on the knife brand. I should have stated that I am not disparaging your opinion of the brand, rather I am expressing my frustration relating to my expectations of the product compared to my other knives.
banditgriot - If you buy your ESEE from The Knife Connection you can use their “ESEE Builder” and select from a wide variety of G10 handle colors that are much better & ergonomic than the factory micarta slabs from ESEE and a really nice Kydex sheath to go with it. It makes it a different knife, a much improved knife.
I love the quality of fabrication of Esee knives. The finish is incredible,and it s important for me. But, sometimes, the 1095 steel is too soft for my use. It rust very quickly . But , i think , my next hatchet will be a Gibson axe ;)
I'm in New England and use my ESEE knives year round... rain, snow in the winter and hot humid weather in the summer and I never have rust on my ESEE's. I always wipe the blade down with oil after I get home from being in the woods and using my knives.
It is not that 1095 steel is too soft. Thst statemrnt is not true. It is how you heat treat / temper the steel that hardens the metal. Esee uses the Rowen deferential heat treatment. The edge is harder than the spine giving the blade the ability to flex rather than break.
Absolutely. Doesn't take much, just a little swipe and you're safe. After every 2 or 3 uses, more if it's I'm a wet environment when I return home I just don't hit the blade with WD-40 and wipe off any excess and sheath the knife till the next outing. Never had any rust on any one of my ESEE knives.
@@jamisonk.097 As you know there's lots of choices, I honestly don't think any one of them is any better than the others... All I use is WD-40. I don't touch or cut food with my fixed blades so I'm okay with using WD-40. I even know a few people that actually use a little motor oil, it all works.
TheTacticalDefender when people ask me what knives to buy I say Bark River of they have the money and Esee if they are looking for a lower cost work horse. Between these two knives companies I feel everyone else is just trying to catch up.
Great blades, great company. Beat the shit out of em with no problem. Price point is good. Wish they offered the 4 and 6 in a saber grind with both handle options.
@@GearReviewDepot New ones are coming with a crappy sheath. I just purchased the esee4-hm and looks like my only option is custom sheath. That said I certainly didn't buy this knife for a sheath.
@@bdoggtoronto They've started rolling out kydex sheaths for the HM line. Not that it helps you now. Some people asked for injection molded plastic sheaths and ESEE responded by offering them. I checked with the seller and specifically asked for a kydex sheath for my ESEE 4 since it's one of the models offered with either sheath.
I love my esse 6 wonderful knife I just need to take a bit more care of it lol. Any recommendations on getting the rust out of the logo? Definitely in my top 3 favorite knife brands I’ve got my knife wishlist and it’s at least 30% esse (trust me that’s a lot). Also what is your website? If you said it I missed it, thanks man!
No more website, sold the site/business a long time ago. Personally I'd take the rust off with some really fine sandpaper then wipe it down with oil. It's gonna scratch a little but that doesn't bother me. 1095 carbon steel is really tough and can take a great edge but you have to keep them oiled.
TheTacticalDefender ok thanks for the info I started to take care of it and oil it happened I knew better! Sorry to hear about the website I hope it worked out though!
Gave up the business to start a family and try a few other ideas I’ve had. Now making considerably more money with four businesses and working much less.
@@GearReviewDepot all you've said in your video is how good they are to deal with...nothing about quality or design or what they have over other manufacturers in performance. Ok so they have good customer service....doesn't make it a good knife.