Any ESEE CM6 owners here?

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Sep 27, 2017
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I am considering this knife. But I understand the micarta scales are maybe too thin? If you own the knife, what is your opinion?
Thks
 
Hey. I own the ESEE 6 plain edge and it's definitely my go-to survival knife.

Unfortunately I haven't personally handled the 6CM version but it appears that the handle sizes are the same, or at least very close.

My 6 has been with me through two 2-week course tours (northwest forest then Guatemala highlands) and I'm not parting with it. The handle was never a topic of conversation.
 
I received the knife today. The handle is exactly the same thickness as my IZULA, but of course much much longer. It is quite comfortable to hold, although it wouldn't bother me if it were a bit thicker. Either way, I am good with it. I would have liked to have some gimping on top of the blade, but I knew this beforehand.
While I thought the sheath detent is overly tight on the knife (even with the slide screw backed off) and wouldn't allow the knife to be drawn when on a belt, I just tried it and it is ok. You just can't baby it - you have to pull fast with a good grip.
The main reason for this purchase was 1) SD, and then 2) as an outdoor survival knife. For 1) it fits the bill perfectly. The spine is exactly the same thickness as on the Junglas 0.188", so yes, this is one tough modinker.
 
Glad you like it. I believe they make this model with the more robust handles. I would like a guard if I was buying a fixed blade for self defense. The guard keeps you hand from sliding up onto the edge and lets you know which side has the edge without looking.
 
I am done buying ESEEs. I've got three of them now, spanning the range of sizes. I love all three, especially my Junglas. I probably will never get to use it in action except for clearing branches on my two Royal Empress trees. LOL

But it is a good feeling to know that with both knives and guns I am ready for any nasty situation that could befall us.
 
I am going to begin with quote from JDRanger, as I am in exact agreement with his words.

"Hey. I own the ESEE 6 plain edge and it's definitely my go-to survival knife.

Unfortunately I haven't personally handled the 6CM version but it appears that the handle sizes are the same, or at least very close."

I too own standard plain edged ESSE-6. After a fair amount of field work with the knife I added liner material under the palm-side handle scale to make the overall handle asymmetrically thicker on the palm-side. Much like I prefer a palm-swell on a gun stock, this seems to work for this model in my hand.

I find this also worked well on my ESSE-3.

Making the handles thicker, may require a little heat re-molding of kydex sheaths or re-wet-forming of leather after you find the overall thickness that fits you usage best.
 
Making the handles thicker, may require a little heat re-molding of kydex sheaths or re-wet-forming of leather after you find the overall thickness that fits you usage best.

I was evaluating that very issue yesterday -- thinking that if I was able to increase the thickness of the scales, the kydex sheath would need re-molding.
 
Making the handles thicker, may require a little heat re-molding of kydex sheaths or re-wet-forming of leather after you find the overall thickness that fits you usage best.

I was evaluating that very issue yesterday -- thinking that if I was able to increase the thickness of the scales, the kydex sheath would need re-molding.

It all depends on specifics of how the sheath fits. I'd recommend focusing on making the knife handle fit your hand under extended use.

Reforming the small area of kydex is fairly simple process. Localized heat to kydex, insertion of knife (with tape applied to handle area - to create desired fitment security) then press molding through the cooling process (with couple towels on each side under pressure).

Consider also the factory ESSE plastic sheaths most likely will fit after increasing liner thickness, and they can be bought cheaply (I actually prefer the factory plastic to kydex for my applications, AND did NOT need to remind sheath after installing liner).

Additionally, you may need longer Chicago Screws depending on thickness increase (less than $1 at my local hardware store). As I referenced above, I chose to only do the palm-side and was able to reuse the factory fasteners. I found 45-mil sheet rubber (for liner material) to be good thickness increase, and the rubber just slightly bulges proud at the exterior gap (when screws tightened) providing a really nice grip and feel. I have 45-mil and 60-mil sheet rubber for various applications.

I did my ESSE-6 first, then ESSE-3. I found same thickness, liner palm-side only, to work on both knife sizes.

Again, I would recommend focusing on the handles b4 worrying about sheath fitment (or just order up an inexpensive ~$15 factory plastic sheath - you might find it's actually much better than your read about ;-)

Additionally, aftermarket handle scales can be bought. For me a simple liner-mod to factory micarta was best option.

If you feel you want any help, let me know (up to & including doing the mod's 4u & possibly re-profiling the edge, etc.). Happy to assist any way I can.

Regards,
 
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Anyone have any input on the belt attachment? I have had a plain edge 6 for about 4 years now (great knife) and the first thing I changed was the clip plate. I just ordered a cm6, and am trying to find some good belt attachment options. Has the clip plate worked well for y'all, or is there something else you prefer?
 
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