- Joined
- Feb 16, 2001
- Messages
- 748
Hi guys - - I just got my new ESEE 5. Purpose was for a heavy field knife that could do the tough jobs well - especially batoning (for when I'm not carrying an axe of some type). I also carry a light weight knife or two for fine delicate work - such as a Mora Clipper.
The most troublesome aspect of the knife (for my particular hand) is the fire bow divot in the handle. I'm right handed; when my fingers curl around to grasp the knife they end up rubbing against the sharp edge of the divot. Quite uncomfortable. YMMV. If I grasp the knife in my non-dominate left hand the handle feels fine - the divot is in my palm. I try to make it a habit to wear leather work gloves when doing heavy work in backcountry anyway. (Try to protect one of your most important 'survival tools' - your hands !) - - - I may get around to filling the divot and then maybe drilling another one on the opposite side handle. (Though I use a ferro firesteel for most of my survival type fire making, its nice to have the divot.) The 'quick fix' is wearing gloves or a wrap of some kinda tape around the divot. - - - The handle shape is interesting - - it felt a little 'strange' to me - especially when compared to some custom bushcraft knives. Of course, its not a bushcraft knife though. Ive seen videos of how use with a lanyard tied around your wrist makes the 5 a terrific tool for chopping. Will have to try that for myself. ESEE 1095 is great for tough jobs (and it came very sharp right from the factory.) - - I used the 'paracord & cord lock' method to attach the knife to my belt. This holds the knife tight against the body, & with little weight added to the total set-up. Very comfortable. Its properly lubricated with mineral oil - as I tend to sweat a lot when working hard/hiking off trail. - - - This is a very impressive knife !
P.S. - as others have mentioned, I'd love it if ESEE offered spare handles for the knives. If they were cut so that the customer could do final sanding to shape to fit his particular knife that would be great.
The most troublesome aspect of the knife (for my particular hand) is the fire bow divot in the handle. I'm right handed; when my fingers curl around to grasp the knife they end up rubbing against the sharp edge of the divot. Quite uncomfortable. YMMV. If I grasp the knife in my non-dominate left hand the handle feels fine - the divot is in my palm. I try to make it a habit to wear leather work gloves when doing heavy work in backcountry anyway. (Try to protect one of your most important 'survival tools' - your hands !) - - - I may get around to filling the divot and then maybe drilling another one on the opposite side handle. (Though I use a ferro firesteel for most of my survival type fire making, its nice to have the divot.) The 'quick fix' is wearing gloves or a wrap of some kinda tape around the divot. - - - The handle shape is interesting - - it felt a little 'strange' to me - especially when compared to some custom bushcraft knives. Of course, its not a bushcraft knife though. Ive seen videos of how use with a lanyard tied around your wrist makes the 5 a terrific tool for chopping. Will have to try that for myself. ESEE 1095 is great for tough jobs (and it came very sharp right from the factory.) - - I used the 'paracord & cord lock' method to attach the knife to my belt. This holds the knife tight against the body, & with little weight added to the total set-up. Very comfortable. Its properly lubricated with mineral oil - as I tend to sweat a lot when working hard/hiking off trail. - - - This is a very impressive knife !
P.S. - as others have mentioned, I'd love it if ESEE offered spare handles for the knives. If they were cut so that the customer could do final sanding to shape to fit his particular knife that would be great.
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