ESEE 5 or ESEE 6

B

Bailey Gleason

Joined
Oct 30, 2012
Messages
56
i want a good reliable outdoors/ survival knife, I have come across the ESEE 5 and 6 i''m not quite sure what to get i know the 5 is thicker and a bit shorter, some reviews said it was to thick to chop wood with and also too heavy . the ESEE 6 however is a bit longer but lighter because they cut down on the thickness witch would seem good but it's so much thinner that i fear it may break during batoning ? i know they have a outstanding warranty so if it does break i can send it out and get a new one... but i don't want to have to worry about it breaking while i'm out hunting/camping/ or backpacking ... your opinion or personal experiences with these knives would be very helpful! thanks
 
Probably the 6. I sold off my 5 long ago since a quarter inch of steel is kinda overkill for me. Even if it isn't for you, I much preferred the balance of the BK2.
 
From my experience the ESEE heat treat is very good and the 4 i had batoned very well, i don't foresee a problem with a 6 and thinner blades are much better for cutting other than batoning. Not only that but if it's lighter you'll be more likely to have it and the longer blade lets you span bigger logs.
 
Since you said "outdoors" it is ESEE-6 all the way. ESEE-5 is more urban, aircraft egress kind of a thing. I love my ESEE-5 mind you. I am more a fan of the ESEE-4 than the 6 but between your two...ESEE-6 all the way.
 
I wondered the same thing. After reading tons of reviews and research I ended up buying the 5. I never found anything that it was good at and ended up getting rid of it. The grind is just too thick. I haven't owned it but I would recommend the 6 over the 5.
 
Well I'd say the 6 cuz it can actually cut. No hate towards the 5 but the geometry is just a lil to thick for any detailed work. 6 weighing less is better for carrying and you can always baton chop with it to get some more force
 
If you really want a useful knife, get the 6. I have the 3, 4, 5, and 6--all except the 5 have their place, utility-wise. I bought it because I love knives, I love ESEE, I'm as into "tacticool" as anybody, and I got a good deal. If you want a tool, you should select it based on the intended job.
 
The 6 is bomb proof. the 5 is just insanely tough.

For instance I've batoned for years with my 3, all sorts of things that I wish I had pictures of but just imagine a log a hatchet would have a hard time with for size. The 3 is pretty dainty compared to a 6.
 
I beat on my 3 like its going out of style and it has never let me down. For the outdoors I would take a 3 and a machete but if I could only have one tool it would be the LS. For urban shtf type stuff is where the 5 really shines.

If I were you I would take a hard look at the LS. It can do anything the 6 can and is a lighter weight knife.
 
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Have no fear about the 6 breaking during batoning, or any of the line up for that matter. As stated, the heat treatment is exceptional. My choice would be the 6 based on lighter weight and better cutting performance.
 
I have both the 5 and the 6 and have listed the 5 off for sale (just too fat although quite nice). The 6 will do fine. I find the 6 to be a good all rounder.
 
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