ESEE 5 or Ontario Blackbird SK-5?

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danog1984

Joined
Sep 25, 2013
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Hey guys. I'm trying to decide between the Ontario Blackbird SK-5 and the ESEE 5. They both seem pretty popular. I like spear point on the Blackbird but the ESEE 5 looks like it has a better belly for food prep. Also, I'm a lefty so I need a reversible sheath. The Blackbird sheath looks crappy but reversible while the ESEE sheath looks better (maybe kydex?) but not sure if it's reversible. I've never held either in my hand and I would appreciate recommendations from guys who've actually used them in the field. Thanks.
 
Not sure those 2 are direct comparisons. The ESEE 5 is a beast, near indestructible knife. I don't see much food prep in store for an ESEE 5. The Blackbird SK-5 compares more directly to the ESEE 4/6/LS.

Others will be along with more info.
 
i don't own the esee 5. but they're like 2 completely different knives (markpmc beat me to it, i also think it will compare more to the laserstrike since they have similar blade shapes and size).
blackbird is pretty thin blade, where as the esee 5 is a thick slab of 1/4 inch steel.
i don't know how good the esee is for food prep.
but the thinner stainless blackbird works for me.

unfortunately i don't belt carry. i usually carry my blades on my pack, so i can't tell you how good it will be.
 
Ok... I figured since they were both 5" survival blades they were comparable. But I'm kinda new to knives and my only 2 survival blades are the SOG Seal Pup and the BG Ultimate Survival Knife. I'm not thrilled with either. Thanks.
 
I've owned both and prefer the ESEE 5. I don't need to cut food w/ it, my pocket knife can handle that.
 
I down personally own either but I do know the ESEE 5 is a 1/4" thick beast of a knife and my experience with the somewhat similar BK2 has shown me that 1/4" is a little too thick and hinders performance, but it does make that knife seriously tough so it's a good option if you want a worst-case-scenario/emergency/"survival" knife because you know you're not going to break it. Most of the time thinner knives are more than tough enough and tend to perform better at typical knife tasks. With that knowledge, I'd say the blackbird would be a more useful knife.

I don't know if it's reversible but hedgehog leatherworks makes a nice leather sheath for the blackbird. Expensive but very good quality.
 
The Esee 5 is a tank of a knife. Coated 1095 with micarta pants. High quality sheath and solid warranty. It is a bit heavy for my liking though.
The SK-5 is still capable of moderate to some hard work, but its less wait to lug around. Its 154cm stainless with nice micarta pants. Paul from Hedgehog leatherworks designed the sk-5 for pure utility and simplicity in design. If you want a big hunk of steel you can really bang around go with the Esee 5. If you want a knife more geared towards bushcrafting tasks and less abusive camp tasks but will still take some punishment, go sk-5.
 
The 5 is a beast. It is indestructible. The sheath system is awesome! I don't know that I would call it a good food prep knife but it could certainly be used for it if necessary. I think the ESEE for food prep and all around hard use is an ESEE 4 or Laser Strike!
 
I own both (and like both for different reasons), but in the realm you're looking, I suggest the Survive! GSO 4.1. It is now the knife I carry. The others sit in a case and get used occasionally. My favorite ESEE is actually the 4. Best overall size for me for everything. The 5 is a little fat and heavy...
 
As others have said the Esee 5 is a monster. With sheath it weighs 16 oz. and has a 1/4" thick blade. It also has a no questions asked warranty. But I don't see anybody breaking this thing. The 4 is a better all around knife in my opinion also. It just feels much better in the hand and would be better for food prep than the 5. You might also look at the 3 it has a 3/16" blade and about 3/4" shorter blade than the 4.
But if you want something you can't break the 5 is your knife!
 
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