Esee 5

B

Bomba07

Joined
Aug 31, 2011
Messages
38
I'm really thinking of picking an esee 5 up. from what I've read in reviews it seems to be the most durable badass knife a person can get for the money (which is a huge factor). Not only is the knife a tank, but the warranty is amazing. I have decided if i get one i'll get a plain edge. Is there anyone that can tell me if there is another knife in this class (bushcraft/survival) that would be a better choice? thanks!
 
its biggest contender is the bk2 by becker/kabar its a beast and is bullet proof much like the esee 5. it really comes down to ergonomics and price point. I like a becker handle better when chopping, but the esee for carving. esee does have a no questions asked warranty and micarta scales and a kydex out of the box, you will need to upgrade to get those things for the becker and they end up right around the same price give or take about 20 bucks. Really the warranty is a non issue since you REALLY need to do something wrong to bust either, thats why i said it comes down to feel and price. if you cant afford an esee 5, the bk2 stock is half the price. good luck my man
 
Bomba07 said:
Is there anyone that can tell me if there is another knife in this class (bushcraft/survival) that would be a better choice? thanks!
Click to expand...

A very interesting alternative is the Spyderco Bushcraft G10. I did a quick check on ebay, it seems you can get it for more or less the same money as the ESEE 5. It's also a tank of a knife, with great handholding.
I suggest you to check it out.
 
I've handled a few ESEE 5's and don't understand the lust. A 1/4in thick saber ground splitting wedge is far from a ideal bushcraft blade and its thickness makes it a horrible slicer even with major re-profile. Sure, you might not be able to break it but I'd rather have a tool that makes things easier not harder.
 
Next too the Spyderco Bushcraft <hich I recommended above, there is of course also the well proven Fallkniven F1.

Now I do also agree with knifenut1013 and 1966c10. In general prefer thinner blades that work better as a knife, not as a chopping tool. In that context, the eminently affordable Mora Bushcraft may well be all that most people need. Even so, the Spyderco Bushcraft is quite something.
 
+1 on the Swamp Rat RMD or Scrapyard 511, both tougher steel than the RC5's 1095 which will help make up for the slightly less thick blade stock, and will also hold an edge longer and cut better. Both also have the great lifetime warranty.
 
If you want a tank of a knife get the ESEE 5!! You wont be disappointed!!
 
I have a 5 and it is awesome to behold, but I didn't buy it for woodcraft. I have an ESEE 6 and an ESEE 4 and they are very good IMHO for woods use and survival. The 6 is longer than the 5 a 3/16", which makes it plenty stout and long enough for batoning and chopping, if needed. If you want the 5, get it. You will never break it. But you're unlikely to break a 4 or 6 either. Get a Junglas too:D
 
knifenut1013 said:
I've handled a few ESEE 5's and don't understand the lust. A 1/4in thick saber ground splitting wedge is far from a ideal bushcraft blade and its thickness makes it a horrible slicer even with major re-profile. Sure, you might not be able to break it but I'd rather have a tool that makes things easier not harder.
Click to expand...

I totally agree with this. I regullarly carry a ESEE RC-4 when hiking and find the thinner/higher grind to be much more conducive to actually CUTTING stuff. Heck, look at our EDCs: Super thin (.1"), high grind, hard/brittle stainless, heavy duty cutting chores and how often do you break one of those?

If you're actually going to use it, I recommend going with the RC-4. Same warranty, you'll still never break it, and it will cut a heck of a lot better. I have one with orange G-10 scales and really like it a lot (I actually dropped it in the woods once and only found it because the handle was orange). If you're not going to use it, then what's the point. Buy a billet or a 5....
 
knifenut1013 said:
I've handled a few ESEE 5's and don't understand the lust. A 1/4in thick saber ground splitting wedge is far from a ideal bushcraft blade and its thickness makes it a horrible slicer even with major re-profile. Sure, you might not be able to break it but I'd rather have a tool that makes things easier not harder.
Click to expand...

I own one and would have to agree with most of what is said here. I re ground mine considerably and it works fairly well for most woods tasks, but it is a big toy as far as I am concerned. It is a lot like driving thumb tacks with a sledge hammer. Mine cuts and slices fairly well, but honestly I would give it a low but passing grade in the cutting category (it is ground VERY thick).

Regarding the warranty. What a joke. This knife needs no warranty. Have you ever broken a rail road spike?

If you want a true woods knife I would suggest a lot of others first. If you want a "knife" that will serve well as a whipping boy for whatever silly fantasies you can dream up, this is your blade.

Do not miss understand. I like mine, but if I was in a real survival situation, I would not want this to be my only knife. Paired with a medium duty folder, it is great!
 
If you want a true woods knife I would suggest a lot of others first
Click to expand...

What other knives would you recommend? I got to thinking and the esee 5 just seems too big like others have pointed out. I saw the scrapyard 511 and that one looks really appealing. i just dont want a huge knife that would get in the way

edit. I just figured out i live 30 minutes away from the place that makes the scrapyard 511 hmmm i think i just might end up getting that so I can pick it up in person!
 
Last edited:
ESSE, Becker Knife & Tool/KaBar, Ontario-all good stuff. The Ontario Blackbird SK-5 is a dedicated bushcraft knife designed by Paul Scheiter of HedgeHog leatherworks. Ask yourself what you will be using it for & research, then decide.
 
I have a Scrapyard 511 and I like it a lot, but if you have really big hands you'll hate the handle. The only other thing is you'll have to buy a sheath separately. I got one from azwelke on the forums here. Keep in mind you're looking at an extra $30-40 for a kydex sheath, so the total price is going to be more than an ESEE-4, which I also have. The 511 is a bit bigger than the ESEE-4 but it feels like it weighs less. I haven't weighed either one though. If you want an all around woods knife you can't go wrong with either one of them.

IMAG0437.jpg
 
Bomba, I've solved your dilemma:). You want a bomb-proff knife for SHTF and you want a good woods knife. Pick up a BK 2 for around $65 shipped, which is what I've seen. You will not destroy that knife, even when doing lawn mower surgery! Then, contact 42blades here on the forum and have him direct you towards a nice, hand inspected Condor woods knife of some sort, like the Bushlore or Bushcraft. Condor makes several different models and, at the low cost, you won't be afraid to play around adding custom touches. You should be able to pick one up for $20-$30. You will be under a C note and have everything you need. Godd Luck.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top