ESEE-6 Customized Handle

T

TAGannon

Joined
Oct 14, 2009
Messages
1,377
Ever since "The Photo" of the ESEE-5, I've "grooved" my 5 and now my 6. I also shaped the 5 a little more curved at the edges to fit my hand better. Did not have to do that with the 6 though. I really feel like it give me such a better purchase on the handle for any task.

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Since I am on the subject of the 6, my thoughts on it are evolving from just keeping it in the vehicle for "back-up" or as a survival tool, to putting a TEK-Lock on it and going for a walk in the woods. I used to think the 4 was the best bet for a single knife in the woods. Not now. The 6 has a great flat grind, good width, not too heavy (sorry 5) and is actually a good size for all chores.
 
I feel like what you say might be dead on.

I love my 5...but I am starting to itch to try out a 6. My hesitation is to determine if the 6 is going to do it, or if it will just be an (eventually discarded) stepping stone on my way to the Junglas.

As is...the 5 does it all *pretty* well...

Nice looking personalization BTW...You ought to take the next step and drill out a mojo divot;)
 
TAGannon said:

Since I am on the subject of the 6, my thoughts on it are evolving from just keeping it in the vehicle for "back-up" or as a survival tool, to putting a TEK-Lock on it and going for a walk in the woods. I used to think the 4 was the best bet for a single knife in the woods. Not now. The 6 has a great flat grind, good width, not too heavy (sorry 5) and is actually a good size for all chores.
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TA, thanks for the insights. I will be ordering a "6" (actually my wife will) for one of "my" Christmas gifts & was wondering about the "6". I have always had an inkling towards larger blade knives because of having oversized mitts.The HEST was the first small blade knife I found that the grips felt comfortable & had enough room for me. Thanks for the thoughts on this, looks like the "6" will be heading to Ohio this week. Merry Christmas.
Be safe.
 
Looks great, good job. I'm tempted to get out the round file and go to work on my Izy II scales, but, while I've no problem with it being a user, I'm not sure I want to mod the 0001. I may just have to pay for another Izy II and ride that puppy to modville.

God bless,
Adam
 
jumpmonkey said:
Looks great, good job. I'm tempted to get out the round file and go to work on my Izy II scales, but, while I've no problem with it being a user, I'm not sure I want to mod the 0001. I may just have to pay for another Izy II and ride that puppy to modville.

God bless,
Adam
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Word of advice (if you have never mod-ed a knife before). If you think you love a knife now, modify it and see what happens!

I have only VERY rarely done something (in the way of a mod) to a knife that it did not result in a sense of pride that exceeded owning even FAR more expensive knives. Once you are done, that knife is YOURS...others can try to copy your actions, but they will never have one exactly like yours.

I like sensibly modified knives. Adding function and/or form to a knife I already love is fun.
 
TAGannon said:
Ever since "The Photo" of the ESEE-5, I've "grooved" my 5 and now my 6. I also shaped the 5 a little more curved at the edges to fit my hand better. Did not have to do that with the 6 though. I really feel like it give me such a better purchase on the handle for any task.

20b1ci9.jpg


2lbywps.jpg


25ztgzb.jpg


Since I am on the subject of the 6, my thoughts on it are evolving from just keeping it in the vehicle for "back-up" or as a survival tool, to putting a TEK-Lock on it and going for a walk in the woods. I used to think the 4 was the best bet for a single knife in the woods. Not now. The 6 has a great flat grind, good width, not too heavy (sorry 5) and is actually a good size for all chores.
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Just your basic dremel with a drum bit? Been seriously considering this sick mod for long time now but do not possess the tools. Looks like factory work! Very clean!
 
man that looks great. wish i had the balls to do something like that but i would be woried i would mess something up.
 
TGR.Shadow said:
Just your basic dremel with a drum bit? Been seriously considering this sick mod for long time now but do not possess the tools. Looks like factory work! Very clean!
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No power tools. Round course file and a vise. That it is. Just go slowly so you keep control. It's fun.
 
bigasswiteboy said:
man that looks great. wish i had the balls to do something like that but i would be woried i would mess something up.
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All you have to do is clamp it in a vise. Well, I use a Hargrave wood clamp, clamped in a vise so I can have the handle slab facing up. Make that first pass nice and easy and then you are committed. Just really take your time. After I do one side, I take the knife out, look down from the spine and use a pencil or thin Sharpie and mark where the corresponding groove on the other side should be, clamp it back and go at it.

GO FOR IT!




tarditi said:
Looks great - how do the grooves feel after processing wood and such?
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On the 5 I cut deeper then on the 6 because I wanted to make the overall handle smaller and knew I was going to round off the edges so it fit my hand better. After I did that, I used a foot long piece of emery tape and sanded it like a shoe shine boy would polish a shoe. That smoothed out the ridges between grooves and smoothed out the curve making it a very comfortable grip even after extended use. I actually found that I don't have to squeeze the handle as hard and I have less hand fatigue. And lastly, when it was completely wet, it still felt VERY secure in my hand.
 
Hey TAG, looks good, i understand where your going here as i started with the 6 then bought the 3 and 4 shortly after but i had my dad and a friend in need of great knives so i gifted the 3 and 4 to them. The 6 will be going nowhere unless im going with it, i love the 6 it does it all....:thumbup:
Not too long ago i also put the dremel to mine so i could make it a little 'grippier" for chopping and such, but like you said its "mine" now... Cant wait to start the next project i have been thinking of a patina on the 6 or Izzy.
 
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Couldnt you chuck up a dremel bit in a drill press and set the height needed on the table thing to keep the groove depth as consistent as possible? Just a thought. Looks great.
 
Looks good man!!! I did my first handle mod today and LOVE the feeling.

What part of MO are you in? I live in DeSoto.
 
bomber_man_jj said:
Couldnt you chuck up a dremel bit in a drill press and set the height needed on the table thing to keep the groove depth as consistent as possible? Just a thought. Looks great.
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That may be fine for the flats. But, how about going around the corner. That takes the human touch. Besides, I like the feel of doing that sort of thing.
 
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