ESEE Model 5 or Hogue EXF-01?

J

Joben91

Joined
Feb 21, 2013
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Hi I was looking to get a good survival/camping/backpacking fixed blade knife for under $200. I was hoping someone could help me decide between the ESEE 5 or Hogue EXF-01 5.5 inch model. Thanks
 
Over all I'd buy the esse 5 I think it's a better knife........I have never used them just held, and the 5 seems like a better knife.
 
Having owned the esee 5 and both of the hogue models. I would have to say the hogue exfo1 larger size. The esee is a great knife, but too thick in my opinion to really be usefull for everything you may need to do in the woods. The hogue knives are just as bulletproof and preform most all tasks acceptably where the esee's thickness and grind made it difficult for trap making and general woodsy stuff. Some folks may disagree, but that's my two cents...
 
I agree with Tio's assessment, owning and hard using both also.

Consider the steel difference (A2 to 1095) and the price difference (which isn't too steep) and purchase accordingly.

Good luck and please provide an AAR when you buy.
 
I have never held the Hogue but I would consider the Esee 6 over the 5. Its cheaper than the 5, thinner (3/16 opposed to 1/4), has a choil for finer tasks, is lighter (~4oz) and has more reach. Just something to consider. I have always been more attracted to the six because it seems like less of a sharpened pry bar than the 5.
 
Looking at the Hogue, it looks much more form than function than the ESEE, with the heavily scalloped handles, over-sized jimping on the top of the blade, extra holes near the base of the blade, almost-but-not-quite swedge in the middle of the spine, etc. I just don't consider this and the ESEE in the same category. The ESSE is the more straight-forward hard-use tool, along the same lines as Beckers, some Bussekin, and the new SURVIVE line, while I look at the Hogue as a good knife but dressed up as an attempt to lure customers with the aggressive styling of a movie prop. This isn't to take away from the Hogue, I've heard great things about them, along with other tactically-styled knives, and A2 is a fine steel, at least as good as 1095.

The clincher for me, besides looks, is the fact that ESEEs are out in the jungles of Central America everyday being used and abused, and come out fine. It also doesn't hurt that they have the best warranty in the knife world either.
 
I'd recommend the esee 4 or even 3. Lots of knife and since you said "backpacking" then weight comes into play. The ESEE 5 is bulletproof, but there is a reason.
 
Thanks everyone for your input. Well I ended up getting the ESEE 5 and just got it in the mail today along with some Tuf Glide. The weight isn't really much of a concern for me, neither is the thickness since I have fairly big hands and I have thinner blades for finer use, but I'm still concerned with the steel I've chosen (1095 vs. A2). Should I go ahead and exchange it for another blade with more rust resistance and better durability?
 
Give the ESSE 5 a shot. The 1095 is good steel and you should be fine with it provided you keep it lubed.

The A2 is a sexier blade with a sexier steel. While it does well in bashing, you'll be hard pressed to find a major difference in toughness.

Enjoy!
 
im looking at the esee junglas VS the EX-F01 . So far Im leaning towards the hogue . Both knives look amazing but I hear lotta great things bout A2. Not to mention hogue makes excelent quality products. But that junglas keeps catching my eye. Although I do have an Ontario 1-18 saw back already that I think might fill the junglas philosophy of use . That hogue is looking right I'm thinking for lighter bushcraft and general utilitarian uses .
 
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