ESSE XANCUDO style options <$130?

S

Sid Post

Joined
Oct 14, 1998
Messages
4,720
The ESSE XANCUDO looks really good to me except the ~$130 price seems excessive. What are similar format options in reasonably good stainless steel for a more reasonable "street price"? I'm not looking for some cheap Chinese stamped and flimsy clone but, a ~3" spearpoint with similar functionality.

What are the better options today in the $30~$50 or so range?

TIA,
Sid
 
Ka-Bar wrench knife? I admit I only bought this one as a novelty rather than carry option.

That's the only other one I have that fits the criteria. Beyond that I would go to Blade HQ, Knife Center, or similar and start sorting by blade length and price.
 
The Victorinox venture is about half the price, at $75.

Or you could go with a pairing knife from them for $10
 
Sid Post said:
The ESSE XANCUDO looks really good to me except the ~$130 price seems excessive. What are similar format options in reasonably good stainless steel for a more reasonable "street price"? I'm not looking for some cheap Chinese stamped and flimsy clone but, a ~3" spearpoint with similar functionality.

What are the better options today in the $30~$50 or so range?

TIA,
Sid
Click to expand...
ESSE XANCUDO blade steel is CPM S35VN and the handle is G10. $130 is a reasonable price for a machined chunk of PM alloy and machined G10. You won't find anything in the $30-$50 range in that alloy, even without G10 for the handle.

If you are willing to give on the steel and country of origin, look at the Cold steel Kyoto II. It's in that price range with 8Cr13MoV. About the same size blade, full tang, thin. Good balance and good ergonomics as long as you have medium or small size hands. Looks and feels like a Demko designed blade to me.
 
Crag the Brewer said:
The Victorinox venture is about half the price, at $75.

Or you could go with a pairing knife from them for $10
Click to expand...

Those cheap pairing knives are pretty flexible and are a bit slick so, I'd be afraid of using them outside of a kitchen. The steel is pretty darn soft as well.

The Victorinox Venture Collection Fixed Blade with 14C28N Stainless Steel @$75 looks like a good option. That's one I haven't really ever considered beyond the initial release. With a ~4" blade from ~1/8th stock and being flat ground should make for a good cutter as well.
 
The ESEE Zancudo can be had in a folder for $30. The fixed blade version is worth the $130!
 
I have the original version of the Xancudo and actually bought it used off the bay for 39 bucks with the sheath. It is a stellar fixed blade but 130 bucks is reaching for me on this style of knife no matter what the steel used is. Mine came set up with paracord handle wrap that is very well done and extension thong that is part of the wrap. You could skin a moose with it imho it is that nice and that sharp. If I was going to spend north of a 130 bucks or so I'd just go with the BUSSE Game Warden. I think that is what it is called. just sayin
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top