First ESEE knife?

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Nov 24, 2010
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So I really like the way the ESEE line of knives looks, and from what I've heard they are some of the best. Hopefully I can get my hands on one for the new year but I just don't know which one to get. I like the ESEE-5, but it looks like there is a huge hole in one of the scales. I think the Junglas looks like a good choice, though. I don't really need it for any specific reason, just that I think it's time I added one to my collection.
 
I started with the 3. Then I got an Izula (then I got 3 more). Then I got a HEST. The 4 and 5 are next. Someday I'll work my way up to a 6. Bottom line: Whichever one you start with, you'll end up with most (if not all) of them anyway, so there's not really a "bad" choice for your first.
 
As for now all I have is 1 Izula, but after I recover from the holiday ( money wise ) I will be ordering my next one.....
 
the "hole" in the left side scale is a divot so you can use the knife as a bearing block for starting a fire with bow and spindle.
the junglas is a great chopper/branch removal tool.
the 5 is a beast of a blade at 1/4: thick, but will take pretty much any punishment you need it to go through.
Personally I prefer the 6 to the 5, as the 5 felt "dead" in my hand -- but that's just me, as there are a LOT of folks who love it.
 
So I really like the way the ESEE line of knives looks, and from what I've heard they are some of the best. Hopefully I can get my hands on one for the new year but I just don't know which one to get. I like the ESEE-5, but it looks like there is a huge hole in one of the scales. I think the Junglas looks like a good choice, though. I don't really need it for any specific reason, just that I think it's time I added one to my collection.

The hole is to use as a spindle holder for fire making I believe. Could be wrong however as I don't have an ESEE-5.
 
i just got the esse 4 in desert tan. havnt had a chance to do anything with it. wanted something in a fixed blade that could do heavy edc and maybe some camping and hunting chores. i think it will fill that bill fine. dont have any plans for another at the moment. kinda have a couple larger and smaller knives that fill out a broad size and use range. was interested in this model and its got a better price point than some of there others.
 
i started with a 4 but didnt get to use it enough due to always being at work. then i got an izula. i absolutely love it. then i got a hest (my decision was spurred on by the split), and i really enjoy that knife as well.

i'm thinking a 6 next for the hell of it.
 
i went with the 5, first. then a couple of Izulas, for gifts. then i got a Junglas. now i'm eyeing the 6 with the clip point, but might go with a Barkie instead. or might do something really crazy like stop buying knives, for a month or two :D

i don't regret going with the 5 first because i consider it to be the most versatile out of the bunch :)
 
Everyones' got their favorite, but the Esee 4 usually wins the popularity contest.It's just the right blade length ,thickness and overall package to excel at most tasks without being too heavy or large a package to carry around. Having the whole line-up and used them all for different tasks , I keep coming back to the 4 for those above reasons as being the most versatile blade.
Just my op :thumbup::)

To add: If you decide on a 5 , the "divot" for a firespindle in the handle scale is no issue on grip or anything
even if you never use it. The 5 is a significantly heavier knife than the 4 , and is even heavier than the Esee 6.
See Esee website for specifics.
 
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The Junglas is a great knife - my son has one and really enjoys it. I've got no experience with the ESEE-5 but my BK-2 (practically the same knife) is one of the best and most useful blades I've ever owned.

I can't see how you could go wrong with anything in ESEE's lineup. Pick one that looks good and enjoy cutting stuff. :D

---

Beckerhead #42
 
My first one is a ESEE-5 that I took in on trade and I'm glad I did, great knife!! I do have a Hest/f on order (pre-ordered in Aug.) that I can't wait to see!!!!
 
The 4 or the 6 would be my reccomendations to start with. I own both of those as well as an Izula, and i would have to say that the 6 is currently my favorite of them.
 
You got that right...get one...you gotta have more.

The 4 might be the best choice. It is light, comes in many variations, and it pretty stout.
 
I've never heard of Esee knives until I saw the HEST folder on this site. Can anyone tell me about the brand? Legitimate user, and not just a gimmick?

Where is the best place to buy? Thanks.
 
There are a few things to consider...

The Izula or Izula II is the traditional starting point. They are a great price point, and the knife's size belies its ability. It is a heck of a knife.

Then there is the HEST. I carry one of these every day, and they are a great blade. Rowen/ESEE will not be producing these any longer, so the current stock at retailers is it. If you think you might want one of these, by all means, buy one now. If you decide you do not like it, you should have no trouble getting rid of it for what you have in it.

The ESEE 4 is probably their best "all around" knife. Good size, great sheath. It s a very popular knife.

The ESEE 6 is like the 4, but longer.

The ESEE 5 is a beefy, tank of a knife. Some consider it a sharpened prybar. I think it would make a great TEOTWAWKI knife, but the thickness, weight, and saber grind keep it from being as versatile as some of the others in the lineup.

The Junglas is a beast. I keep one in my truck bag in case I ever need to chop through a tree that is blocking my way. Seriously.

You really cannot go wrong with an ESEE knife. Jeff and Mike are some of the best guys in the business to deal with as well. There is more info than you could ever want over in the ESEE subforum.

Hope this helps a little.
 
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