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First ESSE; Good Choice?

jmclfrsh

jmclfrsh

Joined
Dec 1, 2012
Messages
1,379
After some review I decided to get my first ESSE knife, and am torn between which one to get.

It's between the 4, desert tan model, and the 5. The aviation buff in me is telling me that would be cool, but heard it was pretty heavy.

ESSE guys, what are your thoughts on the 4 vs. the 5 for everyday use?

Light camping while overnight at motorcycle races is about as rough as it gets in reality, would carry it for day hikes however as they are on the list this year, get into the trees more.

Appreciate your thoughts.
 
+1 on the 4. It's more usable everyday blade. The 5 is a beast of a knife and fun to toy with but not a great edc knife.
 
The five is a full pound, 16oz. I would go with the 4, either one is a good choice
 
Go with the 4. The 5 is a heavy SOB for its size... weighed more by itself than my RMD in the sheath!
 
THANK YOU for the photos, and the feedback everyone. I sincerely appreciate it.

After reading your opinions, I went with the Desert Tan 4 with both MOLLE and Kydex sheaths.

Post pics after it arrives...
 
Good choice. For your stated use the 4 is ideal. The 5 would be great for heavier use, batonning etc.
 
Excellent knife, excellent choice.

We need pics of you using the knife....and pics of the bike as well!
 
I'm late to the party (seeing you already pulled the trigger) but I own an ESEE-4 and carry it in the car in a Maxped bag. I can't imagine carrying it on my person all the time as an EDC. It's still a big knife. Belt carry would be intimidating to sheeple and I can't imagine concealing it.

For EDC I would recommend an Izula, or maybe a 3. Much easier to carry.
 
I won't agree that the 4 is a big knife, as it is toward the smaller end of the fixed blades I own...it's a great size, and I would love to carry it (or something of similar size) regularly. Unfortunately, reality comes into play - people in many areas of the US simply aren't used to seeing people openly carrying knives; and the practice is restricted in many areas. Heck, an overzealous cop could give me grief for at least half of my folders; and that's assuming he doesn't realize that I've got a machete or two in my truck (the good thing about a 9" lift & 37" tires is they can't see inside, lol)
Back on topic - for the stated uses, either knife would work; but the 4 is a better option for most people, and it will serve you well. Other sizes and brands might be less intimdating, or draw less attention...but, to many, a knife is a knife. Hopefully, you already know your State and local laws regarding knives - if not, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with them. and be aware (and considerate) of people around you.
 
I really like my S-E 3 as where I go it goes 7 days a week.^ My ESSE-4 goes with me when I take my Horse up to Scott
County and my ESEE-5 goes Camping and Hunting every-time I go because of its size it does it all.** If I had to choose
just one it would be the ESEE-3 ~~ I could live with that -- I reckon.*!!
 
For whoever was wondering what Esee stands for I copied this from their website. Pretty interesting.
"ESEE is pronounced "S E" and is an acronym for Escuela de Supervivencia (School of Survival), Escape and Evasion (ESEE). This acronym comes from our long running jungle survival school that teaches these principles of staying alive in remote and hostile environments."
 
Id get the 4. I just find it more practical than the 5 for what I use fixed blades for. Once you get the 4, you have a pretty good idea of if you need something beefier, or need to downsize a little bit. And the Esee line up gives you those options. Again, Id personally go with the 4.
 
Thanks guys, great advice and sorry for misspelling it! ESEE from now on. :redface:

I'll post some pics and the bikes will unfortunately have to wait a bit, in the middle of a 6-8" snowfall today.

Again! :hopelessness:
 
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