The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details:
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is $300 $250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
I couldn't agree more. It's been over a year since I bought that ESEE (as well as a few other knives) but for the most part they remain in the safe because I can't bring myself to grab anything other than my Fallkniven when I head for the outdoors. I still haven't found a knife that inspires more confidence and after a full day of wood processing and a variety of camp chores the blade on the A1 stays shaving sharp. Amazing.
Alright, I just couldn't wait until my next excursion in the woods to play with this thing so after work today I went out my backyard to see if I could get the ESEE 6 a little dirty. Found a nice stick that I thought would make a good figure four deadfall trap and also give me an idea on the ergonomics and handling of the knife. As usual, I will keep a multi-tool in the pouch on the sheath but instead of a firesteel like my other two setups, I threw in a box of stormproof matches just for a change. After turning the one stick in to three and starting the notches for the trap with my Victorinox Spirit, the ESEE 6 was ready to get her cherry popped.
The ESEE 6 performed very well. It's edge easily carved up the hard, fresh wood. When I was tweaking with the notches trying to get them just right, the knife did feel a little ungainly because of its wide (tall) blade and its overall size, even when using the choil. But hey, I bought this thing for SURVIVAL, not for whittling away cute little balls in cages, ha! After the trap was completed I checked the edge for sharpness and while it was still very sharp, I can already kinda tell I will have to throw a new edge on this a lot more often than my Fallkniven. Today wasn't a totally clear indication of how much I will like or dislike the ESEE 6, only some good 'ol fashioned woods time will determine that. One thing I noticed though....I really like just holding this thing! It really is an awesome knife to have in your hand if that makes any sense. Overall I enjoyed the entire time I had working with the ESEE today and I think she'll be a keeper.
Not sure what you mean...I suppose it would work either way.
...Will it replace my Fallkniven A1 as my all-time favorite survival knife? Probably not. Actually its not fair to say that since I haven't really used her yet. And I gotta say, the ESEE 6 does look and feel very promising. Not sure what took me so long to get one but I'm finally on board. The sheath setup is awesome as well....I must always have at least a multi-tool and a firestarter with my survival blades and the pouch is plenty big enough for both.
I really like 6-inch blades for all-around usage. Thus, my other two main camp/survival knives are the Fallkniven A1 and a SwampRat RMD (Prototype version). I'll be up front right now and tell you that I really don't care for the RMD. The "black paper" handle scales are so slick I had to wrap them up in camo tape. I have yet to find a grip that inspires more confidence than the Fallkniven's. Also, the RMD has the shortest actual cutting edge of all three knives. On the ESEE 6, I replaced the micarta handles with some aftermarket G-10 scales that feel a ton better than the stock ones. Its a shame though because I much prefer micarta over G-10, but the ESEE's were just a little too flat and blocky. Here's all three together...
And with their sheaths...
I love the wide blade of the ESEE 6! Very handsome. And while not as thick as the Fallkniven A1, it should handle everything I'll do with it. The RMD has the thinnest of the three. I'm also glad the spine of the ESEE is squared off like the Fallkniven's. The RMD's spine, however, is rounded ("melted" as SwampRat calls it) making it completely useless to strike a firesteel with.
Only dirt time will tell if the ESEE can knock off the Fallkniven for my #1 spot. It won't be easy though because the Fallkniven has proven to me tougher than all hell and the edge retention of its VG-10 is phenominal. I just think the Fallkniven is one of the most well-thought knives out there. From its stout, thick blade to its ultra grippy handle, to its flat useable pommel and superb materials, the Swedes definetely knew what they were doing. But, I believe the ESEE 6 could possibly give it a run for its money. I can't wait to find out! A few more photos before I leave...
I wish my feather sticks looked like that! Awesome.I recently bought a RAT 6, and took it to my cabin for a little workout. Great knife man, I love it.