Knife you could rely on for survival

And a quick reality check for any noobs who might be legitimately wondering what this is all about, here is a brief history of the ESEE 5.

The ESEE 5 is a knife made by Rowen for ESEE, run by Jeff Randall. Jeff is an abrasive chap who does not mince his words. He is very clear on this particular knife.

The design is as a result of the specific requirements of SERE instructors. It is not a design that Jeff would have made for any other reason. The size, shape, thickness and materials are as asked for by SERE instructors, with a very specific scenario in mind. To wit, they needed a knife capable of being used by a downed pilot/passenger that can effectively cut & pry its way out of an aircraft. Nothing more, nothing less. Yes, it would then be used for 'survival' tasks, but its overriding purpose is the one aforementioned. The BK2 is a very similar knife.

These knives enjoyed a lot of popularity in the knife community a few years back, although that popularity has subsequently waned somewhat. Don't get me wrong, these are both very fun knives to play about with, and they are both reasonably functional, perhaps surprisingly so. Thing is, they are also very, very heavy...

Jeff himself advocates the ESEE Junglas, or the ESEE 4, or the ESEE 6. Basically, just about any ESEE knife, just not the ESEE 5! So, these mangled arguments about the ESEE 5 and how Jeff Randall doesn't like it? Well, as you can see, there is some truth in it, but it is worth knowing the full story. The SERE instructors, by the way, were very happy with the ESEE 5, so Jeff did a bang up job for them. He's in the business of making knives, so it isn't very surprising really...
 
It seems there are as many variations of the essee 6 as there are numbered models in the esse lineup. Some of them are almost completely different as far as form and function. I forgot the model number of the one with a leather sheath, but that one is only called an essee 6 because of the length. It has no guard, a different handle, etc.
 
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Yonose said:
It seems there are as many variations of the essee 6 as there are numbered models in the esse lineup. Some of them are almost completely different as far as form and function. I forgot the model number of the one with a leather sheath, but that one is only called an essee 6 because of the length. It has no guard, a different handle, etc. But I prefer the knives he designed for Ontario, such as the rd6 and rd9, as well as the rtak2.(Though this last one was originally designed by Newt Livesey, or so I have read.)
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The DC6 is what it's called, correction: It's the 6HM. I'd rather have my BK5, or HDFK, or my Tradewater in that blade size though.
 
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91bravo said:
The DC6 is what it's called, correction: It's the 6HM. I'd rather have my BK5, or HDFK, or my Tradewater in that blade size though.
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The bk5 is 2” longer, but I agree it would be a great 1 Blade option! I don’t own any essee knives yet, but I’ve wanted to try one.
 
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Pilsner said:
So, these mangled arguments about the ESEE 5 and how Jeff Randall doesn't like it? Well, as you can see, there is some truth in it, but it is worth knowing the full story. The SERE instructors, by the way, were very happy with the ESEE 5, so Jeff did a bang up job for them.
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Private sector instructors?
What instructors? Not being a d**k, i just seen this thrown about too much by various companies
 
Pilsner said:
The design is as a result of the specific requirements of SERE instructors. It is not a design that Jeff would have made for any other reason. The size, shape, thickness and materials are as asked for by SERE instructors, with a very specific scenario in mind. To wit, they needed a knife capable of being used by a downed pilot/passenger that can effectively cut & pry its way out of an aircraft. Nothing more, nothing less. Yes, it would then be used for 'survival' tasks, but its overriding purpose is the one aforementioned. The BK2 is a very similar knife.
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IIRC, they also specified being able to pry open air dropped crates. As you say, a very specific survival scenario.
 
ronnie hood said:
Private sector instructors?
What instructors? Not being a d**k, i just seen this thrown about too much by various companies
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It’s a fair question. Jeff is active on their own official forum over at the ESEE site. He would be the right person to ask. He developed the Junglas for US operatives aiding the Columbian armed forces, so if I had to take a wild guess, I’d say that the SERE instructors in this case are legit, in the same way that Stryder’s service record isn’t. If you follow...
 
BladeScout said:
I dont know the answer to your question but I wouldnt assume, that SERE is a protected/patented moniker.
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Yep. I dare say there are plenty of frauds out there. Kinda like somebody writing a tactical defence column who has no military or LE experience... ;)
 
Pilsner said:
Yep. I dare say there are plenty of frauds out there. Kinda like somebody writing a tactical defence column who has no military or LE experience... ;)
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No doubt.

That being said; I in no way meant to imply, that the above mentioned specific SERE courses were not legit.

I know nothing of Jeff Randall's SERE course nor the legitimacy there of.

In fact, I never much understood, why he was controversial but gather, that he is.

Ive read some interesting things about the ESEE jungle/survival courses and they seem to be the real deal.

I only know one thing for sure; Ive bought a ESEE 3 and an Izula - both were good knives.
 
I've taken those Randall training classes back in the day when he offered them for free. Good training, but Jeff knows lots of people with different skill sets and he pays them to train under his brand. Honestly, I could care less about that guy. Now that he's Mr. Hotshot training guru, he thinks his doo doo doesn't stink. Controversial?? That's an understatement I'd rather not delve into....
 
91bravo said:
I don't believe in the one tool option. I believe in multiple, task-oriented tools. Skill sets are more important than the tools themselves. But yes, the BK9 is high up on the list and I would not feel under-knifed in any way if that were my only blade.
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Im a multiple tool guy to...the irony of questions such as these are being a brit, in any situation the law and law of averages dictates i will be forced to make do with my SAK
 
I stay redundant with my setups. I always have an SAK and a folder of some flavor in my pockets. I keep a maul, axe, folding shovel, cum-along, chains/straps, saw and large chopping knife in my truck box, along with enough items to survive out of my truck for a week or two if need be. MREs, water, boots, spare clothes, fishing gear, camping gear, fire gear, e tools and multiple cutting tools. I even keep dry wood in my truck box now, after the gridlock in Atlanta a few years back.
 
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