Looking for my first ESEE

H

Huxley

Joined
Jan 10, 2011
Messages
32
Hi guys, been lurking for a couple of days and finally decided to join the forum. I came across you guys while searching for a "survival/camping" knife, one that I plan on using on a rim to rim hike of the Grand Canyon in the spring. Based on the information that Ive come across here, Im leaning towards a RC4. The idea would be to use the knife for fire making, battoning etc. Further it would be great if it could be used in urban settings as well. I do a lot of urban exploring and more than once could Ive used a knife that's sturdier than my Griptilian.

First priority is a survival knife, secondary is an urban knife.

Thanks,

Huxley
 
The ESEE4 is what will meet your requirements as long as you are not intent on heavy batoning. It was my first ESEE blade and has not let me down.

Vin
 
It's a great knife. Some don't like the choil, others do. You can get custom G-10 handles that make it a fatter longer handle. There are sheath options, color options, lifetime warranty.
 
I do like the RC3, but I think that a longer blade length might make more sense for what I'm looking to do with the tool. Honestly, I never thought that this would be such a difficult decision. I can truly say that I like all of the ESEE knives, now if I could just figure out which one!
 
This is how I found out about ESEE knives a couple weeks ago. I've already bought an Izula and Izula 2. These are great knives at a great price. I'm saving up my money now for a few more, just don't know what I want yet. This is my first post on blade forums, it was time to build my post count up to try and get a RAT Pack number!
 
the ESEE-5 has a divot for making friction fires, I say it's just a very versitle knife, and it was my first pick. It's the only ESEE I have, so I can't really say much :foot:

P1090115.jpg


Divot
P1100143.jpg


Glass Breaker
P1100134.jpg
 
Awesome pictures, though I can honestly say that I have no idea how to use the divet to make a fire.
 
i've only got an izula right now, but after all my research, my choice would be the 5. the 5 plus izula would be a well rounded pair though. i actually asked for both for Christmas and only got the izula, so the 5 will be on order very soon. after that, maybe a junglas so i can look cool. :)
 
Never mind about the divet, after actually taking the time to think about it, I figured it out. (At least how I would use the divet with a bow/drill)
 
adaman04 said:
Your lean is correct. Get the 4 my good man. You won't be sorry.
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The ESEE-4 is a great choice for what you want.

The ESEE-5 is really thick and super durable. It would be great for a survival environment, but might depending on what you mean by 'urban' it might be a bit too big.

The ESEE-4 is big enough to be a big knife but also small enough to be a small knife.....if that makes sense. It can handle big tasks, small tasks and not look like you are wielding huge knife. The 5 will be thicker and longer and will look a lot bigger and be harder to conceal if you want to do that.
 
the ESEE 4 is pretty close to perfect.
Adding the aftermarket scales for a longer grip is gravy.
pair it up with an Izula 2 and you're set for urban, wilderness, & kitchen!
 
I have an Izula, ESEE-3 and ESEE-6 and love each one. For hiking, where weight may be a consideration, I think an ESEE-3 or 4 offers a nice balance of weight and function. My 3 has gotten a lot of use and performs a lot of tough tasks without disappointing. Good luck with your decision, enjoy your knife and happy hiking.
 
That 4 is a good choice - I know you'll love it. Every time I go afield, no matter what blade I originally plan on - I always end up taking my ESEE-6. I just can't leave that thing behind. It's the classic ESEE... if you ever get one, it will grow all over you.
 
The 4 is my first ESEE and I've been beating the crap out of it. I batonned firewood with it several times since I got it.

Friday night I did a alot of batonning for fire prep. We had people over and they couldn't believe I was using a knife to split wood. Needless to say everyone started asking questions about my knife.

I'm very impressed so far.
 
I love my 4. It's small enough to easily carry, but still has the blade length to do a decent job at batoning wood. It's also very well balanced and is comfortable to use. I paired mine up with an Izula II and now my addiction is becoming worse because I want a 6.
 
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