Love my new ESEE 6, but....

[jonnyt16]

...Will it replace my Fallkniven A1 as my all-time favorite camp/survival knife? Probably not. Actually, its unfair 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...

 

[raindog101]

Just picked up an ESEE 6 with the G-10 (ranger green for me) scales also. I am very impressed so far, and can't wait to get it out and working on the woodpile out back. I vacillated between the 6 and the A1, in the end may have to get one of each! But the 6 has the feel of a much more nimble blade (probably the thickness working there), and the choil really helps it to excel at the finer work. I can see this being my go-to for this size range. And I do love Fallkniven (especially my 3G F1), but think the ESEE might just be a better all-arounder than the A1. Time will tell. And, FWIW, I'm not a big fan of G10. Would have loved canvas micarta scales in that profile, but oh well.

 

[straitr]

While I don't own a 5 or 6 (or whatever the newish folder is called), I do own every other ESEE in current production. I'm sure you both will like them.

As far as the scales, I'm surprised TKC hasn't started offering their scales in micarta given it's popularity.

 

[jonnyt16]

But the 6 has the feel of a much more nimble blade (probably the thickness working there), and the choil really helps it to excel at the finer work.

Well for me, I can't really tell any difference in the "nimble" factor between these two blades. They both feel pretty fast and easy to work with. Surprisingly, and I wish I took a photo of this, but when I put the Fallkniven and the ESEE on the scale, the ESEE actually weighed a half ounce more! This is remarkable given how thick the A1 is.

As far as choils go, I've always had mixed feelings about them. I really like being able to choke up on the knife, especially while carving. And the ESEE 6 did it right. However, while the ESEE 6 is longer overall than the Fallkniven (by almost a whole inch), the Fallkniven still has a longer cutting edge. Another win for the A1.