My first ESEE...An RC5

K

KngFhearts

Joined
Mar 23, 2010
Messages
105
Yep, I finally got it...my first RAT. I had been lurking on the forum for a while trying to decide on a "big brother" for my BK11, and decided that the RC5 was the one for me. I have to say that it is a really nice knife. Fit and finish are perfect and I like the heft. Mine came OD green, which surprised me (looked black in the photo), but it is growing on me. It came with the black Molle back sheath, which brings me to my first question: Do you guys like your molle back sheaths, or are you opting to buy a kydex (or other)sheath? Also, for those of you who stuck with the molle sheath...what type of tin (or container) are you using in the pouch for your "extras"? My altoid tins don't fi. t Soooo.....I'm wondering. Should I get a kydex sheath and pouch (extra$$):confused:, or stick with what I have? Thanks guys
 
Congrats on the ESEE-5!

The sheath thing sounds like a fiasco! They came in black and OD. There was probably a black sheath in the pic and you got OD. Now they ship with the kydex sheath with the belt clip plate.

If you like the sheath that came with it, keep it and use it! Kydex can be nice and if you decide you want one later go for it. Other than that, I think you got a great knife and a great sheath. So now you have to decide....which ESEE is next. :D
 
I love my RC5, outstanding choice. I personally like the Eagle Industries sheath and find it 100% better than kydex could ever offer. Kydex is loud, clinky, ugly as sin and stretches over time. The retention on my HEST and RC3 sheaths are completely useless. If you use the knife alot I'd consider an alternative to kydex like cordura or leather. I know 95% of this forum doesn't share the same opinion but I personally don't feel like baking and pressing my sheath every time I have to use it, just so my knife doesn't fall out. Don't think that kydex is a best or a must. If the current sheath works well, don't bother. In my pouch I carry a piece of 1000 and 2000 grit wet and dry sandpaper and an arkansas stone for sharpening. you could also squeeze a lighter, a pack of matches, a hock of jute and a fire rod in there as well, even though an altoids tin may not fit.
 
Are you sure an Altoids tin won't fit? I have an Eagle sheath with mine and I can get an Altoids tin in there no problem.
 
Thanks guys. I will try the molle sheath for a while and see how I like it. Do you know if the plastic insert has a drain hole? I don't want water to get trapped in there and rust my blade.
 
You will be very happy with the ESEE 5. They are super sweet. I received a kydex sheath with mine and shopped around until I found a knife with the kydex. At the time the soft sheaths were just starting to be heavily replaced with the kydex which are now standard with the 5 (I think?).

Knife retention on the kydex will be the same in 5 years as it is today. Plus you don't have to worry about moisture retention with kydex.

Congrats on buying an awesome blade.

SB
 
I've got so much crap in the pouch on mine I can't exactly remember what's in it!

I know, shame on me...

I know there's some water tablets in there...um...a sharpening stone...um...some para cord....lessee...um...um...a lighter..a flint...some bits of rubber tire...some thread and a needle...few other little things. Some are vacuum sealed and wrapped in aluminum foil.

I flat dig the RC5. It's a great knife (I call mine "The Machine"). You lose some efficiency in all areas as a compromise to its "jack-of-all-trades" design, but it's nothing that can't be overcome. I make traps and snares with mine on a regular basis.

Haven't had a chance to build a shelter with it yet...but I will.
 
congrats! the rc-5 is my first esee. i liked it so much an rc-3 followed a week later...an rc-4 should be here by monday :D quality is addictive!
 
Having a big knife in the woods inspires confidence for sure. Welcome to ESEE, and nice knife. Maybe the ESEE lite machete next and you have a serious pair of bush tools.
 
Grats on your new tank. ;)

I just ordered an RC-5 as well. And the post office tracking shows it has arrived but I am stuck here at work. :( I can't wait to put it through its paces though.

Enjoy.
 
Im right there with ya. I just received my Izula today and bought a RC-5P this morning. Cant wait to get it. I love the Izula and Im sure I'll love the RC-5 as well. Thanks to every one here showing off theres.I couldnt have done it without you.
 
KEmSAT-Survival said:
I've got so much crap in the pouch on mine I can't exactly remember what's in it!

I know, shame on me...

I know there's some water tablets in there...um...a sharpening stone...um...some para cord....lessee...um...um...a lighter..a flint...some bits of rubber tire...some thread and a needle...few other little things. Some are vacuum sealed and wrapped in aluminum foil.

I flat dig the RC5. It's a great knife (I call mine "The Machine"). You lose some efficiency in all areas as a compromise to its "jack-of-all-trades" design, but it's nothing that can't be overcome. I make traps and snares with mine on a regular basis.

Haven't had a chance to build a shelter with it yet...but I will.
Click to expand...

The pouch is deceptively large...it doesn't look it, but once you stretch the elastic out a bit there is plenty of room in there!
 
The rc5 kydex, Has a sliding tension bolt. Goes from easy draw to impossible to get out. I doubt you'd have to bake this one
 
PayetteRucker said:
I love my RC5, outstanding choice. I personally like the Eagle Industries sheath and find it 100% better than kydex could ever offer. Kydex is loud, clinky, ugly as sin and stretches over time. The retention on my HEST and RC3 sheaths are completely useless. If you use the knife alot I'd consider an alternative to kydex like cordura or leather. I know 95% of this forum doesn't share the same opinion but I personally don't feel like baking and pressing my sheath every time I have to use it, just so my knife doesn't fall out. Don't think that kydex is a best or a must. If the current sheath works well, don't bother. In my pouch I carry a piece of 1000 and 2000 grit wet and dry sandpaper and an arkansas stone for sharpening. you could also squeeze a lighter, a pack of matches, a hock of jute and a fire rod in there as well, even though an altoids tin may not fit.
Click to expand...

Can you please give a link to the excact sheeth you speek about ...Thanks
 
Most of the ESEE options for the RC5 follow. I believe there is a different, new design cordura sheath available as an option. On the kydex, note the tension screw. Moved to the top position, it's locked. If you were to chain the knife to a truck, and the sheath to a tree, You'd crack out the eyelets, or pull down the tree before the knife came out.

Kydex (top RC5 bottom RC4):
3996266236_33cd9dacbf.jpg


Kydex with molle back and pouch:
4138393859_daa95ff1c4.jpg

4548068022_496f64fae7.jpg


Eagle Sheath (has belt loop, molle backing, and leg strap):
4548070206_3f566569ab.jpg

4547433643_3bbc181ccd.jpg



Also fits in the RAT Pack: (shown with RC6):
4134145281_a212fe05d1.jpg
 
PayetteRucker said:
Kydex is loud, clinky, ugly as sin and stretches over time.
Click to expand...

FWIW the retention on the RC-5's kydex sheath is adjustable. Mine is at 25% in NIB form and it's very tight. There is a lot of travel left to tighten that sucker down if it ever got loose, which I doubt will happen in my lifetime.;)

RC-5.jpg
 
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I've had alot of knives over the years with similar tension screws and I find the more I have to use the screws the faster the kydex loosens. It's just a losing battle I don't want to have to face after four months of regular use. Cordura and leather are both completely viable options that are QUIET, good looking and offer solid retention.
 
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