Question about the ESEE 4!

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bengewarmer

Joined
Apr 23, 2012
Messages
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Hi all, I'm quite new to this forum and decided to post a question. I am going to get very into camping and hiking starting around late May. I have a decent amount of supplies and have been doing some physical training to make sure I'm reasonably in shape. In any case, I've read that one of your most important tools is your knife, and as such, I want to get a good one. I also have a budget. Within my own research (reading reviews and watching YouTube videos), I've decided on an ESEE 4 with a partially serrated blade, and I've found them online for about $88 with the Kydex sheath and MOLLE locks. My main concern is that it's (I think) a high carbon blade which makes it more susceptible to rust. Should I let such a discovery keep me from getting this knife? Or can I prevent rusting completely if I just oil the blade from time to time? Feel free to also suggest some other knives in the "less than $100 range". Thanks in advance!
 
Welcome. :thumbup:

Its no "discovery," carbon steel blades can rust. (In fact, even stainless steels are only "rust-resistant," not "rust-proof.") Keep the knife dry and oiled with some mineral oil, dont' store it in the sheath, and rust will not be a problem. People have been using carbon steel knives for hundreds of years.

The ESEE is a very popular choice around here, but partial serrations aren't that popular. They are tough to sharpen (especially in the field) and everything you can do with them, you can do with a properly maintained plain edge.
 
It is a good general purpose woods blade, and no worries on carbon steel if it is properly maintained. I would not go with a serrated blade however, as they are more difficult to sharpen, and plain blades cut fine.
 
I own an ESEE 3 MIL and love it. The steel does not stop me from using the knife year round including rain and snow. After each outing I simply dry the knife, wipe it with a Tuff Cloth and then let it lay out for a bit until I put the rest of my drying gear away. I would agree with marcinek about the serrations not being popular and not offering a significant advantage over a plain blade. I find for smaller blades such as these that the serrations detract from the overall usable blade length. Either option though I am sure you will be happy with the knife, care for the blade properly and you won't have any problems.
 
Thanks, guys! I think I might go for the plain edge then. Like I said, I'm pretty new to bushcraft and whatnot. Are there any particular websites you like when shopping for knives? Currently I'm browsing bladehq.com and knifeworks.com.
 
The ESEE 4 is a good strong knife, and the coating on the blade is specifically designed to limit rust while also being quite durable (unlike the coating on many cheaper knives). ONly the edge will experience rust, but don't leave it stored in wet conditions and you'll be fine. IF storing wet is unavoidable, protect the edge with oil or whatnot.

Alternatives in similar price range include the SYKCO 511 (better steel but sheath does not come standard, buy/make your own), Cold Steel Master Hunter (in Carbon V or VG1-laminate), Entrek Javalina (stainless 440C steel), and you could also wait for the stainless version of the ESEE-4 out... I don't know when, soon?

Less expensive alternatives include the Gerber Prodigy, BG "ultimate" knife, or even the Big Rock, which are all stainless and, if you prefer serrations (which certainly have their advantages depending on the material you are most commonly cutting), those on serrated versions of these are MUCH better designed than those on the ESEE-4. Of these three, I'd recommend looking for a USA-made Prodigy in 12C27 steel (less common now). Buck also makes some solid knives, including the Classic Buck 119 and the Nighthawk. Becker/Kabar sports quite a few knives that may interest you, and there are also Mora knives in this size range.

More expensive alternatives are endless, some popular ones include the Fallkniven S1, Swamp Rat RatManDu, you could try the ESEE Laser-strike just out...


For a lot of these knives, you should check the Exchange on this forum first, great deals to be had on quality knives. After that, find a trusted site or brick & mortar store. Websites I frequent include goinggear.com, baryonyxknives.com, and yes even the bay.

Good luck!
 
Alright, this is basically the positive response I was hoping for and have made up my mind. I'll just add a tuff cloth to my purchase and have a little more peace of mind. I already have the BG Ultimate knife, which I love (I think the grip is amazing) but I want another knife. Enter the ESEE 4. The only other thing I would want is a leather sheath. I was looking at the BRKT Bravo 1 and I really like the leather sheath with the loop for firesteel. Unfortunately the Bravo 1 is a bit out of my price range. Do you know if there are any sheaths available made for the ESEE 4 that are similar to the Bravo 1?
 
The ESEE 4 is the perfect size knife for hiking and camping duties. I agree with everyone else on the serrations, no need for them on a bushcraft knife.

I also own the SYKCO 511 that chiral.grolim suggested and i have to admit its my go to knife. It has an extra inch of blade compared to the ESEE 4 but with the same weight, if not a little lighter. The handle on the 511 fits me a little better than the ESEE 4. The ESEE 4 scales are a tad bit thin for me. I know a lot of guys get aftermarket scales for them to fix this problem, but i just havent been able to bring myself to drop 50 bucks in scales on a 100 dollar knife yet.

The 511 is about the same price from SY, but as mentioned above it doesnt include a sheath. If you like the looks and reviews you can find them every couple days in the for sale section here. I've seen prices as low as $85 shipped for a new 511. Add another $30-$40 for a quality sheath.
 
bengewarmer said:
Alright, this is basically the positive response I was hoping for and have made up my mind. I'll just add a tuff cloth to my purchase and have a little more peace of mind. I already have the BG Ultimate knife, which I love (I think the grip is amazing) but I want another knife. Enter the ESEE 4. The only other thing I would want is a leather sheath. I was looking at the BRKT Bravo 1 and I really like the leather sheath with the loop for firesteel. Unfortunately the Bravo 1 is a bit out of my price range. Do you know if there are any sheaths available made for the ESEE 4 that are similar to the Bravo 1?
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Thats one of the good things about ESEE knives is the amount of aftermarket goodies available. You can find leather sheaths as low as $30-$40 and going all the way up into the hundreds depending on maker/quality.

Something to consider is your price point once you start talking about extras. If you plan to spend $40 or $50 on a new sheath that puts your ESEE 4 into a whole different price range of knives.
 
bengewarmer said:
Alright, this is basically the positive response I was hoping for and have made up my mind. I'll just add a tuff cloth to my purchase and have a little more peace of mind. I already have the BG Ultimate knife, which I love (I think the grip is amazing) but I want another knife. Enter the ESEE 4. The only other thing I would want is a leather sheath. I was looking at the BRKT Bravo 1 and I really like the leather sheath with the loop for firesteel. Unfortunately the Bravo 1 is a bit out of my price range. Do you know if there are any sheaths available made for the ESEE 4 that are similar to the Bravo 1?
Click to expand...

JRE Industries makes the leather sheath for the Bravo 1 and has an identical one available for the ESEE-4, ~$50 though. A lot of makers are around on the forum who could make you one, prices will be similar I'd guess, but you can check out Wild Boar Blades (also a contributor to this forum) who makes quality leather sheaths for cheap.
 
Just so you'll know, there is a stainless ESEE 4 in the works as well. I'm not sure if it's to be released at Blade Show this year or not but that might be another possibility for you. I honestly don't know how well
440c (I'm guessing that's what it will be made of.....I know it's 440 just not sure which version) holds up vs. the 1095 on the regular ESEE 4. I do know that if the handles are a bit too thin.....you can make your
own liners and put in them. One common liner seems to be to use old Xbox cases or I'm sure you could use DVD cases as well. If you have an interest in the ESEE 4 SS, you can head to the ESEE forums at
http://www.jungletraining.com/forums/index.php There are lots of very knowledgeable people there, much like here. :)

jc
 
I like the 4, but rabbits don't seem to. I forgot the name of the sheath that I got for it. ''Combat Master'' short or somesuch ?
IMG_4447.jpg

IMG_4449.jpg
 
Good point. At ~$50 for a sheath, I might as well spend the extra money and pick up one of the Bravo 1 knives. I think I may just stick with the Kydex for now and maybe upgrade the sheath at a later date. Also I looked at the SYKCO 511 and it also looks like a viable option. I think I like the handle/grip on the ESEE a bit better though. Thanks for the suggestions guys! I really appreciate the help!
 
bengewarmer said:
Good point. At ~$50 for a sheath, I might as well spend the extra money and pick up one of the Bravo 1 knives. I think I may just stick with the Kydex for now and maybe upgrade the sheath at a later date. Also I looked at the SYKCO 511 and it also looks like a viable option. I think I like the handle/grip on the ESEE a bit better though. Thanks for the suggestions guys! I really appreciate the help!
Click to expand...

My 4 came with the factory sheath which I prefer to clip to a bag. Be aware that some guys feel that the 4's handle\grip whatever, is a touch too small. I wear XL gloves and have no issue with it. It is right on the borderline for my hand fit.
 
Nothing wrong with the ESEE 4. You might also look at the Becker 16. It's a little cheaper.
 
For custom sheaths (both leather, kydex or a combo of both), nothing beats Martin Swinkels, a bit pricey for the budget concious, but well worth it. IMO
 
I have 2 esee 4s. Im a great big esee fan. If you have to get the serrations, go for it, but im not a serrations fan, especially after doing my own tests and concluding that they really dont do anything except catch the material im trying to cut. However one knife that would be a contender but for the basic same amount is the cold steel master hunter in vg-1 steel. I don't have one and the only reason I bring it up is that you mentioned alternatives. That being said, If I did not have either knife mentioned, I would get the Esee first. In fact, if pressed, the esee 4 to me is one of those knives that could be the best all around "one knife only" to have. if that makes sense. As a quick side note, I bought the aftermarket custom handles that Dale sells at Knife Connection for both of my 4s and I do like the way they feel.
 
I edc an esee 3 everyday on my tool belt. Im a cable installer so it gets wet in the rain snow and dropped in all kinds creeks mud and muck. Dont let the carbon steel turn you off from the knife with a little bit of oil it will never rust. Let me tell you these knives are built like tanks and will give you a lifetime of service.
 
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