ESEE Knives do command somewhat ambitious prices for knives that are not handmade, but the brand has a lot of devoted followers and the knives are extensively tested in the wild in the hands of experienced outdoorsmen before they ever even get to market.
Models like the ESEE 4 and Izula II are among the most popular fixed blades out there, period, but, considering the price (and the fact that they are technically mass-produced) here are 6 things you’ll love above them that justify the expense.
The No-Nonsense Designs
Some knife brands push the envelope of reason with weird looking Karambits and other knives with unconventional profiles. By and large, ESEE does not.
The vast majority of their models, from the Candiru through the Junglas, sport a plain-jane drop point with full flat grinds (or Scandi grinds) that are committed to one thing and one thing only: function.
No ESEE Knives are going to win any pageants for beauty, but they certainly are well-equipped for camp tasks, food prep, game and fish processing, and much more.
The Steel
While not every ESEE is made with 1095, the large majority of them are. And, though it might at first seem like this is a budget steel, even a cheap steel, it’s something you’ll come to appreciate.
ESEE’s heat treatment is not over-the-top, which keeps the 1095 fairly soft yet extremely tough. This means two things: you can beat up the knife pretty badly with minimal risk that it will snap, and that you can easily resharpen it in the field.
So no, it’s definitely not a super steel, and it will rust if you’re not careful, but considering the fact that these knives are workhorses, it’s the perfect choice.
The Powder Coat
As stated, 1095 will rust where it is exposed, which in the case of most ESEE knives, is at the edge and where the logo is etched onto the blade.
Fortunately for you, ESEE finishes its 1095 knives with unique powder coats in a variety of attractive colors, including purple, Venom Green, and blaze orange, along with standards like OD green, black and FDE.
For its part, the powder coat helps insulate the steel and protects it against corrosion.
The Versatility of the Sheath
Cheap sheaths are a sticking point associated with many quality knives that would otherwise be home runs. With ESEE, quality extends to the sheath.
While some come with leather sheaths, most popular ESEE Knives come with thermoformed sheaths that are highly modular. The sheaths offer friction fits and are perforated around the margins so they can be rigged for scout carry, pack carry, neck carry, and much more.
If anything, the quality and versatility of most ESEE sheaths is one of their biggest selling points.
The Variety
From the Candiru all the way down on the super-tiny end, all the way up through the ESEE 6 and the Junglas, there is a great deal of variety in ESEE Knives.
Popular models include but are not limited to the Candiru and Izula, two of the company’s smallest knives, the ESEE 3, 4, 5, and 6, which are staples, and other knives such as the Camp Lore, JG5, AGK, Xancudo, and Laser Strike. Newer models like the Sencillo and Pacaya are also popular, which are made with different steels.
Which is another thing: some ESEE Knives are available in tool steel and super steel versions, such as S35VN, MagnaCut and A2.
Moreover, even though the brand overwhelmingly focuses on fixed blades, there are a few folders in the mix, such as the Avispa, Churp and Pinhoti.
The Warranty
Lastly, the warranty of ESEE Knives is the best in the industry, period. It guarantees the knife against failure (that includes breakage), even if the knife is abused, and is transferrable, following the knife for life.
That means you could find an ESEE on the ground, pick it up, use it to baton some oak rounds, and if it breaks, you could theoretically send it into ESEE for a replacement. No joke – visit their website for more information on their legendary warranty.
Time for an ESEE Knife?
Thinking it’s time for an upgrade to what you usually carry? You could do a lot worse than an ESEE.
Take a look at what’s available online at The Knife Connection. They represent some of ESEE’s more popular models and carry aftermarket scales and other accessories for them as well.
Start there, and get in touch with their customer service if you have any other questions.
For more information about Winkler and Knife Handles Please visit: The Knife Connection.
