The Best ESEE Knives at Blade HQ in 2020 | Knife Banter S2 (Ep 49)

[@RandallsAdventureESEE]

Hey BHQ!! Late the the party on this one but I wanted to just stay THANK YOU for your coverage our our blades and support....we appreciate it!....also to those that are loving their ESEE Knives! We are nothing without our customers!

[@JayMy07]

Love my xancudo and esee 6 keep up the excellent work guys.

[@danlabowskie9428]

​@@JayMy07Oh yeah! That Xancudo is my edc neck knife. One heck of a daily driver.

[@brentforbush9237]

I’ve got your whole line up. Love esee knives

[@jayharry2237]

I'm a hiker, hunter and bush guy. I've had the Izula for 2 years now and it has never failed me, from cutting up a deer to feather-sticking and batoning small sticks, it holds it's own. Wear it as a neck knife so you can still take the folder (Giant mouse ACE Iona) with you!

[@WOLFSENT1]

I absolutely love my Laser Strike. Esse combined the 5, 4, and the comfort of the 3 all in one knife… plus the fire starter inside… SOLD!!!

[@jefftrimm7806]

If I could only take one knife out into the woods with me, it would be the ESEE 6. If I could take two, I’d also grab the Junglas. I own and love both.

[@rob91rules]

Just bought the 5 from BHQ with contoured black/grey scales, and it is a BEAST!!!

[@johnkeck1025]

I've done some things with my esee knives that I would never do with any other knife. I would trust my life with my esee knives. I own two esee 6's, an esee 3, and an izula that I've owned and carried for 7 years. I love esee.

[@samuelrichardsonmcgravyber4559]

I got an ESEE 3 and an ESEE 6 w/ 3D Natural Micarta. Love them both dearly. Plant on dyeing my ESEE 3 scales maroon/burgundy, which I think will look great with the black powder coated blade! I highly recommend an ESEE, every single knife fan NEEDS at least one! I’m going to get an Izula 2 or Pinch next!

[@BladeHQ]

Get some sweet sweet ESEE knives here: bit.ly/3dRhHNE

[@beltfedTODDRULZ]

It would be great if the retail store was open, the fun of shopping is looking at the knives in person. What's the difference in ordering from Amazon, or any other online retailer or Blade HQ? I like supporting local businesses

[@orlandocardenas6698]

I just purchased the Esse 6 cant wait to use it.

[@markhoffman2165]

Back in 1999, the Randall’s Adventure & Training group started work on designing a knife that would be named after a late 1990s counterdrug operation in South America. Involving numerous international agencies, including U.S. Special Operations Forces, the operation was named “Operation Laser Strike.” The original Laser Strike, manufactured in 2000 by TOPS Knives, was a fire-based knife kit complete with a ferrocium rod fixed to the sheath. There was a divot on the left side of the scales for a spindle when using a bow and drill. According to ESEE, the raised surface on the handle was harder than the blade, thus the handle could be used as a striker for true flint and steel. The late, great custom knifemaker, Rob Simonich, is credited with being the guru behind this sort of differentially heat-treating process. Well over a decade later, ESEE Knives has produced the new long-awaited Laser Strike made by Rowen Manufacturing.

[@markhoffman2165]

The above copied from ESEE and written by Ruben Bolieu.

[@starlingblack814]

In Alaska; the Esee 6 for game processing and the Junglas for wood processing.......what a pair!

[@RJ-oo3vf]

I gave my Izula II and my Junglas to a friend because I wasn't using them at all, but I still have my ESEE 3, 4 and 5. The 4 is my EDC knife and the 5 my allround bushcraft knife.

[@wii_music_intensifies9023]

"that's the perfect hybrid between an axe and a machete" Literally any kukri: am I a joke to you?

[@josephpace8816]

Have an OD Green Esee 5 that I just placed Orange G10 handles on. Perfection!!! My Zombie, can't fail me now knife! And I have a Esee 6 Flat Dark Earth that I just replace with Camo G10 handles, AWESOME!!! Still want a Esee 4 or Laser Strike to keep in my car

[@adamkolb113]

The 4 hm is a lot more comfortable in the hand then the 3D handles. I love the 4 it is an awesome size that just wants to cut. I would like to use a laser strike and possibly purchase one if it’s as good as the 4. The junglas is on my Xmas wish list haha

[@rong.9130]

I'd take home a stainless Esee 4. In fact, I just did take one home; it arrived Tuesday. I think I got lucky, too, because it was the discontinued 440c version, and now it's out of stock. I may have gotten the last one. I just knocked back some unruly blackberries on a favorite mountain bike trail with it this morning--it's awesome.

[@zsolttalloczy5222]

Junglas for chopper and rain forest. Junglas ll or ESEE 6 for single large blade. ESEE 3 or 4 for small blade utility along w an axe or chopping tool.

[@tylerbarnes7628]

The Junglas looks like something Sam or Dean Winchester would pull out of the back of their Impala.

[@1rbdfl]

esse 6. love it. bought it from you guys i think. that and several spiderco paras.. thank you :)

[@philipstaite4775]

I have an ESEE 5 I use camping. Yes, they are every bit as tough and impressive and the guys here say. An ESEE 4 is on my wish list for more ah "normal" tasks... The -5 is sharp enough to shave wood down for tinder, tough enough for batoning, and heavy enough to hold items down when the wind picks up. ;-)

[@nunninkav]

I haven't gotten and esse yet, but I would say, the 3 is an EDC knife, the 5 is a Tactical-Tool, the 6 is a Hunting/Survival knife, the Junglas is a Camping knife or for those Crocodile Dundee moments.

[@beltfedTODDRULZ]

I EDC the ESEE4 and have for 4-5 years and love it , but I do handy man work and don't have to be around people much

[@lucasblanchard47]

I’ve been looking for a couple of good fixed blades to add to my collection. I want a smaller one as an EDC option, and a larger one to keep with my field backpack. These ESEE knives look like some great tough options! I like the Izula, and the 3 through 6 models! Oh, and of course, I love the Junglas!

[@double-oh7200]

Hahahaha "like this one" love the channel love energy from you guys! It's my birthday and you guys made it better! Have a great day to all of you!

[@BladeHQ]

Happy birthday!

[@double-oh7200]

@@BladeHQ thank you!😁

[@BrianBarry34]

Have the 6, it’s my go to outdoor knife.

[@lenchio06vidal3]

I got an Esee izula about 2 years ago and it's a wonderful go-to knife. I also have a laser strike and I bought it for more if a beater knife, but the temptation to carry that one is just as strong as the Izula. The Esee line up might be the only fixed blade knives I will ever buy they are tough and reliable and they appeal to me personally on so many different levels

[@Mycolddeadhand]

The Laser Strike was named after a DEA Opperation and was designed as a survival/combat knife for the operators who used em.....Allegedly

[@kayok07]

Love my ESSE knives 3,5 and candiru 1095 is a fine steel people traveled the world without super steals. Great product and warranty

[@spyhunter6411]

Esee knives are great. I have a few and I use them more often than you would think. My 4 and 6 are in use often just for yard work. There are so few things you buy these days that are true lifetime purchases. Esee knives pretty much are a lifetime purchase.

[@chrisjaskulski8613]

I have an Izula II that I keep in a pack for work and am almost ashamed to admit how much prying gets done with that poor thing... but I'd love to add the 6 or Camplore to my rotation!

[@dalepete2854]

Have the esse 5 the knife is unstoppable would love to get the 4 and 6 and laser strike awesome knives great video well done

[@tylerbarnes7628]

Was really hoping to see the Esee 3hm. I've been eyeballing it for awhile now and not sure about pulling the trigger on it.

[@finder1138]

You should do it. I have the 4 in an hm and i have the 3 in the s30v. The hm handles and ergos are by far the most comfortable esee knife i have held. Feels great in the hand and lots of control. Personally i like a little larger of a knife for really working on a hard project (hence my choice of the 4) and a smaller knife for fine detail like the Izula. You definitely cannot go wrong with a 3, especially the hm's.

[@garrettferrell6821]

My personal favorites are the ESEE Junglas,the S35VN ESEE 3(wish they would hurry up and release the 3HM in S35VN) and the Izula/Izula 2(scales are a must)...the ESEE 6 is great as well,it would be my go to for a one knife carry solution except when I go out in the woods I usually carry 3 cutting tools so I don’t have much need for the 6 personally..my usual carry is 1)a knife with a 3.5” to a 4.5” for whittling/carving,food prep,hunting,fishing,etc.here lately I have been alternating between my S35VN ESEE 3 and my Bradford Guardian 4 2)either a big knife,hatchet or an axe for chopping firewood,clearing a path and/or camping area,etc..I usually alternate between my ESEE Junglas,Ka Bar/Becker BK9 or my Estwing camp axe depending on my needs and where I’m going..3)a small lightweight saw for cutting through bigger pieces of wood and for making clean cuts.I personally use the Silky Saw Pocketboy..I love the Izula/Izula 2 because it is a near perfect fixed blade for EDC,the only fixed blade I like better in my collection for EDC is the Bradford Guardian 3

[@SuperCourser]

Awesome guys...you two are the best hosts.

[@benm1324]

I have the Junglas and was waiting for comparison with Junglas II. I need to pick up that Esee 3 S35VN.

[@hornerinf]

The ESEE 3 in S35vn is my edc. It's been pretty much perfect for almost everything. I live on a farm so I use knives every day for one thing or another. The 3 is comfortable to wear and is so functional.

[@TictacAddict1]

I bought an ESEE 3 with a canvas micarta handle. My thought was that it would be used for camping and survival. I use this knife every day in my kitchen. It is awesome. I'm going to get the Izula 2 for my day pack.

[@MysticalDragon73]

I just got a green esse 6. Its decent but the handle feels narrow. Yes Ive got very large hands so trying to find a knife that fits my hand is tough at times. I wish there were more palm swells with it.

[@thomasjefferis6753]

I like the model that comes with the blue/black handle scales, it’s a sweet little blade. Was my first ESSEE.

[@ClintK.]

Just bought a 5 today. Thinking I'll pick up a 6 too lol

[@jordanlangforddpt]

I like these brand highlights. I would like to see one for Ontario.

[@Tox927]

Ordered the Izula 2 for my first ESEE. The 6 had to come next. Now I want the 4.

[@mikeziter501]

Operation laser Strike was a counter narcotics operation in Peru (1996). The knife was designed and named for the operation.

[@DamionJR4923]

Ben making it rain should be the alternate Blade HQ logo.

[@mattbratton9516]

I'm interested in either the Izula II or the Esee 3 for mostly camping

[@captainskippy6622]

I carry the Izula 1 with micarta scales on my belt every day. Sweet little knife that does the job of larger knives.

[@johnclary8518]

Did you get the scales aftermarket? I’m thinking of getting some scales for mine. Do you like them? Do they cover enough space? are they solid? I have a para cord wrap on mine.

[@captainskippy6622]

@@johnclary8518 I did get the scales and love them. Can’t remember if I got them from Amazon or eBay. Love them.

[@mr.radical9659]

An ESEE might be my first fixed blade!

[@mr.radical9659]

@John Daley Aright, I'll look into it. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@finder1138]

If you want cheaper you can also go with the KaBar Beckers. Although the stock handle scales are something to be desired. If you go Esee i would suggest the 6, large enough for heavy tasks, small enough to not kill your arm. Or the 4 in the HM, small light, lots of control, great bushcraft knife.

[@mr.radical9659]

@@finder1138 Awesome! As I'm getting more into hiking it'd be good to have the 4 like you mentioned. I'll look into it!

[@mr.radical9659]

@Logan Waltz I'll check out the s35vn, it looks like it has great ergos.

[@MegaTeddybear04]

The one you didn't show or talk about is the Candiru ( which I have as just one of my EDC knifes). But my next ESEE Knife will be the ESEE 5 Keep up the great videos gentlemen.

[@SgtKong]

For me it was the laser strike and the izula2. My izula2 was a part of my work edc for years but has been replaced by a Survive Knives GSO 2.7 in 20CV.

[@christophertait-ogden]

I like having kurt on the show. I have got some bear paws for hands and knowing if i can fit all 4 figers on a knife is a huge factor for me.

[@adrenalinegroove]

I picked up an Armatus Carry sheath for my Tops Scandi Trekker. Awesome kydex for a totally reasonable price!

[@larryfath2673]

I own the ESSE 6 and love it. I just wish I had the new style of scales. YEAH I know I can buy new scales.... but then I will have less money to buy my next knife. Perhaps the ESSE 4. My son-in-law was playing with the 6, and while putting it back into the sheath sliced his finger bad!

[@rxdoom1194]

Been looking at esee 6 so I guess this means I gotta buy it now lol

[@lukiepookie9262]

i have an esse 6 with the 3d handles and i love it

[@ethanh3421]

Tell the wife I said it’s okay ;) treat yourself brother

[@danielwendell542]

I have one that I've beaten and abused for 4 years and it still is wonderful. Buy one and use the hell out of it!

[@davidsherwen5245]

Trust me you'll never regret it

[@janjimpson240]

You won't be disappointed my man

[@riedog]

Im out in MD and carry a Expat Libertariat in my Survey vest for small work when running threw the woods working, I did Plastidip the handel. .. one question what about the JG3?

[@danokitemanotoo1791]

I already have an ESEE-5, Izula & Izula-II, but now I want a Laser-Laser-Laser-Strike!

[@FBOConcrete]

Taking the jungalas its been in my wish list for awhile

[@itywhat6499]

Just curious...What is the difference between the regular knives and the 'HM' series??? Which one is the better fit in the hands?

[@Frizzlefry7]

I own one fixed blade and it’s the ESEE 6 in Venom Green. 😎

[@kevincraigyates5443]

Have an esee 6 mh and izula 2 but I really like the grind on the laser strike

[@zsolttalloczy5222]

Sadly, we missed Junglas Il ...a great grip in between Junglas and ESEE 6

[@stevekoelliker6764]

Just ordered an Izula 2. Want the 6 next.

[@FBOConcrete]

K-bar already has the Machax the Becker BK-4. I do own it and its bad ass!

[@J.Young808]

I like the Esse 6 but the Machaxe is calling to me too as a good truck knife. Living in Hawai’i the Machaxe would be good.

[@beltfedTODDRULZ]

BTW, I have beat the tar out of my EDC ESEE4, and it never lets me down, reprofiled and polished the edge and touch it up with a Spidey Sharp maker, it's a razor sharpened prybar

[@dennisleighton2812]

20:20 I wouldn't take Junglas home! But I would take Junglas II home! Why not among your selection?

[@bradwilcox326]

Thought I wanted the Junglas but I want to check out the Junglas II before pulling the trigger. Also want the Esee 6.

[@iansclone]

I found perfection in the Esee 4hm. Weight, durability, fit; it's hands down my favorite knife in my collection.

[@ExhumedTornado]

All of them but i have no money at this point right now. Maybe some day i buy one of these. Nice blade profile and the warranty is great. I love ESSE knives i think. 🤔

[@eltigredetejas2328]

Got a like new Gibson ESSE JG3 for $5bucks here in Dallas at my local pallet resale store 👍🏿

[@TheBuccleuch]

I like the Izula... I've worked and camped/backpacked with my ESEE 4 for... I don't know... Over a decade now? As the guys said, maybe the best size/weight of an all-arounder fixed blade out there. It's perfect for what I do with it.

[@ethanh3421]

I’ve been thinking about throwing an esee on my chest rig! Great outdoor beasts! What do you guys think of the laser laser laser strike??

[@BladeHQ]

The laser strike is good if you utilize the front choil a lot. I think I like the ergonomics of the 4 or the 6 better though.

[@johnwest4492]

Either the 6 or the Lazerstrike they are just Awesome knifes:))

[@BEAR-]

I liked a few of these but I was hoping to see the Avispa pop up.

[@hectorn.6137]

I scout carry my patina'd #esee3 daily. And I have an #eseejunglas for chopping down trees and slicing pizza. Basically whatever the 3 can't handle. Which is very little. And since there's nothing that duo can't handle, I don't have any other knives. #fixedlife #fixedblades

[@mattadler4710]

Such a hard call between the 5,6, and L-Strike...but with those handle scales...gotta go 6. Its just too nice. I would just hold it and look at it for a year before taking it out. Well at least a month...week...maybe just the backyard.

[@themanyousendtokilltheboog3900]

The jungles looks awesome, and you could do a lot with it but the esse 5 looks like you could beat the crap out of it and it wouldn’t even notice it.

[@nmhvactech5474]

Esee 3 or 4, good hunting/skinning knife??

[@MrMOd3RnW4rF4R3]

For future reference, not that this plays any sort of part in the review negatively but El Salvador is not South America it is Central America. Nonetheless, good episode.

[@KruzerOak]

Hey Blade HQ, I'd love to know when the pena x-series barlow is dropping, I've been trying to get a pena for a long time, and the barlow clip point is my favorite design of his. They sell out fast, and I really really don't want to miss it. (I've got an account and reminders set, but it's been impossible to get one fast enough with his past models)

[@coryames1170]

I own the Esee 4. I agree with Jamie, it is the perfect size for a fixed blade.

[@jamisonk.097]

Do you use it for bushcraft? I am wondering if I should get the 4 or the 5 for bushcraft still trying to decide. Thanks

[@coryames1170]

@@jamisonk.097 I actually just got it a few weeks ago and havent gotten a chance to use it yet. I plan on using it for outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. I honestly don't think you can go wrong with either one. I guess it depends on how much knife you're willing to carry. I just purchased the Esee 3 the other day and I honestly might get the 5 and 6 as well in the future.

[@jamisonk.097]

@@coryames1170 thanks

[@coryames1170]

@@jamisonk.097 heck I'd even recommend getting both. Nothing wrong with having a backup knife especially if you're doing bushcrafting.

[@jamisonk.097]

@@coryames1170 yes that’s a good idea to have a backup knive, I was wondering if you got your esse 5 from Amazon? Did you get the 5p or the regular esse 5? Thanks again

[@GibboAus]

Can you guys please, please show the Esee Xandcudo S35VN fixed blade? It's getting a lot of great reviews, but I need the opinion of some knife handling legends.

[@philclodfelter5994]

Y’all really need to put an app out , great videos and great company

[@Hostile_Hippie]

The jungles is the best knife I’ve ever owned. I live in South Carolina and backpack all around the state. It is the perfect combo between an axe and machete.

[@brendanbrackett8249]

I’ve had a laser strike for a couple years now and absolutely love it

[@bwax1542]

I have several ESEE knives but I need the Izula II.

[@gunprepohio5743]

I have one. Love the extra length on the handle!

[@NathanKrick]

The Izula II is a great EDC knife. I carry it IWB most days and hardly notice it's there.

[@MasonGunneson]

great video fellas.

[@themanyousendtokilltheboog3900]

Them:I feel like you’re talking about 2different people when you are talking about the jungles vs the izula. Me:I want them both.

[@midorisumi]

My response: “actually, you’re talking about the SAME person... me!”

[@fixedG]

I have the first two except a few things: They're called the Becker BK9 and BK13, they're not as good, not covered by as good a warranty and I think they've been discontinued.

[@CertifiedSunset]

Ka-Bar makes some pretty good knives, their Becker seried are some of my favorite (Haven't personally used them yet)

[@maureenquinn791]

Is there anywhere here in Toronto Ontario to see and feel these knives? Arthritis has changed my grip pattern..so its hard to find a knife that fits...love that esse 6

[@PewPewBoys]

Gonna pick up an Izula, 4, 5, and 6.

[@BladeHQ]

Going big. I like it.

[@johnclary8518]

I Have a Izula and just ordered a ESEE 4

[@garrettferrell6821]

I have the Izula,two 3’s,4,6 and Junglas..I must say,the ESEE 3 in S35VN is my personal favorite followed closely by the Junglas...needless to say,they are all great..the Izula/Izula 2 is an excellent EDC fixed blade..I wanted the beautiful BladeHQ exclusive fire ant red Izula so the Izula 2 wasn’t an option but I had to get some black G-10 scales for it because I can’t stand using bare skeletonized handles and don’t care for paracord wraps either..the only fixed blades I like better for EDC than the Izula(with scales)/Izula 2 is the amazing Bradford Guardian 3 and Bradford Guardian 3.5

[@johnclary8518]

@Garrett Ferrell ESEE says that the S35 ESEE 3 variant is not as durable as the normal 1095 versions. What do you think of that? Have you had problems? I’m thinking of picking one up as well.

[@garrettferrell6821]

John Clary I’m sure it’s probably not quite as durable but it’s plenty durable nonetheless..S35VN is pretty tough and it holds one hell of an edge..1095 is tougher but the edge retention of S35VN is superior..of course it’s a little harder to sharpen too but it’s also far more corrosion resistant than 1095 is too..these are just some of the usual trade offs when choosing between stainless steel and carbon steel..I have absolutely no doubts the S35VN ESEE 3 will hold up to anything I will ever be using an ESEE 3 for as the ESEE 3 is far too small for chopping tasks and it’s too small more me to ever be comfortable batoning with but then again,I’m not crazy about batoning anyway,it is rather abusive..I’m a firm believer in using the right tools for the job..I personally can’t say enough good things about the ESEE 3,both the 1095 and the S35VN versions are excellent though I personally prefer the S35VN version myself

[@donniecarlisle4708]

I have the “ jungle knife” and it’s a bad boy!!! 👊👍🇺🇸

[@BigDaddyMacc]

5 and zu II, two of my fav and ofc junglas

[@CertifiedSunset]

I think it would be worth asking in the comments to this specific video, but how comfortable is it to EDC the contoured ESEE-3 and are there any scout carry sheath option on the market? Looking at dropping a bit of money to retire my old Syderco Tenacious (at least for a little bit) and the S35vn steel on the ESEE-3 is a very attractive option to me.

[@finder1138]

I scout carry mine with the Sage Wood Gear leather scout carry straps. (About 22$) sagewoodgear.com/kydex-sheath-adapters/esee3-4-scout-straps/ Except for sitting taking some getting used to as I carry it on my back it works great. Or you could go with the Armatus sheath they were showing.

[@JamesGMunn]

I am waiting for an ESEE 4 in S35VN! Maybe next year?

[@darioroldan1891]

Muy buena presentación! Te faltó el RAT 7 🙄? Un gran abrazo desde Argentina!🇦🇷

[@ghost762]

Currently own an Izula II that is slung under my Helikon-Tex Numbat chest rig

[@jacobsebastien3910]

Luv my Esee S35VN Izula with Black G-10 Handle Scales' 💪

[@wolffo999]

junglas come in handy down in surinam

[@GurrenWing]

Kurt needs to test the sharpness of every blade he touches by shaving his arm now, especially live 😂🤣😂🤣

[@UtahJobSeeker51]

Talk about a lanyard for my ESEE Jungles that is a tough as the Blade is.

[@joelafrance9579]

Can I do a “Kurt Swap” on the ESEE 5 and get the green 3D Micarta handles on a black blade instead of the OD blade? I’ll send the other one back for Kurt to keep :)

[@eddiegreen7842]

I really like the laser strike