ESEE Junglas Update: Still A Wilderness King?

[@BrendonKinsey]

I was given mine for a present 2 years ago by my now girlfriend. i have wailed on it pretty much non stop. I have used it on Australian gums which are just made of knots! it has had a few chips due to metal in a old piano i broke down with it but a diamond stone got them out pretty quick. I wouldn't swap it for anything!

[@kevinsmith2267]

I Own a Esee Izula II and a Esee 4 and a Esee 6 I love all of them. The Junglas is my next Knife I will purchase or receive from my wife for a birthday present next month. Thanks for the Review

[@terpsfan5193]

Another amazing knife I've recently bought, and your videos, along with others on this particular ESEE really made the purchase and easy choice. Love it, only problem is now I need to find a really nice sheath for it. I didn't buy one with it, which along with a coupon I used on Ebay had the price come in at $109, but seems so rock solid from everything I've seen and read that it should be worth every penny of that and more.

[@gideonstactical]

+TerpsFan72 Glad to be able to help you in that way!

[@joespain5135]

i dont know how you do it but your reviews are consistently awesome. you always respond to my questions(thankyou) and have helped me to decide on a couple of knives already. now i have to get a junglass. probly take me 6 months or so to save up but ill get it. plus i know i dont know you personally but you seem like a real cool dude with a good head on your shoulders. keep on keepin on brother and i'll continue watching. as always thankyou n godbless you and your family

[@gideonstactical]

joe spain Thank you so much!

[@machodeth4822]

I've been gunning for the Tops Armageddon and i'm sure it's an awesome blade but I shit on those crap nylon sheaths. For 180$ I better have the whole damn package. Junglas will do the same job and comes as a complete package. while I'm a fan of the Tops brand: YOU LOSE TOPS, you guys need to seriously lower your prices. A blade and two simple handle scales, not worth that money, quit gouging people. Good info Aaron, good show, keep it real.

[@jarrodharvey9543]

Your vids kill the others. Cannot believe you don't have more followers. Keep on keepin on, brutha.

[@gideonstactical]

+Jarrod Harvey Thanks so much!

[@liquidpremium]

You have talked me into it based on chopping, batoning, feathersticks in a pinch, sheath, weight and quality. Some of the other large choppers you have reviewed seem appealing, but seem bulkier, without as a good a sheath and less useful as a knife.

[@carlberg3487]

I've used the Junglass 4 years now, having beat it up on many different kinds of wood. Out west, there are not too many hard woods (except desert juniper) and can attest that this knife works very well. I was a bit hesitant at first to baton bigger logs sections, but after a Fall season my first time out with it, I was quite pleased to see it did a great job. Incidentally, the coating has held up surprisingly well. Treat the blade to some lube (anti-rust) and you're GTG! I use a tuff-cloth which also serves me well for my rifle and handgun. I also carry a Gransfor Bruks hatchet (or small forest axe) finding the combo to be useful, not redundant. For example, I could not swing an axe or hatchet inside my shelters, but the knife allows me to do light baton work under my favorite rock shelter and several "squirrel nest" shelters.If I am tired, I tend to go back to the hatchet, given I have years of experience with one. Safety first! Check out any Ray Mears videos for some good sensible advice on the use of an axe or hatchet. Carry a smaller knife for kitchen / skinning chores and I think a guy (gal) has a truly viable wilderness tool combo.

[@gideonstactical]

Carl Berg Great examples!

[@carlberg3487]

gideonstactical Great vids, man! I see you have discovered "Hill People" gear. Oh yeah! May I trouble you for an opinion? I saw your vid re the BK-9. What's your take in comparison to the Junglas? Thanks, Carl Berg

[@shino9797]

Would this be a good knife to take out the would as a do all knife?

[@rockd8946]

Great review Esee has got it. Sheath and Knife combo. Great price point. Not many if very few have the right formulas producing the best. Warranty and blades

[@muddytigeroutdoors4790]

Couldn't agree with you more. It what's become one of my favorites quite quickly. I feel that my BK2 may be getting a bit jealous. I'm also thinking about getting one of the smaller ESEE like the Izula or ESEE 3, don't know yet. Thanks for sharing. -Jacko

[@hans-jurgenwiegand7465]

I just got my Junglias 2, & the only way it sparks a flame, is on its cutting edge. I’ll be bringing my Moria with me, as well as my Council double axe. I’m carrying my stuff in my truck, for emergency. Getting too old for Camping ⛺️, unless it’s the Holiday Inn. Still like to be prepared! I’m still very partial to this knife 🔪, never know what can happen.

[@JohnFrumFromAmerica]

Modified my rtac 2 to have a handle more like this. Really happy with the grip now

[@grahamjones6576]

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[@JeepJeep234]

After using this thing quite a bit I just sprayed it with some break free CLP and its perfectly clean again. I think I may end up stripping the coating off and getting it hot blued.

[@bridgeofsmoke]

I have this knife and the RTAKII. I prefer the RTAKII overall as it handles better in hand. You are right about the sheathe. The Ontario sheathe is junk. Also, the handle screws for the RTAKII rust very easy.

[@cwsmith17]

Great vid brother!!

[@MrLeonidas0001]

I have the TOPS Armageddon and one of my brothers has this Junglas - I wish the Armageddon came with this sheath :) Awesome video!

[@ashhill308]

would be good to see the junglas up against the ka-bar parangatang for chopping/battoning. Great review as always

[@gideonstactical]

+Ash Hill Thanks!

[@danmartin4552]

I know what you mean about the sheath. I really like some of the Swamp Rat knives, the Rucki in particular. I use an ax and machete a lot over the summers for clearing brush and I think a Rucki would effectively work as both. But $375 for the knife, and then $70 for a good kydex sheath, because it *does not come with a sheath*... It is a serious knife, but I wish they would at lest include some kind of cheap nylon sheath instead of a card board sleeve. I just ordered a Ontario SP10 for a less expensive thrill. I have been handling (buying and sharpening for customers) so many folders and kitchen knives lately that I need something else to fondle till summer. I have not gotten it yet, but I have a feeling I am going to be changing that sheath.

[@cwsmith17]

There is nothing worse than buying a great knife and then having to buy a good sheath because the one that comes with it is poor quality

[@YardKat666]

Who would have known 8 years later the global economy is going into the biggest collapse ever and this is now the standard. Oh… and that this knife would now be almost $200 and it’s just not that special.

[@shamitoson]

So you mean a Becker 😋

[@40belowful]

love my venom green jungalas with the really nice sheath :)

[@knifesharpeningnorway]

Thinned mine a very good bit and striped the coating and patinaed it its a great blade It eats sapplings

[@crosshair64]

I have three Esee's, and unfortunately for me I have xxx hands so the Rtak 2 is a better fit for my huge hands. The scales are much larger than the Esee, so I decided on the Ontario instead. Thanks for your review, as always I enjoyed it Mr Aaron.

[@gideonstactical]

Brad Barber I totally understand.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

I have to agree, a finger choil (and agressive jimping on the rear of the spine) would make the Junglas a 10 out of 10 for me.

[@gideonstactical]

pinkiewerewolf Agreed!

[@rustyshackleford17]

pinkiewerewolf Ironically, its the only ESEE that actually needs/benefits from a finger choil Not sure what designer thought it was a good idea to put one on the 3 and say "to hell" with it on the Junglas....

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Absolutely. Small agile (well agile for an ESEE) blade gets a choil... for choking up?

[@silvermediastudio]

pinkiewerewolf Disagree; a choil would create a weak point and lead to breakage from heavy chopping/baton operations. If you're packing this knife out in the bush, you're going 1) prepared and 2) heavy (maybe not *heavy* but certainly not ultralight). The Junglas is meant to have a companion folder or small fixed blade for the fine work. I lashed a kiridashi (with tarred bank line handle) and mini-firesteel (wrapped with electrical tape) on mine.. cutting, some cordage and fire-starting all in one.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Respect your thoughts but I don't care what it is meant to have accompany it. My ESEE 6 hasn't broken with a couple years worth of heavy use and it has a choil but useless jimping.

[@knifesharpeningnorway]

esee has awesome heat treat on their blades. have a esee 3 heavily thined no chips also a junglas heavily thinned also never chips

[@ianstewart5634]

just ordered one of these 😊

[@gideonstactical]

Ian Stewart Great knife.

[@TedsOutdoors]

your video quality has really increased in the last couple months, I think it would be a great idea if you did a new review on the kabar becker bk2, but that's just my opinion. Thanks-Ted

[@gideonstactical]

Teds Outdoors Thanks so much, I have a review on the BK2 in my Becker playlist as well as a vs. video between the bk2 and esee5. I am going to an update sometime soon on the bk2 similar to this Junglas one. Thanks for the support!

[@TedsOutdoors]

Look forward to it!

[@duncansq47]

Sweet knife and awsome it comes with an actual kydex sheath but still too much money for me sadly

[@michaelt3172]

I really like the Becker bk9 and the ESEE Junglas but I'm trying to decide on which one to get because the Jude's sheath for the junglas makes it better than the bk9 and the warranty

[@shamitoson]

The stock Becker scales are garbage, so factor that into the equation as well.

[@tomfields2507]

Would you recommend this knife or the Case xx Bowie for camping, hiking and survival?

[@jerryarnold2673]

before I make any knife purchase I always see if you have done a vid on it, the only guys opinions I will listen to are you and chris , how many guys test a knife for a year? I finally pulled the trigger and ordered the junglas today, I watched this vid 5 times before I ordered it,thnx. One last thing, get the pooch back in your vids

[@gangunitsergeantmartinez7656]

I have the exact same setup. To include, my izulla blade is also green. One question, why did K-Bar stop making the Becker BK-39?

[@MrDarkTides]

Great video. Any tips on sharpening, or plans to do a sharpening video for the Junglas?

[@shamitoson]

Same as any other knife. Get some stones and practice, then strop. Should be pretty easy with the soft 1095.

[@gnpahdc]

Great follow-up. If you had to pick only one survival knife, would it be the Esee Junglas or the Tops Armageddon?

[@darthblade2016]

#gideonstactical You mentioned it briefly in your review of the Jungalas II vs Cleaver, but it would be cool to see a comparison video on the original Jungalas vs the II.

[@spider5001]

What are your thoughts of the junglas vs. Ontario sp-53. I am trying to make a decision. I wish I could have each for a week to choose

[@deanbriscoe8722]

Is this still holding up well for you? Do you still recommend it 3 years later?

[@skillmaster2255]

The ESEE Junglas is one awesome blade!! I was curious, do you think that you will do a review on the SOG Creed? There really aren't that many reviews out there on the Creed. I am very interested in it because it's a big knife and stainless steel blade. I would love to get your thoughts on it. Great review as always!

[@gideonstactical]

Skillmaster Thanks so much for your support of GT, when it comes to blades over 7inches I stay away from stainless steel, even the better steels like 154cm or s30v because they are more prone to chipping or snapping than High Carbon blades. So I do not have any plans to review the CREED for that reason. Hope that helps.

[@skillmaster2255]

gideonstactical I understand. FYI, I don't think you would have to worry about the Creed snapping because it is so thick, but it is pricey. Thanks again and always a pleasure!!

[@skillmaster2255]

gideonstactical P.S. You do the best knife reviews on youtube! Love your selections and your analysis is succinct, relevant, to the point and spot on!! Press on, friend!!

[@willberger8631]

@gideonstactical what do you do with the knives you don't keep?

[@adventist11]

hey mate can you do the same update on your BK9 also, just want to know how it is fairing for you, as i have brought 1 and am giving it a good slamming and still have not chipped the blade cith copping wood and am using it as a machete pretty much

[@bloodydishtowel]

I know it's small and stupid but I think it's worth mentioning that it's not "ESEE" that does the heat treating but rather they design the blades then contract different companies to make those designs, specifically Rowen being the maker of their fixed blades. Like I said no big deal but worth mentioning

[@snkaboy9222]

What is that first big knife in the very begening? It looks nice!

[@gideonstactical]

snkaboy9222 Survive knives GSO 10

[@Gluckstadt007]

After use, what do you do to preserve the knife? Rem oil? I'm not a knife person so please excuse my question. Also, do you have to sharpen when out on a trip or when you get back home? Thanks and thanks for your follow up video with this knife!

[@MultiLoganM]

The coating on the blade will protect the vast majority of the blade from rust, but the edge might rust if left unattended. Simply wipe the blade dry after use and apply some oil to the exposed metal. Rem oil will work just fine, as will CLP, mineral oil, balistol, or even olive oil. I just wipe blades dry then oil them when I can, and I rarely have a problem with rust. Typically you won't need to sharpen you knife in the field. If you are planning on staying for an extended amount of time then you might need to. This knife holds it's edge fairly well. But if you are jamming you knife into the dirt or chopping metal, then it will dull much faster.

[@Gluckstadt007]

Thank you very much!

[@MultiLoganM]

Gluckstadt007 You are welcome. I hope you enjoy your blades

[@JGstunts22]

have they made different versions? i swear in the right angle your junglas looks saber ground but the 2 i have are flat ground ... weird

[@Awesome-lz5ty]

esee 6 sheath sucks happy to hear jungles sheath is good i love see knives i just bought a sheath from RED RHINO CUSTOMS amazing!

[@josephsmith6848]

Couldn't wait to get rid of mine.

[@MrKitty-zv3dl]

Probably had little girlie hands and it was too much knife for him... I love this knife and have no complaints at all.

[@NRS375]

Just curious, what is your thoughts on the Ontario RAT-3?

[@gideonstactical]

Bommer29 the quality on the RAT3 is good, no complaints but the handle is about half an inch to short for my Large size hands. The ESEE3 has 1/2" longer handle and fits my hands better.

[@insbass]

Hey Aaron, I just wondering which blade is overall better performer for you - Esee Junglas or BK9. I ask about chopping and batoning, because with such a big blades I don't mind about fine work. Thanks!

[@gideonstactical]

+Georgi Ivanov Junglas all the way.

[@insbass]

+gideonstactical Thanks again. Great channel!

[@tomfaranda]

The issue is, you can get four kabar heavy bowies for the price of this ... and teh heavy bowie is an excellent large knife.

[@gideonstactical]

***** Agreed!

[@mancooutwest44]

Used to be able to. That was the dumbest knife to pull out of their production line. I still have my kabar large heavy Bowie. Make a custom kydex sheath for it and made it so I can wear it on my back. I love that $40 knife, and have chopped tons of crap with it. I think it was 1085 so is more durable than 1095 more or less, just doesn’t stay as sharp as my Junglas 2, but isn’t bad.

[@justBlake11]

Hey hows it going? I was wondering if you ever thought about doing a review on the candiru?

[@gideonstactical]

Blake Stockholm It is too small for any good use in my opinion, I have reviews on the izula and izula II, which are about as small as I would go on a fixed blade.

[@justBlake11]

gideonstactical Yeah I actually have an izula 2. I was thinkin the same thing about the candiru but iv heard good things about it and love your reviews so just thought id ask. Appreciate the reply. Keep up the good work.

[@HiltsyAdventure]

looks like my RTAC II with a better sheath

[@brianmccann666]

It is a Rtak2. Minus finger choil, and has a plastic shealth. Rtak2 is performs just as good, but cost under 100$... Rtak2 is the better buy imho, just for the finger choil alone. If i need those kidex sheaths i can order one, still total is less than junglas...

[@ricktunnissen3407]

The junglas is a better knife. Quality, fit, finish, heat treat, warranty, ergonomics...want to do carving, get a smaller knife.

[@brianmccann666]

Rick Tunnissen ... I tried both side by side. I liked the rtak2 better in performance. The newer version is much better than older version. I bought the newer rtak2 and it's a Tank, Tough tough.

[@ricktunnissen3407]

Nice

[@razorrook218]

+Brian Mccann just got an RTAK2 and haven't tested it yet... I am concerned about the tip thought. it looks extremely thin at the point, does it hold up with batoning?

[@michaelstjohn6086]

I may catch some grief for this, can we have your thoughts (maybe in a vid) on hiking shoes, what worked for you and what didn't?

[@gideonstactical]

Michael StJohn I will see what I can do!

[@silvermediastudio]

Michael StJohn Go for Merrill, Salomon or Keen (better selection if you have a wide foot). Asolo and some of the other high end boots are nice, but terrible value (pay a lot for minor improvements). For general hiking, Merrill Moab Ventilator boots really can't be beat. Just as important are socks... go for Coolmax or Merino Wool. For longer hikes, be sure to use foot powder or some sort of lubrication especially if you expect to get wet (petroleum jelly, body glide, or lots of dry lubricants to choose from, you can research that on your own). You might want to lube up some other areas too to prevent chaffing (inner thighs, butt crack, armpits, nipples, etc.). Always good to bring extra socks in a zip-lock and then in a dry sack. I also like to bring some pre-cut Moleskin and duct tape (again, in zip lock bags) to address hot spots early, if they present. Blisters, chaffing and maceration will make long hikes miserable, especially if you have a heavy pack.

[@MrMatthew7000]

Will you get me one for Christmas please?? 😁

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah Aaron, Yup I'm a Busse'min. One of my recent Choppers is my Ergo Battle Mistress, Infact I got the 3Knives of the Ergo Series. I got all (3) because they only came coated and most of my Busse Combat are none-coated except my Green American Flag Cerakote ASH-1 Magnum, It's a Beauty. Anyhow, I choose and pick which set I want to carry in the specific carry. I mostly like to carry my Badger Attack Ergo with my Steel Heart Ergo, mainly for a Lite Carry, I usually will just add a Folding Saw, but in colder weather, my Axe is King. You did good. Dilly, Dilly.,,.p

[@paulie4x1]

Hi, great video, and you nailed this one too, great job, your right, Essee, and Top's, I believe deferentially temper their knives, I can testify, it's a excellent temper, no offence, that's why I luv my Swamp Rat's, and I wish they would provide a nice sheath, but, the SR101 is an outstanding blade steel, so I'll just have to buy a sheath for them, which I already did, and your right again, and like what I like, that is a choil, and a Saber Grind, very good job, Thanx, I really enjoy your video's.

[@gideonstactical]

paulie 4x Right on thanks!

[@shamitoson]

IMO the junglas is a great large blade, the izula…. No way. Get a much better small knife. Stainless if you’re doing any food prep. One with an actual handle and better steal than 1095. It’s good for hard use large choppers, but the edge retention sucks and it rusts instantly. You can do better than that!

[@jeffrose5284]

Choel very easy mod with dremel. Great Big Knife.

[@zaxariasstoupas2439]

I HAVE ONE TRAIL MASTER FOR SAN MAI III IS SPECIFIC GOOD AND TRAIL MASTER does not break FOR SAN MAI III

[@EMAXXMASTER]

mt friends esee5 was dulled to shit (hes never touched it with a sharpening tool) i was able to get it it shaving sharp using a spyderco sharpmaker medium rod. i dont own any esee knives but these videos and my friends esee 5 are convincing me to get one for my BOB.

[@briantaylor340]

I have a 4,5,6 and a Junglas and it doesn't take much to make any of them shave.. The take a great edge!

[@EMAXXMASTER]

+Sour Mash bought a junglas and an izula2 in last month. both awesome. and a fox fx590 for my edc.

[@snkaboy9222]

Where can you find any gso?! They out of stock everywhere!

[@gideonstactical]

snkaboy9222 Only on their site and it is about a 6 month delay.

[@jacobstrouble6631]

I live in the city, unfortunately. Would I have a need for this blade besides protection against stray pitbulls? I really love it and want one but afraid I can't justify the purchase.

[@TheDramageek88]

Essee Junglas, BK9, or Tahoma Field knife?

[@gideonstactical]

+Buildin_N_Preppin Junglas

[@Professionalk907]

gideonstactical Wow 😏

[@MrDrinknRide]

Hey i have a question about this video and that knife but don't want to post it publicly.

[@gideonstactical]

Go ahead and private message me on KZbin or on Facebook

[@kculbert7789]

Junglas vs bk9?

[@JeepJeep234]

If I'm not mistaken isn't ESEE and Kabar the same company? Just ESEE being closer to top quality.

[@gideonstactical]

JeepJeep234 Totally different companies with different owners. The BK24 Deskabar and BK14 Eskabar are the only two items that the two companies worked together on.

[@JeepJeep234]

gideonstactical Yes you're correct after some searching the info and learning, the esee knives are a break off of the Ontario contract.

[@woofman4796]

it's HOON GLAS !!!!!!

[@earth-bike-ramen]

is this a knife or machete? reliable machete? reliable survival knife?

[@gideonstactical]

Sirgrudgerock All of the above

[@jeredsyn1964]

Aaron what do you think of the Tops Armageddon? Mike

[@gideonstactical]

jeredsyn1964 I am very interested in it, and hope to get my hands on it sometime soon!

[@KandKo]

Dude, why not just take 10 minutes with a Dremel and make a finger choil? Personally, love that it doesn't have one- that way if I want one I can just put it there. Gives me options.

[@frankwoods135]

make a finger choil with a dremal or a drill

[@haydenandis5047]

I am ocd and that knife is bent

[@paulrathjen5594]

Mod yourself a finger groove dude!

[@cd4playa1245]

How would this work as a combat knife? I'm thinking from a SHTF perspective.

[@shadowdance4666]

Thank the knife GODS it doesn't have a Choil

[@valentinlance8072]

Why do survivalist feel the need to have a knife that they use something that an axe or hatchet can do more efficiently? As long as your axe isn't one of those stupidly designed fiskers, it will last you more than a life time because you always replace the handle if it breaks. A knife is not designed to chop or fell wood, if you break your knife blade doing this in the wilderness, it's a lot harder to fix than it it is to wittle a wooden handle for an axe. Knives are meant for fine work such as wittling, butchering, bushwacking (machetes), and combat. Use a well forged traditional axe that you know won't break on you.

[@MrLeonidas0001]

Valentin Lance Well I love a big blade because there is just so much you can get done with a large knife and fills the gap between a small knife and hatchet. In fact a big knife like this is perfect with a smaller knife attached piggyback to the sheath :)

[@valentinlance8072]

MrLeonidas0001 "Tactical Adventure Lifestyle" I like big blades to, I just think they have their place and are better for things like bushwacking and butchering, where as the weight distribution and geometry of an axe makes it better for chopping away at wood.

[@MrLeonidas0001]

Valentin Lance I think in the end its all personal preference. I just find large blade knives extremely useful. And add that with a small knife and then a tomahawk and you really have it going :)

[@valentinlance8072]

MrLeonidas0001 "Tactical Adventure Lifestyle" Yeah, that's a good trio to have in your pack

[@SteveSmith-sd5hq]

Go watch the video, 'Why big knives don't suck' by nutnfancy. He talks about why he prefers a large knife over an axe or hatchet when he goes into the woods or on hikes. it's a really good video.

[@mattiassogna3058]

Is it me or does this guy almost cut himself 10 times in the first 30 secs?

[@Adam_Newman]

This or Rtak 2 ?

[@savagex466-qt1io]

blah finger choils suck ! waste of blade all the old school blades dont have em finger choil jimping and thumb ramp garbage3 lol did you say a saber grind would baton better then a full flat grind ?

[@markc2152]

finger choil= weak spot

[@michaelt3172]

Kydex"

[@jpgiii85]

its pronounced Hoonglas....

[@danielstevens999]

man i love the new esee hungerless... lol why do people keep calling it a hungerless... spastics

[@deejdubya]

+Daniel Stevens Junglas (HOON-GLAS) is named for the Colombian Jungla Special Operations Force.

[@josephsmith6848]

I don't understand why people like this knife so much. The sheath is shit, way too big to be useful as anything other than a splint for a broken leg. The knife has all the balance and feel of a plank of wood. It is an average chopper for weight. Blade is thin and drop point design no good for sticking (never batoned wood in my life because its retarded). Full tang design is cheap to make and nasty to use. Lets not even talk about cost. There is more but you get the point, ended up going back to the damaged knife I bought the Junglas to replace. It cost 1/5 the price and does everything better. I'm sure many will disagree but with all the great reviews I expected better. Just my 2c. Flame on.

[@duncansq47]

Sweet knife and awsome it comes with an actual kydex sheath but still too much money for me sadly

[@haydenandis5047]

I am ocd and that knife is bent