Esee Laser Strike Review

The Esee Laser Strike is built to be a survival knife. Watch to see where it excels and falls short.

[@bigego675]

I'm a Becker knife fan but, these Esee are really growing on me. Thx for an honest & to the point vid.

[@oldguy4044]

When I buy a knife with a coated blade I strip off the coating and cold blue the blade. I like the looks, and you can strike a spark with a ferro rod. It takes a little time but I enjoy doing it. Thanks again for all the great videos.

[@TimmyFSU]

Try striking the rod with the included washer.

[@JordanWinkler]

great review, Crocket. I love that you test the stuff you put on camera. Useful info for us knife addicts! :-)

[@danofiremano]

Probably my next fixed blade. I've been drooling over this one for a long time now. Great review!

[@drzmanproject]

Beach just got an RAT-5, and loves it. We've been amazed at how traction increases when wet with the micarta

[@305ssmonte]

Thank you for the great review.I was surprised at how sharp it still is after all that use.

[@wetfrombirth84]

After watching this review and others on this knife I decided to buy it. The knife is everything I wanted. I have never had a knife feel better in-hand. Nice balance, weight, and feel. Great quality, and the thing is shaving sharp. Thank you for the solid review it helped a lot!

[@Cr0cket20]

Glad you're enjoying it. Always fun to get a new knife that you just connect with.

[@Premium_Herring]

I ordered a Laser Strike this morning. I am really looking forward to trying it out.

[@drmaudio]

Looks like a good blade. I have been saving for a Punk. It has been pushed back by my recent AR build and some panic buying of standard-cap magazines.

[@EatCarbs]

Great review.. I also like ESEE blades.. I have the Junglas sitting at home.. it's heavy.. but it rocks! Thanks for the video. Hope you feel better soon.

[@Strelnikov10]

Classic Crocket fixed blade review; the bread and butter of youtube. Love it! Great review!

[@TheDishD]

Awesome review there Brother C, I am really like'n that blade, esply the edge holding, thank you for putting the time and effort into this reveiw, keep up the outstanding work, best wishes and be safe

[@RistoKansi]

Great review. You could always have a dedicated striker for the ferro rod. Just attach it to the sheath where the washer is. You might have to drill a hole in it first. Thanks for the honest review!

[@Smith28Adventure]

Nice to see someone actually using a blade before they review it. I think there is some mis-understanding these days as to the real meaning of "review" as opposed to "preview". Nice one Crocket, always quality from you.

[@vitopetre]

Great review! . . THANKS for your work, testing it!

[@simplymy2sense]

Great Review Crocket! I like the knife.

[@1titdirt]

Yes, I have used the washer to strike it. Though it is a little challenging to get a proper grip on the washer.

[@PrepperDel]

Such a good survival knife, I just done a quick review on it 👍 Thanks for sharing ATB Del 👍🔥🐺

[@Patriot36]

Outstanding Crocket! I really enjoyed that, especially the comparisons. I'm not an ESEE 5 fan either. I like the 6 much more!

[@Karma8Kami]

As for the ferro rod I removed the coating in the small groove right in front of the finger choil on both of my esee's and that works great for me

[@CliffStamp]

Nice detail on the point use in drilling.

[@randynester7933]

You can also use the washer to strike the ferro rod .

[@marka9292]

Thanks I found it earlier and made one. Works great

[@ryanrobinson984]

Love their warranty and customer service

[@dbarrschwadebeedle7505]

i bet you could use the lower tang to strike the rod before you put the scales on. I know its still coated but it looks like a sharp angle there.

[@izmazix2148]

Great review, thank you. Love

[@Sharpbevel]

Nice review. Good job. Thank u.

[@BananaBoat629]

You should buy and test the cold steel bushman, its really affordable. I have one and it's a awesome knife for the money

[@DutchK75]

Very good review of the Esee LS. I'll be honest with you, The LS does not really do it for me. Some guys love it. I love Esee knives in general, I own the Izzy2, 3,4,5,6 X2 Junglas. The 3,4,6 and Junglas are Esee's best knives by far. I just don't think the LS has enough belly. I bet it does well making bow drills due to the spear point. I think at this size range the Swamp Rat RMD or the Tops BOB knife would be really good alternatives.

[@ThePrimordialDwarf]

Tried sparking the ferro rod using the tip of the knife (spine not blade)? Had the same spine issue with the tops bob, but the end of the spine where it begins to taper to the tip worked decently enough

[@wrjames38]

Thanks for review ! You articulate very well and come across as knowledgeable. The ESEE LS was originally designed for pilot survival and is an unbreakable tank. The Buck may be a couple ounces lighter. ..but they have a great reputation for snapping above the handle during hard use. Not a good thing in a survival situation. Merry Christmas

[@NotHisRealName]

@Cr0cket20, any chance you could give a bit more detail/info on that knife carry system? Doesn't have to be flash, but I like the idea and am curious as to how you've got your system set up there.

[@matthewjeffres1289]

Good info on the knife.

[@marka9292]

Do you have a video showing how you made the sling you carry that blade in?

[@wolffo999]

what is the little notch just in front of the finger choil ?

[@izmazix2148]

Love all ur vids haha was not suppose to be a two part comment whoops lol

[@DiscoverTrails]

does the washer on the sheath have sharp enough edges to make sparks with the flint?

[@KX250XK]

i was just wondering what paracord weave that is? I like that and was thinking of trying something similar. Thanks.

[@baashollywood64]

Can you put up some vids on hunting up? I would like to see your system, tactics, etc. thanks!

[@JstJayTea]

is there anyway u can make a video on very durable affordable choopers? such as the kabar chop stick or anyother????

[@torpilo]

how much it weigh without the fire kit inside , great job btw..

[@CliffStamp]

How would you over view this compared to the ESEE 4?

[@wartstein8814]

Thanx for the review! I got one question, maybe you could help me out: Just received my new laser strike. On one side there is just a hair of a gap visible between the scales and the tang (really minor, but noticeable compared to the other side). Is this normal with this knive, maybe cause there are no liners, or could this be an issue (since water might get into the recess inside the handle)? I´d really appreciate you help

[@Cr0cket20]

Doesn't sound normal to me. First thing I would do is to ensure the screws are tightened. Actually I would back out the screws, put a little blue loctite on there (this helps hold in the screws but does not "glue" them in).

[@RHACOREBERS]

nice review

[@ryanmacDBerto123]

how did u make the sheath paracord strap?

[@SashOkVR]

How would you get those scratches off

[@jdnboyy]

I noticed in the comment you said you like the l.s. but if you had to choose one you would still choose the esee 4....why is that?

[@michaelreed649]

Very Good review but it just tweaked my interest in getting the camp knife I need. This blade is so close to what I need. The firestart aspect is not really a selling point for me and I am sure it drives up the price. You happen to like about the same blades as I like and I Love your sling carry system.It would go Great with my vanquest Mobius. You have tested a lot more knives than I have and many are about the same as what I am looking for so maybe you can help. What would you sugest that is Budget friendly, ($60 to $80 is fine, $100 is pushing it, and $120 might be too much), Under 5.5 inches (Texas law is a pain), Capable of utility tasks around the camp, And is still good to do minor bushcraft tasks? I know I said under $120 but I also spent a lot of money buying sub $60 folding knives until I finally bought a paramilitary 2. I love my para 2. It and my Manix 2 are all I carry anymore. Sometimes you just have to spend a bit more to get what you need. I learned the hard way with the folder and don't want to do the same with a fixed blade But I also don't want to wait to get my fixed blade so if there is some out there worthy of a real hard look at an affordable price, I would appreciate all the advice I can get.

[@michaelreed649]

+J Ad Cool thanks for the advice.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

Now Texas let's you carry whatever blade you want

[@wartstein8814]

I´d have another question, maybe you find the time to help me out one more time? I still really like my new Laser strike (Ergos, dimensions and so on), but have to say: It cuts really bad when it comes to biting into wood. Did you have to modify the grind angle (making it steeper) to turn this blade into good cutter? Would appreciate your help again.

[@Cr0cket20]

Mine cut great out of box.

[@wartstein8814]

Thanks. Mine is really poor in woodwork, unfortunately...

[@ethanmack5371]

Made by TOPS. Well that explains the name! I am debating on wether to get this or esee 4 or esee6.

[@decheng6412]

I recommend the ls

[@Wildwestwrangler]

Esee 6hm

[@ThumbStuds]

How do you take the rust off your knives?

[@ThiccRic]

Steel wool or a scotch brite pad. They both work pretty good but will scuff the blade a little.

[@andrewlikesguitar]

i wish they made a 9 inch version of this blade.

[@Davethewall1620]

the ricasso on the blade looks like it would work on that ferro rod

[@SonOfAHerbert]

Would you think this or the esee 4 or 3 is an appropriate backpacking/camping/"survival" knife for one of my mature Boy Scouts to carry on trips?

[@Cr0cket20]

For me and my tastes as a primary woods blade, I would not go with the 3. I like the 5 in blade the best. However, I think I would choose the esee 4 over the laser strike. Wish they made the esee 4 in a 5 in version. For me that would be perfect. I like the blade shape of the 4 better, handle width better too.

[@SonOfAHerbert]

***** thankyou for your input :)

[@SonOfAHerbert]

***** for backpacking you still think it would suit that purpose well?

[@Cr0cket20]

Ben Gonzales Yes.

[@WyomingSurvival]

***** I agree. I would rather use the ESEE 4 over the laser strike. I have the ESEE 3 and am using for an EDC knife. The firebow divot works great but I like a bit deeper divot.

[@guusdejong2523]

can't you try and use the jimping to strike a ferro rod?

[@Cr0cket20]

+Guus de Jong (Blade) Coating on the blade will prevent any sparks.

[@theaveragewoodsman6002]

I have an esee 5. How does the laser strike compare?

[@georgekatsinis5224]

The 5 weighs in at 1# 1/4" spine. HEAVY. Better chopper - not so good detail cutting. The LS is just under 5" blade. About 9 oz. . 3/16" spine. A little light chopper, better detail cutting.

[@Brady2Welker1]

striking the ferro rod on the blade also fucks up the heat treatment!

[@eatapeach2677]

Could you not use the washer on the rod?

[@ryomalley323]

yes you can.

[@mikelee9810]

How does it chop as good as the esee 6

[@georgekatsinis5224]

The LS is just under 5" and 9oz and 3/16" spine.... Lighter knife - lighter chopping, better detail cutting.

[@flex93312]

you can put a scraper on the lanyard and use that to scrape the magnesium rod and ferro rod, I don't use the knife blade at all. You can buy the scraper at firesteel.com for $1.79 each, that's what I use.

[@danielheller9624]

if the spear point was switched to the same as the other ESEE knives i would totally get it, but i dont like the spearpoint

[@jcc8704]

Do you prefer the esse 4 over the laser strike?

[@Cr0cket20]

I like the length of the Laser Strike over the 4. That being said, if I had to only pick one it would be the Esse 4.

[@jcc8704]

Thank you

[@numberiv1137]

I was going to order one but can't stand kydex junk

[@BeyondExcursion]

@Cr0cket20 Do you think you would entertain the idea of trading your Buck Punk? If you think that is something you would be interested in let me know via PM.

[@Karma8Kami]

hm.... one that let them members borrow their knives to each other back and forth, that might actually help as you could get the urge to handle new knives out of your system somehow. hm.... nah, if I liked one I'd probably have to buy it anyway. I know what I need, a forge ^^

[@ThumbStuds]

Should i get the ESEE Izula or the ESEE Laser strike for a survival knife? Reply ·

[@JenkemSuperfan]

The Izula is a neck knife; it's suited to small, fine tasks although it can indeed process small amounts of wood. This knife is intended as a survival knife and is thus more suited as an overall survival knife. It's also capable of bushcraft tasks

[@JenkemSuperfan]

The Izula is a neck knife; it's suited to small, fine tasks although it can indeed process small amounts of wood. This knife is intended as a survival knife and is thus more suited as an overall survival knife. It's also capable of bushcraft tasks

[@guusdejong2523]

buy em both, propably a. great pairing

[@BeyondExcursion]

Don't blame you. Just thought I'd ask.

[@XMetalChefX]

Im pretty sure if were ag the point where all our backup firemaking supply is cooked, and we have to take our knife apart we are at the point where the edge rolling from the ferro rod is the least of our worries🤣🤣🤣

[@Cr0cket20]

Or pre plan ahead and clear a section of the spine for ferrocerium rod use to maximize life of the blade.

[@philoeolivarria448]

Your sog northwest ranger blade is bent to the right...lol

[@Cr0cket20]

No it's not. I own the blade.

[@philoeolivarria448]

@@Cr0cket20 yes it is...at 1:42. Its clearly bent to the right...lol

[@Cr0cket20]

@@philoeolivarria448 your ability to look at a couple seconds of video that may produce what you think is a bent knife certainly trumps my ability to physically hold the knife in hand verifying it's not bent. You win the this is the dumbest thing to go back and forth on. I have better things to do like rearrange my sock drawer.

[@Karma8Kami]

Oh god.... I have no more excuses to buy more blades. I have the best blade I could find for each specific role (2 esee knives as well) and then you have to go and show me a knife like this.... aaaargh XD Have to control my urge to spew money on more knives, will say that if you like the knife design then get this one because I haven't seen a single poor esee knife yet. want....this damn blade.... so bad.... XD

[@BestTits]

dude eat some oranges

[@schmiggachad8289]

I got a ESEE ls it sucks

[@Cr0cket20]

What is it about the blade you do not like?

[@schmiggachad8289]

it's uncomfortable and the edge is crap but I do love ESEE I just don't like this one

[@schmiggachad8289]

love your vids

[@xXxCatsnakexXx]

I know it's a subjective thing... but to me it is such an ugly knife when compared to either a NW Ranger or Punk! There is no coheison in it's lines... To my eye, it's inelegant and looks like it was designed in the dark (and not by spyderco!) Just plain clumsy and awkward lookin. Not my most constructive comment.

[@Karma8Kami]

As for the ferro rod I removed the coating in the small groove right in front of the finger choil on both of my esee's and that works great for me