ESEE PR4 - Improved Kephart Knife? - Sharp Saturday Kephart Series

The ESEE PR4 is survival instructor Patrick Rollins' take on the classic Kephart design knife, with at least one potentially big improvement. This one has a sharp 90 degree spine for scraping and striking a ferro rod. And, of course, ESEE's world famous no questions lifetime guarantee.
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[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Buy this knife on Amazon: amzn.to/3dwCjeA Big Daddy Unlimited: survivalonpurpose.com/BDU (A 30-day trial membership is just .99 cents right now)

[@TheRealJayGutta]

A wonderful sharp test would be on a tomato

[@leightonmarcellus9897]

i guess it is kind of randomly asking but do anyone know of a good website to watch new movies online?

[@kendallmatthias9931]

@Leighton Marcellus Meh lately I've been using flixportal. You can find it thru google:) -kendall

[@leightonmarcellus9897]

@Kendall Matthias thank you, I went there and it seems like a nice service :D I appreciate it !

[@kendallmatthias9931]

@Leighton Marcellus no problem xD

[@HarveySpectre415]

I would go with the PR4 if I had to choose. 90 degree spine and the stronger grind is what I prefer. Plus you can never go wrong with the ESEE warranty.

[@kebrun4484]

I have used the PR4 since it came out a few years ago. It is my go-to for my camp knife, woodcraft, and even around the house (which my wife hates). I went to the training courses at ESEE and they have never disappointed me. Great bunch of guys.

[@MutsPub]

Old Hickory OH7026 kitchen knife (also called Hunting Knife) 5.5" blade ~ $23! BK62 Kephart is at Amazon now $118. Normal ~ $130. Ontario Blackbird SK5 - $125 (That is normal price now days.) 5" Blade / 154cm. Micarta. There is an Ontario SK4, 4" blade / 154cm, nobody seems to talk about ~ $125 - Great knife. Esee PR4 - $100. Normal price is ~ $106.(much better leather sheath than Kabar) Ontario Bushcraft field knife 8696 5" blade ~ $65. For "Kephart" style knives (NON Scandi ground edge) - Gotta like the PR4. Best $100 USA made 1095 knife on the market? Lifetime warranty! Blackbird SK-4 or 5 in 154cm, if you want stainless. Nice review. Thanks

[@Airik1111bibles]

The PR4 is on my wife's "you bought another knife you don't need" list. I have the Ontario Sk5 Blackbird and LOVE it , the Becker original doesn't grab me. I don't care for the blade shape on that one. That PR4 has a really awesome blade shape and the coating is one of the good ones. 👍 Nice sharp Saturday before the big day...He is ALIVE😇 Aint no grave gonna hold our bodies down . God bless brother.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Indeed

[@MDR-hn2yz]

Apparently my wife isn’t the only one who keeps a list of “knives you don’t need”😂

[@douglasreed9237]

​@@MDR-hn2yz 😅 my wife just told me the same thing after buying a Junglas 2. Heck what do they know anyway. I'm working on getting a PR 4 right now also. 👍

[@jamesellsworth9673]

THANK YOU for doing a slicing comparison on these two knives. I believe that Kephart wanted a knife for in-camp food preparation. Hunting and skinning activities were limited. The onion-slicing comparison showed that a normal diameter sweet onion needed the longer blade to make complete, even slices. The ESEE's high sabre grind sliced like a champion but it ran out of edge before the cut was complete. The Kabar classic Kephart is the one for long, sweeping cuts and getting farther under a hide before peeling it. Kephart was a woodsman and a camper. He was not a Survivalist. He could use a bow drill kit or flint and steel. The sharp spine for scraping fatwood or a Ferro rod didn't mean that much. We see things differently today.

[@sirsir9665]

The stub nose tip really grew on me. Used to hate it but now I like it. I prefer the blade shape to be different but I like the end.

[@THEMAX00000]

Happy Easter. He is risen

[@monkeylovemagic3339]

ESEE PR-4 is what I EDC most of the time these days. It's one of the best designed knives I've ever used, and I USE knives. I was a little worried about handle comfort before I got it in hand and started using it, but I've found I like the thin profile handle, it helps me maintain a cutting angle exceptionally well, plus it carries on my belt very nicely. The sheath is high quality and retains the blade well. This modern take of "Kephart style" spear point excels as an all-around camp/bush blade. The only modification/addition I've made was to add a small 2" lanyard knot to the handle to ease unsheathing. ESEE's 1095 heat treat, fit and finish, and no questions asked warranty can't be beat in a production knife, great company. You will not regret the purchase of this knife, it's a no nonsense tank that's made to be used. Love the rustic old world look too. (I don't work for ESEE and haven't been paid to say such, I just really dig this knife and wanted to share my experience:) That being said, my Morakniv still gets more use when I'm in the wilderness due to it's superior woodworking Scandi grind. Cheers✊🏻❤️🙏🏻

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

ESEE rocks

[@denisdegamon8224]

I just got my PR4 and like it alot. Sharp as all get out, nice 90 degree spine. Good looking scales, and was surprisingly comfortable. I liked the design sio well I ordered a Esee JG5 as a slightly longer butcher type blade, also with a 90 degree spine. It's scales are a bit wider and contured....very comfortable. Thanks for you excellent reviews.

[@MagiCaEagleCastillo606]

Thank you for this awesome channel and knife review. I am a full time volunteer missionary for a non profit church organization and I travel to Native American reservations to help my people. This ESEE knife would be a great knife to have on my missionary trips since I camp out on these trips. Unfortunately i would never be able to afford this knife but this video has given me an idea of what im looking for. Thanks again for this chNnel and content. Godbless

[@4StonesHandcraft]

My favorite fixed blade, although i found the handle scales to be a bit thin for me, so I made some wood scales in the same style that are slightly thicker.

[@flipflopping]

I was looking for a good fixed-blade EDC, made in the U.S. and I think I just found it. EXCELLENT review. Purchasing it now.

[@jamesgroves5294]

ESSE PR4! I love mine! It’s in my top 3 ESSE favorites & best multipurpose on the market

[@Frd4Lf]

What are your other 2 top esee knives?

[@mattadler4710]

No balance test?! You broke my heart Brian. Lol fantastic review as always my friend. This is a really neat and unique knife in the Esse line, and I have always found it attractive looking. Good to know it performs well too.

[@kriskabin]

The PR-4 is handle heavy.

[@zootycoon246]

I love my PR4! I have lots of knives but I find myself using it a lot. I’ve beat on it pretty good and just touch up the blade and it sharpens right up, ready for more beating. It’s a total camp knife and what I use out back batoning wood for my fires

[@centurycity]

I would take both into the bush that way you got it all covered. Great review.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks for watching!

[@douglasreed9237]

Looks nice I've got to get one to go along with my Junglas 1 and 2. Esee makes some great designs. Thanks for the great review and info. 🗡️👍🔪

[@jimzee6954]

Great review Bryan! Those type knives are a mainstay in the knife world!

[@sogeking9395]

OKC Blackbird sk5 is another good choice

[@tonycanniffe2360]

Yes, and stainless too. Joler Trampero in 14c28n is another.

[@sopwithcamelus]

@@tonycanniffe2360 Those Jokers look great. I'm itching to try one.

[@Airik1111bibles]

I love my SK5, the handle is so comfortable and it takes a wicked edge. BUT I did have to reprofile that V grind , now it's a full flat convex....flatvex I guess.

[@tonycanniffe2360]

@@sopwithcamelus They are excellent quality, great ergos and the sheaths are amazing. Even here in Aus, not much over $100 (aud) for the 14c28n and N690 versions (off Amazon). We have resellers who ask crazy sums tho.

[@pennsyltuckyreb9800]

Anyone here have both the PR4 and SK5? Which would you prefer and why? I'm torn between the Ontario and ESEE but have been leaning more toward the Ontario Blackbird...plus the SK5 is an inch longer which is nice. I've handled the SK5 in person and the blockier handle was much more comfortable in hand than I first imagined.

[@josharellano5241]

Great review as always I have the pr4 and it’s a great knife to have on the belt for general use.

[@robman247]

Nice show and tell there and Between those 2 🔪 s I would go with the small one ☝️ because of the spine has a 90 👍👌✌️🇺🇸

[@isaacs_knives_and_knowledge]

I personally would prefer to own the Ka-Bar version over the Esee. I like the idea of the longer blade and I'm not really a fan of the way those handle scales look on the Esee. The only advantage of the Esee to me seems to be the sharpened spine.

[@rickjohnson4009]

Have the PR4 I have found it my go to knife

[@stevenholland8167]

I'm a knife snob..and I have a love of the outdoors. Both knives are very good. But I go with the ESSE PR4...between the two there are trade offs. However, the ESSE PR4 has a "Prehistoric" look to it...which I like the looks of it. Practical workhorse tool for survival and or bushcraft uses, with a style of authentic suave that stands out on its own. At a price that's very affordable for the working man (and working woman too)..that wants either a bushcraft adventure or having that save all tool for "Bug-out" survival situations...yes...I take the PR4 KNIFE from ESSE

[@frankieviljoen]

There is something about the PR 4 that wants to make me buy it. 😊 It looks like a rugged and effective cutting tool. Must be the handle scales and high saber grind I guess.

[@harrybachmann9815]

Got a Ka-bar BK7 and BK9, but, I'd go Esee on this one. Adequate blade length and a nice sharp spine right out of the box without having to modify it.

[@cathleen2]

Hi Bryan, greetings from Nova Scotia Canada & I love these 2 knives, ya makes me wanna buy them. Lol Question: I see ALOT of videos on the Cold Steel SRK & I NEVER yet heard a bad review on it. I'd love to see YOUR review on that knife for sure !! Gee, can you tell I'm a FAN of your channel. 🙂😀💯👍👌

[@troymanning3150]

Thanks Brian, another great video! Now I need you to get a Tops Brush Wolf. I would love to hear your take on that knife. It looks awesome!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I have 3 TOPS knives coming up but that is not one of them. I'll see what I can do.

[@starlingblack814]

Thanks Brian, I like the PR4. Lifetime warranty, sharpened spine, better sheath. Good review!

[@johnnyringo2185]

Great review as always, I’ve always really enjoyed your channel. Would love to see you do a review of the jg5 one day

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Maybe one day!

[@rogerlawson4516]

I would choose the BK62. I like the shape spine on the ESEE, but the length on the BK62 would win out. Good video Bryan.

[@SodaPopCurtis808]

Sold! You had me at the ferro rod lighting. Dang!

[@choirboyzcutleryoutdoors]

Love that Esse PR4

[@rickjohnson4009]

The Esee PR4 all day every day. Love my PR4 wouldn't trade it for the all the tea in China. Great video!

[@joycehoppe2582]

We have a PR4 and love it.

[@nickd2458]

Great knife...and as always..great video...

[@jbstuff]

Nice choice for today. For a fixed blade I carry the Spyderco Ronin 2. I've been checking out these Esee knives and want to check one out.

[@cultural_lettuce1]

I saw this knife at SMKW last week. Almost bought it but I went with the JG5 Nessmuk instead.

[@kevinschmith9379]

Happy Easter to you and yours

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

You Too

[@scottsmith6571]

The essie butcher style knife is also great

[@sms042]

The older one..looks way better.. maybe a micarta handle upgrade. That's it. 💪😎💯

[@frankieviljoen]

PR 4 with a good hatchet and folding saw. I have two Beckers and like them. If I have to buy Esee I think I will go with this knife

[@frankieviljoen]

Bought the PR4 and used it for about 40 min and I have to admit that the handle scales are uncomfortable to me. I have to wear gloves when I use it. I used the knife slicing the bark from tree branches that I had to cut to prevent the trees from taking over parts of my property. That being said, I will still spend the time and money on making new scales and if needed a new sheath for the knife.

[@starlingblack814]

I like the ESEE......lifetime guarantee, better looking blade, decent steel; I think I will buy one.....Thank you Brian for another fun video. Oh yeah, I think you should balance test it!

[@kevinmorrice]

im just glad that there are custom made grips for this, i never liked the feel of those style scales, even quality ones felt cheap and nasty in my hands, so im glad there are smooth micarta scales available online

[@scottsmith6571]

Have both both are good

[@JFoxC]

The great warranty of the Esee put’s it over the top for me.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Hard to beat

[@mad8trip]

Great review man I would prefer a pr4

[@allencampbell9719]

I would go with the Esee. First of all, there's the 90° spine which makes the knife so much more versatile. And the slightly longer handle for a much better purchase.

[@deanoboland]

Another great video mate

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks 👍

[@AnimeKingKaz]

I love my PR-4.

[@casualcamping3776]

I have both of these knives, and I would be hard pressed to choose between them. I don't think you could go wrong with either of them.

[@sasquatch885]

Another really nice one! I been wondering when that big old chunk of fat wood would be back.👍🏻

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

;-)

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

Some beautiful feathers there sir 👏🏼👍🏼

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thank you kindly

[@mmgoodwings3981]

PR4. I got the izula in mission 71 and love it!

[@thefucrew9865]

Awesome !

[@indianprepper2478]

I will go with Kebar 100$ for 4 Inch 1095 blade is costly . Handle is bigger then blades . As per classic Kephart & Mr. Canterbury Design knife size is must be more the 5.5 inches ( it had his own advt) By the way cutting vegetable is good ideas , Thanks

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks

[@CrimsonSurvival]

That PR4’s bigger that I thought...

[@D20Steel]

He starts reviewing the knife at 4:15

[@tom_olofsson]

I bought the Esse Nesmuck version.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Nice one too.

[@MonkeyMikeOutdoors]

Great Review Brian!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Glad you think so!

[@gladeshunter8796]

Can’t go wrong with either one . Both are high quality from solid companies . I’d still take my Esee 6 over either one though .

[@tom_olofsson]

"Edge Geometry"? I was told there would be no math. 😱

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I had a geometry teacher in high school, Mr. Cribb, who would start writing on the left side of the blackboard with his left hand and just switch to his right hand when he got to the middle and keep going. Both sides were equally illegible but I though it was so cool that didn't matter.

[@frankieviljoen]

@@SurvivalOnPurpose😁😁 That is cool, for sure 👍👍

[@gavinstaeheli5136]

Please review the Lucas Forge Kephart. That is as close to the original I have seen.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Probably not gonna happen. Those are custom knives with a 12 month lead time.

[@stacywilliams1710]

Good job Sir

[@alexanderweaver4838]

I want another Esee knife and I like the PR4. The spine is a huge factor. My go to knives presently are the two Gerber Strongarms I've had for over two years...still sharp and function well as all around camp tools. I have an Esee Izula mounted on my survival chest pack but would like to have a larger one for my belt or backpack. I was going to try the Junglas but I have a preference for smaller knives. Great review, Bryan!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Dude! the Junglas rocks.

[@codymarkley8372]

@survivalonpurpose what would be a good grind style for batoning, or is it a matter of overall length and thickness?

[@greekveteran2715]

Of course length and thickness the more they are, the better for battoning, however a Saber flat or Saber convex grind, would defenately split wood easier than a full flat grind knife. That means, that your answer is, that all points you mentioned, are what make a "good style blade for battoning"

[@paulhouse7946]

I don't know Bryan. I have an Esee 6 and love it. Kabar makes some great stuff too though. If I had to choose, I'd go with the PR4, just because of the 90 degree spine. ( You know, ferro rods and fat wood lol)

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

yep

[@codymarkley8372]

I know every one rides the scandi train but the pr4 would be sexy with a scandi version.

[@sherwinpalacio3227]

Hard to pick only one!

[@PMCKnivesAndTools]

Cool video man

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks!

[@madedigital]

At first when i seen the Kephart knife i thought whats the big deal it looks ugly more like a butter knife but then i watch a guy go into great detail about the Form and function now i understand and a very important point that i didnt see anyone else bring up even you in the review and you other rever of the Kabar BK 62....the shape of the knife is not flat its like a full convex from edge to spine that is something i have never seen on a bushcraft knife and the belly transition creates an even pressure rate when cutting ...so doing feather stick start the cut from the tip of the blade...there where other features but those two where the most revealing

[@jessr.2490]

Anything under 5 inches is a no go for me in a kephard design to carry into the woods. If you haven’t already, you should review Esee’s Laser Strike knife as a VERY underrated kephart/spear point inspired design that’s incredibly capable of serving both bushcraft and survival knife needs. It’s a tank of a little knife so you can even balance test it with no worries. Cheers, Brian.

[@desertratedc9596]

Smaller knife under 5 inches falls into my companion category and often my most used knife. I keep a Victorinox fieldmaster, esee 6 and finally a scrade+ PH1 as my companion but I've been looking to upgrade the old schrade and the kephart design seems to fit the bill.

[@Johonavich49]

ESEE nice handle, sharp spine, and great company!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Sure is!

[@usmcwaterrescue]

You test the USMC KA-BAR yet?

[@pennsyltuckyreb9800]

ESEE PR4 vs Ontario Blackbird SK5?

[@treykeyes]

This guy is the Bob Ross of knife reviews

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I will take that as a compliment. I liked Bob.

[@alecwesterholm9122]

What is the edge angle of the pr4?

[@chrisdolin1859]

PR4!!! All day long..👊

[@toto29er]

PR 4 always

[@Outcaste153]

I'd go with the esee great people and company.

[@JohnPeters80]

Both seem like good knifes. Nothing beats the smell of some fat wood but surprised no one makes a candle smelling like it though.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I agree

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Either of these knives would be great for their intended purposes. You can sharpen the spine of the Becker, you can't lengthen the ESEE, but maybe the 4" blade is perfect for someone. Myself, If I could only have 1 blade between the two, the Becker. Companion blade, the ESEE.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I would have to grit my teeth to mess up the spine on the Kabar. It is so pretty.

[@manuellucero8414]

I like this one

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

me too

[@jerryparks9568]

I prefer the Ka-Bar over the un-improved Kephart from Esee. I hate knives with sharp spines it makes the knife more likely to injure the user. The old time mountain men did not use their knives for reasons it was not intended, they had flint and a striker, they did not abuse the knife. They had tomahawks or hatchets because it's the right tool for chopping and splitting. Modern day "bush craft" is largely full of nonsense.

[@christophercrane2686]

You’re right but it shouldn’t bother you what people do with their tools... I love batoning & I have hawks, hatchets, axes & all different size knives. Besides, “WHAT IF” you only have one tool with you & you’re stranded on a mountain no one’s ever explored besides you? Lol

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I understand the respect the "old time mountain men" and their skills but i bet they were using the best tools available at hat time when they were able to get them. But I don't understand why some folks have such disdain for some of the modern improvements in tools and their ability to expand the repertoire of skills you are able to employ. And who gets to say what the "intended" use of a tools is?

[@christophercrane2686]

@@SurvivalOnPurpose exactly, well said! It’s yours, do whatever your heart desires

[@jerryparks9568]

I don't have a disdain for modern tools, I love them. What I don't like is watching someone use a screw driving as a pry bar... use the right tool for the job. As for the intend of a tool if you can't figure that out you should stop using the tool before to find yourself in the emergency room.

[@jerryparks9568]

@@christophercrane2686 If your going to go to a mountain unprepared then your fate is a result of you own neglect.

[@kanatislings9307]

Esee all the way 😎🔥

[@jamesconnors5653]

Do not have collection. Just what works. Have one of these.

[@basicnomad]

👍

[@tom_olofsson]

A very nice interpretation. I have the James Gibson designed Nessmuk with the same "sculptured and chipped" handle material. I would love a stump like yours. Do you sell them?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

For the right price....

[@craiganthony7594]

I dont know why people have got a issue with you knocking the knife on the spine of blade you only doing a test to see if it does the job you haven't always got a axe at hand

[@HoosierRallyMaster]

I wouldn't clean that knife. It couldn't've picked up too many nasties from the inside of solid wood that that first slice of onion wouldn't handle :)

[@Yiannis2112]

Wow! Someone finally reviews an Esee! Hope it's a KaBar next week.

[@jeremiahshine]

Jacob extensively tested to destruction several Esee models. His channel preppersbunkeroutdoors

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

next week will be a fun video

[@uncletomscabin2073]

ESEE just on their warranty,

[@erolkavlakverizon6112]

So far the PR4 wins in my book..but we shall see

[@robertehill4561]

longer blade

[@edwardcolley7226]

What kind of watch are you waring

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Tnis one kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5eloZKaoseVjaM

[@Bluelew777]

yep esee for me

[@billyhooks99]

ESEE PR4

[@dbcooper8927]

Skunk?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Skunk? What skunk?

[@jamesmcgee2447]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@catsamazing338]

I think you should make up your mind if you’re doing a comparison. You prefer one or the other ? It’s no big deal. Just quit fuffing around.