ESEE vs ESEE: Stainless S35VN or 1095? Edge Retention

cedric-ada-sto...
Good gravy its bricky on things
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[@joelflores8979]

Yes! I said this on your last video comparison. The idea of comparing the base version and the high end version is so good! Keep this up please, great content👍

[@ambulldog111]

Thanks for still going strong after all these years... I along with thousands of other people really appreciate your test

[@ilyas859]

Lenny: "Geez Homer, I thought someone with 2 wives would be happy" Karl: "No, you're thinking about someone with 2 *knives*" Pete @8:48 (standing in for Moe): "I gotta tell this is pretty terrific hahaha yeah!"

[@Xandrosi]

What made this most interesting for me was that this is not just testing steels against each other. Since both knives are Esee, it seems to also eliminate any variance in heat treatment, which arguably is the most deterministic thing you can do to change the properties of steel. It's a huge assumption though. Very few companies speak to their secret "heat treatment sauce" that makes their knives superior. It's not exciting, but it is absolutely critical. This is the first test that I consider reliable that tells me how much better S35VN is than 1095 for normal edge retention.

[@ATherapeuticEdge]

I've long been a fan of the esee 1095, but now.. I'm thinking it's time for an upgrade. Thank you for the effort, time, and excellent review/comparison.

[@cloudcleaver23]

I lean toward the stainless in my EDC knives too, so I'm really glad they finally put an Izula out in S35VN. For bushcrafty stuff, ESEE themselves recommend 1095 because of the resistance to breaking, not that I'd know much about it. I think they've broken a few of their own knives on their YT channel just to prove the point.

[@saiiiiiii1]

@@cloudcleaver23 not to forget the ease of sharpening in the field

[@CKshouta]

Want an overall upgrade to 1095 while not being too expensive ? Try 52100. More wear resistance, tougher, can still be differentially heat treated.

[@jhtsurvival]

@@cloudcleaver23 they didn't break them to prove their point. They broke when they tested them vs the 1095 and were like " well you guys want this so just so you know this is What happened during our tests"

[@John5.56]

@@jhtsurvival does that not prove the point that 1095 is a tougher steel?

[@BradGryphonn]

9:30 While we're having a lovely AMSMRRSMRSRMA interlude, I have to say that one would NEVER lose that Orange Esee in the wilds. It's a bright bugger.

[@dimmacommunication]

I bought a mora in orange for that purpose.

[@dm3639]

"I gotta tell ya, this is pretty terrific" - Moe Szyslak

[@bigaspaulo]

You beat me to it! 2 wives?! I thought you said 2 knives!

[@steveottavaino3804]

I’ll thumbs up anything to do with Moe Szyslak. I’ll never forget him and crew stealing a killer whale, too funny!!!

[@grominwithrob1339]

I just bought a ESEE 4 with the S35vn steel because I care about my knife being able to slice instead of prying. Really like the new contoured g10 grips.

[@utubetjc]

Same here and I agree with your comments. Just ordered the ESEE 3 in S35VN

[@happykt]

Me too. I bought an ESEE Ashley Game Knife with S35VN steel with a G10 orange and black handles. Its also a perfect sized fixed blade for my medium sized female hands. The ESEE is too large and heavy for me.

[@aido1987]

If you bought an esee 4 then you clearly don't care about slicing ability regardless of what steel the knife is made from

[@sixfootseven]

Bro we haven't seen bricky in so long. Is he ok

[@sixfootseven]

@DTL :(

[@Owieczkin]

He's probably stoned, and can't move freely

[@Owieczkin]

@Patrick Henry I asked Joe about this. He doesn't remember any of this, and said he tripped and fell on the stairs

[@megacab]

Love your videos! They always standout amongst the table top reviewers that sit there and fidget with their knives and describe how it "feels" in the hand.

[@buckwild6587]

I like to think of 1095 vs S35VN as a silverado vs camaro (or charger vs ram/mustang bs f150). You can use a truck as adaily driver but it shines off road. You can take a muscle car down to the docks but it shines in the city. 1095 is gonna perform better as a camp knife but S35VN is going to perform better as an EDC

[@CedricAda]

that is a very palatable analogy, i dig it

[@davidbock1801]

What a great video. This dude actually works. Not just another desktop review warrior. And it's funny!

[@Sunfade38]

Always a pleasure to watch, I hope things work out with Santa Ernest.

[@EagleJim62]

Very large jump in retention from the factory edge. I didn't expect that much improvement. Very nice.

[@SmilingGator96]

S35vn is a harder steel. So, it'll retain its edge better for a longer time.

[@WilliamsKnifeLife]

The cut tests are greatly appreciated. 👍

[@oscr_zen]

I like this flow of videos lately, great vibes, for us knife nerds

[@rickboz4494]

Excellent test and comparison Appreciate all your time and effort in making these videos

[@Stalkeroioi]

You did great not only on that edges but puns were on point too.

[@lincoln5775]

You're spoiling us with all these uploads Pete!

[@James-ke5sx]

Nice to see the comparison so people can make up their minds. I never realized there was such a big difference.

[@The_Great_Whodini]

I want to see the trash can toss test. You can also do some real stupid stuff, take dickhead survival to the extreme, and esee will warranty them nqa if you manage to bust them. I heard they dont like s35 because its not as tough for prying and shock absorption, but will still cover them. Interested to see how many trash bins each knife could take.

[@hcavn]

FMD, that packaging is basically identical to the EKA RTG-1 that EKA has Rowen make for them. Never knew that with Rowen making the EKA, that it would come down to the same packaging too ;-}

[@refaiabdeen5943]

Cheers mate for taking the time and effort to demonstrate the two type of steels. I wonder how difficult it would it be to sharpen them too. I'm guessing that the S35VN would be much harder over the 1095. Due to higher ability to perform better as it retains its edge better.

[@scotthill6807]

Excellent video! Thanks for putting it together. I hope you enjoy your knives.

[@j.k.7807]

Pete, not too long ago we saw you move your knife lab down into a new blade bunker. Your first couple vids from the blade bunker showed you dehumidifying and ventalating the new blade bunker. Since then, most of your vids have been either outside or in one of your sheds. What happened to the bunker? Did Bricky throw you out? Thanks for the informative videos. I look forward to your full reviews on those two knives.

[@edsaunders1897]

YES! I was just hoping you'd revisit 1095 with one of your newer tests. Hoping to see some more data on these basic/old school/ tried-n-true steels! I think you tested many of them a while back, but your sharpening is so much better now it makes the data hard to compare. Thanks Pete!!

[@edsaunders1897]

Would love to see some newer data on 12C27, CPM154 & AEB-L if you ever get the chance. You may have to quit your job so you can do this full time!

[@jakedill1304]

For sure I just you know you can bash that 1095 probably into a rock and still cut that paper and probably split the s35.. which makes sense that the factory edge would be different given that these would have different use cases just by the nature of the steel you don't buy s35 for beating, as much as I would love it to be able to, tragic still better than s20 right?

[@kevinAuman1]

Pete my boi, you sir are literally my hero lol I swear that anytime I see a knife that peaks my interest and catches my eye I want to go and have a look see how they fair and 9 times out of 10 I check your page and BAMMM there it is and full review with testing showing everything I'd have to look forward too shall I buy it.... good on you mate

[@mcsquirgle]

I took my s35vn esee 4 out for a hike last week and had a great time with it

[@kymcopyriot9776]

That hoodie is all sorts of United Colours of Benetton! And yes, new knives smell steely fresh.

[@christamu2]

A coconut, knives, wire, entertainment, survivin', and a cat with no eyes. This channel has it all!

[@scottb.0185]

Sounds like a MacGyver episode on how to make a combine harvester!

[@AnomadAlaska]

This was fascinating. Thank you. I doubt I'll ever need the toughness of 1095 in a smaller knife like their 3 inch model.

[@krissmith007]

1095 is not tough, but it is easy to sharpen and gets super sharp

[@pubplays368]

@@krissmith007 not tough? Lmao

[@concealmenttraining9371]

@@pubplays368 its very low in toughness thats why manufacturers leave it soft. Steels like 5160, A8mod are 4 times as tough at higher hardness. Dr Larrin Thomas has some very interesting data if you want to learn more about steels.

[@pubplays368]

@@concealmenttraining9371 58hrc isn’t soft. Most successful manufacturers of 3v go between 60-62hrc for their 3v. This includes bark river, Bradford, lt wright etc. not much higher than 1095 at 58. You can take 1095 and damn near bend it in a 90 degree angle and have spring back to straight. Wether or not you want to call that tough is debatable when speaking on technical terms. Lb for lb. That’s a tough ass reliable blade. 5160 spring steel is amazing at a similar hardness for knives. I personally love 01 over everything. Easy to sharpen and tougher than 1095. 80crv2 is also really good.

[@concealmenttraining9371]

@@pubplays368 Esee's are hardened to 56hrc.

[@profesorEDC]

Great vid as always Pete. Glad to see you are better now.😁👍

[@markcoffman494]

Very interesting result!! Thank you again my friend for another great video!

[@LarsRibe]

Really looking forward to that review!

[@michaelbatterbee448]

Brilliant example of sharpness very interesting cheers pal

[@tungsten_kirbide]

The teddy fresh hoodie is sick.

[@seribas]

The carbon steel touches up easier and faster with a rock from the creek if need be. Can strike sparks off the spine of need be. I’m old school and still prefer 1095 for those reasons. Still carry my old timer 1095 carbon. Takes a wicked keen edge with little effort

[@scottbutler1561]

Nice initial video, I liked the steel comparison. To really compare the advantages and differences with each steel, could you do a cut test initially (or review one) then use both for some hard survival/bushcrafting tasks such as batoning, chopping, and using the tip to dig a divot for a bow drill. Then perform a cut test again, then field sharpen and a final cut test. Maybe you could include this in your well appreciated DH survival series, thanks.

[@JJ-qi9zn]

I have the ESEE $ in S35VN it is a great knife the most I have done to it so far is touch up the edge with a ceramic rod and strop it and it is a work beast.

[@rakewawrz5200]

I have an esee 4 1095 after using it in the woods I wish I would have got a 6

[@eh7378]

Thanks for making these videos

[@StitchJones]

I have the ESEE 4HM and I love mine.

[@bladesnchill]

I wish they had S35VN in those flashy colours.....

[@HarveySpectre415]

In terms of sharpening, what was the difference in ease to get it to that mirrored edge between the two?

[@batswithsass3754]

Ik im not him, but in my experience stainless is harder to sharpen than something high carbon

[@henrybright8531]

1095 much easier to sharpen and polishes well. Prone to corrosion though

[@sharpfactory3705]

Enjoy your Videos is a Mix of entertainment comedy and knifeology

[@stephenyoung3838]

Love the vids Pete keep up the good work

[@sng2225]

Noticed you haven't been filming in your Batcave lately? Thanks for you entertaining reviews.

[@milesrideout974]

In a comparison like this, an assessment of the relative effort required to reset and polish the edges would be informative. Perhaps with diamond hones the difference isn't too great. I expect with stones, the difference in effort could be substantial.

[@jhtsurvival]

Yes it's significantly different.

[@thaknobodi]

S35VN is very easy to sharpen on a $10 aluminum oxide stone. i typically use those on S35VN, but S30V is borderline needing diamond. S35VN= 3% vanadium S30V= 4% vanadium

[@Ruger44Redhawk]

You never fail to entertain. I just found out that Rowen, which manufactures ESEE Knives, is here in Idaho! Buck, ESEE Knives, Tops Knives, Chris Reeve Knives, way to go Idaho!

[@dein45d]

Excellent vid!

[@c62west]

ANOTHER great video! Thank you. I've been thinking about getting an Esee in S 30v.

[@fredcourtney03]

Awesome bud bro. Definitely informing

[@Phlfwlr]

Just bought the Izula 2 in S35VN. Waiting for it to come in the mail, and after watching this test I’m pretty excited with my purchase. Can’t wait to try it out myself.

[@aceman1126]

Didnt think they made the izula 2 in s35vn... where did you find it?

[@cal.f.alegria1196]

I also got both knives. Is it just me or the stainless seems to be a little bit thicker and taller. How much tougher is 1095 compared to the s35vn in your opinion? Thanks buddy!! Big fan of your videos, keep the good work.

[@CedricAda]

ill try and test that as best i can

[@normal1972]

There is a good video out there of some of the ESEE guys that run one of the survival schools testing these. They snapped the s35vn, but not the 1095. I need edge retention more than toughness so I am leaning towards the s35vn myself.

[@sabotagesavant5277]

@@CedricAda that would be cool !

[@armandcouture4655]

Jesus 1095 is THE WORST with corrosion resistance. I just bought one! The dude who broke that S35VN said he would still go with 1095

[@armandcouture4655]

@@LXT43 maybe I should get a BK16. Horice Kepart style

[@christophersteingart2237]

I love this video for the scientific method with the two different steels. However, I’m also a DJ, and I wish there were some credits for that beautiful cocktail music.

[@realbroggo]

Pete you have taken knife fetishes to a new level. Any man who smells his new knives is clearly hardcore.

[@ihave7sacks]

You mean to tell us you *don't* smell your new knives?

[@doctoruttley]

Love the first cutting music the best…please make it standard and never change. 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻

[@dougkidd4799]

Great video. Thanks

[@brandonb6327]

I just bought the esee4 in s35vn, I'm impressed.

[@nomojo1110]

3 minutes in and 10 bucks says the Esee wins.

[@nomojo1110]

@Brian J Agreed. I was almost convinced the other would be the winner, but then...

[@brandensutton2324]

Judging by the bird noise at 5:02 I think Toe Cutter's gang from Mad Max are coming for ya.

[@Thepreppersbunkeroutdoors]

Good job Pete, that was a fantastic test. I agree on the new Esee's handles- they are fantastic

[@mmiller73]

Dangit. Now I have to get the S35vn version!

[@lylesmith6304]

Wow, very intresting. Thsnks for your effort !

[@MicaelSantana450]

I just woke up drinking my coffe its saturday not paying 100% attention *that steel gets my steel hard* wtf xD love your videos mate

[@richardkev3077]

I have more than a few knives that hold an edge better than 1095. But if I had to rely on a knife for survival, my Esee 6 1095 is the one I would trust to hold up to any abuse I could heap on it.

[@davidchelepyan5233]

what did you mean when you said "gets my steel hard". What hardening process do you use or recommend

[@jbeers1234]

If you have to ask…

[@juggalosteef1]

Viagra

[@CKshouta]

Go to alpha knife supply and read their 1095 steel page. That is a gold mine

[@ZoneCrasher]

Just need a presence of a pretty woman.

[@Johnny-tq9no]

Work hardening

[@kb9oak749]

If ESSE was going to go upmarket in steel, there are alternatives that combine edge retention, strength, shock resistance etc. Granted those steel choices would necessitate a higher price point. I do have several folders in S35 and while they do keep and edge well and can be cleaned up easily, I really have not beat on them very hard. Mostly breaking down cardboard boxes and opening packages etc.

[@MultiMeschi]

S35VN does seem quite inconsistent with their philosophy.

[@Hectorszenshopedc]

Bruh, good reality TV INTRO to video 😅❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉😂😊

[@jeremynedrow7003]

I have an esee 4in S35VN and I love it it's one of my edcs,for a fixed blade it's awesome.

[@TheGunf1ghter]

Thank you sir! I just heard about the izula being made in 35vn. I feel like it should have been the first knife in their line made from it. It just arrived and I’m stoked!

[@birdman6499]

Great job man. 👍

[@bradfarrahgerwing154]

I really wish they made a 4 in 1/8....I like mine but it would be better thin and 1/8 is plenty thick for a 4 inchish blade that wide

[@mikexter6860]

Thx for showing ☝🏼👊🏼🥃

[@michaelhislop4840]

1095 with the dual-grit edge would be interesting.

[@opichocal]

I have an old 3 and 6. I’ve beat the snot out of them and they never fail. Great knives for the money!

[@chrisbowman2030]

I owned a Esee 3 in 1095 several years ago. This thing got dull just from looking at it. After field dressing one deer it was dull as s**t. Blood is pretty corrosive, but even just carving tent pegs or something this knife went from scary sharp to damn dull in an instance.

[@Wastelander13]

I have the Esee 4. Same thing, it gets dull in no time. Strange thing for a so called survival knife...

[@Johnny-tq9no]

Soft steel can be easily re-sharpened on rocks I don't know if that's what they're going for

[@pubplays368]

Sounds like y’all just got unlucky with the heat treat. Or you’re exaggerating. My Esee 5 gets honed twice a week at most. I’ve sharpened it a handful of times over the past 10 years. For reference, I’m out in the woods for about half of the year for work. So my knives get plenty of use.

[@andrewfournier3718]

Yep. Touching up an edge is no big deal. Having a tough knife that can be resharpened easily might be life or death. If you need an edge holding marvel, maybe add a nice folder in m390 to your kit.

[@bertburch]

Love my esee s35vn hope to see your review on it

[@Larry-gs8gb]

At least I'm not the only one with a " man crush" on Mr. Emerson.🤣🤣

[@sircassie891]

Gotta say it. Dope Hoodie

[@Greg_M308]

Good stuff, thanks bro!

[@antimatter4733]

A toughness test would be nice

[@CedricAda]

im trying to work something out, just working out the application of force and how to keep it even

[@AlohaBlade]

Nice comparison, also is it possible to work Bricky back in at some point? The question for these two knives, choosing one is: are you going to be slicing more or beating on it more?

[@js8828]

I really wanna see you implement a Bess Sharpness Tester into these edge retention video I think it would provide some interesting data

[@Rob_h_floridaman]

Ah yes, this is the quality knifesturbation content that I come for….. 😎

[@amitzdullnicker2k]

That expression of his eyes after he said "This gets my steel hard"... *grin*

[@bartonabrahams9027]

Luv ya work mate. Was wondering if you had any experience with the Tassie Tiger ttks5? Cheers Bart.

[@Johnny-tq9no]

Love the teddy fresh

[@Baruch-Hashem]

I prefer the 1095, why ? Easier/Faster to sharpen in field. Eventually they will dull,. when they do ease of sharpening is more important to me.

[@gladeshunter8796]

I have the Esee 3 in S35vn and it’s slicey . Put a 19 degree mirror polish on it and it’s a laser !!

[@andrewfournier8817]

Excellent!! Sharpening time difference? S35 is easy to sharpen, but the claims for quick filed repair on 1095 persist..

[@CedricAda]

I felt them about the same, but I suspect also the coating on the 1095 one bound up my stones as a mm or so did need to come back

[@BourgeoisCapitalist]

An interesting and valuable review. If your 'Bucks' can stand it, could you run a 440C Stainless Steel Esee 4 against these two versions for a fully rounded assessment of the Esse 4 offerings from the first Y.T. user to put them 'head-to-head'?

[@andreilukyanov4286]

Confucius says: « If knife holds edge twice as long, it’s twice as hard to sharpen. And a knife, which is hard to sharpen, won’t get sharpened at all ».

[@luistapia1942]

Time to buy an Esse

[@MutsPub]

Get the extended scales and they get even better!

[@hydrostaticshock978]

If ESEE gets into 3V and Cruwear its going to cost me $$$.

[@solairable]

180 and 350? Funny it came out to those numbers, a quarter of a circle and if the other knife in s35vn would have cut 10 more cuts? It would have made it a full 360 degree circle.

[@Dreoilin]

While I'm not a huge fan, they do have great warranty and customer service. Can't be beat.

[@taylo226]

The undertale music is a nice touch

[@SpankyK]

I sharpened my Esse 3 S35vn down to 17 and man, it is a cutting fool.