ESSE 5 knife: my thoughts on 3 years of hard use

[@411Outdoors]

Such a solid knife brother. I own one esee only but it’s a tactical knife. This is a beast blade. Definitely a hard core batoning blade. It’s like those beefy Becker knives in its thickness.

[@forestadventureswithscott8777]

I really like that 4 double edge that you've got. I think I like my brother's BK2 even better because of the scale design lends itself to be a better chopper. But the ESSE 5 is definitely a monster 'sharpened pry bar'!

[@411Outdoors]

@@forestadventureswithscott8777 good description!

[@SmellNRoses]

Nice review, my friend. I enjoy reviews after guys have obviously actually used the piece of equipment. Far too often the KZbin "reviews" are just unboxing videos showing brand new products and the dude reading some marketing bullet points LOL. I like to see actual use. You can't ever go wrong with any ESSE knife. Quality stuff. Sadly I don't currently own any myself. I'm using an Ontario Knife Company model in a very similar role that you describe using your ESSE 5. I mainly just baton wood with it. It rides in my box next to an ax and a chainsaw LOL.

[@ROE1300]

Too thick, too heavy, too big (just like the BK2), & too expensive. A 1/4” thick slab of 1095 steel should be durable, if not than nothing will be. The fact that you don’t carry it much and it only excels at battoning really says all that needs to be said. A knife is a tool for slicing and cutting, not pounding and prying. Much better knives available.

[@forestadventureswithscott8777]

All good points. It was my first plus $100 knife I ever bought and since then I've realized what works best for me. Puukkos

[@ROE1300]

@@forestadventureswithscott8777 Yes sir, I agree 100%! Puukkos are the way to go today as they were 150+ years ago in a very harsh environment. Very glad you have seen the light. 😄