ESEE Knives ESEE-5S Micarta Fixed Blade Knife, 1095 Carbon Black Combo Blade

The ESEE-3 fixed blade knife by ESEE Knives, formerly known as RAT Cutlery, was the model that kick-started their acclaimed fixed blade lineup. The ESEE-5 series is a larger take on that knife, especially in the handle scale width, but can still be used as a perfect hunting or camping knife as well as used in a tactical environment. Like most ESEE knives, there are a wide variety of blade styles, colors finishes and accessory options to fit every need. This particular model, the 5S, features a tan canvas micarta handle complete with bow drill divot, standard pointed glass breaker pommel, a partially serrarted drop point style blade in a textured black powder coated finish and a black colored polymer sheath and clip plate for a variety of carry options. Made in the USA.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Blade Length: 5.25"
• Overall Length: 11"
• Blade Thickness: 0.25"
• Blade Material: 1095 Carbon Steel
• Handle Length: 5.75"
• Handle Material: Canvas Micarta
• Weight: 1 lb. 1 oz.
• Sheath: Polymer
• Sheath Weight: 5.8 oz.

ESEE-5 Fixed Blade Knife Review

This June I had the chance to get out into the Uinta Mountains and field test this amazing knife. While I was up there I camped at Trial Lake, if you live in Utah, get up there, it’s got great fishing and it is beautiful. As I camped at Trial lake I did my best to test the abilities of my ESEE 5. Without further nonsense let’s get to the review.

BLADE

The Blade on the ESEE 5 is made of the same material as all of their standard knives, that is, 1095 carbon steel. Speaking of the steel - it is a carbon steel which means that it will rust if not properly cared for. However if properly cared for the knife will last just as long as a stainless knife. The nice thing about the 1095 on this knife is its ease of sharpening. On to the blade design. The ESEE 5 is designed to excel. The blade is simple yet effective with a large cutting edge and enough weight to be an effective chopper if the need arises. The only thing that I would change about this knife is the serrations. Back when I bought it I thought it looked cool and now I am really not a fan of serrations. However the ESEE style of serrations is not as annoying as your typical jagged serrations. They get the job done without getting in the way. The ESEE 5 easily chopped through branches like it was its job and it helped in building a small sleeping shelter that I spent one of the nights in. From chopping to shaping to batoning the 5 managed it all.

HANDLE AND GLASS BREAKER

If you’ve used other ESEE knives the handle is very similar to the rest. The main difference is the thickness. It’s a little heftier thanks to the blade being ¼ inch thick at it’s widest point. The handle is comfortable, no doubt about that, and I actually enjoy the extra girth when doing heavier jobs around camp. The handle also features a bow drill pivot hole, although I didn’t get the chance to use this camping so I can’t say much about it other than that it is definitely there. The canvas micarta handle scales of the 5 feel a little rougher and more grippy than the handles of the rest of the ESEE lineup but that might just be me. Actually sometimes I wonder if they might be a little too rough during prolonged use. The 5 also features a glass breaker/skull crusher at the very end of the handle. This can be used to break out of a crashed car or to knock an assailant out. Whatever the need the ESEE 5 has your back.

SHEATH

The sheath on the 5 is almost as awesome as the knife, well not really but for a sheath it is pretty cool. The sheath is made of kydex and comes with a clip plate which can be used to attach the knife to a belt or something similar. The sheath utilizes an adjustable tension sliding lock, this allows the knife to be carried handle down and have no chance of sliding out of its sheath or you can loosen it and wear it handle up for quicker deployment. You can also purchase ESEE brand aftermarket sheath attachment options to replace the clip plate. The options are MOLLE straps or MOLLE locks, either one will secure your sheath to your MOLLE system without the possibility of failure.

OVERALL IMPRESSION

The ESEE 5 is one of my favorite knives to take out with me camping. It might be a little bit overkill for the activities I’m engaging in but hey, you never know when a camping trip might turn into a survival situation. If it ever does I would hate to be caught without my ESEE 5. The bottom line on this knife is it was designed for downed airmen. If you are often in situations similar to this then this is a must have knife. If you’re not (like me) then this is still a great knife. No you probably won’t use it to its potential but you can have a great time trying.