I've always spent around 50 bucks and go through them ,but last straw was when I was doing something on my truck and my folder lock was crap and it folded while pushing down and it cut into my finger real good ,I just bought the esee6 , serrated one ,ya might be over kill for daily carry, but with craziness going on ,I justified it .And it's made in America, that's what I really care about America first as it should be .Good review, and I do go out in the mountains alot so the knife will get used .
Randall's Adventure / ESEE I was initially very interested in the 6lm but actually decided on the Kabar Turok after personally being told by a Esse rep that I'd have to pay extra for a left handed sheath. Didn't feel like that was very fair. Love the knife!
Ok, you've had forever now.. so where's the 5HM?? (In S35vn btw.. the thickness/beefy'ness of the 5's profile is worthy, and if yer still skeurd use 3v)
I would disagree on the sheath verdict - considering the blade is 1095 I'd be more inclined to get the plastic sheath with the drainage holes on the bottom. Leather and 1095 might lead to some rather rusty problems
My TOPS Pig Hunter rusted out after getting it. I got it and left it on my work bench in summer in Iowa, 4 days later I picked it up and unsheathed it and it was rusted rather harshly. I pulled the hardware and removed the handles then went ahead and stripped the coating. I coated it in some unrefined flaxseed oil and then baked it in a toaster oven @ 400F. Multiple coats and now I have what looks like a blackened knife. Buffed on a wheel it has gloss but the surface is super slick. I also refined the edge from the factory edge down to 16.5° angle. I mean it’s a pig sticker not a camp knife.
He should shave his face, buy a dress, and be on Broadway. He disagreed with my pick. He hurt my feelings, so I hurt his. This how it works on UA-cam! Im a pissed off little honey badger Tim!!😠😠
Agree on your assessment. The 6 is a very handy tool in the woods. Does pretty much everything well. Yes on the choil. Definitely. Good review, brother.
Interesting, on paper I would have picked the HM, it looked like the HM would be just as good for getting your index finger up nice and close to the edge, but I can really picture what you are saying about the dedicated finger choil and guard giving more control and security.
I'm looking at buying a 6 after purchasing and using the 3,4,5 and the Izula. I have only gotten into ESEE knives this year and previously I thought they were probably over-hyped like Becker knives (I own the BK 3, 7, 9, 16). I can't get enough of the ESEE range and I'm always swapping out which knife I carry when I go hiking and camping. Thanks for this review, it gives me more food for thought on my options. At the moment it is between the 6, 6HM and the CM6. I love the look of the CM6 but the 6 I think is more practical. Thanks again for posting this (albeit several years ago).
I own the original Esee 6 with the knife connection handles and Kydex sheath as well as the fire steel loop and esee pouch.. it is an awesome and prolly my favorite set-up I own..! I own several set-ups including a Genesis. I would trust the esee 6 with my life!!! It would be the set-up I would take with me if I could only choose a one knife set-up...!!! I know how to use it and it just works!!!!! From fine tasks (because of the finger Choil) to the chopping ability of the bigger blade and everything in between...! A+ in my bushcraft/survival book for sure...!!! Thanks Tim for the outstanding Vid...👍
Ontario Knife Company has never let me down and honestly there knives usually impress me with how well they perform. I wanted for awhile to try out an Esee knife so I think I will get this one first I really like the regular one, not the HM so much.
Very good to know! I have the Esee 4 and Esee 4 HM. I far and away like the original better. For me it comes down to the sheath and the handle. I don't care for the leather sheath because it is difficult to put the knife in without scoring the inside of the sheath. And as for the handle, I feel as though it twists in the hand more than the original, which prevents me from putting as much downward pressure in a push cut. The Esee 6 is definitely on my list, but I don't know whether I want the Junglas or the 6 first. Thanks for the great video, brother! Take care and God bless!
Brilliant review on the Esee twins, have been wanting an Esee 6 for a long time but have been putting my purchase off based on unsure utube reviews but this review has really sold it to me. Mostly used in a bushcraft environment I was thinking of combining it with the molle sheath for mamimum versittility.
Nice, well done comparison. One advantage of the clip on the plastic sheath is it will fit fine with MOLLE straps on a pack (That's how I carry mine). Nice music at the beginning of the video, too.
I have a classic 6 and my buddy who I do a lot of trips with has the 6HM. 4 vs 4HM I prefer the HM but with the Esee 6 I like the choil and the extra reach it gives. Being up in the PNW I've even used my Esee 6 as an ersatz machete going through a huge rhody Grove and other small stuff. The 4HM, no contest, LOVE the new vroom handle snd shape bit I'll keep my classic Esee 6 for my personal use. Current set-up is actually the Brakimo with a 9" telescoping "dog bone" Saw and maybe the Jungalas II for clearing trail if we need it. That Brakimo is AWESOME as someone who like to whittle and who's always tasked with fire-making/wood-work.
Great video man. I saw that it was a 20 minute video for a knife review and I thought why is it so long but man it was super well-produced and very thorough. Great job. I own some esee knives and I love them. The esee 6 is my next purchase for sure.
Do you guys think the 6hm is strong enough to abuse a bit and batton a lot? (I’m looking for a strong knife to go with a smaller bushcraft knife, and I really like the 6hm.) yesyes I know an axe is better but I want some variety :) .
love mine. I carry the standard esee 6 with a sheath pouch and a fire steel on the pouch with a small fishing kit on the inside.. also replaced the standard lanyard on the knife and fire steel with 550 firecord.
I'm a new sub and I have to say it was your 100.00 GHB from Walmart that intrigued me, looking forward to PT 2. Personal preference I'm not a big fan of flat grinds, more a sabre grind guy myself... Good review of both knives thumbs up for sure, not a big fan of the leather sheath (Personal Preference) But i'll stick to my GSO 4.7 and 4.1 Cheers and ATB from Yellowknife Canada
Helo! Congratulations on the great videos! Because it is a survival knife, in a situation of need to use it as a defense, do you believe that esee 6 has a good grip for this? I ask why compared to the kabar knife handle style, the esee 6 would not "escape" from the hand?
Just bought the esee 6hm with leather sheath, man I’m soo excited, I have looked and looked for something similar to the Pathfinders Dave Canterbury knife their knifes are always on back order and pretty expensive, Thanks for this video I’m a knife enthusiast and love the outdoors, I don’t know why I haven’t seen this knife till now lol !
The HM design IMHO is really best for a 3-4 inch blade, once you get a longer blade you definitely need that handle on the 6. HM is 100% a bushcraft shape which if it were me I would like it in a full convex grind, just makes more sense.
I got my ESEE 6 a couple years ago direct from ESEE, $108.00 with the sheath shipped to me. It's got the old style scales that are actually bigger than the ones in this video, I have big hands so it works great for me but I can see how some one with small hands/fingers would like the HM better. Maybe the best 6" fixed blade in it's class/price range but I'm not an expert on blades I just know from owning one that it's very good. Also I'd like to add that this is a good example of how you can get very good gear for reasonable money. Have you tried Benchmade's Backpacker?
I've noticed the HM tends to be a little less controllable, less precision, in how it'll try to rotate in my grip due to it being round. My contoured 6 locks in better. For me it really comes down to appearance and style.. the HM harkens to "olden days" and doesn't draw much attention to itself, the 6 is more tacticool and modern looking without any gimmicky bits. Both are great, but both miss the mark a bit. The perfect varient for me would be the standard 6 handle without a choil.
They won't strike a ferro rod. Its painful to take a file to a new knife. I did it to a small section. It would be nice if the whole spine was a sharp angle.
Great video, I was wondering if the two would perform different because of the handle shape and you've answered that. I've had my 6 for a couple years now and love it. Why did it take you so long to get one? Lol.
No real reason other than I was testing out other knives and gear. But I am really glad to have one now. I plan on a "Top 5 Survival Knives" video sometime and this is - right now - in the mix.
EverydayTacticalVids, I was just kidding but yes it's definitely a great knife. Look forward to that video then! And the tkc handles really do make a difference on the esee 6, pricey but worth it.
Premium isn't always better. Sure 154cm will keep an edge longer, but it's also gonna be harder to restore that edge. 154cm might be more stainless, but both knives will eventually rust if you don't look after them. 1095 take an easier edge, and can be sharpened by a rock, a piece of glass, and most of all it's tougher then 154cm. Esse uses a lower rockwell on the steel to make it a bit softer but tougher as well. For survival, you want 1095 not a supersteel you cannot upkeep out in the wilds.
Will the Esee 6 fit in the 6hm sheath? I really love my 6 but I also love that 6hm sheath and would like to know for sure if they will fit together before I order. Awesome video btw!
Nathaniel Ramirez it does fit, but doesn't ride as deep as the HM. At fall short of covering the second bolt, whereas with the HM a completely covers the second bolt.
Again I have the ESEE 6 and not the HM, but the 6 is a survival vs bushcrafting for HM. I like the look of the 6 but hate its grind, and they both have the same grind and as a result suck at most tasks, because they are both compromise. If HM had an Scandi grind, I would consider purchasing and try it.
Say Heah Tim, When I L@@Ked for a good Survival Knife my criteria was it had to cut good. If I couldn't get my Rodent's I think Essee would be the one I would pick. But I got lucky. I went to Blade Forum and a fella was talking about how the Custom Shop at Busse Combat could modify a Rodent 6, he had the top guard taken off, I also had mine thinned down. It's less than a 1/4" thick now and without the top guard it L@@Ks like my Ratmandu on steroids. It's by far one of my Fav. 6"+ blades and the steel is Outstanding. A 52100 Ballbearing Steel with Busse Technology. It's Outstanding. Infact I made a nice Trio Carry using my 17" Hultafors Bruks Agdor Hatchet one of my Fav. Bush Craft Hatchet and my Wicked Tough Saw. I also have a Outstanding Piggyback Rodent 7 and my Rodent 3. I Baldric Carry them. With this Combo I like using them on my solo overnighter trips. I added my 24" Council Wood Craft Pack Axe with the Heavy Duty Sheath and Sling. Plus my new Agawa Canyon 21 Boreal Saw. Another Outstanding Set. I just didn't stop there, I also can Piggyback my Rodent 9and my Rodent 4 talking about a Heavy Duty Combo. I really trust my life with this set. Infact check out Mer's Rodent 9 Test Video. Outstanding.,, p
quick question: did you try to work with the handles wet (simulating blood etc)? I have a concern with the roundness of the HM handle in the wet! The 6 handle is flatter, giving a better grip to stop from rotating in the hand. I was curious whether you tested for that.
Great video Tim, you definitely compared the two knives head to head. Another point that I think is worth mentioning is right out of the box, the Esee 6 is good to go and needs no upgrading. Yes there are slightly cheaper options out there but, invariably, one has to either upgrade the sheath or handle scales or both. The Esee 6 is fine as is. Thanks again.
I really like the looks of the Esse 6, but I just wouldn't carry that big of a knife. And that's an important thing that I think most people don't think about. You can get a big heavy "survival" knife, but if you don't carry it, how could it ever help you "survive"?
Tactical63. I was going back and forth between them a few years ago. Every Esee has just one major feature that I can't look past. The 6 is too long, the 5 is too thick and heavy, the 4 has too short a handle, and the 3 has too small a blade for me to carry it. I want an Esee, but they just don't have a knife for me. I'd really like to see a slimmer, more woods style 5. That would be awesome.
Survivalkraft. Oh yeah, I completely for got about that one. I've been very close to buying it a few times, but ended up finding what I was looking for. I still may buy it one day, I really like the spear point blade.
I agree with your feelings on the two. I've used the Esee 6 for a while now. I picked up the TKC g10 handle scales and some kydex for it. Those two upgrades eliminated any dislikes I had.
This test is ridiculous, these two knives have exactly the same blade of the same steel and with the same cutting edge, so they cut exactly the same way. The only difference is the comfort of the sleeve in the various tasks and that is what we had to make a real comparison. ESEE 6 is mostly a tactical and survival knife and the ESEE 6HM is designed only for camp work and bushcraft. Sorry for my frankness.
Well he did tell us how it felt different while cutting so I'm guessing using the knife to see how it feels was the goal and not to compare steel since its the same on both knives.
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So the first part of the cutting tests was unnecessary. It was necessary to arrive at the conclusions directly it would have saved time ;)
mdmax75 So you're basically saying what he did in his video? There are some minor differences in the blades that might make or break it for some people purchasing either knife. It was a great video.
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They are exactly the same, same blade, same length, same thickness of the blade, same cutting length, only the shape of the handle changes
esee recommends the injection molded sheath since its less susceptible to the heat and cold. its no surprise this "tactical" guy pics the tactical version.
owned a 6 for years my least favorite woods blade. Bought the HM game changer best all around woods knife made. I run the polymer sheath. That said I cringe when I see someone "chop" with a freaking 6 inch blade get a freaking stick and baton or beaver chew your way through wood. When u see people chop with something never designed to chop with I pretty much immediately assume they have no knife skills. Kinda like seeing a dude off road with a minivan. Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
hi !! good review ..are you in Canada ? if not do you know someone in Canada who knowS Good tactical store ! i'm in Montréal Québec and try to find a store who sells Backpack from CANNAE - VANQUEST - MAXPEDITION - KELTY - MYSTERY RANCH .....thanks
Martin portier hi i only no S&R Knifes i think that they only sale knifes they are in Toronto OntarioCanada i you can Google them they have a internet site and I think there are some sites in BC i don't know the name's hope that will help you
Why do knife reviewers continue to baton? Ridiculous. In a forest there should be plenty of small kindling around instead of damaging your primary tool. Carry an axe...
I agree that some people get a little too excited with batoning. But I've actually found a lot of value in it--when done correctly. For one, it allows me to carry less (leave the axe at home). I've also been in situations where, from either rain or snow, dry wood was scarce and getting a fire going was essential. I've been able to baton away the outer, more wet portions of wood and get to the dry stuff in the center. Once I get a fire going, I can start drying the other stuff I find so I don't have to baton everything. So I agree that batoning isn't always necessary, but I do think it has its place.
Exactly.....great point. Also, I would think that's what these reviewers/gear testers are here for as well: to show us what a knife can or cannot do in the uncomfortable circumstance you have to do ungodly things to your tools (any one tool you may have with you regardless what you wish you had with you). If you're trying to baton the biggest knottiest pieces of wood you can find then you're just abusing the knife or testing it to see how far you can go. People get really upset about batoning but 1.) just because we understand it's not the first thing you should do with your knife doesn't mean we shouldn't appreciate if it can/cannot withstand it when necessary 2.) if batoning is needed, a large knife can be easier, and at times safer, than with an axe and it gives you more cutting edge to work with (especially if you've seen some of the more dangerous folks out there trying to split kindling with their axes/hatchets...it can make you cringe), and 3.) when all you need is smaller kindling (especially when it's wet) it's just more efficient and safer to baton those small pieces of wood with a knife versus pulling out the family camp axe or maybe you're in an emergency situation where all you have is the knife. It's best to know if you're knife (or which of your knives) can handle it or not.
Because that concept was made popular by a handful of people that never lived in temperate woods for more than a few days, let alone weeks or months to appreciate CONSERVATION OF ENERGY. Its the same group of people that think a Busse slab of steel is a "survival knife", even calling them great knives, but its so thick and big that they would want to kill themselves after trying to skin small animals with it or do fine tasks that are essential to your well being. And a lot of people think "But E, INFI is such a tough steel, and BUSSE knives are such a proven design". Compared to what? Any simple steel is tough at a proper hardness, and at that thickness even a slab of lead can chop, and chop it does and THAT'S IT. A knife needs to slice and cut, not just swing at things and bite a bit into them. "Oh but you can parry it with a small knife, its not a big deal caring 2 knives". Indeed, most of the time 2 knives of different sizes are definitely better, but you do not want to carry a 1-2lb knife with you all the time. Its fun in the first week, but then you just want to find a creek to throw it in.
@Aventure Ryan literally any knife can baton through wood, I believe we can both agree to that. But chosing a knife just because it can baton "more comfortably", or "better", is a poor choice of priorities in a knife design. Around 1/30th or less of your time using that knife is spent batoning, I would rather just get a thin knife with a nice belly for all the other tasks that it will make easier, and make sure that the HT is good enough so it doesn't bend/crack during those couple of minutes of batoning to start a fire.
I've always spent around 50 bucks and go through them ,but last straw was when I was doing something on my truck and my folder lock was crap and it folded while pushing down and it cut into my finger real good ,I just bought the esee6 , serrated one ,ya might be over kill for daily carry, but with craziness going on ,I justified it .And it's made in America, that's what I really care about America first as it should be .Good review, and I do go out in the mountains alot so the knife will get used .
Great Video Tim! Thanks for giving an honest review of our products...Very well done!
Randall's Adventure / ESEE I was initially very interested in the 6lm but actually decided on the Kabar Turok after personally being told by a Esse rep that I'd have to pay extra for a left handed sheath. Didn't feel like that was very fair. Love the knife!
The esee 6 original handle is alot better. Should have just made the original with better steel.
Make a Junglas II in Dark Earth !!!
Ok, you've had forever now.. so where's the 5HM??
(In S35vn btw.. the thickness/beefy'ness of the 5's profile is worthy, and if yer still skeurd use 3v)
Can we get a sprint run in 3V?
I would disagree on the sheath verdict - considering the blade is 1095 I'd be more inclined to get the plastic sheath with the drainage holes on the bottom. Leather and 1095 might lead to some rather rusty problems
Mutated Antibiosis good thinking
My TOPS Pig Hunter rusted out after getting it. I got it and left it on my work bench in summer in Iowa, 4 days later I picked it up and unsheathed it and it was rusted rather harshly. I pulled the hardware and removed the handles then went ahead and stripped the coating. I coated it in some unrefined flaxseed oil and then baked it in a toaster oven @ 400F. Multiple coats and now I have what looks like a blackened knife. Buffed on a wheel it has gloss but the surface is super slick. I also refined the edge from the factory edge down to 16.5° angle. I mean it’s a pig sticker not a camp knife.
The 6-HM has a kydex sheath option, not only leather. So, naturally the 6-HM wins on the sheath.
The more square your blade handle is the truer your cuts will be, original esee 6 for me, love mine had it for years
SHADOW good info
What do you mean with "the cut will be truer"?
And we want to give a big shoutout to Tim's beard. Lookin' strong.
GAY!
He should shave his face, buy a dress, and be on Broadway. He disagreed with my pick. He hurt my feelings, so I hurt his. This how it works on UA-cam! Im a pissed off little honey badger Tim!!😠😠
Agree on your assessment. The 6 is a very handy tool in the woods. Does pretty much everything well. Yes on the choil. Definitely. Good review, brother.
Important to note the 6HM comes in a kydex sheath version, but a good review - thanks!
The ESEE 6 with TKC scales are where it's at if you are looking for a bigger woods knife. It's my go to if I'm just taking 1 blade.
I’ve heard others say that. I’m ordering my esee 6 soon
Interesting, on paper I would have picked the HM, it looked like the HM would be just as good for getting your index finger up nice and close to the edge, but I can really picture what you are saying about the dedicated finger choil and guard giving more control and security.
I'm looking at buying a 6 after purchasing and using the 3,4,5 and the Izula. I have only gotten into ESEE knives this year and previously I thought they were probably over-hyped like Becker knives (I own the BK 3, 7, 9, 16). I can't get enough of the ESEE range and I'm always swapping out which knife I carry when I go hiking and camping. Thanks for this review, it gives me more food for thought on my options. At the moment it is between the 6, 6HM and the CM6. I love the look of the CM6 but the 6 I think is more practical. Thanks again for posting this (albeit several years ago).
Thanks for checking it out.
I own the original Esee 6 with the knife connection handles and Kydex sheath as well as the fire steel loop and esee pouch.. it is an awesome and prolly my favorite set-up I own..! I own several set-ups including a Genesis. I would trust the esee 6 with my life!!! It would be the set-up I would take with me if I could only choose a one knife set-up...!!! I know how to use it and it just works!!!!! From fine tasks (because of the finger Choil) to the chopping ability of the bigger blade and everything in between...! A+ in my bushcraft/survival book for sure...!!! Thanks Tim for the outstanding Vid...👍
Glad to help out by sharing this info! Thanks for watching.
_This "ESEE 6hm" has an eerie resemblance to the _*_"DC6"_*_ [French Trade Knife] deal that fell through between ESEE and Dave Canterbury, hummm._
I'm glad that collaboration fell through.
If it was a DC6, it would cost $50 more.
It's a design from hundreds of years ago lol they didn't steal anything.
2 outstanding knives I picked the 6 as well over the HM great test and review Tim it's in my top 5 as well
Ontario Knife Company has never let me down and honestly there knives usually impress me with how well they perform. I wanted for awhile to try out an Esee knife so I think I will get this one first I really like the regular one, not the HM so much.
I have a 4HM. Id love to see them with a handle that has a finger guard like the RB3 for that sense of security.
Very good to know! I have the Esee 4 and Esee 4 HM. I far and away like the original better. For me it comes down to the sheath and the handle. I don't care for the leather sheath because it is difficult to put the knife in without scoring the inside of the sheath. And as for the handle, I feel as though it twists in the hand more than the original, which prevents me from putting as much downward pressure in a push cut. The Esee 6 is definitely on my list, but I don't know whether I want the Junglas or the 6 first.
Thanks for the great video, brother! Take care and God bless!
Brilliant review on the Esee twins, have been wanting an Esee 6 for a long time but have been putting my purchase off based on unsure utube reviews but this review has really sold it to me. Mostly used in a bushcraft environment I was thinking of combining it with the molle sheath for mamimum versittility.
I have never liked the blocky handles on the esee and ontarios. I am so glad they made the HM.
Nice, well done comparison. One advantage of the clip on the plastic sheath is it will fit fine with MOLLE straps on a pack (That's how I carry mine). Nice music at the beginning of the video, too.
I have a classic 6 and my buddy who I do a lot of trips with has the 6HM. 4 vs 4HM I prefer the HM but with the Esee 6 I like the choil and the extra reach it gives. Being up in the PNW I've even used my Esee 6 as an ersatz machete going through a huge rhody Grove and other small stuff. The 4HM, no contest, LOVE the new vroom handle snd shape bit I'll keep my classic Esee 6 for my personal use. Current set-up is actually the Brakimo with a 9" telescoping "dog bone" Saw and maybe the Jungalas II for clearing trail if we need it. That Brakimo is AWESOME as someone who like to whittle and who's always tasked with fire-making/wood-work.
Great video man. I saw that it was a 20 minute video for a knife review and I thought why is it so long but man it was super well-produced and very thorough. Great job. I own some esee knives and I love them. The esee 6 is my next purchase for sure.
Thanks Will. It was long but it was fun to make. ESEE 6 is great.
I would pick the esee 6 because of its versatility.
The ESEE6 HM looks like the DC that didn't seem to work out. I remember seeing that handle last year and liked the simple smooth shape.
Makes you wonder who came up with the handle design,?.
Excellent video dude. The HM sells for $50 more at my closest merchant
Do you guys think the 6hm is strong enough to abuse a bit and batton a lot? (I’m looking for a strong knife to go with a smaller bushcraft knife, and I really like the 6hm.) yesyes I know an axe is better but I want some variety :) .
Yes
love mine. I carry the standard esee 6 with a sheath pouch and a fire steel on the pouch with a small fishing kit on the inside.. also replaced the standard lanyard on the knife and fire steel with 550 firecord.
I'm a new sub and I have to say it was your 100.00 GHB from Walmart that intrigued me, looking forward to PT 2. Personal preference I'm not a big fan of flat grinds, more a sabre grind guy myself... Good review of both knives thumbs up for sure, not a big fan of the leather sheath (Personal Preference) But i'll stick to my GSO 4.7 and 4.1 Cheers and ATB from Yellowknife Canada
Thanks Eric - I'll be working on that video in the next week or so - had to organize my schedule to get 'testing time' in.
Appreciate this vid! Do you prefer the 5 or the 6?
Esee 6 hm with Spyderco PM2 is my dream team
Helo! Congratulations on the great videos! Because it is a survival knife, in a situation of need to use it as a defense, do you believe that esee 6 has a good grip for this? I ask why compared to the kabar knife handle style, the esee 6 would not "escape" from the hand?
Good video, I really enjoyed watching it. I own a ESEE 6 and a ESEE 4, both are great knives.
Essee 6 all day. Essee 6 is a perfect blade.
@@oregonnative9694 There's no such thing as " perfect steel"
What are your top 5? Im guessing the bk7 might be one of them
Just bought the esee 6hm with leather sheath, man I’m soo excited, I have looked and looked for something similar to the Pathfinders Dave Canterbury knife their knifes are always on back order and pretty expensive, Thanks for this video I’m a knife enthusiast and love the outdoors, I don’t know why I haven’t seen this knife till now lol !
Try an LT wright. Hands down better than an esee in every way for bushcraft imo.
I to thought it looked like the old trade knife. I like it!
The HM design IMHO is really best for a 3-4 inch blade, once you get a longer blade you definitely need that handle on the 6. HM is 100% a bushcraft shape which if it were me I would like it in a full convex grind, just makes more sense.
I got my ESEE 6 a couple years ago direct from ESEE, $108.00 with the sheath shipped to me. It's got the old style scales that are actually bigger than the ones in this video, I have big hands so it works great for me but I can see how some one with small hands/fingers would like the HM better. Maybe the best 6" fixed blade in it's class/price range but I'm not an expert on blades I just know from owning one that it's very good.
Also I'd like to add that this is a good example of how you can get very good gear for reasonable money.
Have you tried Benchmade's Backpacker?
I've noticed the HM tends to be a little less controllable, less precision, in how it'll try to rotate in my grip due to it being round. My contoured 6 locks in better.
For me it really comes down to appearance and style.. the HM harkens to "olden days" and doesn't draw much attention to itself, the 6 is more tacticool and modern looking without any gimmicky bits.
Both are great, but both miss the mark a bit. The perfect varient for me would be the standard 6 handle without a choil.
Actually the blade thickness on the Esee 6 is less than 0.188 I believe it is at 1,65 . Thanks for the video
Thank you
Wish the CM was also compared
They won't strike a ferro rod. Its painful to take a file to a new knife.
I did it to a small section. It would be nice if the whole spine was a sharp angle.
Great video, I was wondering if the two would perform different because of the handle shape and you've answered that. I've had my 6 for a couple years now and love it. Why did it take you so long to get one? Lol.
No real reason other than I was testing out other knives and gear. But I am really glad to have one now. I plan on a "Top 5 Survival Knives" video sometime and this is - right now - in the mix.
EverydayTacticalVids, I was just kidding but yes it's definitely a great knife. Look forward to that video then! And the tkc handles really do make a difference on the esee 6, pricey but worth it.
I have the Esee 6 now and brought it with me for serveral bushcraft survival trips and i realy love it.
You made a smart choice. It will serve you well.
Awesome review👍🏻....but I still can’t decide which one to get...
Matthew Mitchell well, at least both are winners!
Good job, thank you for the comparison..!
Great review! What survival and/or bushcraft knife would you recommend that has a more premium stainless steel?
Mongoose ontario blackbird sk5. It has 154cm stainless.
Jesse Schmidt Awesome, thanks!
Premium isn't always better. Sure 154cm will keep an edge longer, but it's also gonna be harder to restore that edge. 154cm might be more stainless, but both knives will eventually rust if you don't look after them. 1095 take an easier edge, and can be sharpened by a rock, a piece of glass, and most of all it's tougher then 154cm. Esse uses a lower rockwell on the steel to make it a bit softer but tougher as well. For survival, you want 1095 not a supersteel you cannot upkeep out in the wilds.
Will the Esee 6 fit in the 6hm sheath? I really love my 6 but I also love that 6hm sheath and would like to know for sure if they will fit together before I order. Awesome video btw!
Nathaniel Ramirez it does fit, but doesn't ride as deep as the HM. At fall short of covering the second bolt, whereas with the HM a completely covers the second bolt.
Which is better brother?
Again I have the ESEE 6 and not the HM, but the 6 is a survival vs bushcrafting for HM. I like the look of the 6 but hate its grind, and they both have the same grind and as a result suck at most tasks, because they are both compromise. If HM had an Scandi grind, I would consider purchasing and try it.
Lt wright. You won’t be disappointed and will wonder why you ever looked at esee
Say Heah Tim, When I L@@Ked for a good Survival Knife my criteria was it had to cut good. If I couldn't get my Rodent's I think Essee would be the one I would pick. But I got lucky. I went to Blade Forum and a fella was talking about how the Custom Shop at Busse Combat could modify a Rodent 6, he had the top guard taken off, I also had mine thinned down. It's less than a 1/4" thick now and without the top guard it L@@Ks like my Ratmandu on steroids. It's by far one of my Fav. 6"+ blades and the steel is Outstanding. A 52100 Ballbearing Steel with Busse Technology. It's Outstanding. Infact I made a nice Trio Carry using my 17" Hultafors Bruks Agdor Hatchet one of my Fav. Bush Craft Hatchet and my Wicked Tough Saw. I also have a Outstanding Piggyback Rodent 7 and my Rodent 3. I Baldric Carry them. With this Combo I like using them on my solo overnighter trips. I added my 24" Council Wood Craft Pack Axe with the Heavy Duty Sheath and Sling. Plus my new Agawa Canyon 21 Boreal Saw. Another Outstanding Set. I just didn't stop there, I also can Piggyback my Rodent 9and my Rodent 4 talking about a Heavy Duty Combo. I really trust my life with this set. Infact check out Mer's Rodent 9 Test Video. Outstanding.,, p
quick question: did you try to work with the handles wet (simulating blood etc)? I have a concern with the roundness of the HM handle in the wet! The 6 handle is flatter, giving a better grip to stop from rotating in the hand. I was curious whether you tested for that.
Bonjour So which one is the best ?
Very good useful presentation...thanks,,,
The Hm for me , the handle is better than the regular and i don't like finger choil .
I concur, good sir! Well done review!
Thanks for checking it out!
Just another great video keep them up!!!
I think the original looks best probably soften the edges with a little sand paper.
I enjoy my knife.
Don't love the metal belt clip though.
It bends when caught.
Great knife though. Beyond proven.
Great video Tim, you definitely compared the two knives head to head. Another point that I think is worth mentioning is right out of the box, the Esee 6 is good to go and needs no upgrading. Yes there are slightly cheaper options out there but, invariably, one has to either upgrade the sheath or handle scales or both. The Esee 6 is fine as is. Thanks again.
Good call on that. And thanks for checking out the video. This was fun to make for sure.
Which is better esee 6 or esee 6 hm
I own this esee 6 now!
Who came up with the term jimping?
I have the original ESEE 6 and I see no reason to replace it.
I really like the looks of the Esse 6, but I just wouldn't carry that big of a knife. And that's an important thing that I think most people don't think about. You can get a big heavy "survival" knife, but if you don't carry it, how could it ever help you "survive"?
Steve Smith There is always the ESEE 5,4 or 3!
Tactical63. I was going back and forth between them a few years ago. Every Esee has just one major feature that I can't look past. The 6 is too long, the 5 is too thick and heavy, the 4 has too short a handle, and the 3 has too small a blade for me to carry it. I want an Esee, but they just don't have a knife for me. I'd really like to see a slimmer, more woods style 5. That would be awesome.
Have you checked out the Laser Strike? It sounds like it might fit the bill.
Survivalkraft. Oh yeah, I completely for got about that one. I've been very close to buying it a few times, but ended up finding what I was looking for. I still may buy it one day, I really like the spear point blade.
Steve Smith why not the esee 4hm? It fits all the criteria u just stated.
Very well done video. Thanks for the info.
IamDoogy thanks for checking it out
I agree with your feelings on the two. I've used the Esee 6 for a while now. I picked up the TKC g10 handle scales and some kydex for it. Those two upgrades eliminated any dislikes I had.
I prefer the HM. More comfortable. Feels better.
Cheers Mate!
For my survival needs ... the Esse 5.
Dude keep making the vids good job!
Thanks Tim!
Thanks for watching, Jason.
nice knives. thanks for the vid.
I like the esee knives but the handles have always been too short for me. Meat of the hand always hanging off.
Thanks Tim! I've been on the fence about the Esee 6 for a long time. Nice review
LOVING the ESEE 6 - in the Top 5 for me.
This test is ridiculous, these two knives have exactly the same blade of the same steel and with the same cutting edge, so they cut exactly the same way. The only difference is the comfort of the sleeve in the various tasks and that is what we had to make a real comparison.
ESEE 6 is mostly a tactical and survival knife and the ESEE 6HM is designed only for camp work and bushcraft.
Sorry for my frankness.
Well he did tell us how it felt different while cutting so I'm guessing using the knife to see how it feels was the goal and not to compare steel since its the same on both knives.
So the first part of the cutting tests was unnecessary.
It was necessary to arrive at the conclusions directly it would have saved time ;)
mdmax75 So you're basically saying what he did in his video? There are some minor differences in the blades that might make or break it for some people purchasing either knife. It was a great video.
They are exactly the same, same blade, same length, same thickness of the blade, same cutting length, only the shape of the handle changes
I absolutely hate choils in knives, so I know from the start what I would chose.
Great review !
Thanks Tony.
Good review.
Tramontane thanks!
esee recommends the injection molded sheath since its less susceptible to the heat and cold. its no surprise this "tactical" guy pics the tactical version.
Benchmade Arvensis 119.ESEE6-which is better???
Both are great but I’d take the ESEE 6
@@EverydayTacticalVids thank you friend!!! GREETINGS FROM RUSSIA
Эдуард Казанцев Greetings back to you
ESEE 6 is a beast!
What about esse CM6?
Nice video
Thanks - I appreciate it.
They should have removed the finger choil, and shortened the ricasso instead.
Awesome!
Thanks Roberto.
Excellent review and video! I agree with your findings. I prefer the six also.
owned a 6 for years my least favorite woods blade. Bought the HM game changer best all around woods knife made. I run the polymer sheath. That said I cringe when I see someone "chop" with a freaking 6 inch blade get a freaking stick and baton or beaver chew your way through wood. When u see people chop with something never designed to chop with I pretty much immediately assume they have no knife skills. Kinda like seeing a dude off road with a minivan. Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
What if you added the RAT7 .
RAT 7 is a nice one to compare to the regular ESEE 6. I actually like both the ESEE 6 and RAT 7 a lot - both are excellent.
hi !! good review ..are you in Canada ? if not do you know someone in Canada who knowS Good tactical store ! i'm in Montréal Québec and try to find a store who sells Backpack from CANNAE - VANQUEST - MAXPEDITION - KELTY - MYSTERY RANCH .....thanks
Martin portier hi i only no S&R Knifes i think that they only sale knifes they are in Toronto OntarioCanada i you can Google them they have a internet site and I think there are some sites in BC i don't know the name's hope that will help you
Thanks !
Can't go wrong with any esee knives... or Ontario........
Buy one! ;)
Muito bom
What song was on 5:50?
esee 6
The HM looks dangerous to the fingers. 😆
Yeah. Gotta be careful with no finger guard.
I have a real love affair with the Esee 6. One of my favorites.
Im very confused as to what part of this is tactical? I guess to be tactical all you need to do is have it in your title lol.
john 3.16
Cuttin wood like buttah
I really wanted to enjoy this review but in the back of my mind I couldn't stop wishing that GideonsTactical was doing this side by side comparison!
Why do knife reviewers continue to baton? Ridiculous. In a forest there should be plenty of small kindling around instead of damaging your primary tool. Carry an axe...
I agree that some people get a little too excited with batoning. But I've actually found a lot of value in it--when done correctly. For one, it allows me to carry less (leave the axe at home). I've also been in situations where, from either rain or snow, dry wood was scarce and getting a fire going was essential. I've been able to baton away the outer, more wet portions of wood and get to the dry stuff in the center. Once I get a fire going, I can start drying the other stuff I find so I don't have to baton everything. So I agree that batoning isn't always necessary, but I do think it has its place.
Exactly.....great point. Also, I would think that's what these reviewers/gear testers are here for as well: to show us what a knife can or cannot do in the uncomfortable circumstance you have to do ungodly things to your tools (any one tool you may have with you regardless what you wish you had with you). If you're trying to baton the biggest knottiest pieces of wood you can find then you're just abusing the knife or testing it to see how far you can go. People get really upset about batoning but 1.) just because we understand it's not the first thing you should do with your knife doesn't mean we shouldn't appreciate if it can/cannot withstand it when necessary 2.) if batoning is needed, a large knife can be easier, and at times safer, than with an axe and it gives you more cutting edge to work with (especially if you've seen some of the more dangerous folks out there trying to split kindling with their axes/hatchets...it can make you cringe), and 3.) when all you need is smaller kindling (especially when it's wet) it's just more efficient and safer to baton those small pieces of wood with a knife versus pulling out the family camp axe or maybe you're in an emergency situation where all you have is the knife. It's best to know if you're knife (or which of your knives) can handle it or not.
Because that concept was made popular by a handful of people that never lived in temperate woods for more than a few days, let alone weeks or months to appreciate CONSERVATION OF ENERGY. Its the same group of people that think a Busse slab of steel is a "survival knife", even calling them great knives, but its so thick and big that they would want to kill themselves after trying to skin small animals with it or do fine tasks that are essential to your well being. And a lot of people think "But E, INFI is such a tough steel, and BUSSE knives are such a proven design". Compared to what? Any simple steel is tough at a proper hardness, and at that thickness even a slab of lead can chop, and chop it does and THAT'S IT. A knife needs to slice and cut, not just swing at things and bite a bit into them. "Oh but you can parry it with a small knife, its not a big deal caring 2 knives". Indeed, most of the time 2 knives of different sizes are definitely better, but you do not want to carry a 1-2lb knife with you all the time. Its fun in the first week, but then you just want to find a creek to throw it in.
@Aventure Ryan literally any knife can baton through wood, I believe we can both agree to that. But chosing a knife just because it can baton "more comfortably", or "better", is a poor choice of priorities in a knife design. Around 1/30th or less of your time using that knife is spent batoning, I would rather just get a thin knife with a nice belly for all the other tasks that it will make easier, and make sure that the HT is good enough so it doesn't bend/crack during those couple of minutes of batoning to start a fire.
Oh lord here we go again.
I find finger choils to be unnecessary. Just waste of blade.