I hate that saying… “a large knife can do everything a small knife can do, but a small knife can’t do everything a large knife can do” That’s why surgeons do surgeries with machetes… different tools for different jobs. It’s easier to gut an animal with a small knife and easier to de-limb a tree with a large knife. Pack the tools for the jobs you expect to do
To my knowledge it was Lynn Thompson of Cold Steel knives who said that a large knife could do anything a small knife could, but not vice versa. It's on You-tube, where he's talking about his large CS folding knives. Great ESEE knives by the way.
Very likely. I first heard it many years ago when Nutnfancy was talking with someone (possibly from Gerber knives) while at a Blade Show. I’ve heard it several times since, just not sure who originally coined the phrase.
I’ve told you in past videos that I have the 4 because of your recommendation. Absolutely LOVE it! I’ve since taken it off my pack & now rocks as my truck knife. If I had to choose another, I’d pick the 6. But since you’re asking us to pick just one, I’m staying with the 4. Wish I had all 3!!
Man I remember your ESEE videos from years ago! Those caused me to buy my ESEE 4 that I carried for years before I went down the custom knife rabbit hole. So glad I found you again.
All great knives, I have the 4, and it lives on the front of my Hill People Gear chest rig. It’s a great combo, and has never let me down. Thanks for the video Tim, be well my friend.
My dream knife that ESEE hasn't produced yet: ESEE 6 with the thickness of the 5 but in S35VN stainless. The extra thickness because stainless isn't as tough as the 1095 high carbon. I currently own the ESEE 3 and the ESEE 4 - both in S35VN.
Hi Tim. As an owner of an ESEE4 and 5 I'd get the 6. Here's why: The 5 is a f9cking tank!! If you're cutting through car doors for a living, get it!! AWESOME TOOL! The 4 is insanely convenient and practical. However, the 6 can do tougher jobs, yet can also do smaller intricate work. More of a slicer than the 5. And can do bigger jobs than the 4. So to me the 6 is the sweet spot. BTW, ESEE should have KYDEX on their sheaths. Charge $5 more but no plastic. Cheers
Tim, I just got the 4 and it seems perfect to me. I think I may have smaller hands than you. I like the 4 because it is not visible under a untucked shirt so I don’t have people freaking out when I’m at a camp ground. I may get a 6 next after I save up for it. Thanks for the video.
I love Esee knives, and I’ve had almost every model. Could never decide which one to carry and compromise with. Ended up grabbing an architect ak 6.5….. with the 6.5 I got the scales I wanted, the Kydex sheath…. And the Sabre ground bigger blade in cpm3v!! Loving it, while I still love the esee’s.
I'll go one better. ESEE 6 with the thickness of the 5 but in S35VN stainless. The extra thickness because stainless isn't as tough as the 1095 high carbon.
The knife connection has the architect series and one of their offerings have similar dimensions as the esee 5, but thinner. They use the same handle scales btw.
Ya the 6 with the new g10 scales is awesome. That and the Izula are my faves so far. Probably going to get a 4 next with that nice style handle. Looks great!
I EDC an Esee 4. I love this knife. I use it all the time and for everything. However if the world went to shit I would go with the Esee 6. But for an EDC knife for and a do it all knife I'd go with the Esee 4. I have the Esee Izula II, 4, 4HM and the 6. I love them all. You really can't go wrong with any Esee. Also I believe lots of soldier brought the Esee 4 to Afghanistan as well.
@@citizen9403 I EDC’d the 4 for a while, then the Izula for a bit. For some time I carried the 4 in my EDC pack and a folder on my person. It’s constantly changing/evolving. Options are good. 👍
If you already have the 3, the 4 may not seem much of an improvement in size. Especially if you use the scales it comes with. The six will be a noticeable improvement on all points.
Hey Brother Tim, fantastic thoughts on these knives. Ive heard the phrase but don't know the author, but its so true. WOW! Incredible warranty wirh no questions asked, not many companies offer thst level of service. Always appreciate your experience and thoughts on gear Brother 🤠🌲☕
ESEE knives are great. I really wish the ESEE 4 didn’t have that choil. If the blade edge went right to the handle with maybe a sharpening choil, I’d be ok with the short rounded handle. I agree with your pick of the 6!
The after market handles are 60% of the price of the knife. So I guess instead of having $115 into the knife you’re gonna have $175 into the knife. Some people complain that the knife is good but overpriced as it is. Myself I just ordered the esse 4 last night but probably keep it stock
Good to see you back. I have a question about s certain bag that there is no information on online and if anyone can get down to what it's really for and how it works, is you. Not even CS 5.11 know much about it.. Where can I reach you or just post it here?
@@GearReviewDepot Thank you. It's the 5.11 Tactical Covert Box Messenger. I think 5.11 lists it as "Covrt". It's fairly straight forward except for some straps inside which I can only assume are for quick opening? And still 2 other straps that make no sense at all since they connect to nothing. So odd.
@@GearReviewDepot it's tough to see them, especially not having them in your possession. Pics online don't show them properly. It's the weirdest thing. And there is maybe 2 videos anywhere on it. Crazy. Maybe I can make video and send.
I have a CS Survivalist for about €90,-- Now, I really like the looks of Esee6 a lot, but they cost more than 2 times the price, about €210,-- over here. Sincere question : Is the Esee6 really 2 times 'better'? Stronger? Tougher? Stays sharp longer? Thanks in advance to all responders! Greets from the Netherlands 🇳🇱, TW.
I have all three, but for overall use, I would have to go with the 6. It’s a very versatile blade that can be used for fine tasks like the 4, but could also withstand a beating like the 5(close). I just think it’s the perfect balance out of the three. One esee knife that I wish I had is the laser strike.
@@btuthill9653 If you’re talking about a knife to carry while hunting, maybe process the deer after taking one down then yes. It’s a great knife as a companion to your rifle or bow. As for hunting deer with nothing else other than an ESEE 4? I’d suggest not trying it. 😉😅
I unfortunately haven’t had the pleasure of playing with the LS. However, it’s an ESEE, I haven’t absolutely no doubt it’s a great knife. Back when I had the whole collection, the LS didn’t exist. It’s on my wish list but keeps getting pushed down the list because I add more than I buy. 🤣 I did have the Junglas for a while years ago, loved chopping with that beast!
“Had these for a lot of years” “Seen a lot of use” Bro the logos are still legible, the blade finish is unmarred. Even spending an entire day washing a used knife like that wouldnt make them that clean. “Had it 14 years” yeah and the hardest use it got was you shaving a patch of arm hair for a video. Displaying them by sticking the tips into a piece of hardware store lumber is the closest theyve ever come to tasting firewood
The 5 is just too thick, not designed for normal use, unless your stabbing holes in car doors for a living. I have the 6, 4, 3. If I had to choose one It would easily be the 3 for "everything". The 6 and 3 is the perfect combo though. 6 on the backpack, 3 on the belt and your good to go.
*If I had to choose only one: ESEE 4.5 or 6, I would choose Bark River Bravo 1 CPM 3V 🙂. I can't stand painted blades and handles that get dirty quickly.👿*
*ESEE makes average knives, from average, quickly rusting steel, at an exorbitant price. To make them look nice paint them black. And the colors of the rainbow.*
@@GearReviewDepot *I also don't have a problem with ESEE knives rusting. They sit on my desk, in a dry place, they are covered with camellia oil and I don't use them.*
I hate that saying… “a large knife can do everything a small knife can do, but a small knife can’t do everything a large knife can do”
That’s why surgeons do surgeries with machetes… different tools for different jobs. It’s easier to gut an animal with a small knife and easier to de-limb a tree with a large knife. Pack the tools for the jobs you expect to do
🙃😊🙃😊🙃
*Have you ever heard of Murphy's Law?*
Esee 6 it is! Thank you for taking the time and sharing your personal opinion!
@@alexmagana7006 I appreciate you taking the time to watch.
My Esee 6 arrived last night. I couldn't be happier. Great review. Thank you.
Awesome!
*Still happy?*
@@user-ww4od4jl1f very. I love this thing. 🔥
To my knowledge it was Lynn Thompson of Cold Steel knives who said that a large knife could do anything a small knife could, but not vice versa. It's on You-tube, where he's talking about his large CS folding knives. Great ESEE knives by the way.
Very likely. I first heard it many years ago when Nutnfancy was talking with someone (possibly from Gerber knives) while at a Blade Show. I’ve heard it several times since, just not sure who originally coined the phrase.
I’ve told you in past videos that I have the 4 because of your recommendation. Absolutely LOVE it! I’ve since taken it off my pack & now rocks as my truck knife. If I had to choose another, I’d pick the 6. But since you’re asking us to pick just one, I’m staying with the 4. Wish I had all 3!!
Man I remember your ESEE videos from years ago! Those caused me to buy my ESEE 4 that I carried for years before I went down the custom knife rabbit hole.
So glad I found you again.
Glad you’re back! 👍
All great knives, I have the 4, and it lives on the front of my Hill People Gear chest rig. It’s a great combo, and has never let me down. Thanks for the video Tim, be well my friend.
My dream knife that ESEE hasn't produced yet: ESEE 6 with the thickness of the 5 but in S35VN stainless. The extra thickness because stainless isn't as tough as the 1095 high carbon. I currently own the ESEE 3 and the ESEE 4 - both in S35VN.
Of those 3 I'll go 6 all the way. It is my favorite of their survival/field knives. I love the 3 and Izula for esc though.
I think the Essee 6 with the Molle sheath and pouch is one of if not the best survival knife package available ones stop shop. It’s awesome
I can’t disagree. 🙂
Hi Tim. As an owner of an ESEE4 and 5 I'd get the 6. Here's why: The 5 is a f9cking tank!! If you're cutting through car doors for a living, get it!! AWESOME TOOL!
The 4 is insanely convenient and practical. However, the 6 can do tougher jobs, yet can also do smaller intricate work. More of a slicer than the 5. And can do bigger jobs than the 4. So to me the 6 is the sweet spot. BTW, ESEE should have KYDEX on their sheaths. Charge $5 more but no plastic. Cheers
I couldn’t agree more! 👍
Laser Strike and Junglas. All bases covered and done 😁
I'd toss an Izula 2 in there and thats my combo as well lol
@@thwolf762 & @ajm2872......why the Junglas rather than the 6?
Tim, I just got the 4 and it seems perfect to me. I think I may have smaller hands than you. I like the 4 because it is not visible under a untucked shirt so I don’t have people freaking out when I’m at a camp ground. I may get a 6 next after I save up for it. Thanks for the video.
I love Esee knives, and I’ve had almost every model. Could never decide which one to carry and compromise with. Ended up grabbing an architect ak 6.5….. with the 6.5 I got the scales I wanted, the Kydex sheath…. And the Sabre ground bigger blade in cpm3v!! Loving it, while I still love the esee’s.
The best knife they have never made is a Esee 5 with the thickness of a Esee 6.
Agree, esee 5, 3/16" thick with the saber grind
I'll go one better. ESEE 6 with the thickness of the 5 but in S35VN stainless. The extra thickness because stainless isn't as tough as the 1095 high carbon.
@@gorillahd9247 British MOD, scandi grind. It's ugly but it does the trick.
The knife connection has the architect series and one of their offerings have similar dimensions as the esee 5, but thinner. They use the same handle scales btw.
For me, for my tasks and needs, the best is Esee 3. For heavy tasks I use saw and /machete Tramontina
Ya the 6 with the new g10 scales is awesome. That and the Izula are my faves so far. Probably going to get a 4 next with that nice style handle. Looks great!
I EDC an Esee 4. I love this knife. I use it all the time and for everything. However if the world went to shit I would go with the Esee 6. But for an EDC knife for and a do it all knife I'd go with the Esee 4. I have the Esee Izula II, 4, 4HM and the 6. I love them all. You really can't go wrong with any Esee. Also I believe lots of soldier brought the Esee 4 to Afghanistan as well.
@@citizen9403 I EDC’d the 4 for a while, then the Izula for a bit. For some time I carried the 4 in my EDC pack and a folder on my person. It’s constantly changing/evolving. Options are good. 👍
I agree but I have the Esee 6HM which is my SHTF knife.
Thanks for posting…! Its a big subject for sure.
I love the ESEE-6/RAT-7.
Great video, I appreciate your knowledge and expertise. I have the 3, but is kinda small. Looking at the 4. But now I’m really thinking of the 6.
If you already have the 3, the 4 may not seem much of an improvement in size. Especially if you use the scales it comes with. The six will be a noticeable improvement on all points.
Hey Brother Tim, fantastic thoughts on these knives. Ive heard the phrase but don't know the author, but its so true. WOW! Incredible warranty wirh no questions asked, not many companies offer thst level of service. Always appreciate your experience and thoughts on gear Brother 🤠🌲☕
Esse 4. Hands down. Really a long blade is not that handy
Nah the 5, it is more indestructible.
ESEE knives are great. I really wish the ESEE 4 didn’t have that choil. If the blade edge went right to the handle with maybe a sharpening choil, I’d be ok with the short rounded handle.
I agree with your pick of the 6!
Happy with my BK2.
The after market handles are 60% of the price of the knife.
So I guess instead of having $115 into the knife you’re gonna have $175 into the knife.
Some people complain that the knife is good but overpriced as it is.
Myself I just ordered the esse 4 last night but probably keep it stock
Great point. Thank you for stopping by. Be safe out there.
I want an Esse 6 with the thickness of the 5.
@@AkiraSRT9 👍
Me too
Good to see you back. I have a question about s certain bag that there is no information on online and if anyone can get down to what it's really for and how it works, is you. Not even CS 5.11 know much about it..
Where can I reach you or just post it here?
Just ask here.
@@GearReviewDepot Thank you. It's the 5.11 Tactical Covert Box Messenger. I think 5.11 lists it as "Covrt". It's fairly straight forward except for some straps inside which I can only assume are for quick opening? And still 2 other straps that make no sense at all since they connect to nothing. So odd.
@@ItsaPlanetKiller Sorry my friend, I’m not seeing the straps you’re referring to.
@@GearReviewDepot it's tough to see them, especially not having them in your possession. Pics online don't show them properly. It's the weirdest thing. And there is maybe 2 videos anywhere on it. Crazy. Maybe I can make video and send.
I still have my esee 4 and 6 and they're both well used. But between the two I'd have to choose my 6.
👍
I have a CS Survivalist for about €90,-- Now, I really like the looks of Esee6 a lot, but they cost more than 2 times the price, about €210,-- over here.
Sincere question :
Is the Esee6 really 2 times 'better'? Stronger? Tougher? Stays sharp longer?
Thanks in advance to all responders!
Greets from the Netherlands 🇳🇱,
TW.
Absolutely! I’d take an ESEE over any CS knife any day, especially the 6.
@@GearReviewDepot : Oké!! Thanks, appreciate it 👍
What would you choose as a Companion to the 5 or 6....?
@@neiloevocati Personally I’d go with the 4 or 3… definitely nothing smaller than the ESEE 3.
@@GearReviewDepot Thanks
I have all three, but for overall use, I would have to go with the 6. It’s a very versatile blade that can be used for fine tasks like the 4, but could also withstand a beating like the 5(close). I just think it’s the perfect balance out of the three. One esee knife that I wish I had is the laser strike.
Would the Esee 4 be a good hunting knife for deer?
@@btuthill9653 If you’re talking about a knife to carry while hunting, maybe process the deer after taking one down then yes. It’s a great knife as a companion to your rifle or bow. As for hunting deer with nothing else other than an ESEE 4? I’d suggest not trying it. 😉😅
I have the junglas the 4 and laser strike love them have you tried the laser strike what is your opinion of it I would love to know
I unfortunately haven’t had the pleasure of playing with the LS. However, it’s an ESEE, I haven’t absolutely no doubt it’s a great knife. Back when I had the whole collection, the LS didn’t exist. It’s on my wish list but keeps getting pushed down the list because I add more than I buy. 🤣 I did have the Junglas for a while years ago, loved chopping with that beast!
if u ever get the laser strike let me.know your opinion of it
“Had these for a lot of years”
“Seen a lot of use”
Bro the logos are still legible, the blade finish is unmarred. Even spending an entire day washing a used knife like that wouldnt make them that clean. “Had it 14 years” yeah and the hardest use it got was you shaving a patch of arm hair for a video.
Displaying them by sticking the tips into a piece of hardware store lumber is the closest theyve ever come to tasting firewood
Nope. I appreciate you stopping by nonetheless.
Now when grandthumb reviewed the Esse 4, that was a used knife.
The 5 is just too thick, not designed for normal use, unless your stabbing holes in car doors for a living. I have the 6, 4, 3. If I had to choose one It would easily be the 3 for "everything". The 6 and 3 is the perfect combo though. 6 on the backpack, 3 on the belt and your good to go.
My brother has a 5. Handling it, I could only think of it as a prybar with an edge. I prefer my 6 to actually work with.
“Frost, sometimes makes the blade stick.”
@@masterofnone1481 Can’t say I’ve ever experienced that.
@@GearReviewDepot lol it’s a quote from Gladiator.
6..... ( 4 too short, 5 too width)
*If I had to choose only one: ESEE 4.5 or 6, I would choose Bark River Bravo 1 CPM 3V 🙂. I can't stand painted blades and handles that get dirty quickly.👿*
@@user-ww4od4jl1f Completely understandable.
@@GearReviewDepot ❤
@@GearReviewDepot *I once tried to argue with ESEE (Mike Perrin) about this, but he knows better🙃*
*As a result I stopped buying ESEE knives. Problem solved.*
laserstrike !
I like my 6hm
*ESEE makes average knives, from average, quickly rusting steel, at an exorbitant price. To make them look nice paint them black. And the colors of the rainbow.*
@@user-ww4od4jl1f I’ve had a lot of ESEE knives in the last 15+ years, can’t say I’ve ever had a rust issue.
@@GearReviewDepot *I also don't have a problem with ESEE knives rusting. They sit on my desk, in a dry place, they are covered with camellia oil and I don't use them.*
You must be lonely if you’re doing aftermarket knife scales?
@@charleshunter3595 Not at all. Thanks for stopping by.
You must be lonelier being in the comment section talking 💩 nËrd
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