Don’t sleep on this knife. She’s been my EDC for years, I use her every day, and I’m a maintenance man, not a bushcraft expert. Great ergonomics, wonderful blade, looks cool, and has cut everything I’ve thrown at her.
Leather sheaths have been around a few hundred years before Kydex, and holding high carbon steel blades. Don't remember anyone ever saying that they promoted corrosion, just need to know how to take care of the blade and sheath.
I like every knife that ESEE makes and this JG3 is no exception. The review was very enjoyable to watch; and I like being kept up to speed on all the new knives that come on the market. As to this ESEE's price point: yes, it's a bit pricey and I'm willing to pay what they ask because their knives give me so much enjoyment.
I'm really liking these smaller fixed blades. Super excited for this one. I have a leather sheath for another knife of the same size and I love it. That said, not terribly excited about this sheath for some of the reasons you mentioned. My other sheath is a nice formed sheath and holds the knife well. It also sits horizontal that I love for EDC carry.
Hey Aaron - just a side note with the leather, sometimes wet molding a leather sheath can be extremely effective in greater retention. It's a much closer and tight fit. Maybe it's worth a shot for you plus treating it with a water proofing
Just lost my Izula 2 clearing out trees that fell during a storm 3 days ago and was debating buying another Izula 2, the JG3 or the Tops Scandi Trekker. This video was a huge help in making my choice a little easier so thank you! Izula 2...it is!
I bought a Fiskars x11 from the factory store in Finland i also live in Finland and I go camping a lot at my dads place. Nice to hear that you like it!
Great video, I really like how you showed how to make a trap with the knife you are reviewing. Seeing how the blade performs while doing camp like tasks helps a lot on whether to buy one. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos!
Check out the 4hm. Little longer and thicker with a broom-stick style handle that's more comfortable in any hand position. Very similar design to this one but $6 cheaper at TKC.
Water mold that puppy, it's perfect to do so cause it's untreated leather. Mold it then cover it with hot wax let it soak that crap up, it will dry solid.and be water proof.
The leather sheath is a big plus for a knife that is going to be carried on the belt. 5/5 for that one. Kydex is ok for a large knife that is going to be inside or attached to the outside of a backpack. If you are in a humid environment, you have to take the same precusions and do the same maintenance to the knife, using kydex, as with a leather sheath. As for durability, kydex seems to be a strong material (I do have some, switched out with leather), but it would be interesting to know how it hold up in a cold environment. Anyway my main argument against kydex, in conjunction with a belt knife, is the noise it generate. When I am out hunting or photographing, that is not acceptable.
Love your product reviews. Can you look at the camera when you do them? Looking at your camera screen is distracting for us, your viewers. Just my 2 cents. Keep up the killer reviews.
Excellent review Aaron. I don't mind the leather sheath but the lack of retention is an issue. If it were mine I'd probably wet form it, pop the stitching, stain and waterproof it and put it back together. You are spot on with the price point. 1095 is a very inexpensive steel. That's a $75-80 knife. But, Esee did it right, and I like that it's thinner than the Isula II. At the end of the day it might be worth it.
+Blue Mountain Bushcraft and Outdoors The JG3 looks like the ESEE's hunters knife(i.e. a skinner, food processor): small, nice belly, full flat grid. The ESEE Camp-Lore RB3 is obviously ESEE's bushcraft knife. Unfortunately, the RB3's has a very weak edge design that damages easily with tougher duties. It even ships with a warning stating this fact. The JG3 & the RB3 are OK but both knives a overpriced as you stated. IMO they are $60 to $70 USD knives. And they really don't need to be full-tangs for their type of duties and/or edge weakness.
Having owned and used the Izulu2 I decided the JG3 was worth the extra funds for the larger grip area and blade. Now that I am retired, I am carrying the JG3 as an EDC knife in a kydex sheath with loops. Great review as usual. Thanks. C
Why have they not made a kydex option yet ? Sheeeesh the Esee 3HM and 4HM have kydex and I bet they sale better cause they are always out. I don't understand these marketing choices they make Aaron, just like Ontario it leaves ya scratching your head...BUT it's been years now especially Ontario so I give up I've scratched my head bald .
Why would you compare it to the Izula price wise when it's in the same category as the Esee 3? In my opinion it's a great value considering other knives I own that are twice as much that don't perform as well.
+gideonstactical hey, quick question, I own the RB3, how much bigger is the handle on the RB3 then the JG3? I love the handle and how it feels and the ergos. Just curious the difference in size and such compared to the JG3
I love the two ESEE's that I own (E-5 & Org. Izula). I'm really looking forward to the RB-3 Scandi & hope you get one soon to review. I'd put a patina on the blade to deter rust from the leather sheath like I did for my Spyderco Bushcraft UK.
well you help me alot I have cancer and kidney failure and your videos keep my mind off it I keep entering contests to win a knife like that no luck yet I can't afford it with all my medication bills but thanks again
can recomend you too take contact with dean aragon on facebook and aragon knifes. he makes hands down top quality custom knifes for really good prices too. i just bought a custom really thin scandivex carver/slicer from him with micarta and kydex shipped to norway for under 150 us dollars thats around 0.012 behind the edge. tell him Glenn sendt you and he will make you something really nice 😊
ESEE JG3 OR TOPS Scandi Trekker? Looking to use as companion knife for camp chores to a large dedicated batonning knife (RAT7 or Kellam Ranger Puukko) when backpacking.
The Scandi Trekker, ESEE RB3 or any other similar sized knife with a "scandi" grind. Here in Scandinavia we just call them knives. We use them for cutting tomatoes, quartering a moose and anything inbetween. If food prep is your main conserne, maybe you should bring along a small ceramic knife.
I own both blades and the Tops Scandi Trekker is awesome for small task and bushcraft and carving and such, the blade has a modified Scandi grind and the rb3 is regular Scandi I Belive. But the jg3 is good for food prep and camp chores. But for carving and such I would use the tops Trekker. But all 3 great knives and around the same price 100 dollar range. I honestly pr fee Scandi grinds for carving and finer task. So it's up to u. Both work great
More and more I have come to question the high price of these designer knives, but maybe what I am really questioning is the overall value, and the actual need for one. Yea, I get it, the guy who designed it is a talented guy, and Esee is a quality company that deserves to be paid for their quality products. It also seems to me that many people are just "collectors" of these knives, and I wonder just how much use one can give to a large diverse collection of knives; or are they just like some type of artwork, that is collected just to gaze at lovingly. Practically speaking, one can purchase a great bushcraft knife like the Mora Green HD, a large HD full tang knife such as many of the Schrade, CRKT, or Condor products for batoning, and heavier work, and a great saw like a Silky Gomboy for the same price as the one knife that you are reviewing. With those three products one can basically do whatever outdoor or bushcraft task that may arise. An even larger blade like a Woodman's Pal, parang, bolo, kukri, or machete could be added for even more diversity. Boom! Now one is set for many years for under $200, maybe under $150.00 for four durable and actually useful bushcraft products. I realize that for whatever reasons that you have chosen, you have decided to keep reviewing different knives, and I want you to know that I like your reviews, and I like the knives, but the Value quotient (Quality + Price)is not there for me for most of the knives that are reviewed. After viewing countless knife reviews, I have started to ask myself the question, just how many yachts does one need to buy, just so one can go water skiing?
You make some good points, but... If you want to get really practical, a sharpened lawnmower blade would do most bushcraft tasks too. I have several knives and they all go through a rotation, every weekend I bring 4 or 5 to the country and put them through their paces. Are some overpriced? Yes. Are they a waste of money? Depends on the individual. I think spending thousands on mags for your car is a waste, but many will disagree. Besides, everyone collects something, some people like pens, some watches, shoes, ties, you name it.
Yes, your point is right on, the value of the product is based upon the opinion, or grading system of the purchaser. Some individuals like Jay Leno collect cars, and price is probably not an issue, but I bet that he, like many other collectors, still looks for the best value for his money. Some individuals just don't care, even if they are overpaying, as we have seen in real estate booms and busts, but hey that was their choice. Let's be real, for general bushcraft tasks, marine use, hunting, or self defense, the lawnmower blade is not practical, but is a last resort, when you have nothing else available. Designer knives are like designer anything...typically overpriced, and more times than not, purchased for reasons of status, showing off, feeling good, and also because they are probably a quality item. Of course some individuals just like to collect knives, like coins, stamps, or whatever, just to look at them every once in a while. My real point is when discussing knives, the question for the common man is usually what knife will perform excellently, and practically, for the best price, in a variety of situations. Generally speaking, there are a myriad of very reasonably priced knives, that are available to the common man, that will perform excellently for many years. Bottom line, there is really no practical reason, or need to purchase a knife that costs more than $75, and probably really less than that, if you just need a knife that will perform general tasks for many years to come. If you are a collector, or perhaps like I was, a former Navy member, then maybe you will need a knife made out of Beryllium, that is non-magnetic, or perhaps made out of Elmax steel, that will never break, and do just about everything. For right now, my Mora, Schrade, Boker, and Cold Steel knives seem to do just fine.
Don’t sleep on this knife. She’s been my EDC for years, I use her every day, and I’m a maintenance man, not a bushcraft expert. Great ergonomics, wonderful blade, looks cool, and has cut everything I’ve thrown at her.
Leather sheaths have been around a few hundred years before Kydex, and holding high carbon steel blades. Don't remember anyone ever saying that they promoted corrosion, just need to know how to take care of the blade and sheath.
I like every knife that ESEE makes and this JG3 is no exception. The review was very enjoyable to watch; and I like being kept up to speed on all the new knives that come on the market. As to this ESEE's price point: yes, it's a bit pricey and I'm willing to pay what they ask because their knives give me so much enjoyment.
I'm really liking these smaller fixed blades. Super excited for this one. I have a leather sheath for another knife of the same size and I love it. That said, not terribly excited about this sheath for some of the reasons you mentioned. My other sheath is a nice formed sheath and holds the knife well. It also sits horizontal that I love for EDC carry.
Ya bro, you would not be sorry with this blade. Lots of fun to use.
Hey Aaron - just a side note with the leather, sometimes wet molding a leather sheath can be extremely effective in greater retention. It's a much closer and tight fit. Maybe it's worth a shot for you plus treating it with a water proofing
Love Esee knives.Alway been a big knife person.Bought the JG3 and absolutely love it
Just lost my Izula 2 clearing out trees that fell during a storm 3 days ago and was debating buying another Izula 2, the JG3 or the Tops Scandi Trekker. This video was a huge help in making my choice a little easier so thank you! Izula 2...it is!
I bought a Fiskars x11 from the factory store in Finland i also live in Finland and I go camping a lot at my dads place. Nice to hear that you like it!
...looks sweet..i thought they'd fill the handles out a little more though..
Great video, I really like how you showed how to make a trap with the knife you are reviewing. Seeing how the blade performs while doing camp like tasks helps a lot on whether to buy one. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos!
Glad you enjoyed the trap and the review!
I really wish I could find one in that coloration, even used
Really awesome video! I liked the trap making, that really,made the video cool to watch. As always, great review!
Check out the 4hm. Little longer and thicker with a broom-stick style handle that's more comfortable in any hand position. Very similar design to this one but $6 cheaper at TKC.
I don't know about the sheath rating.. a fast easy wet mold makes great retention.. in my experience anyways
Got this knife for Father’s Day and love it… I did; however, cut the sh!t out of my finger when it fell out of the sheath and I attempted to catch it!
Water mold that puppy, it's perfect to do so cause it's untreated leather. Mold it then cover it with hot wax let it soak that crap up, it will dry solid.and be water proof.
@@Airik1111bibles I just bought a kydex sheath… problem solved
@@Hudson4426 🤣👍
The leather sheath is a big plus for a knife that is going to be carried on the belt. 5/5 for that one. Kydex is ok for a large knife that is going to be inside or attached to the outside of a backpack. If you are in a humid environment, you have to take the same precusions and do the same maintenance to the knife, using kydex, as with a leather sheath. As for durability, kydex seems to be a strong material (I do have some, switched out with leather), but it would be interesting to know how it hold up in a cold environment. Anyway my main argument against kydex, in conjunction with a belt knife, is the noise it generate. When I am out hunting or photographing, that is not acceptable.
Love your product reviews. Can you look at the camera when you do them? Looking at your camera screen is distracting for us, your viewers. Just my 2 cents.
Keep up the killer reviews.
Complimenti per il video.👍 non si potrebbe avere un fodero in Kidex?
Cheers Mate!
Great review buddy! I'm gonna watch your other comparison video now.
traded mine for a pair of Smiths Hudson Elites. Got a kydex for my F1 too.
Excellent review Aaron. I don't mind the leather sheath but the lack of retention is an issue. If it were mine I'd probably wet form it, pop the stitching, stain and waterproof it and put it back together.
You are spot on with the price point. 1095 is a very inexpensive steel. That's a $75-80 knife. But, Esee did it right, and I like that it's thinner than the Isula II. At the end of the day it might be worth it.
+Blue Mountain Bushcraft and Outdoors Nice, I agree it is still worth owning, just a little over priced.
+Blue Mountain Bushcraft and Outdoors The JG3 looks like the ESEE's hunters knife(i.e. a skinner, food processor): small, nice belly, full flat grid. The ESEE Camp-Lore RB3 is obviously ESEE's bushcraft knife. Unfortunately, the RB3's has a very weak edge design that damages easily with tougher duties. It even ships with a warning stating this fact.
The JG3 & the RB3 are OK but both knives a overpriced as you stated. IMO they are $60 to $70 USD knives. And they really don't need to be full-tangs for their type of duties and/or edge weakness.
Just ordered a new knife today. From triple x knives out of Nova Scotia. You should check them out great value.
I will do that!
How does this compare to the Tops Scandi Trekker? They seem to be designed to fill the same role.
Love the review - love my JG3!
It is a nice blade!
Keep up the good work!!
+Ben Klimscheffskij Really appreciate it.
Having owned and used the Izulu2 I decided the JG3 was worth the extra funds for the larger grip area and blade. Now that I am retired, I am carrying the JG3 as an EDC knife in a kydex sheath with loops. Great review as usual. Thanks.
C
Why have they not made a kydex option yet ?
Sheeeesh the Esee 3HM and 4HM have kydex and I bet they sale better cause they are always out.
I don't understand these marketing choices they make Aaron, just like Ontario it leaves ya scratching your head...BUT it's been years now especially Ontario so I give up I've scratched my head bald .
If you can get your hands on one, are you going to review the RB3?
Why would you compare it to the Izula price wise when it's in the same category as the Esee 3? In my opinion it's a great value considering other knives I own that are twice as much that don't perform as well.
Great review
I'd like to know what that bag on your chest is... looks useful. thanks!
Hey man! How does this blade compare to the tops scandi trekker? Trying to decide between the 2.
Thanks a ton!
love the video bud keep up the great work
Sweet! Thanks!
+gideonstactical hey, quick question, I own the RB3, how much bigger is the handle on the RB3 then the JG3? I love the handle and how it feels and the ergos. Just curious the difference in size and such compared to the JG3
I own an Izula as well as the jg3. I see the jg3 as my substitute for the Izula 2 so I don’t have to go buy another knife.
Great review! By chance could you review the Fallkniven s1?! Would appreciate it!!
Already have it and I will be up by a the end of the year!
does that pack you have on the front your chest make it hard to see your carving, when you are carving close to your chest?
TOPS KNIVES Scandi Trekker or the ESEE JG3? I just cant decide which one is better?
what about it compared to the Tops Scandi Trekker?
I do hope you washed that knife before cutting food with it. Them trees are kind of wild, you never know what they have been up to.
Hey what's that chest pack you're wearing? Ribzwear?
I love the two ESEE's that I own (E-5 & Org. Izula). I'm really looking forward to the RB-3 Scandi & hope you get one soon to review. I'd put a patina on the blade to deter rust from the leather sheath like I did for my Spyderco Bushcraft UK.
Benchmade Proteganist or this Camp-lore ?
will this JG3 fit in another ESEE plastic sheath?
what have you got there for a bag?
Most gear reviews are better off without music in my opinion...but you nailed it here dude ! Good video, thanks.
Thanks a lot!
Love your videos
+Ben Klimscheffskij Thanks so much!
are you going to make a review about the Buck Selkirk?
I hope to soon.
Hey bud, so forget about value, what knife would you rather be stuck with from the 2?
Oh I see u made another vid, I'll check it out.
can we get just the knife minus the sheath for $80. thats a steal. :) i'll go the custm route for the sheath later. not a fan of leather anyways.
why do they partner a leather sheath with an extremely corrosive steel such as 1095? leather sheaths are like sponges
My Esee 3 would not spark a ferro rod until I modded it. Does the JG3 have a 90 degree spine? If not Esee should consider doing so.
Yes, I mentioned that twice in the video. These new designs have 90 degree spines.
+gideonstactical I have selective hearing after being married so long. Sorry I missed that!
well you help me alot I have cancer and kidney failure and your videos keep my mind off it I keep entering contests to win a knife like that no luck yet I can't afford it with all my medication bills but thanks again
+Steve Gareau No problem my friend. I will be praying for you and that God strengthens your mortal body! Be blessed.
nice
Would you recommend this over the tops mini scandi?
+ApeX BIRDMAN It is a lot bigger then that blade, but yes, and more then the scandal trekker, because i prefer the grind on the JG3.
can recomend you too take contact with dean aragon on facebook and aragon knifes.
he makes hands down top quality custom knifes for really good prices too. i just bought a custom really thin scandivex carver/slicer from him with micarta and kydex shipped to norway for under 150 us dollars thats around 0.012 behind the edge. tell him Glenn sendt you and he will make you something really nice 😊
have a blessed day
ESEE JG3 OR TOPS Scandi Trekker? Looking to use as companion knife for camp chores to a large dedicated batonning knife (RAT7 or Kellam Ranger Puukko) when backpacking.
ESEE JG3 would be my choice.
Thanks, I suspect the flat grind would be easier to use than the modified scandi grind, particularly food prep.
The Scandi Trekker, ESEE RB3 or any other similar sized knife with a "scandi" grind. Here in Scandinavia we just call them knives. We use them for cutting tomatoes, quartering a moose and anything inbetween. If food prep is your main conserne, maybe you should bring along a small ceramic knife.
can you please compare the ESEE JG3 and the TOPS Scandi Trekker ?
No longer have the Trekker. Between the two the JG3 will get more done.
I own both blades and the Tops Scandi Trekker is awesome for small task and bushcraft and carving and such, the blade has a modified Scandi grind and the rb3 is regular Scandi I Belive. But the jg3 is good for food prep and camp chores. But for carving and such I would use the tops Trekker. But all 3 great knives and around the same price 100 dollar range. I honestly pr fee Scandi grinds for carving and finer task. So it's up to u. Both work great
What do you mean, it will get more done? What an incredible ignorant statement.
where do you sale your knifes.
I do not sell knives, I will sometimes sell my one personal knives, I do that on my facebook page.
as for price.new production the main reason.
4:53 fancy hands
I'm at dialysis right now lol
More and more I have come to question the high price of these designer knives, but maybe what I am really questioning is the overall value, and the actual need for one.
Yea, I get it, the guy who designed it is a talented guy, and Esee is a quality company that deserves to be paid for their quality products.
It also seems to me that many people are just "collectors" of these knives, and I wonder just how much use one can give to a large diverse collection of knives; or are they just like some type of artwork, that is collected just to gaze at lovingly.
Practically speaking, one can purchase a great bushcraft knife like the Mora Green HD, a large HD full tang knife such as many of the Schrade, CRKT, or Condor products for batoning, and heavier work, and a great saw like a Silky Gomboy for the same price as the one knife that you are reviewing.
With those three products one can basically do whatever outdoor or bushcraft task that may arise.
An even larger blade like a Woodman's Pal, parang, bolo, kukri, or machete could be added for even more diversity.
Boom! Now one is set for many years for under $200, maybe under $150.00 for four durable and actually useful bushcraft products.
I realize that for whatever reasons that you have chosen, you have decided to keep reviewing different knives, and I want you to know that I like your reviews, and I like the knives, but the Value quotient (Quality + Price)is not there for me for most of the knives that are reviewed.
After viewing countless knife reviews, I have started to ask myself the question, just how many yachts does one need to buy, just so one can go water skiing?
You make some good points, but... If you want to get really practical, a sharpened lawnmower blade would do most bushcraft tasks too. I have several knives and they all go through a rotation, every weekend I bring 4 or 5 to the country and put them through their paces. Are some overpriced? Yes. Are they a waste of money? Depends on the individual. I think spending thousands on mags for your car is a waste, but many will disagree. Besides, everyone collects something, some people like pens, some watches, shoes, ties, you name it.
Yes, your point is right on, the value of the product is based upon the opinion, or grading system of the purchaser.
Some individuals like Jay Leno collect cars, and price is probably not an issue, but I bet that he, like many other collectors, still looks for the best value for his money.
Some individuals just don't care, even if they are overpaying, as we have seen in real estate booms and busts, but hey that was their choice.
Let's be real, for general bushcraft tasks, marine use, hunting, or self defense, the lawnmower blade is not practical, but is a last resort, when you have nothing else available.
Designer knives are like designer anything...typically overpriced, and more times than not, purchased for reasons of status, showing off, feeling good, and also because they are probably a quality item.
Of course some individuals just like to collect knives, like coins, stamps, or whatever, just to look at them every once in a while.
My real point is when discussing knives, the question for the common man is usually what knife will perform excellently, and practically, for the best price, in a variety of situations.
Generally speaking, there are a myriad of very reasonably priced knives, that are available to the common man, that will perform excellently for many years.
Bottom line, there is really no practical reason, or need to purchase a knife that costs more than $75, and probably really less than that, if you just need a knife that will perform general tasks for many years to come.
If you are a collector, or perhaps like I was, a former Navy member, then maybe you will need a knife made out of Beryllium, that is non-magnetic, or perhaps made out of Elmax steel, that will never break, and do just about everything.
For right now, my Mora, Schrade, Boker, and Cold Steel knives seem to do just fine.
Msilverhammer you're paying for better materials.Who water-skis from a yacht?
esees are a little overpriced yes but hey lifetime warranty. but love kydex better than the leather sheath. great video brother :-)
+Modernbushcraft did you see the guy who purposely shot his esee and still got a refund.
+Seb Chada jupp but a warranty isnt all. i have and use esees way overpriced for 1095 but good knifes
small tough
Wetform the sheath
I give the sheath 0/5 because leather. I can't freaking stand leather. Any knife that comes with leather immediately goes to my buddy who does kydex
when you said how much that knife is I stopped the video
dande tande aw!
didn't mean to ruin your day sorry
excellent review