Really loved that leather belt mod and the sheath, great work! I did same mod to my esee 6 re squaring off spine ( so much more useful having ferro rod and striker on knife to hand). Replacing the very thin boxy scales on esee's, i find makes all the difference to handling too Thanks for sharing .a.t.b. Vee
ever check out ESEE's knife accessories? I've set my Laserstrike up with their molle backing and accessory pouch. they both mount to the kydex sheath with Chicago screws, similar to your setup. the pouch holds an altoids tin and ferro rods for a decent fire kit.
Cool mod! I see that some company's out there have Green(glow in the dark) spacer blanks that you can form to the right size. I think they would look even cooler in place of the orange spacer scales with that knife colour.
Nice work! I hate when I get poked by a knife handle when I am out climbing around in the wilderness. Also, that orange spacer under the scales looks great!
I think the leather backplate is the best modification I have seen for this setup. I would be interested in purchasing one, if it is still something you are willing to do. Please let me know if I could talk you into making one for me.
I'd be very interested in obtaining both the leather backing as well as the ferro rod holder. I'd want one for an ESEE 3 though. If you decide to move forward with the project please let me know. I'll also explore the new scales option. I like the ESEE knives but not a big fan of the flatter scales. Thanks
Whoa, some more how to videos on your leather work would be awesome. I've had a hard time finding many of them at all, especially with your quality of videos.
Yup, the esee4 has molded plastic, not kydex sheaths, but what you have done looks good, I just think you need to add a lanyard and maybe some cord down the bottom, can never have too much cord...
+skyclad it is and Esee knows it, but it is cheaper to manufacture so they could sell the knife at a lower price point. One of people's chief complaints with this knife is its higher price. They fixed that issue,so... Listening to customers is a real double edged sword isn't it?
I would guess that since the Tech Lock has a machine stamped hole pattern, so shall the sheath. Just makes sense to me. Nice work on the sheath and knife! I have the same scales on my ESEE 5 & 6. Much more comfortable!
Nice knife. Love the esee 4. Be careful, I cut my thumb almost all the way off with mine yesterday! Ten stitches later... yada yada yada. I STRONGLY recommend tying/ crafting your Paracord lanyards OFF the knife, and attaching them when they are done!
I dig that setup, good stuff. The sheath is Kydex btw. Question, Ive got a few ESEEs myself and Im wanting to strip the coating, but it seems there is a grey primer under all their blades, so Im wondering said primer does anything in rust prevention? If not, would I still need to remove it (primer) in order to put a forced patina on it? Any info on that grey primer would really help cause Ive searched YT and have not been able to find much. Thanks!
Hi Krik, I have an Esee 4 with factory kydex sheath. If you make the leather backer will it be thru Etsy? How much would the same leather setup as in your video cost??
+WoodshavenPatriot Hey there. Most likely they'll be available through my Etsy. Not sure though. And I'm not certain about cost either, I need to sit down with the design and figure it out. Follow me (Owl Creek Handamde) on Instgram for updates!
I started making the leather additions for the old sheaths (shown in the video). Let me know if you're still interested! FYI, I'm making loops for the ferro rod to sit on the side, not on the front of the sheath.
I just bought the knife with kydex sheath and I am looking to make the same mod. It seemed simple enough but do you have the schematics? Can I replicate this? Greetings from Sweden!
That sheath doesn't look like the one that came with my ESEE-4. The one I have, from ESEE; I know for sure that it is kydex. I think yours is just a matte finish kydex. Your mods on the knife are so gnarly, I've got to get the handle scales for sure. Even though it doesn't get much better than the linen micarta, or canvas micarta; they are the same thing- no difference in the 2 other than the name
Esee stopped making the kydex sheaths as a lot of people who went overseas were reporting that the sheaths were failing in extreme environments. Pretty much the same reason why fallkniven makes those zytel sheaths.
Hi where can I buy the leather mod my 4 rides way to high and I’d like to buy one Kirk you mentioned havin some do u still have some his video to few years old pls let me know
+Aaron Tooley Yes I am working on the design and figuring out the price. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for updates. But my shop is named Owl Creek Handmade. I have an Etsy and Instagram.
I have a set made that I can give you for $40 shipped in the US. The leather is all black and I put the ferro rod holder on the side instead of the front like in the video. I also have black chicago screws now. If you want I can send you some photos!
It's good when tolerances are tolerable :) ...no beard...you no longer are a character in The Outlaw Josey Wales. I'm not a knife guy but can appreciate your work.
+John Rigopoulos Not certain at the moment. I need to sit down with the design and figure it out. Follow my Instagram (Owl Creek Handmade) for updates. Or shoot me an email!
Love the mods you did. That's one sweet looking ESSE 4.
Very nice work Kirk. And as always, great video work to show us Stoney.
GREAT upgrades on your sheath mods and knife , most factories sheaths and handles are upgraded which makes things better .
Krik, you went hard on that sheath! Looks great. ;-)
+Scrambled O I was waiting for someone else to make this comment so I wouldn't have to. :)
+Scrambled O No choice in the matter, gotta go hard 24/7.
I love the Esee 4. Your upgrades are first class. Great video
nice! i did an Esee6 with a leather back a few years ago but never thought to use leather for a firesteel on front - thats looks great!
+Doug Outside Thanks Doug! I'd like to see your mods, you do nice work.
+Black Owl Outdoors thx man -unfortunately i sold it shortly after :)
Great video. I love the micarta, I just ordered a set for my bk24 before seeing this video. Great to see more examples of these scales.
Nice looking sheath. The perfect blends of a modern "tactical" look and traditional leather.
Great mods, your leather work is really great!
+Barry Dutton Thanks Barry.
Really loved that leather belt mod and the sheath, great work! I did same mod to my esee 6 re squaring off spine ( so much more useful having ferro rod and striker on knife to hand). Replacing the very thin boxy scales on esee's, i find makes all the difference to handling too Thanks for sharing .a.t.b. Vee
+Wildsoul Vee Thanks Vee.
Very nice mods, addresses most issues with esees for more of a bushcraft use
Krik, Great job on the sheath and knife mods. Very creative, makes me want to get that knife.
Love seeing all the custom leather work. Keep the videos coming!
That looks really cool and classy. My only suggestion if I may are those Chicago screws in black also.
very nice! Your leather skills continue to get better each project I see you upload. I would be interested in something like that for my bk2.
Nice work - love the orange liners & the stripped blade :)
Those are great! I got the Esee 6 for Christmas and I really want the handle change, but now I really want the sheath mod too. So many things:0)
+Piper Vucelick I hear ya! That's why I started making my own.
ever check out ESEE's knife accessories? I've set my Laserstrike up with their molle backing and accessory pouch. they both mount to the kydex sheath with Chicago screws, similar to your setup. the pouch holds an altoids tin and ferro rods for a decent fire kit.
+Chris Morris plus.google.com/u/0/collection/8XHQNB
nice work! I wonder if putting the rod on the side might help protect it better (as those things to break) during a fall.
+Ken Gray Good point. I thought about it. May make a variation with it on the side!
Love what you did with the sheath.
Cool mod! I see that some company's out there have Green(glow in the dark) spacer blanks that you can form to the right size. I think they would look even cooler in place of the orange spacer scales with that knife colour.
+john- waxerone Unless you were trying to sneak up on something in the dark? :)
How did you take off that coating? Paint stripper?
Very practical and sensible mods! I especially like the leather sheath upgrade, if you were to sell one of those, how much would it cost?
Very Nicely done. I want to do something like that for mine, carrying with the factory sheath is difficult.
Nice work! I hate when I get poked by a knife handle when I am out climbing around in the wilderness. Also, that orange spacer under the scales looks great!
The knife and sheath came out very nice!
Thank you!
I realy like the mods you did! Great presentation.
I think the leather backplate is the best modification I have seen for this setup. I would be interested in purchasing one, if it is still something you are willing to do. Please let me know if I could talk you into making one for me.
That sheath looks fantastic!
Nice looking mods! Great video.
You should make a video on how to make the leather belt loop addition if you don't sell them.
Good work. Great ideas. Thanks for sharing. Been saving to get an ESEE, not whether I am getting the 3 or the 4.
Great video. Where did you get the handle scales.
love the knife and all the mods ! excellence krik !!
+yotagerlie Thanks Katie!
+Black Owl Outdoors ty for sharing. really great work ! now I want one :o
I love Poly/leather combos. I have a combo sheath for my PKS Scorpion, made by them, and it is terrific.
Did the same to mine works great and looks factory too.
Nice work dude!! I might have to do some of these mods to my Esee 4!
Do you sell those leather backplate, I’m looking to get one for mine.
Good vid & excellent mod. Sheaths will be consistent being MOLLE compatible so if it fits yours it will fit any
+ogenmatic Thanks! That seems so obvious now. That's why I love our subs!
That modded sheath came out fantastic!
+EKIM1428 Thanks man. Means a lot coming from you.
I'd be very interested in obtaining both the leather backing as well as the ferro rod holder. I'd want one for an ESEE 3 though. If you decide to move forward with the project please let me know. I'll also explore the new scales option. I like the ESEE knives but not a big fan of the flatter scales. Thanks
+mwd Shoot me an email (blackowloutdoors@gmail.com) if you're ever interested in anything!
Nice knife and great job on the sheath.
gorgeous and practical.. nice one guys
Whoa, some more how to videos on your leather work would be awesome. I've had a hard time finding many of them at all, especially with your quality of videos.
Nice looking setup, well done
Came out really nice!
beautiful job on both!
Yup, the esee4 has molded plastic, not kydex sheaths, but what you have done looks good, I just think you need to add a lanyard and maybe some cord down the bottom, can never have too much cord...
+skyclad it is and Esee knows it, but it is cheaper to manufacture so they could sell the knife at a lower price point. One of people's chief complaints with this knife is its higher price. They fixed that issue,so... Listening to customers is a real double edged sword isn't it?
I would guess that since the Tech Lock has a machine stamped hole pattern, so shall the sheath. Just makes sense to me. Nice work on the sheath and knife! I have the same scales on my ESEE 5 & 6. Much more comfortable!
Nice one! Thanks for sharing :)
- Martin
Like your sheath mods, and the fatter scales.
Please I just want one of those belt loop danglers you got there! Where can I find one!
I'm going to pick up the esee 4 & esse 3 with od green handle. nice vid.
Nice mods and video. Were are those scales from they look great.
very-very nice work...would love to have that leather loop piece for my kydex sheath for a BK 2. How much would you charge?
very nice set up
Did you have to buy longer hardware when you changed scales?
Nice work! Is that one of your favorite knives? Looks good!
Very nice!!!! Great video
Nice knife. Love the esee 4. Be careful, I cut my thumb almost all the way off with mine yesterday! Ten stitches later... yada yada yada. I STRONGLY recommend tying/ crafting your Paracord lanyards OFF the knife, and attaching them when they are done!
Love the mods and also love the T-shirt!! Which brand is making these? Thx!
Very nice work!
Nice job, looks sweet!
I dig that setup, good stuff. The sheath is Kydex btw. Question, Ive got a few ESEEs myself and Im wanting to strip the
coating, but it seems there is a grey primer under all their blades, so Im wondering said primer does anything in rust prevention? If not, would I still need to remove it (primer) in order to put a forced patina on it? Any info on that grey primer would really help cause Ive searched YT and have not been able to find much. Thanks!
You removed the stock coating from the blade but it looks like it's been treated again?
Nicely done!
Esee knives all ride a little high for my liking. I have the Esee 5 and was wondering if you could do this same mod for the 5 sheath?
+Cameron W Shoot me an email! - blackowloutdoors@gmail.com
Looks awesome!
Cool! Nice work!
Very nice mods really!
Looks really nice!
i have the esee 4hm with a kydex sheath,, can you make me a leather backer for mine ??? dark brown or black,, i like your a lot
Hi Krik,
I have an Esee 4 with factory kydex sheath. If you make the leather backer will it be thru Etsy?
How much would the same leather setup as in your video cost??
+WoodshavenPatriot Hey there. Most likely they'll be available through my Etsy. Not sure though. And I'm not certain about cost either, I need to sit down with the design and figure it out. Follow me (Owl Creek Handamde) on Instgram for updates!
I started making the leather additions for the old sheaths (shown in the video). Let me know if you're still interested! FYI, I'm making loops for the ferro rod to sit on the side, not on the front of the sheath.
If you use paint remover it will not remove the esse logo?
Thanks Kirk.
I do love me some sheath mods!
Hello do you have it or make same leather extension for the same esee 4 sheath
you worried about the orange g10 coming seperate from other part?
What size chicago screws are those? The silver ones?
Very Very nice work.
Nice work.
I just bought the knife with kydex sheath and I am looking to make the same mod. It seemed simple enough but do you have the schematics? Can I replicate this?
Greetings from Sweden!
Best Chicago screws are the ones made by QuickClip Pro
That sheath doesn't look like the one that came with my ESEE-4. The one I have, from ESEE; I know for sure that it is kydex. I think yours is just a matte finish kydex. Your mods on the knife are so gnarly, I've got to get the handle scales for sure. Even though it doesn't get much better than the linen micarta, or canvas micarta; they are the same thing- no difference in the 2 other than the name
Esee stopped making the kydex sheaths as a lot of people who went overseas were reporting that the sheaths were failing in extreme environments. Pretty much the same reason why fallkniven makes those zytel sheaths.
Where's the river in the intro at?
why the removal of the painting?
Hi where can I buy the leather mod my 4 rides way to high and I’d like to buy one Kirk you mentioned havin some do u still have some his video to few years old pls let me know
would you consider selling the leather mod additions?
+Aaron Tooley Yes I am working on the design and figuring out the price. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for updates. But my shop is named Owl Creek Handmade. I have an Etsy and Instagram.
I've started making the leather additions for the old (shown in the video) sheaths. If you're interested, let me konw!
Yeah, let me know how much.
I have a set made that I can give you for $40 shipped in the US. The leather is all black and I put the ferro rod holder on the side instead of the front like in the video. I also have black chicago screws now. If you want I can send you some photos!
No photos needed. Just let me know how you prefer payment and I can send you my address. atooleyunited@gmail.com
Why did you grind off the blade finish?
+Jordan May smoother cutting action. it wasn't ground off, it was removed via a chemical compound.
You do great work Krik you could have a business doing custom work if you wanted!
+Jason Chasteen I'm exploring that avenue more and more!
how did you get rid of the coating?
nice setup, if the guys at esee were smart they would do a run without blade coating and use those scales you put on , then i might buy one.
How much did those knife handles cost.
It's good when tolerances are tolerable :) ...no beard...you no longer are a character in The Outlaw Josey Wales. I'm not a knife guy but can appreciate your work.
+Patrick Caple (No Trail Required) I wasn't sure if he cut his hair as well, but you could make out a ponytail at the end. :)
+Patrick Caple (No Trail Required) Keep in mind that while I may not have a beard, I'm still plenty greasy....
Hah....I doubt that...you have a signature look
Hey man I don't know if I just wasn't looking well enough but I couldn't find on etsy.. You still making these sheath mods for the Esee 4 to sell?
Yes I am! Owlcreekhandmade.com
Kirk what would the cost be.
Second that. I've got an ESEE 6 that I don't care for the factory sheath as it sits b/c its too high. dcr
+John Rigopoulos Not certain at the moment. I need to sit down with the design and figure it out. Follow my Instagram (Owl Creek Handmade) for updates. Or shoot me an email!
Shoot me an email if you're still interested - blackowloutdoors@gmail.com. I started to make some!
good idea
Looks good
I love it.............
KnifeKits.com has a decent selection for holster hardware. Shipping is a little wack tho.. Dig the vids gentlemen 👍🏼