As much as I like ESEE, that is my only complaint. Sure, it makes the knife tougher, but I would venture to say most of us don't pry on these (hence low Rc) and that perhaps just a little more edge retention would be nice.
Very cool, Tom. Love the new digs - aka studio one! Love me some esee knives too. My little 3 hm is so cool. Unfortunately it came with a leather sheath which I'm personally not a huge fan of... One day I'm going to piggyback it on my Junglas 2, which is about the perfect sized large knife, imo. Great video. 👍
Thank you very much for your kind words of encouragement my friend! I tried the HM model and did not like the handle. And yes… They do come in a leather sheath because of the way the handle is made, they haven’t been able to fabricate plastic sheets for them. Maybe you could get some Kydex Bender to make one for you. Thanks very much for watching and have a great weekend!
I’m a borderline Esee fanboy myself . I’ve loved every Esee I’ve purchased with the exception of the Esee 4 . I hated it almost instantly upon taking it out of the box . Just no good reason for that knife to be 3/16” thick . 1/8” stock thickness would’ve made it a better slicer . The only variation I’ve seen between models is the edge bevel angle . My older Esee’s came with 22-24 degree edge bevels while my newer models were closer to 20 .
I agree with you concerning the ESEE4. It is a love-hate relationship for me. I buy them, and then never use them. You are right, too thick. So I use my TOPS HOG 4.5 instead. The edge bevel really is determined by whoever is working that day. I have seen them all over the place. But I will say this… They are consistent from side to side. Whoever is sharpening them does a consistent job. And it’s really not that big a deal to adjust the edge bevel to one’s own liking. I do it all the time.
Thank you for your informative and comprehensive video! I just got a new s35vn izula yesterday, my first experience with one. So far so good, albeit a little short at the handle for me. Considering the extended TKC G10 scales for it (although I prefer micarta). Would you happen to have any other suggestions as far as aftermarket scales for it? Thank you so much!
Thank you for your kind words. I truly appreciate it. The extended scales make it the same size as the Izula II. That extra 1/2" really comes in handy if you are using the knife for heavy work. I've found that my regular Izula is my go to more often because it is light and smaller but...I've had it for decades and my hand (large to XL depending on glove brand) has gotten quite used to it. There are lots of aftermarket scales on eBay. I'd opt for one that actually covers the entire handle, and not just the center leaving the large hole exposed. Good luck and keep me posted.
@@knifetimestory great! Thank you so much. Novice here, it's my first fixed blade, at this point not sure how much hard use I'll find for it, at this point it's more of a "just in case" knife. Had done a bunch of research: reviews, size, price point, steel, etc, and ultimately settled on this one. Once I got it in my hand (skinny large), I found myself wondering if I should have gone with the izula 2 (but not offered in stainless). Hot and humid and sweaty conditions where I live. Thanks for the eBay tip as well! I'll definitely start snooping around
Not to add to your decision-making. But...the Xancudo is stainless and the same size as the Izula II but with quite a different handle. The reason you will never see a stainless Izula II is because of the Xancudo. They are way too similar.
@@knifetimestory cool, thank you. After getting this one in my hand, and "meh", I'll take another look at the Xancudo. I think I had kind of ruled it out due to it's size, but now... 😅
It actually feels very nicely in the hand and has a nice grip texture. I for one hate the color, that is why I spent the extra $ and bought aftermarket scales from a guy on eBay.
Thank you for the kind words. And...No, I no longer do work for other people. It is not a time thing. It is a behavioral thing. Having done over 300 holes in CRK knives, I had a great system of organization and communication. Seems that a certain age group of people thought that it was okay to usurp the system and expected me to adapt. Well, that certainly is not going to happen. So, rather than get upset or frustrated, I simply stopped doing it. I feel great now!!!
I have owned ESEE for years and still have a Izula 2 with TKC scales on it, however at this point I just cant use the soft 1095 anymore. My current EDC knife is about the same size as the 3 (slightly larger) but its made of AEBL at 61.5 hrc. While it did cost a bit more (not as much as one might think) it is worlds above the ESEE in terms of performance. I really wish they move on to something past 1095 because the only reason to use 1095 is to make a cheap serviceable knife and anyone who claims otherwise is trying to sell you a 1095 knife. However if they want to keep 1095 at least run it 59-60 instead of 55-57 which is just horrible.
I agree with you concerning 1095. It is a very inexpensive steel. It does make a very serviceable knife, and one that a lifetime warranty could be attached to and not break the bank. However, you are right, they really do have a hard time holding an edge like some of the higher end steels. But that’s to be expected. What knife were you alluding to that you have? I’d like to maybe get myself one. I am open to any and all suggestions as to what to get next!
I think the three is a great size. Much thinner than the IZULA. However… They do not come with liners. Any liners you see on one of my ESEE knives was made by me.
Have owned my Ontario rat 3 for about 8yrs. Love it, but prefer my tops cub. It looses the choil and I dislike dead space between the handle and the blade edge. That is also why I prefer my essee 4 HM versus the standard model. Would love to try the 6 HM, if I get a chance to splurge. Nice vid. Good intro. Ha
Ive actually had my RAT 5 with me for every hunting and camping trip for about 15 years now and its been an excellent companion! Its not in the greatest shape anymore but its tough and holds a razor edge! Someday I hope to replace it with a Winkler. ✌️
I too would love to have a Winkler. That might be next on the list. The 5 is a great knife. I made a video about me trying to cut a Becker BK2 in half with my RAT 5. It was gruesome. But fun to do.
@@knifetimestory I actually forgot that was you!! That video was a great testament to the importance of your heat treat, as they were both 1095. And I love Kabars, but the Esee really "had the edge" (haha!) And honestly, I'd LOVE to see a Winkler on your channel! I always wanted one but found myself blowing money on the latest TOPs knife when I was half way saved up. Which I kind of regret now. ✌️
Well, I don’t know what has held me back from buying one of his. I had a couple about 10 years ago, but I just never warmed up to the sheaths. But now he has some new designs out, and perhaps will be one that I really really like.
@@knifetimestory I never worry about sheaths - have you ever tried working with Kydex? It's SO easy to work with man, with your creativity and tools you could do some really amazing things! Its actually surprising how cheap the stuff is and how easy it is to make a pro looking sheath.
I've never actually started from scratch with a piece of Kydex, but have re-shaped lots of them to accommodate other knives I have. I never throw a sheath away. Knives on the other hand, yes, but never a sheath...except that piece of crap I got from Bark River. Yikes.
I’ve been considering trying an Essee or two. I’m torn. I’m a huge KaBar and KaBar/Becker fan. I also have several Tops knives and am a huge fanboy! And yes I have a rat 3 and 6 and like them. In your opinion , how does Essee stand up to Tops ?
I personally prefer my tops HOG 4.5 over the ESEE4. However, tops does not make a knife that I feel compares to the ESEE3. Especially the stainless version. So based on that, and quite honestly the best warranty in the world, I would have to give ESEE top billing.
Go for it. You may find yourself using it a lot. They also have a pretty good resale track record if you find you just don't bond with it. Keep me posted!!
Just my two cents… But I think you will find the 4 to be too thick. I have owned probably a dozen of them. You will notice that that is past tense. Because each time I get a new one, and then start trying to use it, I remember why I don’t have them. Too thick. Unnecessarily thick. Thank you so much for watching and for participating in the discussion!
But, but...what’s with this Mini Craze...it’s not American. Bigger is Better, just ask my girlfriend. If it can’t span ‘merican sized ‘maters & ‘taters how are you going to make your samich? And what if you’re attacked by the “Killer Tomato”? With those thing’s “IT” will having me for dinner...Lol
I personally think they are extremely overpriced. They use the warranty as a gimmick. If i buy a knife and it breaks i don't want another one. 1095 shouldn't cost that much for a production knife. You paying for brand an marketing. I carry a utica utk-n2 American made same size as the izula but with G10 grips an kydex sheath. Plus the grind is much better then esee. Just my opinion. The benefit to being American is at least we are allowed to have one (so far)
Interesting comment. I agree they may be over priced, but still are reasonable. I have to disagree on the gimmick of their warranty. Not many of these knives are broken when you look at it in terms of percentage of knives sold. The beauty of their warranty is there are no questions connected with it. You send them a broken knife, they send you a new knife. Unlike Becker or Tops who like to interrogate you and send the knife to the forensics lab to see just how the knife broke before they send you a replacement. (All that is second hand info. I've never sent in a knife for replacement) I don't like skeletonized handles, so I would not be interested in the Utica knife. But I'm sure it is a good knife. The other thing that comes with ESEE is the knowledge that their stuff was designed by guys who really do go out and use the stuff. There is a great support community and camaraderie associated with the classes they teach. But yes, 1095 is a cheap steel. Serviceable and tough, but cheap. Glad to see ESEE is experimenting with other steels. Thank you for watching and commenting. Comments like yours are great!!!!
![Eminem - Fuel (Shady Edition) feat. Westside Boogie & GRIP [Official Audio]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/k1OquBida9s/mqdefault.jpg)
I have an ESEE-3 with smoke gray, flat micarta scales and orange liners coming soon. Looking forward to what you made in the olden times.
Olden times?
Zipper pull as a screwdriver! Brilliant! 👍 You've got yourself a new subscriber. Cheers...
Welcome aboard! Thank you very much!
I like your humor. You get a sub.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoy the humor. Welcome to the channel!
I agree that ESEE 1095 is tempered too soft, the need to be a tad harder. I seem to be sharpening more than using their 1095.
As much as I like ESEE, that is my only complaint. Sure, it makes the knife tougher, but I would venture to say most of us don't pry on these (hence low Rc) and that perhaps just a little more edge retention would be nice.
Missed your videos Tom! Welcome back.
Thank you very much. I appreciate the kind words.
Very cool, Tom. Love the new digs - aka studio one!
Love me some esee knives too. My little 3 hm is so cool. Unfortunately it came with a leather sheath which I'm personally not a huge fan of... One day I'm going to piggyback it on my Junglas 2, which is about the perfect sized large knife, imo.
Great video. 👍
Thank you very much for your kind words of encouragement my friend!
I tried the HM model and did not like the handle. And yes… They do come in a leather sheath because of the way the handle is made, they haven’t been able to fabricate plastic sheets for them. Maybe you could get some Kydex Bender to make one for you.
Thanks very much for watching and have a great weekend!
I’m a borderline Esee fanboy myself . I’ve loved every Esee I’ve purchased with the exception of the Esee 4 . I hated it almost instantly upon taking it out of the box . Just no good reason for that knife to be 3/16” thick . 1/8” stock thickness would’ve made it a better slicer . The only variation I’ve seen between models is the edge bevel angle . My older Esee’s came with 22-24 degree edge bevels while my newer models were closer to 20 .
I agree with you concerning the ESEE4. It is a love-hate relationship for me. I buy them, and then never use them. You are right, too thick. So I use my TOPS HOG 4.5 instead.
The edge bevel really is determined by whoever is working that day. I have seen them all over the place. But I will say this… They are consistent from side to side. Whoever is sharpening them does a consistent job. And it’s really not that big a deal to adjust the edge bevel to one’s own liking. I do it all the time.
Thank you for your informative and comprehensive video! I just got a new s35vn izula yesterday, my first experience with one. So far so good, albeit a little short at the handle for me. Considering the extended TKC G10 scales for it (although I prefer micarta). Would you happen to have any other suggestions as far as aftermarket scales for it? Thank you so much!
Thank you for your kind words. I truly appreciate it. The extended scales make it the same size as the Izula II. That extra 1/2" really comes in handy if you are using the knife for heavy work. I've found that my regular Izula is my go to more often because it is light and smaller but...I've had it for decades and my hand (large to XL depending on glove brand) has gotten quite used to it.
There are lots of aftermarket scales on eBay. I'd opt for one that actually covers the entire handle, and not just the center leaving the large hole exposed.
Good luck and keep me posted.
@@knifetimestory great! Thank you so much. Novice here, it's my first fixed blade, at this point not sure how much hard use I'll find for it, at this point it's more of a "just in case" knife. Had done a bunch of research: reviews, size, price point, steel, etc, and ultimately settled on this one. Once I got it in my hand (skinny large), I found myself wondering if I should have gone with the izula 2 (but not offered in stainless). Hot and humid and sweaty conditions where I live. Thanks for the eBay tip as well! I'll definitely start snooping around
Not to add to your decision-making. But...the Xancudo is stainless and the same size as the Izula II but with quite a different handle. The reason you will never see a stainless Izula II is because of the Xancudo. They are way too similar.
@@knifetimestory cool, thank you. After getting this one in my hand, and "meh", I'll take another look at the Xancudo. I think I had kind of ruled it out due to it's size, but now... 😅
It actually feels very nicely in the hand and has a nice grip texture. I for one hate the color, that is why I spent the extra $ and bought aftermarket scales from a guy on eBay.
Would you ever install liners for viewers? I figure your probably very busy and no clue what it would cost, thanks great videos
Thank you for the kind words.
And...No, I no longer do work for other people. It is not a time thing. It is a behavioral thing. Having done over 300 holes in CRK knives, I had a great system of organization and communication. Seems that a certain age group of people thought that it was okay to usurp the system and expected me to adapt. Well, that certainly is not going to happen. So, rather than get upset or frustrated, I simply stopped doing it. I feel great now!!!
I have owned ESEE for years and still have a Izula 2 with TKC scales on it, however at this point I just cant use the soft 1095 anymore. My current EDC knife is about the same size as the 3 (slightly larger) but its made of AEBL at 61.5 hrc. While it did cost a bit more (not as much as one might think) it is worlds above the ESEE in terms of performance. I really wish they move on to something past 1095 because the only reason to use 1095 is to make a cheap serviceable knife and anyone who claims otherwise is trying to sell you a 1095 knife. However if they want to keep 1095 at least run it 59-60 instead of 55-57 which is just horrible.
I agree with you concerning 1095. It is a very inexpensive steel. It does make a very serviceable knife, and one that a lifetime warranty could be attached to and not break the bank. However, you are right, they really do have a hard time holding an edge like some of the higher end steels. But that’s to be expected.
What knife were you alluding to that you have? I’d like to maybe get myself one.
I am open to any and all suggestions as to what to get next!
👍 Enjoyable video. I like the Esee Izula2 very much. I am warming up to the Esee 3 with the 3-D scales and liners.
I think the three is a great size. Much thinner than the IZULA. However… They do not come with liners. Any liners you see on one of my ESEE knives was made by me.
@@knifetimestory Modifying knives is what knife ownership is all about. 😀
Have owned my Ontario rat 3 for about 8yrs. Love it, but prefer my tops cub. It looses the choil and I dislike dead space between the handle and the blade edge. That is also why I prefer my essee 4 HM versus the standard model. Would love to try the 6 HM, if I get a chance to splurge. Nice vid. Good intro. Ha
Glad to get a comment from an Ontario RAT owner. Thank you very much for watching and commenting. I may have to look into that TOPS Cub.
Ive actually had my RAT 5 with me for every hunting and camping trip for about 15 years now and its been an excellent companion! Its not in the greatest shape anymore but its tough and holds a razor edge! Someday I hope to replace it with a Winkler. ✌️
I too would love to have a Winkler. That might be next on the list. The 5 is a great knife. I made a video about me trying to cut a Becker BK2 in half with my RAT 5. It was gruesome. But fun to do.
@@knifetimestory I actually forgot that was you!! That video was a great testament to the importance of your heat treat, as they were both 1095. And I love Kabars, but the Esee really "had the edge" (haha!) And honestly, I'd LOVE to see a Winkler on your channel! I always wanted one but found myself blowing money on the latest TOPs knife when I was half way saved up. Which I kind of regret now. ✌️
Well, I don’t know what has held me back from buying one of his. I had a couple about 10 years ago, but I just never warmed up to the sheaths. But now he has some new designs out, and perhaps will be one that I really really like.
@@knifetimestory I never worry about sheaths - have you ever tried working with Kydex? It's SO easy to work with man, with your creativity and tools you could do some really amazing things! Its actually surprising how cheap the stuff is and how easy it is to make a pro looking sheath.
I've never actually started from scratch with a piece of Kydex, but have re-shaped lots of them to accommodate other knives I have. I never throw a sheath away. Knives on the other hand, yes, but never a sheath...except that piece of crap I got from Bark River. Yikes.
half an inch more is all I need and don't have it
Wish I had it to loan you.
@@knifetimestory Hahahaha
I’ve been considering trying an Essee or two.
I’m torn.
I’m a huge KaBar and KaBar/Becker fan. I also have several Tops knives and am a huge fanboy!
And yes I have a rat 3 and 6 and like them.
In your opinion , how does Essee stand up to Tops ?
I personally prefer my tops HOG 4.5 over the ESEE4. However, tops does not make a knife that I feel compares to the ESEE3. Especially the stainless version. So based on that, and quite honestly the best warranty in the world, I would have to give ESEE top billing.
@@knifetimestory Fair enough! I might have to give an Esse 3 a shot!
They’re fairly inexpensive too!
Go for it. You may find yourself using it a lot. They also have a pretty good resale track record if you find you just don't bond with it. Keep me posted!!
@@knifetimestory Sure thing buddy! I love big old thick knives! So I’ll probably get it and keep it forever in my collection of scratched up blades!😂
Sounds like a good plan.
How about a video - Knives which do many things, but none particularly well. Have a lovely rest of the week and weekend.
Ha ha ha. That’s actually a good idea.
Thank you for watching and have a great weekend!
That good ole Izula.
It is my trusty standby!
Thank you for watching!
I have a 6 and a jg3… looking at getting a 4hm here shortly. I really want a JG5, RB3 and a AGK… and a junglas 2… I may have a problem
Just my two cents… But I think you will find the 4 to be too thick. I have owned probably a dozen of them. You will notice that that is past tense. Because each time I get a new one, and then start trying to use it, I remember why I don’t have them. Too thick. Unnecessarily thick.
Thank you so much for watching and for participating in the discussion!
@@knifetimestory too thick as in blade stock? And is that for the original 4 or the 4 hm?
Yes. Blade stock. And, the “HM” only refers to the handle shape. Everything else is the same.
Like the intro 😂
Thank you. Glad you appreciated it!
Just use mineral oil , it the perfect light oil and food safe too
Yep… That’s basically all this oil is come to find out. You can read the MSDS sheet in the description.
But, but...what’s with this Mini Craze...it’s not American. Bigger is Better, just ask my girlfriend. If it can’t span ‘merican sized ‘maters & ‘taters how are you going to make your samich? And what if you’re attacked by the “Killer Tomato”? With those thing’s “IT” will having me for dinner...Lol
Great comment!! Thank you!
I personally think they are extremely overpriced. They use the warranty as a gimmick.
If i buy a knife and it breaks i don't want another one.
1095 shouldn't cost that much for a production knife. You paying for brand an marketing.
I carry a utica utk-n2 American made same size as the izula but with G10 grips an kydex sheath. Plus the grind is much better then esee.
Just my opinion. The benefit to being American is at least we are allowed to have one (so far)
Interesting comment. I agree they may be over priced, but still are reasonable. I have to disagree on the gimmick of their warranty. Not many of these knives are broken when you look at it in terms of percentage of knives sold. The beauty of their warranty is there are no questions connected with it. You send them a broken knife, they send you a new knife. Unlike Becker or Tops who like to interrogate you and send the knife to the forensics lab to see just how the knife broke before they send you a replacement. (All that is second hand info. I've never sent in a knife for replacement)
I don't like skeletonized handles, so I would not be interested in the Utica knife. But I'm sure it is a good knife.
The other thing that comes with ESEE is the knowledge that their stuff was designed by guys who really do go out and use the stuff. There is a great support community and camaraderie associated with the classes they teach.
But yes, 1095 is a cheap steel. Serviceable and tough, but cheap. Glad to see ESEE is experimenting with other steels.
Thank you for watching and commenting. Comments like yours are great!!!!
My wife knows I love knives. But if she caught me with my knife at my zipper, well. zane
PS: nice digs. z
Good one Zane. I never thought of it that way. I guess that would be kind of tough to explain yourself out of! Glad you like the new place!