REVIEW: ESEE 5 SURVIVAL KNIFE

Sharp, wide, heavy. That's how we can describe today's review candidate in three short words. We're talking about the almost legendary ESEE 5 by ESEE Randall's Adventure, which may not be new but is so timeless that we'd like to introduce it to you in detail.

Here comes the ESEE 5, fresh from the United States, many thanks to Shane Adams from ESEE, who sent us this sample!

Usually we don't care much about packaging, but in this case, we have to include it in the picture, as the attention to detail is obvious here. The ESEE 5 is marketed as a pilot/survival knife, so you'll already find survival tips and tricks on the packaging.

Since you usually don't carry that with you, you get the practical survival check cards for your pocket and ESEE also throws in a signal whistle on top.

But let's focus on the knife: The ESEE 5. It is a total length of 27.8cm and has a blade thickness of 6mm. The blade itself measures 13.2cm and is powder coated. As you can see, the blade is full tang, as we would expect from ESEE, 27.8cm of steel, specifically 1095 carbon steel 55-57 Rc with a "saber" grind. Although it is often viewed disparagingly, we believe that this steel, when properly hardened, is one of the best materials that can be used for knives. Whether it's ESEE, KA-BAR Becker, or T.O.P.S., they all use it, and since these knives are real "people's knives" in the States (meaning the most common) and at affordable prices, these manufacturers can hardly afford to use inferior steel.

Here's a comparison to a Spyderco UKPK: the 6mm thickness looks massive, and it is. This means that the knife is naturally heavier and weighs 453 grams. It's more of a knife you would have in your car or on an aircraft, rather than taking it on an expedition.

At the end of the steel, there is a glass breaker that also has an opening for lanyards.

The handle scales are made of Canavas-Micarta and provide a very good grip even in moist conditions.

Speaking of grip: the knife fits very well in the hand, providing enough space even for large hands.

Using a lanyard allows you to grip the knife at the end for better chopping ability.

ESEE directly!

ESEE online: https://eseeknives.com