Esee 4, LionSteel T5 or Demko Freereign?

H

HCC3

Joined
Oct 2, 2024
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Looking for a camp, hike, wood prep, etc. general use mid size fixed blade. I was ready to get an Esee 4HM, but recently discovered the LionSteel T5 and the Demko Freereign. The Demko would be the most expensive because I’d want the Magnacut version. Esee would be the cheapest, T5 in the middle. Price is not a concern, but want the most for my money.

I know I’d be happy with the Esee, and I know they have lots of fans, but it looks like the other two may be nicer, for not a whole lot more money. Thoughts?
 
HCC3 said:
The “why” is what I’m really hoping to learn from.
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The ESSE is my choice here because the size, thickness, weight, are all perfect for this usage. The sheath is perfect, the handle is extremely neutral and ergonomic. The steel and heat treat is spot on for bushcraft work.

ESEE is a truly stand-up company operated by good competent people. And their warranty is THE best in the business. Period.

And USA made.


Love their knives.
 
I would go with Demko or ESEE. Both are great. If you want a USA made knife with a forever warranty no matter what you do to it, then buy the ESEE.
 
I own the freereign in magnacut usa made and esee 4. don't own the other. both are great knives. I'd be good with either. guess ya have to decide if ya want rubber handle which the freereign has or what's on the 4hm version of the esee 4, micarta?

can't comment on the other.....
 
I saw a video recently that mentioned Lionsteel doing a great job with Magnacut, has my interest peeked. I like the look of Esee and I appreciate the great warranty but unless your getting it in a newer steel than 1095, then your missing out on trying something new :)
 
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The Demko in magnucut is nice / the sheath is my only complaint. Edge geometry is dialed for rough use.

I have no experience with that lionsteel - it looks great though.

Esee is my pic. You’ll have to sharpen it sooner than the others.. Rowen does a good heat treatment though.
 
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Monofletch said:
The answer to this question is… what blade steel do you prefer and how much do you want to spend? You can’t go wrong with any of these blades!
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I have 3 Benchmade folders, a StrongArm, a couple Battle Horse knives, a couple Mora’s (Companion HD and Bushcraft Black) and an Izula. But I’m relatively new to this so I can’t say i have a preference on steel, except that I hear great things about Magnacut and don’t have any yet.

But it appears I’ve picked 3 legit options because all are getting votes. And, I’m not ruling out having two of them soon, just trying to decide which to buy first. I was thinking eventually Esee 4HM, Esee 6 and Izula (already have) but in researching them, came upon videos on the Demko and the (newer at least to me) LionSteel and both seem to be very good options as well.
 
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HCC3 said:
I have 3 Benchmade folders, a StrongArm, a couple Battle Horse knives and a couple Mora’s (Companion HD and Bushcraft Black) and an Izula. But I’m relatively new to this so I can’t say i have a preference on steel, except that I hear great things about Magnacut and don’t have any yet.

But it appears I’ve picked 3 legit options because all are getting votes. And, I’m not ruling out having two of them soon, just trying to decide which to buy first. I was thinking eventually Esee 4HM, Esee 6 and Izula (already have) but in researching them, game upon videos on the Demko and the (newer at least to me) LionSteel and both seem to be very good options as well.
Click to expand...
The ESEE is worth it for the warranty alone if this is going to be your only bushcrafting knife.

If you plan on getting many others down the line, just get the one that speaks to you the most.
 
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