My Thoughts On The ESEE-4

G

GunnersFan

Joined
Sep 10, 2022
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In my first post to the forum a few weeks ago I mentioned that I purchased an ESEE-4 with the help of a lot of research through the BF archives. Here are my thoughts, after a couple weeks of hard use:

First, minor quibbles: the coated blade prevents use of a ferro rod. Maybe that will be outweighed if the coating turns out to be very durable. Not a big deal though. Also, I went with the 3D contour Micarta scales, because I have large hands. I think I would have preferred the G10 option. For me, the Micarta feels a little slick. But again, these are just quibbles.

For the last two weeks, I’ve tried to really put this knife through its paces. I spend a fair bit of time in the woods, and I like to travel light if possible, so I really like to have a lot of faith in the gear I do bring. It looks like the ESEE more than fills the bill, and will live up to the reputation it seems to have here.

An example: last weekend I had a lot of maple branches that I had to process for curbside pickup, some very large. I stripped all the larger branches, with most requiring a pretty stout chest lever cut. I probably did around 300-400 of these. Then I batonned about 10-15 of the thick main branches for some extra stuff to add to a fire. No damage at all to the edge after this, and after a little wipe the blade still appeared to be unused. I finished with some very fine shaving work creating a few feathersticks, and it performed beautifully. Smooth, easy cuts with total control.

In sum, a terrific knife that looks look it will be a dependable workhorse, and I’m very happy I bought it.
 
Agree, the 4 is a great alround knife.
Mine is aver 12 years old iirc and was with me on a trip last weekend.
Glad you enjoy yours.

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So I am ready to get an ESEE 4 just am not sure if I should get a 1095 or S35vn. My use of the knife would be the same as the OP: camping and hiking, things like food processing and light batoning. By the way I don't like the H&M handle. Either the flat or the 3d contoured should work for me. I already have ESEE 3 (1095) and 6.

1095 or s35vn for my ESEE 4？
 
sharp_edge said:
So I am ready to get an ESEE 4 just am not sure if I should get a 1095 or S35vn. My use of the knife would be the same as the OP: camping and hiking, things like food processing and light batoning. By the way I don't like the H&M handle. Either the flat or the 3d contoured should work for me. I already have ESEE 3 (1095) and 6.

1095 or s35vn for my ESEE 4？
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If for food prep and light wood processing, the S35VN model would be fine I'd think. Don't have to worry about rust. Although 1095 isn't bad if you just wipe it off after use.
 
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I found my ESEE 4 much nicer to use after I stripped the blade coating and just did a simple apple cider vinegar patina.. made a noticeable difference when batoning wood having so much less friction on the blade, as well as being able to strike a ferro rod..

Although a have since swapped my esee 4 for a BK16. Just prefer the ergos of the BK16 more..
 
I enjoy mine too, but always have in the back of my mind that it would cut better if thinned back a bit behind the edge.

I have never taken the time to knock out the shoulders and try it though.

I do like the knife quite a bit overall though. I used to think it was a bit expensive, but the price has remained flat for many years, which is starting to make it seem like a great value.
 
Corton93 said:
View attachment 1943975

I found my ESEE 4 much nicer to use after I stripped the blade coating and just did a simple apple cider vinegar patina.. made a noticeable difference when batoning wood having so much less friction on the blade, as well as being able to strike a ferro rod..

Although a have since swapped my esee 4 for a BK16. Just prefer the ergos of the BK16 more..
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Thats a gorgeous knife right there. How did you do the apple cider vinegar patina?
 
RugerNurse said:
Thats a gorgeous knife right there. How did you do the apple cider vinegar patina?
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Used Rustoleum aircraft grade paint remover to get off factory coating.

Just used plain old Heinz apple cider vinegar, heated to a low simmer, like hot coffee temp. Filled a tall glass and dipped it in hanging on a wire clothes hanger and let sit for like 1-2 minutes then remove and let air dry while hanging. Repeated the dipping and drying process like 2 or 3 times...

After the last dip and dry, just rubbed it down in oil (Rem oil, Breakfree CLP) don't remember which, then let it sit overnight. Next day just wiped off excess oil and put scales back on..
 
I love the ESEE warranty, but I held off from buying one until the HM handles came out for the ESEE-4. The round handles on the HM handles fill my much larger than average hands up better than the flatter handles do.
 
MolokaiRider said:
I enjoy mine too, but always have in the back of my mind that it would cut better if thinned back a bit behind the edge.

I have never taken the time to knock out the shoulders and try it though.

I do like the knife quite a bit overall though. I used to think it was a bit expensive, but the price has remained flat for many years, which is starting to make it seem like a great value.
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It does! The Esee 4 great knife. A little on the thick side, kind of wish it was the thickness of the 3 but the size of the 4. Knocking off the shoulders and lowering the edge angle makes it a much better cutter. In the pic you can see what I did to my Esee 4 compared to how they come from the factory.

And that is a great point about the price. Literally everything is more expensive these days. Not the Esee 4! You can still find them with sheath for under $100, which is what they were 6-7 years ago.

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craytab said:
It does! The Esee 4 great knife. A little on the thick side, kind of wish it was the thickness of the 3 but the size of the 4. Knocking off the shoulders and lowering the edge angle makes it a much better cutter. In the pic you can see what I did to my Esee 4 compared to how they come from the factory.

And that is a great point about the price. Literally everything is more expensive these days. Not the Esee 4! You can still find them with sheath for under $100, which is what they were 6-7 years ago.

KqCJDKYh.jpg

qAuwS3Bh.jpg

FexGCwVh.jpg

2fqwHXah.jpg
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Very nice.

I have always thought the same about the thickness on the 4 being ideal if it was the same as the 3.

For blades in the four to five inch category, I value thinner stock and geometry the more I use knives.

Thicker blades in choppers are fine though.

I like the edge you put on that Esee 4!
 
MolokaiRider said:
Very nice.

I have always thought the same about the thickness on the 4 being ideal if it was the same as the 3.

For blades in the four to five inch category, I value thinner stock and geometry the more I use knives.

Thicker blades in choppers are fine though.

I like the edge you put on that Esee 4!
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Thanks! And I totally agree on thickness. As I age in this hobby, thinner or more dramatic primary grinds on a field knife size blade are what I'm after. With their geometry and steel choice/HT, CPK has hit the sweet spot in my few. Thick and tough enough with the grind and steel/HT but thin enough because of the grind and steel/HT to still be a great cutter.
 
The problem with CPK is that I don't seem to be able to grab one. I agree that the length of ESEE-4 is ideal to me but I wish the blade could be a bit thinner. Does ESEE s35vn has the same thickness as ESEE 4 1095?
 
sharp_edge said:
The problem with CPK is that I don't seem to be able to grab one. I agree that the length of ESEE-4 is ideal to me but I wish the blade could be a bit thinner. Does ESEE s35vn has the same thickness as ESEE 4 1095?
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Getting a CPK can be a challenge but I've always gotten one I wanted with a little persistence. Esee 4 in s35vn is same thickness as in 1095.
 
The ESEE 4 is one of the two knives I tend to give as gifts. I don’t give gifts to friends or loved ones that I don’t like or trust.
 
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