ESEE Authentic Model 5 Tactical Survival Fixed Blade Knife - Ambidextrous Kydex Sheath - SERE Team Designed ESEE-5P-E

I know my review will become just one of the millions out there so I hope I can shed at least some helpful light in your purchase decision. Incidentally, I paid for this knife with my own funds and have zero personal contact with ESEE nor do I know anyone who works there or even sells knives. So, getting into it, I know this type of knife is so polarizing. Amongst outdoorsmen, "survivalists", mall-ninja's, preppers, and even among survival instructors no matter is written, it will be met with criticism. In fact, Jeff Randall (the guy who designed the knife and owns the company that builds them) has stated this is his least-favorite knife in the entire ESEE line-up. Given this renowned survival expert's usual operational context (primarily jungles), his disdain is understandable. However, for my use and context (the Rocky Mountains area), and my history in other 4-season environs, the design is excellent. It's not the only edged tool I carry and the times I've used this knife it has performed with excellence. The knife keeps it edge fairly well (depending on use and care to avoid rocks/stones/bones) and re-sharpens with out too much problem. The point is very strong - like nearly unbelievably strong - so I had no concerns it would snap off in the times I needed to gouge out some material. I like the ergonomics a lot and am able to carve things fairly well. That said, much of the knife's use for me is for larger tasks like shelter building, bone/cartilage separation, splitting/batoning wood, etc. I do not "chop" with knives much at all so I can't speak to that functionality, but for the few tasks which require a bit of chopping, it has done just fine. The sheath is very good quality and the retention is super. It is a hefty blade for sure so if you're looking to keep the pound count low, this may not be the best option for you. For me, I will sacrifice in other areas to ensure I have a fail-safe edged tool. YMMV. Read more

Massively badass. Strong af. Durable af. Infinite warranty. Handle is sturdy, sheathe is perfect, it's an incredible knife. It's a pound for the blade sure, maybe too heavy for some. But for me.... it's no big deal. I've brought it out for an entire day and it's come home solid + loved. Weight was no issue with frequent use. I haven't tried the 3d handle but at not point did I think "wish I had that" Read more

This is my 3rd Esee, I'm becoming a fan of them. This knife is a beast its sharp and has plenty of weight to it. I highly recommend it. It was a great price too. Read more

What an incredible knife! If you want something basically indestructible, very sharp, and something you can hand down to the next generation in your family...this is it! It’s well balanced, super thick blade will allow you to use it to split, shave and curl wood. It could even be used as a pry if needed. The sheath it comes with is very handy and a good snug fit. You slide a screw tab to lock the knife in. It will not come out if it’s locked! There is an optional molle case from ESEE and a pouch that can be added. The warranty is unheard of! No matter who owns this knife, no matter how old it is...the company put a life long warranty on it! Plus, it’s made in America Read more

I received an Esee 5 that was used (handles) and requested a replacement but it was lost in the mail. However, this does not take way from the quality of the knife but does speak to the character of the seller. The knife is AWESOME and has a 5.25 inch blade, and .25 thickness. The handles are micarta and provide excellent gripping. I never thought I would purchase anything od green, or any shade of green, after leaving the military, but I love the od green blade. The pommel/glass breaker would serve as another option for self- defense. Please review the videos about the Esee 5’s woodworking abilities because I have no interest in woodcraft. I did 4 years in the 82nd Abn Div and did my time in the woods, but honestly, it was not about camping. For me, this is my “Get Home Safely” knife accompanied by my BK11. This is my first Esee and I am impressed since I am Kabar & Becker enthusiast. I like the Esee 5 so much I will buy another to have should something happen to this one. Esee’s “no questions” asked warranty is AWESOME. However, it is hard to imagine breaking this tank of a knife. I had ordered a BK2 just because, but returned it because I was not up to ordering micarta handles and a kydex sheath as I have for my other Becker knives; plus there was no use for it other than adding to my knife collection. In all this is a great knife and worth every penny. Read more

The ESEE Model 5 is one of those knives you pick up and immediately know it means business. The thickness of the blade is no joke a true slab of steel that feels unbreakable in your hand. It’s heavy in the best possible way enough heft to chop, pry, and baton without hesitation, but still balanced enough that you don’t feel like you’re swinging a crowbar. The grip locks into your hand with confidence, even in wet Alaska bush weather. Functionality wise, this thing is a monster. I took it out on Afognak island, put it through the usual abuse splitting wood, shaving tinder, clearing brush, skinning and gutting game to light prying, and it didn’t blink. And here’s the part that surprised me, it outperformed my Buck 104 5160 Steel Fixed Blade so badly that the Buck is now officially retired. I’ve used Buck knives for years, trusted them, and never thought I’d shelve one. But after spending real time with this ESEE, the difference in strength, control, and cutting power was undeniable. The Buck just couldn’t keep up. For the price, the ESEE Model 5 is one of the best tool investments I’ve ever made(for a knife). You’re basically buying a lifetime of reliability(and supposedly they guaranteed it). Thick, rugged, dependable, and fully capable of handling the kind of punishment Alaska dishes out, this knife earned its place on my belt, and sent my old standby into permanent retirement. Read more