ESEE Knives
ESEE Knives began in 1997 as a survival training operation in Peru, called Randall’s Adventure & Training. Over the years, they began designing survival knives for their own sister company as well as several other stateside knife companies, including Ontario and TOPS. The two ventures went on to unite as ESEE Knives.
About ESEE Knives
ESEE Knives History
The spark of ESEE knives started in 1997 when Mike Perrin and Jeff Randall paired to create a real survival brand that focused on quality and not hype. They started Randall's Adventure & Training and got a contract with the Peruvian Air Force to teach clients the art of survival in the Amazon jungle of Peru.
After operating in South America for several years, they brought their business stateside and started a sister company producing knives and gear. After five years of designing the RAT line of knives for Ontario Knife Company, ESEE was formed.
ESEE is now a household name in the knife industry. ESEE fixed blades are known for their survival prowess and ability for hard use.
Best ESEE Knives
Written by Blade HQ Staff Writer Logan Rainey on 09/25/2020
ESEE knives are some of the best in the business. They offer a huge assortment of tools for everything from hunting to personal defense, and their knives are some of the toughest, longest lasting knives out there. ESEE Knives was founded with wilderness survival in mind and each knife they produce is meant to add value to any kit or load out. These knives are rugged, durable and easy to maintain, and are backed by the best warranty in the industry bar none. Read on to learn more about ESEE Knives and to see our picks for the Top 9 ESEE Knives.
In addition to an overview of the specs and details of each knife, I’ll also be featuring a review of each knife left by one of our customers.
1. Izula
Aptly named after the Peruvian Bullet Ant, the ESEE Izula is a small fixed blade knife that really packs a punch. Its 1095 steel construction and lightweight profile make it one of the best concealed carry and backup utility knives money can buy. The Izula is available in a wide array of colors and comes standard with a polymer sheath. Also available is a Stainless Steel version, Izula survival kit, and micarta handle scales. If you have larger hands, the ESEE Izula II is a better option between the two variations as it has a longer handle and extended grip. Whichever you choose, the ESEE Izula is bound to bring a smile to your face.
- Overall Length: 6.25”
- Blade Length: 2.875”
- Blade Material: 1095 or Stainless Steel
- Handle: Full-tang Skeletonized
- Weight: 1.90 oz.
- Country of Origin: USA
William M. says...
“I carry this vertical on the hip every day and it is a perfect edc knife. Great quality and perfect size for me. Keep it oiled and it will take basically anything you throw at it. It is easy to sharpen and will take a great edge.”
2. ESEE 3
The ESEE-3 fixed blade knife is one badass knife! It features a heavy duty 1095 (or S35VN) steel blade, G-10 scales and a sharpened glass breaker pommel, and is available with a molded sheath, boot clip, paracord, cord lock and Cordura MOLLE back. This 3-inch knife is great for bushcrafting and camping as it is large enough for hard use tasks like splitting and carving wood, but small enough to stay out of the way when not in use. It’s also a great size for use as a tactical or self-defense blade. Consider the ESEE-3 if you’re looking for a knife with the right balance of function and usability.
- Overall Length: 8.31”
- Blade Length: 3.875”
- Blade Material: 1095
- Handle Material: G-10
- Weight: 6.00 oz.
- Country of Origin: USA
Scott B. says...
“This is an all around great camping and hunting knife. I love this knife and have only one complaint, when wearing on the belt, the knife rides to high for my comfort, other than that it’s awesome. I love micarta handles, they only get gripper when wet. The sheath and molle back is perfect, this knife is attached to the outside of my pack when hunting, fishing, or camping, and always in my EDC bag. Don’t leave home with out it.”
3. ESEE 4
The ESEE-4 is considered the "wilderness" version of the popular ESEE-3 knife with a longer, thicker blade. The blade is 3/16" thick with a full flat grind. The handle has removable Micarta scales and a rounded pommel with a hole for lanyard attachment. The ESEE-4 is designed to serve as a primary backpacking and wilderness survival knife. It can also be fit to a modular system for duty carry in a tactical environment. The sheath is fully ambidextrous in any carry mode. It can be belt carried, drop-leg carried or lashed to a pack. Sheath instructions are in the pictures above and included with the knife.
- Overall Length: 9.00”
- Blade Length: 4.50”
- Blade Material: 1095
- Handle Material: G-10
- Weight: 8.00 oz.
- Country of Origin: USA
Zachary D. says...
"When you see the thick blade on this knife and the tang through the micarta handles you know you can be confident in it. It is grippy, but doesn't leave your hand sore after extensive use. It's has enough of a blade as well as the heft needed to baton and chop, but the contours allow you to choke up on it for finer tasks. It was also one of the sharpest knives I've received out of the box. I always carry it when I'm out backpacking in the Rockies."
4. ESEE Laser Strike
The ESEE Laser Strike is arguably one of the most versatile survival knives in the industry. Aside from its included ferro rod, it features handles that have been designed with a bow-drill divot and comes standard with useful tinder tabs and a rugged kydex sheath. The ESEE Laser Strike features full-tang 1095 Steel construction for added strength while batoning and durability over the life of the knife. If you’re serious about wilderness survival, this is one serious knife. Check it out by clicking below.
- Overall Length: 10.00”
- Blade Length: 4.75”
- Blade Material: 1095
- Handle Material: Micarta
- Weight: 9.40 oz.
- Country of Origin: USA
Chris H. says...
“This is a fantastic knife that really falls into that perfect size for me. I find the Esee LS very comfortable even over long use. This is a great bang for your buck knife.”
5. ESEE 5
When the right tool can make all the difference in a critical situation, why leave things to chance? The ESEE 5 fixed blade knife is a knife built for those moments. It features a reasonably sized 5-inch 1095 steel blade with micarta handles. Like other ESEE fixed blade knives, the ESEE-5 features a glass breaker/pummel, bow drill divot and thumb jimping on the spine of the blade. The ESEE 5 was designed for survival by survival specialists. Don’t get caught without one.
- Overall Length: 11.00”
- Blade Length: 5.25”
- Blade Material: 1095
- Handle Material: Micarta
- Weight: 15.90 oz.
- Country of Origin: USA
Nick F. says...
“This knife is a beast! Its size and weight makes it perfect for any heavy duty task. The best part, the warranty is no questions asked! That's right! Beat this knife into the ground and put it to work like it was made to do with no worries. Love this knife so much I want to get a 4 as well!”
6. ESEE Junglas
From deep within the jungles of Central America, the ESEE Junglas is a burly take on a traditional machete. Its massive blade is designed for chopping and hacking through the thickest brush and vegetation. 1095 steel and grippy canvas micarta help this knife (pronounced “sword”) withstand the rigors of heavy use and difficult conditions. Step up your jungle kit with an ESEE Junglas.
- Overall Length: 16.50”
- Blade Length: 10.375”
- Blade Material: 1095
- Handle Material: Micarta
- Weight: 1 lb. 6.21 oz.
- Country of Origin: USA
David B. says...
“If I could give it more stars I would. I’ve had this knife for at least six years. In that time I’ve used and abused it greatly. An ax would have been much better suited to the tasks I put this knife to. I’ve chopped through dead trees two thirds the length of the blade in diameter. But it never once complained.”
7. ESEE Ashley Game Knife (AGK)
With hunting season in full swing, the Ashley Game Knife (AGK) is a great all-around hunting knife. Its 1095 carbon steel construction is both durable and easy to maintain. This knife’s weatherproof canvas micarta handle scales are extra grippy for those less-than-ideal conditions. This knife is versatile, great for hunting both large and small game. Premium leather sheath included.
- Overall Length: 8.25”
- Blade Length: 3.50”
- Blade Material: 1095
- Handle Material: Micarta
- Weight: 5.10 oz.
- Country of Origin: USA
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8. ESEE 6
Some knives are too big for small tasks, and some knives are too small for big tasks. Finding a knife that’s great for both can be hard, but look no further because the ESEE 6 is built for both. This knife is designed to be a great knife for fine work and light duty tasks like feather sticking and setting up traps, but is made from thick blade stock that can literally take a beating. Use the ESEE 6 to carve a camp spoon then build a shelter with it. Like other ESEE knives, the ESEE 6 comes is made with 1095 Steel and features a textured micarta handle. Buying one of these is well worth it. Get yours today!
- Overall Length: 11.75”
- Blade Length: 6.50”
- Blade Material: 1095
- Handle Material: G-10
- Weight: 13.00 oz.
- Country of Origin: USA
Jubal B. says...
“I have had this knife for about a year now, and I have used it in many situations, from batoning wood to cutting cord. It has never chipped, or snapped in any way, and has remained surprisingly sharp for how much abuse I put it through.”
9. ESEE Candiru
Named after a nasty little parasitic fish in the Amazon River, the ESEE Candiru is a great addition to the ESEE Knives lineup. This small fixed blade knife is designed for lightweight, concealed carry and makes a great backup knife for camping and adventuring. It features skeletonized 1095 steel construction and a large bellied blade for precision carving and cutting. The knife comes standard with a convenient polymer sheath. Canvas scales are sold separately and well worth adding to the Candiru. Pick one up today!
- Overall Length: 11.75”
- Blade Length: 6.50”
- Blade Material: 1095
- Handle Material: G-10
- Weight: 13.00 oz.
- Country of Origin: USA
Jubal B. says...
“I have had this knife for about a year now, and I have used it in many situations, from batoning wood to cutting cord. It has never chipped, or snapped in any way, and has remained surprisingly sharp for how much abuse I put it through.”
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a rock-solid survival knife or a stout everyday carry fixed blade knife, ESEE knives are well worth looking at. They’re well made, built to last and come standard with a no questions asked, you break it they replace it warranty. If you’re still on the fence about an ESEE knife, feel free to browse the rest of their knives. These are nine of their best knives, but not everything they have to offer. Thanks for reading! We’ll catch you next time.
Now you've got all our recommendations, but Blade HQ has got way more knives than those featured here. Give our wares a browse, and find the perfect knife to suit your needs!
Learn More
In this episode of Knife Banter, we take a look at some new ESEE Knives at SHOT Show 2020. From bright new blade coatings to flashy G-10 handle scales, there’s a little something for everyone. Check it out!
ESEE Warranty
From ESEE as of June 2019:
Our warranty is pretty simple: if you break it, we will repair or replace it. We will not question the validity of your warranty claim for a broken knife, handles, sheath, clip plate or hardware. Warranty is lifetime and transferable. In other words, we warranty these products no matter how many times they have been traded, sold or given away – no sales receipt or proof of purchase required. We must have these products returned to validate a warranty claim.
ESEE KNIVES ARE NOT THROWING KNIVES! They are hardened to a higher Rockwell than throwing knives and will most likely break if thrown, possibly harming the user. So, do yourself and your ESEE knife a favor and DO NOT throw it. Using any knife not meant to be thrown as a throwing knife is idiotic! We would rather idiots not buy our knives.
Read the full warranty here.
