ESEE Knives ESEE-4P Fixed Blade Knife (4.5" Black)

I’ve gutted two deer and fully dressed one with this knife. I’ve had it for almost 6 years now taken it backpacking hiking and many other outdoor tasks and it has held an amazing edge. All I’ve ever done is touch it up lightly and strop it. A wonderful example of 1095. I’m not a steel snob but I’ve got D2 blades and s30v blades 154cm and this holds its own with the best of them. I didn’t have any issues with sheath retention but I worked the sheath in until it works perfectly and I’ve never had it fall out even when carried horizontally on my back. And with the Esee warranty for the money why would you buy anything else with less of a warranty. When I bought my Esee 4 the warranty was even if you purposely prybar with it and break it they will replace it free of charge. Whether it still is or not IDK I’ve never broken it and I’ve batoned through deer rib cages. Great knife!!! Not your knife snob kind of knife but for a real man’s man, now that’s a knife.

Esee 4. Let's start with the bad. 1. The pocket clip really only has 2 options for mounting, right and left hand carry. So if you want to carry it sideways or comfortably for that matter, better find yourself some paracord. 2. The handle is thin, and I found myself wishing there was a little more meat to grab onto. 3. The Esee 4 is pretty heavy for what it is... I took this bad boi up a 14er and....never again. 4. The retention of the sheath is almost comical. This knife will not come out of the sheath come heck or high water. And when you do manage to dislodge it, the sheath sometimes leaves a plastic residue above the index finger on the scale.
Now the good. 1. The knife will not fall out of the sheath come heck or high-water! It does loosen up slightly...eventually. 2. The Esee 4 looks great. Blacked out blade, with a little orange accent, and Micarta scales to boot... Fantastic looking knife, no doubt. 3. The Esee also feels great. Very well balanced and gimping that is just the right amount of aggressive. 4. I would probably trust my life to this knife. Stout and incredibly robust. Batoning oak? No problem.
The question is; is it worth the price? No sir. I kind of wish I would have just bought 6 Moras for the price. The world of fixed blades is just so incredibly vast. Esee is competing with "Handmade" Bob and "Custom" Joe with his stack of spring steel and trusty belt sander. In my opinion, they need to cut the price, or do something more than Micarta scales and coated 1095. Sorry BHQ, but this....this ain't it. 61/100

This knife is great for bush craft and tactical use. Ergos are perfect for my hands. Has tackled all batoning/firemaking tasks I’ve used it for. Micarta scales are more dense than what I’ve felt on others. Don’t seem to be able to wear out very easily. Sheath has great retention without being very bulky.