I have been talking with the guys over at dansdepot.com, and I am glad to have them on board as contributors to Survivallife.com.
Being a big fan of knives, the first question I always ask a fellow survivalist is “what knife do you carry and why?”
Craig responded back, that he carried an ESEE knife and when he started to explain why, I had to cut him short.
What he was telling me was too good, so I asked him to write an article about it.
Check it out and see what he has to say:
Go out and ask any respected survival instructor you have contact with, to provide you a list of their top 5 survival knives.
I doubt seriously there would be only a few (if any at all) that do not have ESEE knives near the top of that list…
ESEE stands for Escuela de Supervivencia (School of Survival), Evasion, Escape and has a rich history that is the backbone of their knives. These knives were formulated by Jeff Randall after a number of years teaching survival and other tactics in the Peruvian jungle.
Those experiences led Mr. Randall, to put a knife together that he felt comfortable handling the elements of that harsh environment as well as many others. These knives are sought after by military, law enforcement, and other tacticool users for several reasons.
Since 1997 these knives have been used in jungles, deserts, and the city streets as incredibly useful tool of many an operator’s kit.
The first and obvious reason is that ESEE offers a no questions asked lifetime warranty on all their fixed blade knives that is transferrable. As their website clearly states, “If you break it, send it back and we will send you another.”
This is a reflection of the business ethics that Mr. Randall and his longtime business partner, Mike Perrin, bring to the table as they run they run the business of making fine knives and survival equipment.
The vast majority of ESEE line of knives are made of 1095 carbon steel which is the workhorse of all of the old school traditionalists in the field of knives. The 1095 carbon is often cited as the benchmark for quality blades due to its ability to hold a heat treat so that it remains flexible enough to handle the abuse, but strong enough to keep that edge.
Mr. Randall does a fantastic job of listening to his customers and more recently started offering some stainless options to their line of knives. This only serves to once again show that ESEE is committed to both putting fine, quality blades out there and ones that meet the needs of their customers.
The ESEE line of knives most popular point is a true drop point which makes it incredibly useful tool for most any survival, bushcraft, or junglecraft work. Their line of knives range from small 3” neck knives, up to machetes with overall length of well over 20”. Most of their blades have an incredibly tough powder coat finish with various colors including a very tactical black to, jungle green and others in between.
It should be noted by the user of ESEE knives that 1095 carbon steel will rust, particularly along the edge and any engraving. With proper care and keeping them oiled, purchasing an ESEE knife will be one you will never regret. If for some reason you ever would be, ESEE customer service is fantastic. You will often find Jeff Randall himself cruising the forums and answering questions.
The price tag for an ESEE is completely along the lines of a knife of this caliber. Some would consider it an investment. We certainly would to, but one that is worth the money. They have quite an extensive line and we are sure you could find one that will make both your hand and your wallet happy. A person with the right amount of knowledge and an ESEE knife can do a lot more effective work than a whole group of those who are not knowledgeable and a toolbox full of knives.
