Introducing the ESEE 6: the versatile camp knife

For this first review, I've chosen to present a knife I'm particularly fond of: the ESEE 6.

A few technical details to get you started:

Overall length: 29cm

Blade length: 16.5cm

Blade height: 3.9cm

Blade thickness: approx. 4mm

1095 steel with black coating

Micarta handle

Zytel sheath

I've had this knife for a few years. I often use it on bushcraft and bivouac outings. I carry it with the ESEE Molle system and the additional ESEE pocket. I also add a leather pouch of my own design.

I use it mainly for the following tasks: Splitting logs, batonnage, cutting on the fly, food preparation, cutting to make wooden tools in the field, etc...

Personally, I think it's a good all-rounder that will be excellent for all tasks around camp. Its micarta handle has a good grip, even with wet hands. It can be held in 3 positions (1 for cutting on the fly, 2 normal grip, 3 grip with index finger in the finger choil for precision cutting). Note that with this grip, the finger is very close to the cutting edge, so handle with care.

Cutting on the fly

Normal grip

Precision cutting

When used intensively, the handle can hurt the hand. This is considerably reduced by wearing gloves. Nevertheless, for food preparation requiring precision and therefore a fine blade, it's better to have a small complementary knife. I always take a large knife with me, either a folding knife or a small fixed knife for greater versatility.

Its cutting edge lasts a long time and sharpening is easy thanks to its carbon steel. However, I strongly recommend oiling the blade after every use to prevent the carbon steel from rusting.

As for carrying it: if you carry it for long periods with the Molle system and the pocket, its weight is felt on your belt and the rectangular buckle on the top of the sheath becomes annoying. On the other hand, I don't feel it when worn with the leather holster.

The positives:

- micarta handle

- excellent edge retention

- hard-wearing coating

- good blade thickness, neither too thick nor too thin

Negative points:

- no place on back of blade with 45° edges for firestick use

- wear with molle, pocket and heavy knife over time.

Rating of 4.5 /5

- Floran -