Hello!

I’m wanting to purchase a general use ESEE but I’m not sure which of their models would be best. Duties would include general camping use, self defense, hunting, etc.

Thank you in advance!

Jim

There are many pages here with good info on ESEE knives

SIGForum ESEE Search

Thank you!

Jim

The 3 or 4 in 1095 would be my pick for what you're needing.
I also have a 5 (sharpened pry bar) and a 6 which is on par with a mil spec Ka-Bar. Both are pretty large knives that are more special purpose than the 2 smaller versions.
The one I have found most useful for me is the Xancudo. It's only a 3" blade but it's S35VN and razor sharp after lots of hard use. It rides in my pack for every hike and camping trip.

Ryan I have been wanting one of those, looks like a useful blade shape. I currently have an Izula and 4, and am also eyeing a 3HM.

Hi Jim! General consensus on the forum (and USAF SERE) is an ESEE 4 (both non-serrated), with an Izula II as a handy companion blade. I’m the outlier with an Izula II + Laser Strike in that order. Several members in multiple threads tend to agree the 3 is a bit thin for the uses you mentioned and models about the 4 are too heavy/big for the kind of camp knife role you envision. (Again, I’m weird and like the Laser Strike over the 4.)

I don’t have every model of ESEE knife, but I’m close.

The only ones that get used regularly are the 4, the Junglas, the Xancudo and the Zancudo folder. The Zancudo folder has been my pocket knife for several years now and when they released the fixed blade it replaced my Izula for edc.

If I was only going to own one it would be the 4.

The Zancudo folder isn’t a true ESEE knife, it’s just their design, but it’s still a solid little knife.

Hello again!

Went ahead and bought the ESEE 4.

Thank you!

Jim

Anyone have both a Xancudo and 3HM? I’m not a fan of the choils on the standard Esee line.

Hard to go wrong with a 4 as a starter.
From an Izula on up, they all serve a slightly different purpose.
They aren't all that expensive as quality knives go so buy a couple throughout the range and see what you like.