I'm looking to pick up an ESEE 6 and some replacement G10 grip scales. I was looking at the Junglas II, but figured it was a bit large for basic outdoor carry and mounting to a pack, chest rig, etc.

The Knife Connection used to offer up a builder tool where you could pick your custom grips, but they don't any longer on ESEE blades.

With all the choices, what's a good source for ESEE AND do any of them still offer such a combo (knife + new grips)?

Esee started putting out their knives with the rounder, more hand filling G10's already on them a few years back. Last one I got was from Knife Center, but I've even seen them on Amazon. Blade HQ has them too.

Knife Connection still offers aftermarket G10 Esee scales, just use the 'handles' tab instead of 'knife builder'.

I had the KC scales on two Esee, but when factory G10 were offered I went to those instead, the knurling is set up a little different and for me were preferable.

The factory G10 also fit normal sheaths as oppose to KC G10 which not all kydex benders offer sheath in the KC model, since they're a bit oversized.

I was worried about counterfeits off Amazon. I suppose it may be safe so long as it’s from ESEE’s Amazon store.

I really like the black G10 panels with the red liner. I was looking at these in Knife Connection.

I almost never shop Amazon for anything so hadn't considered buying a counterfeit by mistake there, valid point.

I believe Esee started serializing their knives because of counterfeits, had seen a couple post on forums of a certain serial # knife being copied and up for sale multiple times.

I agree with the amount of Amazon fakes/sellers, is crazy. I have been taken a couple times. Now being able to order from the source, that is another story and the way to go.

I do own several pair of TKC scales, a couple of them for the ESEE-5/6 and they're nicely machined, but in your case, consider the ESEE-6 with their natural canvas micarta 3D scales. TKC has it in stock for 134.71 and free shipping

https://theknifeconnection.com...handle-black-sheath/

Canvas micarta has a more grippy feel than G-10, especially when the scales are wet.

This will save you about 50 bucks because you don't have to buy scales separately. Even if you don't like the color or material of these scales., buy this model anyway, because the old plain jane ESEE-6 is only a couple of bucks less. Then, you can sell these nice 3D scales and put that toward the cost of the TKC scales. But, I have a feeling you will be very pleased with the knife as it comes from the factory.

You will want a better sheath for your knife. The sheath ESEE supplies is adequate and that is all it is.

This would be a great match for your knife if you buy the knife with the canvas micarta scales. They have other colors, but this one is on sale. I have a couple of these sheaths and they are much nicer and more secure than the ESEE sheath. Unlike the ESEE sheath, the LT Wright sheath has adjustable knife retention. It's odd that teh sheath ESEE supplies with the ESEE-5 has adjustable retention, but the ESEE-6 sheath does not have this feature.

These sheaths are made for TKC by LT Wright. You can put a Molle back on them and attach ESEE pouches. There is also a slightly larger pouch available. I like the leather backer the sheath comes with and you can put an ESEE pouch on the front of the sheath whether you use the leather backer or Molle.

I can't recommend the LT Wright sheath for the ESEE-6 strongly enough. When you see one in person, you'll never again want to bother with the factory ESEE-6 sheath.

Thank you for such a detailed and concise response. I think I'll do that.

I was leaning that way on the sheathe, and the LT Wright ones do look very functional. I do like that it has adjustable retention; too many sheaths out there are trash in that area.

I'm wondering about the MOLLE backer and how much thickness it adds to the package. It's hard to tell from their front/rear photos. I was considering adding Blade Tech MOLLE Loks directly to the back of the sheathe.

Any thoughts on that? The idea is to keep it small/thin and minimalist. One thing the MOLLE backer has over the clips is that the backer has a single MOLLE strap in the center, as opposed to 2 clips on the sides. The backer has a variety of other features/configurations, so it seems like a better package.

If you ask me, the leather backer is the way to go. I do own a couple of the Molle backs, but, frankly, if I had it to do over again, I might not have bothered. They Molle backer is definitely functional. If you want to attach the sheath to a pack, you would want to use the Molle backer. Also, the top of the backer has a retaining strap for the handle, and if you really want the knife to be secure, there is a flap which encloses the handle and can be tied down. If you were jumping out of a plane, or had the sheath attached to a pack while going through dense brush, the knife would be enclosed and protected. I'm not concerned about scratches, but rather, having the knife accidentally yanked out of the sheath in some manner. For conditions such as that, the Molle would be the ticket. The LT Wright sheath has good retention but it's still just friction holding the knife in the sheath.

But, for wearing on the belt, my suggestion is to use the leather backer. Unlike the Molle clips you're considering, the leather belt loop has some 'give' to it and allows the sheath to yield and move when brushing up against objects or when you bend over or sit down with the knife attached to your belt. The leather backer will prove to be more comfortable and practical IMO. The leather backer is securely screwed to the sheath and it's not coming off of the sheath unless you unscrew it yourself.

Makes sense. Ordered!

Looks like you got the last one, because that sheath is out of stock now.

Phew! I got the order confirmation, too.

Top: ESEE-6 with ESEE green/black G-10 3D scales, green LT Wright sheath with OD Molle back and OD small pouch

Middle: ESEE-6 with ESEE orange G-10 flat scales, black LT Wright sheath with orange rivets and leather backer

Bottom: ESEE-5 with ESEE green canvas micarta 3D scales, ESEE-5 factory sheath with OD large pouch and leather backer





ESEE-5 sheath with LT Wright leather backer removed from ESEE-6 sheath. Fitting this backer onto the ESEE-5 sheath required drilling a couple of new holes in the backer using a standard 1/8" drill bit. TKC offers a leather backer for the ESEE-5 sheath but for whatever reason, the frog is narrower on that backer. Either way, it didn't matter for me because I already had this backer. I love being able to put stuff to use that otherwise would just be sitting in a box.





Showing the screws that hold the pouch, sheath and Molle back together. The screw heads should face up. All of the attachment hardware you need will come with the Molle back and/or pouch. This small pouch is sized to hold an Altoids tin. The large pouch will hold an Altoid tins plus a 21"x21" bandana folded tight. The large pouch is deep enough to hold the largest size of Leatherman multitools or a small pair of Knipex pliers.

MUCH better than the photos on Knife Connection.

Thanks!