ESEE Authentic Model 5 Tactical Survival Fixed Blade Knife - Ambidextrous Kydex Sheath - SERE Team Designed (ESEE-5P-E)

I know my review will become just one of the millions out there so I hope I can shed at least some helpful light in your purchase decision. Incidentally, I paid for this knife with my own funds and have zero personal contact with ESEE nor do I know anyone who works there or even sells knives. So, getting into it, I know this type of knife is so polarizing. Amongst outdoorsmen, "survivalists", mall-ninja's, preppers, and even among survival instructors no matter is written, it will be met with criticism. In fact, Jeff Randall (the guy who designed the knife and owns the company that builds them) has stated this is his least-favorite knife in the entire ESEE line-up. Given this renowned survival expert's usual operational context (primarily jungles), his disdain is understandable. However, for my use and context (the Rocky Mountains area), and my history in other 4-season environs, the design is excellent. It's not the only edged tool I carry and the times I've used this knife it has performed with excellence. The knife keeps it edge fairly well (depending on use and care to avoid rocks/stones/bones) and re-sharpens with out too much problem. The point is very strong - like nearly unbelievably strong - so I had no concerns it would snap off in the times I needed to gouge out some material. I like the ergonomics a lot and am able to carve things fairly well. That said, much of the knife's use for me is for larger tasks like shelter building, bone/cartilage separation, splitting/batoning wood, etc. I do not "chop" with knives much at all so I can't speak to that functionality, but for the few tasks which require a bit of chopping, it has done just fine. The sheath is very good quality and the retention is super. It is a hefty blade for sure so if you're looking to keep the pound count low, this may not be the best option for you. For me, I will sacrifice in other areas to ensure I have a fail-safe edged tool. YMMV.

Massively badass. Strong af. Durable af. Infinite warranty. Handle is sturdy, sheathe is perfect, it's an incredible knife. It's a pound for the blade sure, maybe too heavy for some. But for me.... it's no big deal. I've brought it out for an entire day and it's come home solid + loved. Weight was no issue with frequent use. I haven't tried the 3d handle but at not point did I think "wish I had that"

What an incredible knife! If you want something basically indestructible, very sharp, and something you can hand down to the next generation in your family...this is it! It’s well balanced, super thick blade will allow you to use it to split, shave and curl wood. It could even be used as a pry if needed. The sheath it comes with is very handy and a good snug fit. You slide a screw tab to lock the knife in. It will not come out if it’s locked! There is an optional molle case from ESEE and a pouch that can be added. The warranty is unheard of! No matter who owns this knife, no matter how old it is...the company put a life long warranty on it! Plus, it’s made in America

The ESEE Model 5 is one of those knives you pick up and immediately know it means business. The thickness of the blade is no joke a true slab of steel that feels unbreakable in your hand. It’s heavy in the best possible way enough heft to chop, pry, and baton without hesitation, but still balanced enough that you don’t feel like you’re swinging a crowbar. The grip locks into your hand with confidence, even in wet Alaska bush weather. Functionality wise, this thing is a monster. I took it out on Afognak island, put it through the usual abuse splitting wood, shaving tinder, clearing brush, skinning and gutting game to light prying, and it didn’t blink. And here’s the part that surprised me, it outperformed my Buck 104 5160 Steel Fixed Blade so badly that the Buck is now officially retired. I’ve used Buck knives for years, trusted them, and never thought I’d shelve one. But after spending real time with this ESEE, the difference in strength, control, and cutting power was undeniable. The Buck just couldn’t keep up. For the price, the ESEE Model 5 is one of the best tool investments I’ve ever made(for a knife). You’re basically buying a lifetime of reliability(and supposedly they guaranteed it). Thick, rugged, dependable, and fully capable of handling the kind of punishment Alaska dishes out, this knife earned its place on my belt, and sent my old standby into permanent retirement.

I debated between the ESEE 5 & the 6. This knife is big I could’ve gotten by with the 6. It’s a s big as my USMC Kabar just not as long but it’s heavy. With that said the first day I got it I did some punishment testing. I chopped through 3 4” pieces of wood, 2 pine and one Russian olive, I then batoned each piece in quarters and did some finger sticking on some of pieces. The knife was still sharp enough to shave the hair on my arm. Most of my bushcraft knives are D2 or A2 tool steel and I was skeptical about 1095 being strong enough but ESEE has changed my mind. With their warranty and craftsmanship I’ll be buying more. Only down fall I find is you can’t use the back of the knife for a fire striker with the coating on the blade.

Great Knife! A beast at a 1/4 “ thick , designed for crashed pilots as a survival knife you can see why. If I was lost in the wilderness this is the knife I would want. So I bought my son one too for his birthday , orange his favorite color. I would want him to have the best as well. The quality in craftsmanship you can see and feel when you hold it . Company has a lifetime warranty one of the best I’ve seen. I’ve added a fire stick, para-cord and a couple items just in case . “ see photo” Heavy for everyday use for that I have the ESEE 4 you can read my review in that as well .. great knives ! Glad I bought them.

Large handled blade (I'm 230lbs at 6' and it was comfy in mine). The blade is 1/4" on the back spine, making it very durable and I think of all the blades I have used, this one is probably the least likely to fail in a hard to impossible situation.

Esse is an outstanding knife manufacturer that consistently turns out sone of the most well thought out, designed, and manufactured knives in the business! A company who is confident enough in the care, quality of materials, and craftsmanship that goes into their product they offer a no questions asked, repair or replace policy for the lifetime of the knife!! Esse is a company that I would never hesitate to do business with and I strongly recommend to anyone looking for a durable knife that you can literally beat the $h#% out off and it laughs it off! To me, the customer service and peace of mind you know you will automatically get when spending your hard earned money with these folks (just in case..things can happen) is all you can really ever ask! Way to go, Esse!

Very well made. Hardcore

This knife is the perfect tool for bushcraft. It's very well made, and it looks better in person. If you're looking for a great knife that can do many different tasks, look no further. Plus you will look way cooler on camping, or hunting trips.