ESEE Knives - Fixed Blade Knives Done Right

The ESEE RC-3 is definitely a favorite among ESEE knife owners. It's small enough to not be obtrusive but it still gets the job done. One tip I've read is that for a blade that has a cutting edge of only 3 3/8 inches, it's probably best to get it with a plain edge instead of a combo edge which has the serrations.

There are basically three types of handles, the linen micarta (Gray and black knife), the G-10 (Orange and O.D. knife), and the canvas micarta (Desert tan knife).

Here's a couple of facts about the different handles. The definition of G-10 is basically layers of fiberglass baked and hardened and formed into a handle. If you plan on doing a lot of activities around water you should consider the canvas micarta handle, it seems to have more grip when it gets wet.

RC-3, Linen Micarta Handle, Black Blade, Plain

RC-3, Linen Micarta Handle, Black Blade, ComboEdge

RC-3, Orange G-10 Handle, OD Green Blade, Combo, Mod. Pommel

RC-3, OD Green Handle, Desert Tan Blade, Mod. Pommel

A quick note on the RC-3 MIL, this knife was only available to law enforcement until recently. It is different from the RC-3 in that it has the canvas micarta handle with a black blade, it has a sharpened pommel for glass breakage and a serial number engraved on the blade. It also comes with a plain or combo edge.

RC-3 MIL PLAIN BLADE

The ESEE RC-4 comes in the exact same colors as the RC-3 and in the same configurations. The main differences between these two knives are that this blade is 4.06" and it's a full 1/16" thicker than the RC-3. ESEE Knives refers to this knife as their "wilderness" model.

I personally believe the size of this knife makes it a much better choice for backpacking or survival. It seems to be the perfect size for most chores around the camp. The main reason for this is the thicker blade, I wouldn't be afraid to really use this knife in a camping or survival situation.

RC-4, Orange G-10 Handle, OD Green Blade, Plain, Mod. Pommel

RC-4, OD Green Handle, Desert Tan Blade, Combo

Because of a rare trait among some people today, that trait being honesty, the RC-5 knife no longer carries the SERE name on it. After assuming that SERE was in the public domain and marketing their RC-5 with the SERE acronym, ESEE Knives (formerly RAT Cutlery) did some digging and discovered that the SERE mark was actually owned by someone. As it turns out it was a friend of theirs in the knife industry.

ESEE has been having legal issues with a company they did business with previously over the use of RAT for their knives (which ultimately lead to their own name change), so they were extremely sensitive to the issues of intellectual property.

Although this knife was designed by SERE instructors it will not carry the SERE mark. The logo has been changed, on the ESEE Knives site the RC-5 blade logo is shown with a skull that has two knives crossed behind it and the letters ES EE. This stands for Escuela de Supervivencia - Evasion Escape as mentioned above.

This knife has a couple of nice features, it has a bow drill divot on the handle for using a bow drill for starting a fire, and it has a point on the end of the pommel that can be used for breaking glass.

You can buy the RC-5 With The Black Combo Blade Here or the RC-5 OD Green With The Plain Blade Here.

The ESEE RC-6 is a great mid-sized knife. With an overall length of 11 3/4" this knife is large and nicely balanced. It is has a drop point style blade, and comes with a plain or partially serrated edge. Now you can also get this knife with a clip point style blade with the back edge sharpened.

The RC-6 can be used for battoning, light wood chopping, and whatever other chores you can think of to throw at it. If you like large knives (I know I do) then this could be the knife for you.

RC-6, Micarta Handle, PlainEdge, w/o MOLLE back

ESEE Knives named their lightest knife to date after the bullet ant. In peru this ant is called Isula. The reason it's called a bullet ant is because they say if you get stung by one it's like getting shot with a bullet.

This knife comes in 4 colors Black, Desert Tan, OD Green and Pink. You can buy the knife and sheath by themselves or you can buy a kit that includes: An Ambidextrous Sheath, MOLLE lock, Paracord (for cord wrapping handle or use as a lanyard), cord lock, Snap (for snapping system on to outdoor gear), Split Ring, Fire Flint, Whistle, and Instruction Sheet. There is also an Izula II that came out recently. The only difference I've been able to determine is that the handle is 1/2" longer and it comes with Micarta Handles. You can also buy the Micarta handles separately to fit your original Izula.

ESEE calls their small lightweight knife IZULA because: "The Bullet Ant is known to be independent, tough, light on its feet, and a real aggressive survivor - the IZULA knife is built the same way. This knife is designed to be the perfect lightweight survival kit or concealed carry knife."

*From the ESEE Knives website.