Managing Editor
In the world of wilderness and jungle survival, the name Randall’s Adventure Training is known around the globe. To make sure students have quality knives for their bushcraft and fieldwork, Randall’s has created ESEE knives, designed for use by the military and law enforcement communities. Made in America to demanding specifications, these knives are also available to civilians at a limited number of Sportsman’s Warehouse stores and online at www.sportsmanswarehouse.com. These knives are built to order, so availability is extremely limited. Check online frequently to see if they are in stock.
For the past month, the ESEE 4 has been clipped to my belt and used rigorously in the field. This 9-inch long knife does everything you demand from heftier knives, but weighs only 8 ounces. It features a full tang with safety orange inserts and removable tough Micarta handles. By simply undoing the three hex-head screws that are connected to the other side with a threaded sleeve, the scales can be taken off to allow the blade to be used as a spear tip.The blade itself is made of tough 1095 high carbon steel for a long lasting edge, then treated with a textured powder coat to create a durable finish that will protect the blade. Care still needs to be taken to coat the cutting surface with a dry lubricant to prevent rusting the carbon steel.
The overall blade length is 4.5 inches with a 4.1-inch cutting surface, tapering from 1.25 inches at its widest spot to a standard all-purpose drop point. The maximum blade thickness is .188” thick.
It comes standard with a multi-configuration molded plastic sheath with a strong spring steel belt clip that will fit belts up to 2-inches wide. It also includes a lanyard and cord slide to allow it to be hung from the neck. Steel grommets around the edge of the sheath allow you to set it up however will work best, and a retention detent molded into the sheath will prevent it from coming out unintentionally if worn upside down.This knife can withstand anything you can throw at it, from batoning wood to attaching it to a spear, to cleaning fish and processing game. And if by some miracle you do manage to break it, like all ESEE Knives, it comes with a no-questions asked lifetime replacement warranty.
The ESEE 4 feels great in the hand, will stand up to hard use, and performs a wide array of functions in the field. It is a great addition to your camping and survival kit.
