Sometimes, companies (or brands) make something “new” that hardly deserves to be called so. Just look at the iterations of iPhones and the memes lambasting them for an impression.

You might get that feeling looking at knives like the ESEE 3, 4 and 5. They’re all basically the same thing, just in different blade lengths.

While this is technically true, each has a surprising number of use cases, and in this case, we’re going to be vindicating the ESEE 6, which offers up the perfect middle ground in terms of performance, specifically between the ESEE 3 (one of the catalog’s more popular models) and the Junglas, another popular model that is somewhat specialized to fill the role of a machete.

So let’s take a closer look at what the ESEE 6 does well.

A Born Chopper and Batoner

Being substantially bigger than both the ESEE 3 and 4, and feeling surprisingly bigger than the 5, the ESEE 6, with its 6-inch blade (technically 6.5”) is naturally well-designed to chop.

For one thing, the longer blade of the ESEE 6 is perfect for light-duty chopping and camp work, such as removing small limbs or rough shaping and hewing of wood for basic tools or camp furniture.

The length is one thing, but the balance is a little more blade-forward, which also helps a chopper. Also, consider the weight: the ESEE 6 is 12 ounces, compared to just a bit more than 9 for the ESEE 3, and much of the weight of the ESEE 6 is in the blade.

Also, the length of the blade naturally suits the ESEE 6 to batoning, which is critical for firewood preparation in the event you’re without a hatchet or similar tool. With a maul and an ESEE 6, you can do much of what a hatchet can.

Still Light Enough for Finer Work

At the same time, despite the larger size and overall length of the 6, it’s not an onerously large blade. It can still be carried with relative comfort on a belt or pack, and is well-suited to cross-draw and scout carry.

In addition, while it is true that the ESEE 6 does feel fairly large in the hand, it’s not like the Junglas in the sense that it is unwieldy for light camp work.

This knife can be easily used for food prep, game processing, carving, and other basic camp tasks without too much discomfort, or feeling like you have way too much knife for the job.

Good (and Better) Blade Steel and Handle Scales

The standard blade steel for the ESEE 6 is 1095, just as it is for the 3, 4 and 5. It’s an even better steel in this knife than it is in the former two (the ESEE 3 and 4) because it is so physically tough.

The smaller knives can be gotten with S35VN blades, which is harder and therefore holds an edge longer, but considering the rougher work to which the 6 will be put, 1095 is a great steel. You just need to be careful about preventing rust.

As for the handle scales, you can get it with micarta or G10 scales, just like most other ESEE knives, and both materials are effectively maintenance-free.

Versatile Carry Options

Lastly, thanks to its MOLLE-compatible sheath, the ESEE 6 offers a great deal of versatility with respect to carry options; it can be carried tip down on a belt, but just as easily lashed to a pack or rigged for cross-draw or scout carry.

Where to Get an ESEE 6 for Yourself

In the market for a new ESEE 6, but want something larger than an ESEE 3 but smaller than a Junglas? The 6 might be the best option. You can learn more or get one for yourself over at The Knife Connection, along with accessories like custom scales and fire starters.

For more information about White River Knives and Custom Knife Scales Please visit: The Knife Connection.