This is the nicest feeling knife in the hand I’ve ever held. Nicest ESee. The only way they could make it better would be if they reissued this model steel in 3V.
I just got my ESEE 4HM today - blades in the 4" segment are my ideal length/compromise for a fixed blade, and the ESEE 4HM just feels "right". The size and proportions, balance, the feel/egros, etc.....the only thing that could improve it is if ESEE ever upgrades to 3V. Mine did come with the leather sheath since that's the only thing in stock these days, but I actually don't mind it and it was under $100. It's not as bad as I thought it was going to be, retains the knife and doesn't fall out when shaking upside down, and it doesn't have that gaudy "ESEE" on the front of it - it's just blank leather. I'm really looking forward to putting this thing through its' paces.
Great vid young man,Swiss Mora Garberg Hurrah.! MY wife buys me knives on special occasions,so I think it's the Esee4 this year.I'm a hunter and I carry a Mora companion knife in my game bag and a Buck Lite knife on my belt when I'm out hunting for Deer.Great knife for field dressing Deer and rabbits.Health is wealth my friend,stay safe.
Only ESEE can refine one of the most "ergonomic".. thank you Aaron 😁 and well crafted blades ever made. Yet another awesome review my friend! Thank you for your input. I totally agree that these new features make this blade rise above many and you are so freaking good at showing that in a real world scenario. I will be ordering one of these to try out as my new military EDC. Props to my favorite outdoor youtuber, keep them coming! 👍
Another great video. I concur with the 4" Esee blade size. However, I opted for the 4PB-008. Esee's outstanding products have become the brand I go to the most.
Thanks for this video review! I had been planning to buy the standard ESEE-4 for the past few months but kept putting it off and I wasn't sure why. After watching this I immediately ordered the HM version. Thanks!
I'm trying to decide between the 4HM and the 6HM, and you may have sold me on the 4. Though my inner kid screams for the larger 6M, it's probably more blade than I realistically need (especially considering that my backpacking setup affords me another option for processing wood that's too big for the 4HM). Now, if there was a HM variant of the Esee 5, my decision would already be made (probably).
I love my Esees but love my Bark Rivers more. My go to is the Bark River Bravo 1 in CPM 3V. I will check of they make an uncoated model of the 4HM with kydex. My Esee 6 and Izula 2 are lonely.Lol. I can see this bring a great back up knife.
ESEE has been listening to many of us. They're knife users too, lol. Messrs. Perrin, Randall & Co. Have been giving us great knives since the RAT days. They actually deserve their cult following.
I keep trying to like my 4HM but I just dont. It feels really butt heavy and always works my index finger up against the choil, especially during grip position changes. Held loosely pointed slightly tip-up it wants to slide backwards out of my hand. The regular 4 is similar, but it has a front guard that naturally catches the index finger and maintains a sense of balance. I'm also not a big fan of the round handle and how it works with the edge. Without the regular 4's belly and flatter profile the HM feels like it wants to twist in my grip. The round handle doesn't feel like it has good rotational leverage on the edge during notching and similar twist-while-cutting tasks. I much prefer the regular Esse 4 w/ contoured g10 in every way, including fine detail work using the choil. (For reference I wear large size gloves) The kydex sheath with the HM is great though, vastly better than the "just ok" injection molded on that comes with the regular 4..
I have a 6 HM that rides in an AZ Welke kydex.....I love it! I had a BHK Scout Platoon but it was just too beefy so I sold it off and got the Esee, I've never looked back.
That particular Esee model you are referring to comes in at $210 with the leather sheath here in Oz. Your other recommendation, the Kizer LRB which I own two of and have gifted two comes in at a much more realistic $100. My bk16 to buy here now would be about $135 plus with nylon sheath. Anyone in Australia with a sub $100 budget I would recommend the Kizer LRBowie. If you can stretch to $130+ maybe the bk16....but be prepared for extra costs...up to $200+. This Esee...and so many other Esees....are WAY OVERPRICED in Australia. And We can't reap the warranty without paying $50+ to ship the injured blade to the states and back. Esee is possibly one of the most overpriced fixed blade production knife brands in Aus.
Thanks for the great vid Aaron. Had I not already have a "tricked" out BK16, I'd jump on this knife...don't see enough advantages to put my BK16 into retirement. Just my opinion.
So Esee 6hm next? I've got this one with the leather sheath and have been enjoying it. It's definitely not worth the $100 price tag. I got mine for $60 and it's definitely worth it at that discount. I do wish it was a little thinner at about 1/8 or so but it's thickness is part of it's charm I think. O and the coating went bye bye. I hated it the instant I picked up the knife.
Love my 4hm! I have no issue with the leather sheath. I actually make Kydex sheaths and never bothered to make one for it. I do understand your excitement since your not a fan of the leather. I actually got into Kydex because there are a lot of knives I wanted but the sheaths were crap.
GT: You just made me a Gerber / Becker Knife fan boy.... now the ESEE 4HM?? Hahahahaha Thanks to your professional / serious/ non-hype demeanour; I bought a Gerber BG Ultimate Pro for my wife’s truck, then a StrongArm for my Tacoma, and lately a BK16 for my EDC pack / Get home/SHTF/ BOB / GTFO gear. Ha hah a ha. Keep up the great work. Thanks for the edumacation...... LOL
around $100 it's great. Once you go up to $160, you're in LT Wright territory, and esee can't compete there. That's what kills TOPS knives for me - their designs are in the same price range as ltwk, so why would you buy that when you can have a gns/genesis/lagom.
Great review. This is one awesome knife. I love the kydex, and like you, wanted to have it ride lower. Not a big fan of the Esee backer so made myself a nice leather backing with ferro rod holder. This is definitely my go to belt knife.
I got excited and purchased the leather sheath but wanted the kydex sheath. I can’t find the esee 4 hm kydex sheath anywhere, can someone help me find it thanks.
GT I need your help. I’m torn between the Tops BOB vs the ESEE 4 HM. Once upon a Time about 5 years ago in a review you said you prefer the BOB over the Esee. Do you still feel this way?
I'm sure it is a great knife but I don't see enough of an improvement over my existing BK-16 to replace it. Thanks for the review though, I'm sure it is a strong contender for someone that doesn't have a good 4" fixed blade yet.
dude if esse made a version of this in 154cm with no coating i would nut my pants.....they would make a killing. still a nice blade but im getting tired of 1095
1095 Cro Van or otherwise 1095cv,is not a real steel name. The steel that Ka-bar says 1095 Cro Van,is actually Sharon 170-06 or SAE alloy 50100B (AISI designation) Which is something between 1095 and O1,It is the same old Carbon V of Camillus, who made the good old Cold Steel knives! 1095 is popular,that's why they call it 1095 Cro Van, for marketing reasons!
I'm digging these too ! Been thinking for some time what I would want as a companion blade if I ever wanted to upgrade to a sturdier edge than the super scary sharp but much thinner edges on my Moras , and I think this might be the ticket ! Gotta run , Aaron ; i'm heading over to TKC ;see ya there , brother .
Love the video I was wondering if you were going to like this knife because how you felt about the normal esee 4. But can you please please please review the esee pr4 and maybe do a comparison of these two knives.
Great looking functional tool. Not a fan of the sheath but hey you can't have it all in one package. Thanks Aaron for the work you put into these videos
Man that nylon belt carry sold me I'm on it . Sometimes the Rat7 is a little big and this has remedied that problem that high ride carry is no go for my rolls lol.
Are those Knockaround Fort Knocks you are wearing in a few videos? I finally caught a glimpse of the sides and only recognize the logo because I have almost a dozen pairs of them.
Hey Aaron, I just picked up an Esee 4hm from Blade HQ but it came with a leather sheath. I soon decided that I want to scout carry it but the leather sheath doesn't allow me to do so. My question is: Does the kydex sheath from Azwelke allow me to scout carry my Esee 4hm?
Just bought one, comes today. The only thing I would have liked more is if it came in a scandi grind. Nearly went with a mora garberg and I've gone through a lot of kabars and etc; seems like we have a similar taste in knife (and sheath!) though. I figure if I pair this with my custom mora classic and my larger cutting tools I'll be set. Appreciate the video. Liked/Subscribed.
Man brother I really really like that Esee 4 HM now..!! I’m in the middle of a pretty big Mod right now though with the BK18..! It’s pretty much done, just waiting on a custom sheath from AZWELKE..!
Guess I'll be picking up one between now and Summer. Gideon, please stop making me spend money. I've already got three pairs of knockarounds, am a devoted Kelty guy, and went with the Shield as opposed to a Glock, based on your recommendations and the fact that you've been spot on. I hope you're happy, sir. :-D
Becker BK-16 should have a bit better steel. 1095 CV has better edge retention than Esee's 1095. But please try Terava Jakkaripukko 110, compare performance wise with an Esee, and you will see :-) It has decent leather sheath, better steel, it is lighter, cheaper and cuts much better :-)
Great vid! Some of my favorite knives, love the Esee. Only one missing is the terävä jääkäripuukko, would love to get your thoughts about that as well :)
Man the way you feel and watching you being this happy with your knife made my day :D
I perfectly understand what’s going on inside you.
This is the nicest feeling knife in the hand I’ve ever held. Nicest ESee. The only way they could make it better would be if they reissued this model steel in 3V.
Think I shall get one.
Remove the shoulder with a blended shallow convex & the cutting performance will be vastly better.
v-edges are repellent.
I just got my ESEE 4HM today - blades in the 4" segment are my ideal length/compromise for a fixed blade, and the ESEE 4HM just feels "right". The size and proportions, balance, the feel/egros, etc.....the only thing that could improve it is if ESEE ever upgrades to 3V. Mine did come with the leather sheath since that's the only thing in stock these days, but I actually don't mind it and it was under $100. It's not as bad as I thought it was going to be, retains the knife and doesn't fall out when shaking upside down, and it doesn't have that gaudy "ESEE" on the front of it - it's just blank leather. I'm really looking forward to putting this thing through its' paces.
Great vid young man,Swiss Mora Garberg Hurrah.! MY wife buys me knives on special occasions,so I think it's the Esee4 this year.I'm a hunter and I carry a Mora companion knife in my game bag and a Buck Lite knife on my belt when I'm out hunting for Deer.Great knife for field dressing Deer and rabbits.Health is wealth my friend,stay safe.
For a knife like this leather > kydex. Love the 4HM, it's my hunting /woods knife of choice with a hatchet and my Tops Brakimo in my pack.
Gracias 🙏🏼 por compartir tu aprendizaje y experiencia con los cuchillos essee
Only ESEE can refine one of the most "ergonomic".. thank you Aaron 😁 and well crafted blades ever made. Yet another awesome review my friend! Thank you for your input. I totally agree that these new features make this blade rise above many and you are so freaking good at showing that in a real world scenario. I will be ordering one of these to try out as my new military EDC. Props to my favorite outdoor youtuber, keep them coming! 👍
Another great video. I concur with the 4" Esee blade size. However, I opted for the 4PB-008. Esee's outstanding products have become the brand I go to the most.
Good choice!
Ordered it and used your link! Can’t wait 😊 thanks for the great job on your videos. Love seeing your family out together! 👍🏼
Beautiful scenery! I'll have to give you that and good to see people still spend quality time with family
Thanks for this video review! I had been planning to buy the standard ESEE-4 for the past few months but kept putting it off and I wasn't sure why. After watching this I immediately ordered the HM version. Thanks!
Glad I could help!
I'm trying to decide between the 4HM and the 6HM, and you may have sold me on the 4. Though my inner kid screams for the larger 6M, it's probably more blade than I realistically need (especially considering that my backpacking setup affords me another option for processing wood that's too big for the 4HM). Now, if there was a HM variant of the Esee 5, my decision would already be made (probably).
Waiting for a comparison video between Esse 4 x Esee 4 HM
I love my Esees but love my Bark Rivers more. My go to is the Bark River Bravo 1 in CPM 3V. I will check of they make an uncoated model of the 4HM with kydex. My Esee 6 and Izula 2 are lonely.Lol. I can see this bring a great back up knife.
ESEE has been listening to many of us. They're knife users too, lol. Messrs. Perrin, Randall & Co. Have been giving us great knives since the RAT days. They actually deserve their cult following.
I keep trying to like my 4HM but I just dont. It feels really butt heavy and always works my index finger up against the choil, especially during grip position changes. Held loosely pointed slightly tip-up it wants to slide backwards out of my hand. The regular 4 is similar, but it has a front guard that naturally catches the index finger and maintains a sense of balance.
I'm also not a big fan of the round handle and how it works with the edge. Without the regular 4's belly and flatter profile the HM feels like it wants to twist in my grip. The round handle doesn't feel like it has good rotational leverage on the edge during notching and similar twist-while-cutting tasks.
I much prefer the regular Esse 4 w/ contoured g10 in every way, including fine detail work using the choil.
(For reference I wear large size gloves)
The kydex sheath with the HM is great though, vastly better than the "just ok" injection molded on that comes with the regular 4..
And just like that I need another knife
Yup esse needs to slow down my wallet can’t keep up XD
I have a 6 HM that rides in an AZ Welke kydex.....I love it! I had a BHK Scout Platoon but it was just too beefy so I sold it off and got the Esee, I've never looked back.
Every time I cook, my ESEE-3 gets used in the kitchen. Will be adding an ESEE-4 to go straight onto my GHB.
That particular Esee model you are referring to comes in at $210 with the leather sheath here in Oz. Your other recommendation, the Kizer LRB which I own two of and have gifted two comes in at a much more realistic $100. My bk16 to buy here now would be about $135 plus with nylon sheath. Anyone in Australia with a sub $100 budget I would recommend the Kizer LRBowie. If you can stretch to $130+ maybe the bk16....but be prepared for extra costs...up to $200+. This Esee...and so many other Esees....are WAY OVERPRICED in Australia. And We can't reap the warranty without paying $50+ to ship the injured blade to the states and back. Esee is possibly one of the most overpriced fixed blade production knife brands in Aus.
Thank You that's interesting.
Thanks for the great vid Aaron. Had I not already have a "tricked" out BK16, I'd jump on this knife...don't see enough advantages to put my BK16 into retirement. Just my opinion.
Thomas Schultz I agree. I bought a BK16 as a bushcraft/camp ground/site/backpack/edc pack rig and I’m already in love....
Love my BK 9 but probably will buy an an essee4 just for variety lol , Check out Justin Case Tactical I just purchased a M4 Tenesi.
Thanks, finally, someone showing how to set up the mole system for esse
So Esee 6hm next?
I've got this one with the leather sheath and have been enjoying it. It's definitely not worth the $100 price tag. I got mine for $60 and it's definitely worth it at that discount. I do wish it was a little thinner at about 1/8 or so but it's thickness is part of it's charm I think.
O and the coating went bye bye. I hated it the instant I picked up the knife.
How's you get it for $60?
$260 down here in Australia:-(
Awesome Blade. It would be cool if you could review a Bark River.
I would love to see you doing a review on the white rivers firecraft 3.5 !!!
Yep im very impressed too with ESSEE 4
Love my 4hm! I have no issue with the leather sheath. I actually make Kydex sheaths and never bothered to make one for it. I do understand your excitement since your not a fan of the leather. I actually got into Kydex because there are a lot of knives I wanted but the sheaths were crap.
GT: You just made me a Gerber / Becker Knife fan boy.... now the ESEE 4HM?? Hahahahaha Thanks to your professional / serious/ non-hype demeanour; I bought a Gerber BG Ultimate Pro for my wife’s truck, then a StrongArm for my Tacoma, and lately a BK16 for my EDC pack / Get home/SHTF/ BOB / GTFO gear. Ha hah a ha. Keep up the great work. Thanks for the edumacation...... LOL
Just got issued the esee 4 and was pumped it was the HM version. Can't wait to get back out in the field and put it to work, thanks for the review 👍
around $100 it's great. Once you go up to $160, you're in LT Wright territory, and esee can't compete there. That's what kills TOPS knives for me - their designs are in the same price range as ltwk, so why would you buy that when you can have a gns/genesis/lagom.
Jakub Fabisiak unless u want a chopper. Nothing lt has is comparable. Not even their machete
So you're saying you like this or nah? I'm not quite sure where you are on this one.
I think you have to see untill end
I just got it it makes a lot more Sense in a smaller knife. Will be my back up for my esse6
For me, Esee 4 is the best knife ever
Great review. This is one awesome knife. I love the kydex, and like you, wanted to have it ride lower. Not a big fan of the Esee backer so made myself a nice leather backing with ferro rod holder. This is definitely my go to belt knife.
Thanks for another great knife review. I'm planning to pick one of these up from the Knife Connection very soon.
I'd love to see a review of the 3HM.
why Don't you have a guard for your hand slipping on to the blade?
I got excited and purchased the leather sheath but wanted the kydex sheath. I can’t find the esee 4 hm kydex sheath anywhere, can someone help me find it thanks.
i find with the high riding sheaths if you slide them slightly to your back you hardly know its there
3:52 what compass is that on the Casio wristband?
Still recommend in 2021? Im looking for a durable all around knife to put in my boogaloo gear.
Yup, that is a super combo. Love the knife and now love the sheath. Great price too.
never bought an esse due to the handles....like the look of that one, how does esse 1095 compare to KA bar's
im looking for something to attach to the webbing on the front of my backpack strap this looks too wide like its going to get in the way
but its over 200 bucks here in AUS ,last price on ebay...great knife i want one, but the cost, wonder how much in the states.
GT I need your help. I’m torn between the Tops BOB vs the ESEE 4 HM. Once upon a Time about 5 years ago in a review you said you prefer the BOB over the Esee. Do you still feel this way?
I'm sure it is a great knife but I don't see enough of an improvement over my existing BK-16 to replace it. Thanks for the review though, I'm sure it is a strong contender for someone that doesn't have a good 4" fixed blade yet.
Why do they only have one color in this style handle? Do you believe they will come out with more?
If you could choose just one, which would you choose? bK16 or Esee4?
Compare it to the 6hm please
I thinking steel will also has a few competitors to the esee, not ffg but thinner, great sheaths and good quality
dude if esse made a version of this in 154cm with no coating i would nut my pants.....they would make a killing. still a nice blade but im getting tired of 1095
That would be pretty sweet too.
I like the 1095 cv from ka bar more than the 1095 from esee
1095 Cro Van or otherwise 1095cv,is not a real steel name.
The steel that Ka-bar says 1095 Cro Van,is actually
Sharon 170-06 or SAE alloy 50100B (AISI designation)
Which is something between 1095 and O1,It is the same old Carbon V of Camillus,
who made the good old Cold Steel knives!
1095 is popular,that's why they call it 1095 Cro Van, for marketing reasons!
Leaderilaos Chaqal thank you for the informtive reply
Leaderilaos Chaqal It s much better than esee s 1095
noticable difference
yes we know but thank you all the same
I think it's best esee soo far
Love my well used esee 4, and really want to upgrade to the HM. Still no 90 degree spine though? Come on Esee 🤔🔪
Have you changed your mind about the ESEE 3 vs the ESEE 4HM?
Thoughts on Esse 6 HM as a survival knife?
Is the sheath Tek Lok compatable
I'm digging these too ! Been thinking for some time what I would want as a companion blade if I ever wanted to upgrade to a sturdier edge than the super scary sharp but much thinner edges on my Moras , and I think this might be the ticket ! Gotta run , Aaron ; i'm heading over to TKC ;see ya there , brother .
That carry system you have setup is awesome. Seriously going to look into,getting this ASAP.
hello, which handle ergonomics is the best between the BK16 (with micarta) and the 4HM in terms of comfort for bushcraft use ?
How would you compare its cutting capabilities to esee 6 or laser strike?
Looks like you have a neat family. Congrats.
The new ones are even better
Love the video I was wondering if you were going to like this knife because how you felt about the normal esee 4. But can you please please please review the esee pr4 and maybe do a comparison of these two knives.
4:05 picture ?
I think his friend was teasing him "amateur"
Where is this? I’ve been looking for a good place for backpacking here in Pennsylvania. Btw this is the video that got me to buy my HM4!
Rocky Mountains outside Grand Lake
Can anyone tell me if you can strike a ferro rod with this bad boy? Cheers
Great looking functional tool. Not a fan of the sheath but hey you can't have it all in one package. Thanks Aaron for the work you put into these videos
Just bought this from smkw and it came with a leather sheath that I like a lot
Man that nylon belt carry sold me I'm on it . Sometimes the Rat7 is a little big and this has remedied that problem that high ride carry is no go for my rolls lol.
TOPS HOG 4.5 seems like the most logical apples to apples comparison. Would love to see that head to head.
how do you feel about the bark river bravo 1 LT compared to this?
I’m trying to decide between the 4hm and 3hm. I like the thinner stock of the 3hm, but I’m a little concerned about the length.
That’s what she said.
Do you have any of Doug Wilson yellow Halk sheath systems
Is the 4hm too thick for food prep when camping?
2:24 it may be obvious that the grass is now legal in Colorado...
Does anyone think the Esee 3 HM can be a good hunting knife?
Justin Hoffman
A piece of obsidian lashed to some wood is also a good hunting knife.
Are those Knockaround Fort Knocks you are wearing in a few videos? I finally caught a glimpse of the sides and only recognize the logo because I have almost a dozen pairs of them.
Hey Aaron, I just picked up an Esee 4hm from Blade HQ but it came with a leather sheath. I soon decided that I want to scout carry it but the leather sheath doesn't allow me to do so. My question is: Does the kydex sheath from Azwelke allow me to scout carry my Esee 4hm?
Just bought one, comes today. The only thing I would have liked more is if it came in a scandi grind. Nearly went with a mora garberg and I've gone through a lot of kabars and etc; seems like we have a similar taste in knife (and sheath!) though.
I figure if I pair this with my custom mora classic and my larger cutting tools I'll be set.
Appreciate the video. Liked/Subscribed.
Sorry for a dumb question but could this be a general purpose or EDC knife? As opposed to a dedicated camping knife or whatever?
My personal preference is the leather but sweet they have both now
I have the esee 3, might pick up this esee too
Hello, When do you test the ESEE PR4 ? Thank you.
Man brother I really really like that Esee 4 HM now..!! I’m in the middle of a pretty big Mod right now though with the BK18..! It’s pretty much done, just waiting on a custom sheath from AZWELKE..!
And would love to see you review the BK18..!
What is that day pack you had on when you went above 12000 feet?
luis escobedo matador beast 28L video soon
gideonstactical thanks
Can't wait. And quick reply. Thank you for the videos
@gideonstactical would you recommend this over the sk5? Both close in price
Did you try to strike a ferro rod with the spine?
Guess I'll be picking up one between now and Summer. Gideon, please stop making me spend money. I've already got three pairs of knockarounds, am a devoted Kelty guy, and went with the Shield as opposed to a Glock, based on your recommendations and the fact that you've been spot on.
I hope you're happy, sir. :-D
So who is premature 4:05 ?
Been wanting this for awhile now. Great review and now I must buy!!!
The websites you posted don't show it with a kydex sheath only leather...
William Freeman amazon has it, and the knife Connection
gideonstactical I must have been blind. Thanks and by the way great review.
Becker BK-16 should have a bit better steel. 1095 CV has better edge retention than Esee's 1095. But please try Terava Jakkaripukko 110, compare performance wise with an Esee, and you will see :-) It has decent leather sheath, better steel, it is lighter, cheaper and cuts much better :-)
You're in exceptional mood today, they legalized it in your region?))) Mountains are some, whe have you filmed it?
Esse definitely a good company
Wating for 5HM.
Great vid! Some of my favorite knives, love the Esee. Only one missing is the terävä jääkäripuukko, would love to get your thoughts about that as well :)
Hey Aaron thanks for another great review on a very nice knife. It looks like you had a lot of fun using the knife.
This ESSE is a hunting knife. I think the Gerber Premium fixed beats it ALL THE WAY AROUND.
Sorry for the spelling ESEE.
Esee 4HM or Gerber Strongarm?