The ESEE Avispa and Zancudo Pocketknives: The Full Nick Shabazz Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ธ.ค. 2017
- Today, we're going to take a look at the ESEE Avispa and Zancudo, two inexpensive pocketknives from Randall's Adventure Training with some serious good, but also some major issues that bug me.
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Where ESEE really shines is survival fixed blades. They’re possibly the best user knives I’ve ever had for bushcraft, camping, or hiking. That’s not necessarily the focus of the channel, but thought it was worth mentioning.
I love how you have a review on literally every knife I find online you are the BEST
As a collector and user, the price point on these and the sets from Steel Will and Ontario make the choice easy: I own them all. :D
I think the world will end when nick gets into an infinite stutter loop about pocket peckers
i have a zancudo in each steel and have never had the issues you’re talking about with blade play or any bad construction. i’m not doubting you, but the viewers should know they aren’t bad knives. personally, i prefer the ergonomics of the zancudo to the rat 2 because the bump at the end of the rat is right where my pinky falls and it crams my fingers together. the zancudo is much more comfortable to me and it’s d2. :) both are fine for small edc though.
Zero blade play on my Zancudo or my Avispa. Honestly don't know what this guy is talking about either.
Mosquito in Spanish is also "mosquito" but "zancudo" is a kind of them, a long-legged variety since "zancos" is stilts. Greetings from Spain.
Years later but I know a lot of South American Latinos and latinas don’t know what mosquito means but they solely say “zancudos” much love from an American who speaks español not Spanish
I have the avispa myself. While it has a larger profile from the side, it does indeed sit pretty flat when in your pocket. Feels somewhat light yet strong as well. Carry it everyday for work and forget I even have it at times.
The pocket clip rests on the lock bar and squeezes it, that's why it has the lock and action issues . A youtuber named Zelrick did a series of vids on this, showing exactly what's happening and how to fix it.
Part of the reason that the Avispa is so hard to unlock is that the pocket clip rests directly on the frame lock. If you try to unlock it, one handed, while holding the knife in your right hand, your fingers are pressing on the pocket clip, making it even more difficult. I was able to tweak the pocket clip of mine sideways just enough that it no longer rests on the lock bar.
Thanks for telling it like it is as always. Saved me $70 CAD (yes that's how much the Zancudo D2 costs in Canada) - you're not the only person who has had vertical blade-play after use. I'll stick with my Kershaw Skyline for this size.
I honestly wouldn’t recommend ESEE folders. Their fixed blades however can’t be beat.
ESEE is pronounced S-E
Shabazz is the king of butchering brand names 😂
"The ESEE name, pronounced "E-Cee," is an acronym for Escuela de Supervivencia, Escape and Evasion and accurately reflects the company's commitment to producing knives designed for survival and military/law enforcement use."
@@crobarfreeman nope.
@@crobarfreeman nope..wrong!
I've heard moving the pocket clip away from the lockbar on the avispa lessons the tension to move it
Not everyone carries in their right front pocket... If you're a tip-down back pocket guy like me the Avispa is totally awesome. I've had a Rat1 for years but it's just a hair bigger than what I need as a work knife and too thick to be comfortable in the pocket everyday regardless. The Avispa solves both problems by being flatter and having a smaller footprint even tho the dims are similar. And being tip-down avoids the clip issue altogether. I also picked up the Zancudo and while it is nice, it's too small for me to carry regularly. Both are awesome deals in D2 as long as people understand they were built to a price point and are far from perfect. And while the Steel Wills are awesome, not everyone wants a tip-up flipper
The only negative to the RAT I've seen is trying to get a replacement backspacer on my RAT 2. I've owned two of them, and without overtightening I've broken screws on both. I'm on week 3 of trying to just get a replacement RAT 2 backspacer from the company and they've sent me incompatible parts twice so far.
To be fair the knives are actually manufactured by Blue Ridge Knives, not esee.
Please try avispa in sk5 puts rat 1 to shame and the lock bar issue is solved on later models of this knife.
Super! On point and the proverbial pun cherry on top! 👍🏻👍🏻
Ive had an Avispa for couple years. Like it better than my rat, just cause of the thin profile. Keep in mind, they are not actually made by Esee knives, but by Blue Ridge Knives. I think for the price they are decent, use mine for work. Agree 100% with the review, great job Nick.
I just bought the Zancudo 1st knive and noticed it’s hard to open with thumb stud... it takes a lot of pressure to open. Any suggestions?
How is it now?
I stumbled on the avispa and bought it because it was cheap. It’s actually my favourite knife out of maybe 12 folders that all cost more.
what is a good alternative for a thin EDC knife of similar size (and price)? I'd like one which I can fit in my jeans's watch-packet
D2 Pilar
I DO appreciate a nice pair
Need to toss in the Gazzo 727m and 727s with the axis lock ..then you have the same knife with 3 different lock ups
I almost bought the Zancudo, but then saw that it had a steel back. Knives should have scales on both sides. I don’t get the whole metal handle thing. I don’t want to hold onto a cold metal handle.
Rat 1 D2 all day. To the people who say "there's no difference between AUS-8 and D2", I must ask: what have you been smoking? D2 is a FAR superior steel unless you can't sharpen very well at all and as long as you oil it to prevent corrosion. Now all I gotta say is when are we getting the rat 2 in D2?
Rat2 in D2, yes please
cameron utt I've been following the bladeforums post about the rat 2 in D2 - an OKC mod said theyre held up in customs so I expect them by mid January at the latest (he originally said they'd be ready by Christmas).
Daniel yup! good eye.
Very true I used to think the same thing until I got a benchmade HK line knife in D2 sharpened it and liked it a lot
Love your videos! Suggestion: leave a ruler on the table in the frame so we can see some actual dimensions during your reviews! Keep up the good work
You "liked" these more than I thought you would lol. But you didn't mention you can get the Avispa in AUS-8 for even cheaper. Also didn't mention probably the #1 biggest flaw of the knife is that if you switch the clip to tip up right hand carry.. like the majority of people do.. the pocket clip rests directly on the lockbar. Which is why it's really hard to disengage the lock.
agreed, it's the only 'ugly' thing about it to me. I prefer the avispa to the rat-1 by a huge margin. Beefier lock, and the jimping on the avispa doesn't tear your thumb up like the rat. Easy win. Just wish it would tip-up carry without messing with the lockbar.
@@howard2501 That doesn't make sense to me.What are you doing with the rat that the jimping is "tearing up" your hand?And if that bothers you,then opening the esee with the thumb stud,and closing it must absolutely destroy your hands.
@@FATMIKED5183 just put your thumb on the thumb ramp and cut into something hard using your thumb for extra downwards force. Without gloves, it digs into your skin pretty hard.
Just some input for anyone choosing between one of these or a rat, I bought a rat 2 and within a couple months and 3 disassemblies the screws were totally stripped and it had vertical blade play (probably from me flicking it so much and the stop pin not being hardened enough) the centering also came off and worsened over time
If you had to dissemble it three times in two months you must use it a lot. What are you using now?
Zancudo in D2 is my favorite folder. Tough little f***er and the steel is great.
People are having trouble opening and closing these knives . Its because the pocket clips are twisted a little bit and are putting pressure on the lock bar , mine came the same way, I just twisted the clip back with the small pair of pliers on my multi-tool and know the fly open just like the Rat's ..Yeah , Yeah , no need to thank me ...
Your accent alone made me give your coffee a things up.
does this still carry esee warrenty
Tip up carry causes the frame lock issues
Both models come in AUS-8 as well for roughly ten bucks less.
Mosquito in spanish is mosquito, zancudo is used to refer to a type of long-legged mosquito. Actually the word zancudo could be literally read as that, long-legged.
Sir Galath when used as an adjective.
I got my brother an Avispa for Christmas last year. I had a lot if the same issues you did with it. Ended up exchanging it at BladeHQ for a Rat 1 in D2. It's just a much better knife.
I think they accidently made one of the best left hand folders. Love mine but if I was right handed, probably not so much.
Hi nick i confuse to pick esse avispa or esse expat medellin, whats the best to choise???
Choose the zancudo because it’s offered in D2. Medellin has Esee’s lifetime warranty while the zancudo doesn’t. It’s a toss up, but I’d rather have better steel than better warranty.
Had to watch this vid again @nickshabazz full confession I started to watch it and saw that blade hq had a new vid pop up and got exited about the new CRKT lineup especially the Caligo. Any thoughts on those? Keep up the great content.
Just got word from OkC that the Rat2 in D2 is held up in customs and will be out early 2018. enjoy guys!
Hooray!
Tactical Center great, hopefully soon.... Have a Birthday coming up soon.
Well, happy early birthday Yogililly1!
I like my rat 2 but really want the steelwill mini flipper. It’s been out of stock and I can’t find it
Troy Pierce
Knife Center stock seems to be stable with runs out, then a week later in then another week out. Not sure of how many receive.
Would also check out GPKnifes for the CutJack Mini if your normal (BladeHQ?) Is out of stock.
BTW, a new color choices on the mini is now available, besides Black and ODGreen should be able to get the Blue on the China version to match the blue on Italian version AND a tan version.
Just checked GPKnifes have black, blue and tan mini in stock per website... OD is OOS.
for me it's rat1 d2 over the avispa but for the size of the rat2 I like the slimness and d2 of the zancudo. If build quality were equal
I don't understand complaining about the weight and then clapping for the full steel liner on the showside scale.
Been waiting for this review for some time. I wanted a Rat-1 size knife that wasn’t a huge bulge in my pocket and the Avispa fit the bill. If I’m doing a lot of work the Rat-1 is def easier to hold. A rat handle with this blade shape would be gold.
Disappointed solely because I love the blade shape on these, guess ill have to get over it and go with the rat 1 D2
I bought a Rat 1 from Ontario and had the same warped blade as the esee. Won't be purchasing either again.
I prefer the drop point. I have the rat 1, avispa in d2 coming up.
Well done.
I wish it were a flipper I think that would be nice, I have mine in SK5 carbon steel and I like it a lot more than the rat.
Para3 3.4 oz. just sayin.... Frame locks are never easy to engage--it's a trade off over liner locks. Liner locks are easier to close, but more prone to catastrophic failure.
3 ounces is to heavy now?? Lol!!! Man how far down this rabbit hole have we gone. Even 4.5 ounces. That's not heavy at all.
Joshua Burkhead perhaps he's saying heavy for what it offers you in terms of lock strength and blade length. I agree with you however, for a 3.5 inch I knife 4.5 ounces isn't ridiculous for me.
I imagine he means relative to other knives of similar size and materials.
I don't know if I could tell the difference between 3.5 and 5.0 oz in pocket... Weight hasn't been an issue yet. May be why concealing a 35 ounce FNP 45 didn't bother me.. Anyway, I also must have gorilla paws for hands. Unless it draws blood, I haven't had too big of an issue with hot spots.. But, that's why they make guns and knives in many sizes and weights . I will absolutely agree with the deal with the lock bar....The one I had was certainly angled wrong.
Still not bad for the price , because of the D2 , l have both of these and both the Rat's , there is alot of potential here , but for now ,the Rat's are alot better. I can't wait for the Rat 2 in D2 , probably be out in 2018, I hope ...
I would buy these just for the sake of the insect logos. Regardless of all the cons mentioned above - just because the design of these logos is really beautiful to me
add the delica and endura into the pairs video?
dylan92037 if you're looking for pairs let's not leave out the Opinel #8 and #6, great slicers and bona fide Tactical Weapon Systems
Why on Earth would you choose a liner lock over a frame lock? That just boggles my mind. I want my EDC to cover most tasks including self-defense if necessary. I would never have a liner lock as myself defense tool.
That is the same way that back lock nerds talk about frame lock, and the way that fixed blade folks talk about folders. In my heart i agree with you but i realize there is a lot i don't know.
Zancudo is my favorite travel knife, replaces the Gerber LST. I agree the blade shape is wonderful, although I like the original design on the Rat 2 better (but I like the stainwash on the Zancudo vs. the high polish on the Rat 2 blade).
I have a D2 Zancudo that I use tip down (sorry Nick) because for me there's no hot spots and the action is much better especially after disassembly and nano oil. Check out my video on Nick's FB wall. Mine is perfectly centered too. I like the stonewashed blade finish much better than RAT satin. I like my Zancudo so much that it bumped the Delica right out of my collection (sorry Nick)
Why do some knives only have G10 on one side?
Great review. Avispa is my favorite. I need to try tie Zancudo
Dope
I will have a hard time retiring my Rats. I love them, love them, love them. I honestly wonder what will ever replace them.
American made?
What happened to the north arm skaha?
Ionut Costache-Bobescu
The NA Skaha is a 3.5 inch blade but with S35VN steel and $170 price tag cannot be considered when discussing D2 under $50 (under $45 actually) in best budget .
The Rat2 in AUS8 at under $30 is still likely best Thrifty Thrusday (under $35) winner but fails short in the under $50.
Would love to see a 2018 Sweet Sixteen Under $50 bracket as have these 6 knifes plus the Link, Dividend and others. For me the 3" and under is more desirable but could you really not consider something at 3.1? And the 2.25-3"?
just save up for the Skaha. better to have one good knife than any amount of budget knives.
Not even 20 seconds in and that just took pun of the year..
I have Rat-1 and Zancudo and I can not agree with you about ergonomic or how the liners are made for both of them. From my perspective, Zancudo and I'm pretty sure that Avispa as well are built much better than Rat series. From the tactical feeling and materials, I 100% love Zancudo and 90% love Rat-1. I really more prefer the ESEE approach then the Ontario.
You didn't mention the best thing about this knife (or any ESEE Knife): ESEE's completely absurd warranty that guarantees it against damage for any reason.
FAQ on the ESEE page says not on the folders.
Rat 2 in d2 2018?
yes, they are currently held up in customs. they were scheduled to be here before christmas but customs held it up. should be early 2018.
Hi Nick!
These really do disappoint. The big one is far worse than the RAT 1 and the only edge the small one has over the RAT 2 is D2 steel. I wonder if these blades could be put into the RATs and still operate properly?
except for the Rat2 will be in D2 as soon as they get out of customs and into OKC's warehouse.
Exactly. These knives are in a poor position now, and once the RAT 2 in D2 comes out they will be completely pointless.
well, there are a bunch of people that like these Esee knives. they actually like them better than the Rat's. This may not be a Nick Knife, but others like them.
At this stage im just here for the puns
When you review a knife, the first thing you should say is what is the steel.
😂😂😂😂😂
Why is that a must? Does that come out of page one of the McCrary Knife Manuel?
Hava great day!!
That is why I never got them, too many questionable reviews. I'll just stick with the original Rat 1&2's for my budget knives.
"It will cut":)
Stop uploading nick !!
I can’t keep up 😜
At least I have like 10 nick vids to watch over holiday weekend at the inlaws 🤪
Lol. Two more a day until X-Mas, then sweet relief.
Nick Shabazz whew !
Hooper45 , that is a good problem to have!😊
Ordered zancudo 3 times for blade centering, or terrible finishing. What a terrible knife, the frame lock pushes the blade off center no matter what
I can't make out this guys accent, he sounds like a canadian new Yorker
The zancudo looks pregnant to me and I can't get it out of my head
Oi yoi yoi
These are much better than the Rats.
Anybody else cringe when nick(or other youtubers) hit the edge of knife on the spine of another knife
The rats design is a lot nicer
Batch of ugly. Good stuff.
I think esee is all about survivalist knife. You are acting like it's a survival of people knife.
Week hands.
It's not EEE-CCCC .... it's pronounced SSSS -EEE.
My RAT2 is gold. No need for this
Romans Tactical d2 steel > aus8
AUS-8 isn't my favorite steel, but as for a definitive better, it is a matter of what you do with your knife, and more. Their AUS-8 is well heat treated, and takes a great edge, and if you maintain the edge on a regular basis, which takes little effort, just a few passes on ceramic and a few passes on a strop.
Is the upgrade to D2 really necessary? if you feel it is, sure... but saying it is the a matter of always being better, is just personal opinion.
Thunder Chicken true, I just wish they offerd both for the rat2 like they do rat1. Nick doesn't seem to mind d2 as the base steel for these esees, aus8 isn't missed it seems.
Rat2 in D2 will be out early 2018. they are held up in customs atm.
Romans Tactical I like them all
Esee is bulls#it!
Looks like a scale fell off.
i bought a zancudo and its was bad very bad...
I can get over the ugly clips for the value here. I like them a lot. But why the hell would you want to name a knife after one of the greatest nuisances on planet earth? I mean "Zancudo" sounds cool but, it's a parasite.
It was down to this or the ESEE "Michael Buble", and they decided to go with the lesser evil.
Nick Shabazz Oh God. That makes sense now.
A Bag Of Sand...
Rat 1 hands down.