## Why choose NOC Knives?
In a market brimming with already established names, NOC still manages to stand out for their quirky and extravagant style. This style can only be described as 'futuristic'. The knives have a great finish. Often, pocket knives with a finish this good are very expensive. However, NOC manages to offer these knives at surprisingly affordable prices. With a keen eye for detail and the use of modern production methods, NOC Knives delivers knives that look and feel like high-end tools, but without the excessively high price tag.
Whether you are an EDC enthusiast or an avid collector looking for an exotic knife; NOC's knives combine design, functionality and affordability in very impressive ways.

## High-quality steel types
NOC Knives uses modern, wear-resistant steels known for their excellent performance. At NOC, for instance, you often see blades made of M390: a stainless powder steel with good sharpness retention and also popular for its nice balance between toughness and ease of sharpening. For the high-end ‘premium’ models, NOC Knives uses damascus steel from established steel producers such as Chad Nichols. These steels take NOC knives to the next level in terms of performance and aesthetics.


## NOC series
### MT-11 Shuukaku
The Shuukaku is a futuristic karambit in steampunk style. With the folding wave opener and the combination of a front flipper and thumb studs, you'll always be ready for action.

### MT-27 Dark Feather
The Dark Feather is a modern, streamlined EDC pocket knife. This pocket knife is equipped with many innovative details. Consider the internal blade stop (or stop pin), for example. This enhances the streamlined design of the knife. Thanks to its low weight, this knife is a joy to carry.


### MT-30
The MT-30 is a cool pocket knife with a fun twist: it looks screwlessly fitted, but it isn't! NOC Knives carefully hid the hardware beneath magnetic inlays. Experience the magnetic appeal of this beautiful design for yourself.

 

### MT-35 Dragon Ball
Gorgeous oversized thumb studs, stunning standoffs on the show side of the knife and as icing on the cake, a giant stylised hinge screw. Stunning! The finishing is very meticulous, and you can feel and see that immediately. The NOC Knives MT-3501 Dragon Ball is a work of art. 




## History of NOC Knives
NOC Knives began in 2017 as a specialised design and manufacturing facility in Yangjiang, China as an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) for several already established parties within the knife industry. Since August 2018, they have launched their own brand ‘NOC Knives’, which brought their futuristic and innovative range under their own name. Today, they are known for their fine workmanship and innovative, bold designs.

The ESEE 3 is a sturdy but compact survival knife. In terms of size, it's one of ESEE's smaller survival knives. Still, with its 9-cm blade, this knife can handle a wide array of cutting tasks. The main advantage of the ESEE 3 is therefore that it's more compact and lightweight than other survival knives. This is also why the ESEE 3 is so popular among hikers. It's also a popular choice for professional users looking for a lightweight option.

ESEE 3

ESEE 3

ESEE Knives produces survival knives you can trust. At ESEE they love to say that their knives were born in the Amazon jungle. The experts at Randall's Adventure & Training have been teaching survival techniques there since the 1990s. There, they design the perfect outdoor knives for demanding users. As a result, these knives can withstand the harsh conditions of life in the jungle.

ESEE Knives

ESEE Knives

The ESEE 4 is a survival knife that will come in handy no matter where you are. The trainers at the ESEE survival school designed the ESEE 4 while they were working in the middle of the Amazon jungle. Thus, this outdoor knife was born in the outdoors. Today the ESEE Model 4 is popular amongst survival enthusiasts, preppers, bushcrafters and professionals.

ESEE 4

ESEE 4

They applied this knowledge to their outdoor products. They thought of everything and functionality and reliability are key. The ESEE outdoor products won’t let you down when you need them most!

ESEE outdoor

ESEE outdoor

The LionSteel T6 is a large, sturdy fixed knife. You can see it as the middle child of the family, because its size falls exactly between the LionSteel T5 and the M7\. Just like the T5 and the M7, the T6 is very solidly constructed. This knife is designed to be an all-round tactical field knife. From making a fire to food preparation, the LionSteel T6 has got you covered.

LionSteel T6

## Why choose NOC Knives?
In a market brimming with already established names, NOC still manages to stand out for their quirky and extravagant style. This style can only be described as 'futuristic'. The knives have a great finish. Often, pocket knives with a finish this good are very expensive. However, NOC manages to offer these knives at surprisingly affordable prices. With a keen eye for detail and the use of modern production methods, NOC Knives delivers knives that look and feel like high-end tools, but without the excessively high price tag.
Whether you are an EDC enthusiast or an avid collector looking for an exotic knife; NOC's knives combine design, functionality and affordability in very impressive ways.

## High-quality steel types
NOC Knives uses modern, wear-resistant steels known for their excellent performance. At NOC, for instance, you often see blades made of M390: a stainless powder steel with good sharpness retention and also popular for its nice balance between toughness and ease of sharpening. For the high-end ‘premium’ models, NOC Knives uses damascus steel from established steel producers such as Chad Nichols. These steels take NOC knives to the next level in terms of performance and aesthetics.


## MT-27 Dark Feather
The Dark Feather is a modern, streamlined EDC pocket knife. This pocket knife is equipped with many innovative details. Consider the internal blade stop (or stop pin), for example. This enhances the streamlined design of the knife. Thanks to its low weight, this knife is a joy to carry.


## MT-30
The MT-30 is a cool pocket knife with a fun twist: it looks screwlessly fitted, but it isn't! NOC Knives carefully hid the hardware beneath magnetic inlays. Experience the magnetic appeal of this beautiful design for yourself.

 

## MT-35 Dragon Ball
Gorgeous oversized thumb studs, stunning standoffs on the show side of the knife and as icing on the cake, a giant stylised hinge screw. Stunning! The finishing is very meticulous, and you can feel and see that immediately. The NOC Knives MT-3501 Dragon Ball is a work of art. 




## History of NOC Knives
NOC Knives began in 2017 as a specialised design and manufacturing facility in Yangjiang, China as an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) for several already established parties within the knife industry. Since August 2018, they have launched their own brand ‘NOC Knives’, which brought their futuristic and innovative range under their own name. Today, they are known for their fine workmanship and innovative, bold designs.

NOC Knives

The Victorinox Forester series is designed for those who see the forest as their playground. With its lockable blade and saw, you'll be ready for anything whether you're out in nature or exploring the urban jungle. This pocket knife will not let you down. In addition to the blade, this pocket knife also has a corkscrew and a bottle opener.

Victorinox Forester

## The number of lumens for a hunting flashlight


To see clearly when out hunting we recommend you purchase a flashlight that has at least 1000 lumens in the highest mode. The amount of lumen represents the total amount of light that comes from a light. However, the amount of lumen does not say anything about the beam distance of the light. That is why you should also look at the beam distance of the light. Most people select a light with a beam distance of approximately 225 meters. We also think that is the right amount. With 1000 lumens/ 225 meters you will know for sure that you can clearly see the contrast of the shadow of the animal. If you want to be able to choose between a broad beam for up close and a narrow beam for further away you should take a closer look at the flashlights with a focusable beam.


## Colour of hunting flashlights


A flashlight with a striking colour looks, of course, amazing, but cannot be used for hunting purposes. After all, standing out is the last thing you want. That is why you should always choose a flashlight with a camouflage colour. A flashlight with a completely black casing could also work.


## Carrying comfort of a hunting flashlight


When you go out hunting you carry a lot of gear with you. As such you are probably not looking to carry a heavy flashlight as well. In our specifications we always list how much a flashlight weighs. It is completely personal what feels good for you, but we advise you to not select a flashlight that is heavier than 600 grams. Many flashlights are also enhanced with a pocket clip. Very practical! The pocket clip is mounted to the flashlight which you can use to easily attach it to your belt or bag. As such you will always have quick access to your flashlight.


## The power of a hunting flashlight


Incredibly impractical if you have a hunting flashlight that doesn't work the moment you need it. That is why we advise you to carefully look at the burn time of the batteries. The burn time should always be longer than the time you expect to be away from home. Well begun is half done. That is why you should always leave your home with full batteries. If possible add a couple of spare batteries to your gear as well.


## Focused beam: purposefully light up your path


For long-distance lighting. With it you purposefully illuminate any object, to make sure you can see the situation from afar. As such it is also perfect for hunting! Check out all lights with a [focused beam.](kato://content/migrated_pageid_1147) 


Are you not sure if these are the right lights for you? We are happy to help you with our [flashlight buying guide .](kato://content/migrated_pageid_641)

Hunting flashlight: to see, but not to be seen!

Hunting flashlight: to see, but not to be seen!

At Nesmuk, exquisite quality and exceptional cutting capabilities go hand in hand. Nesmuk combines over 3,500 years of knife knowledge with modern production methods and old-fashioned craftsmanship. The result? Kitchen knives of unparalleled beauty, which are also very comfortable in hand. You can clearly see elements of the Japanese style in this design. For instance, Nesmuk often uses a recognisable 'K-tip' blade shape, similar to what you see a lot on Japanese bunka knives. Yet Nesmuk knives are made in Solingen, Germany. These knives are the ultimate combination of German reliability and traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

Nesmuk

Tojiro Shippu DP63 kitchen knives feature an impressive blade consisting of 63 layers of steel. The core is made of VG10 steel, with 31 layers of damascus steel on either side. The asymmetrical handles are designed in traditional Japanese style and made from beautiful magnolia wood. With a bolster made of chic buffalo horn. These kitchen knives are part of Tojiro's more high-end range. The name 'Shippu' means 'fast, strong gust of wind'. A fitting name for kitchen knives that cut through your ingredients like a breeze.

Tojiro Shippu DP63

The Hultafors axes are so special because of the heritage of Östergötland and the quality of the production process. Hultafors axes have been manufactured traditionally for over 300 years. The result is a stunning, reliable product that will last a lifetime. A Hultafors axe is made to last generations. As such all axe heads from the Premium collection come with a lifelong warranty. Recently Hultafors expanded the Premium collection with a [sharpening stone that is stored in a luxurious storage case](kato://product/HF840792) and a [unique leather accessory](kato://product/HF840791) for various outdoor purposes. 


## Which premium axe will you choose?


It is important to think about which axe you will need. After all, with the right axe you work more efficiently and don’t need as much energy. More importantly: by using the right axe for the right task, you also work a lot safer. As such you should always think about what you want to do with the axe. 


## Felling trees


Want to fell a tree? Go with the [Åby](kato://product/HF841770) or the [Qvarfot](kato://product/HF841720). These felling axes are perfect when cutting down a tree. In addition, the Åby is great as an all-round axe. The Qvarfot is a specialist when it comes to chopping. All you have to do now is learn more about [how to fell a tree](kato://content/migrated_topic_618)! 


## Splitting wood


When splitting wood a splitting axe like the [Hult](kato://product/HF841740) will be the perfect choice. The heavy head has a devastating impact on the block of wood. [And this is how you split wood!](kato://content/migrated_topic_27)


## The smaller tasks


For all small chopping tasks you go with a smaller hand axe. This type of axe is also perfect when you go hiking. Great examples are [Hultån](kato://product/HF841701) and the [Ågelsjön](kato://product/HF841760). These axes are also great for bushcraft purposes. Especially the smaller Ågelsjön! With these hand axes building shelter will be a piece of cake, but also [producing kindling](kato://content/migrated_topic_611) for your fireplace or campfire is child’s play. 


## Hunters axe or throwing axe


Looking for a hunters axe? Stop looking! The Hultafors Premium collection also contains the [Ekelund](kato://product/HF841710) hunters axe. Its name suggests that you can only use it for hunting purposes, but you can do a lot more with the Ekelund. In terms of size it is a happy medium between a larger splitting axe and a smaller hand axe. As such this axe is also great for the smaller cutting tasks in and around the camp. With the [Wetterhall](kato://product/HF841750) Viking axe/throwing axe you can use one side for the rougher tasks and the other side for the smaller, more detailed tasks. Or you could, of course, use it as a cool throwing axe. 


## Take good care of your axe


When you purchase an axe you want to use it for a really long time. The solution? Proper maintenance! Check your axe regularly to see if you can still safely use it. It will be a piece of cake if you use this [checklist](kato://content/migrated_topic_615). Maintenance is comprised of two parts: sharpening the head in time and maintaining the handle. In our how-to's you can read all about how to [maintain](kato://content/migrated_topic_616) and [sharpen your axe](kato://content/migrated_topic_418)!

Hultafors Premium

A hunting flashlight is indispensable when you go hunting. Not only to light up your path, but also to get a good look at your prey. A hunting torch, for example, is often equipped with a red LED. It is also possible to use [red, green or blue filters](kato://category/flashlightacc?Category=0046b8df-3e0d-4f3d-8097-ced04cd84fab). This is because red light is not seen by animals, which makes a torch with red light suitable for hunting. In addition, red light won't disturb your night vision as much as white light. Green light reaches further than red light, but can be noticed by game because of the intensity of the light. The blue light beam is perfect when you are looking for game you shot. After all, traces of blood can easily be spotted with blue light. But these are by no means all the requirements a hunting torch must meet. We will tell you more!

## Fenix head torches: top-quality LED lights


Characterizing for Fenix head torches is that they are all enhanced with top-quality LED lights. Fenix believes innovation is key and continues to improve these LED lights. As such you will always have a top-quality head torch around. The high output is also a typical characteristic. Light outputs vary from at least 1 lumen to up to 3000 lumens. All powerful head torches where some produce even more lumens than others. Fenix head torches are furthermore always enhanced with the latest, modern technology to ensure that they are reliable products.


## Impressive!


When you compare a Fenix head torch to a couple of other brands you immediately notice that Fenix excels when it comes to the amount of light modes. You don't have to be surprised when you find a head torch with 7 light modes. The battery time is also very impressive. By using the right materials in combination with a constant brightness control system, Fenix head torches produce a much brighter light beam than other head torches.


## Light-weight head torches


A head torch shouldn't be an obstruction on your head. We know that nothing is more annoying than a head torch that is too heavy. Fenix understands this and ensures that the head torches are light-weight. In our range you will find Fenix head torches that weigh from 19 to 239 grams.


## Modern design


Fenix appreciates a good design. The Fenix head torches stand out in a good way. They often have a reflective black/orange headband, but they are also available in black/blue, black/yellow, black/purple etc. It doesn't really matter which colour you choose, the finish looks amazing. Despite their weight the head torches are always robust and decent. They can handle their own and withstand rough weather conditions. These head torches namely have at least the IP66 standard which means that they are water and dust proof.

Fenix head torches

For instance some sauce pans have a seven layers thick material over the whole pan to make liquids heat more evenly. Not the easiest way to produce pans, but it is the best. Demeyere has been supplier for the Belgium royal family for quite some time, and this is for good reason!


## Research & development


Demeyere continues to improve their pans. They keep testing their pans for very specific purposes to see if still meets their requirements. If there is anything that can be improved, Demeyere will do it! They also give high priority to user-friendliness.


## Material of the bottom surface of Demeyere pans


Demeyere uses different materials for several series. For instance, the Apollo series has 7 layers. The layer on the inside of the pan is 18/10 stainless steel. After this there is pure aluminum, an aluminum alloy, again aluminum and the bottom layer is made up of 3 stainless steel alloys. The so-called TriplInduc layer. Despite the high proportion of aluminum, these pans can be used on induction cooking plates. Also changing between different heat sources is no problem. The thickness of the bottom is changed to the desired purpose of the pan. For example, a wok pan has a thinner bottom surface so it can transfer a higher temperature and frying pans generally have a thicker bottom surface.


## Warranty


Demeyere offers a 30-year limited warranty on all its products at home and 10-year warranty professional use. This applies to all manufacturing defects. On products with a non-stick coating there is 5 years warranty for home use, not applicable for professional use. However, please note that this warranty does not cover damage resulting from accident, misuse or abuse (included overheating). Also discolouration and scratches on the inside or outside of the stainless steel are not seen as manufacturing defects.

Demeyere

There are different famous kitchen knife brands that produce damascus knives. Take, for example, the knives from [Kai Shun](kato://category/kaishun), [Sakai Takayuki](kato://category/sakaitakayukibrand), [Tojiro](kato://category/tojirokitchenbrand) or the knives from the [Eden Classic Damast series](kato://category/edenclassicdamast) and the [Eden Hammered Damast series](kato://category/edenhammereddamast). All these knives are stunning. The number of steel layers varies, but the similarity is clear: a damascus kitchen knife is beautiful. Our range contains over 300 [kitchen knives](kato://content/migrated_pageid_742) with a blade made from damascus steel.

Damast kitchen knives

Free Benchmade Blue Lube 37 ml worth £21

Benchmade Water Class

Benchmade knives

Damascus chef's knives

Tojiro DP37

Tojiro Atelier

## Prototyping and milling bits


Were you able to produce a working fixture? If so it is time to start producing and testing prototypes with different tools. Used a milling bit too long? You will see it when you look at the finish of the tool. A part of the finish is therefore determined by how often the bits are replaced. A bit can be cheap, but also pretty expensive. Usually a bit is used for milling away material and another for the finish. Often another very fine bit carefully moves over the surface for that nice finish. Might take a lot of time, but it is definitely worth it.


## Finish after milling


In the end you are left with all the parts that were cut out with a CNC-machine. Done? No. They now namely have a surface finish directly from the milling machine. As such you cannot avoid the fact that every part needs to be finished by hand. Sanding, sandblasting, satinizing: whatever the knife needs.


## Cost of a CNC-machine


The CNC-machine itself also doesn't come for free. Modern CNC-machines that are used today can easily take you back 100.000 euros. Sometimes even more, depending on what the machine can do. That amount will be the basis. This does not include the additional costs of the accessories and spare parts. Cost of items such as cutters and coolant. Maintenance. Costs of a CNC-operator that will control the machine, and its (additional) training.


## Conclusion


So is it really that terrible working with a CNC-machine? Absolutely not. It is the only consistent way of shaping so many parts in 3D. And compared to cutting it out by hand with a saw, sharpening and milling parts it is, in most cases, even cheaper.


You do, however, need to know that it is definitely not cheap. And that it does require a great deal of craftsmanship. From drawing to fixture design and from prototyping to the actual production. It is not that simple.


## Gough Custom Knives


To illustrate we have a nice video from Aaron Gough from Gough Custom Knives. He spent years optimizing the production of this signature model. We are talking about thousands of hours spend on one fixed knife with a sheath. In this video he clearly explains how CNC-milling works for him and you can see his machine in action.


`youtube: JxAH6TGgNSA`
We do have to say that he uses a relatively old model from the mid-nineties. Today CNC-machines are little more advanced, faster, and can handle a lot more. The basic principles, however, remain the same and you still need to know what you are doing.


## Which brands are good at CNC-milling?


There are a couple of brands that are exceptional when it comes to milling work. True masters. Sometimes even award-winning. Examples are: [WE Knife](kato://content/migrated_pageid_495), [LionSteel](kato://content/migrated_pageid_443), [Rick Hinderer Knives](kato://content/migrated_pageid_464) and [Zero Tolerance](kato://content/migrated_pageid_508).

## Why sharpening convex knives is easy


Sharpening your own knives is getting more and more popular. Sharpening a flat grind, scandi grind or hollow grind is done the same way. You hold the knife at a fixed angle and move the knife, in the same angle, alongside, for instance, a [sharpening stone](kato://content/migrated_pageid_343). As mentioned before, a convex edge has a curved blade. However, sharpening stones are flat, so how do you sharpen a round surface with a flat stone?


Many think that a convex grind is difficult to sharpen. However, with the right knowledge sharpening a convex edge is actually really easy!


When you sharpen at a fixed angle you are constantly focused on sharpening your knife at the right angle. As soon as you change the angle you can change the edge of your knife. The problem is that sharpening by hand is not very accurate. You will never be able to sharpen with a fixed angle without using sharpening aids. When you sharpen a convex edge you don't use a fixed angle. As such you benefit from the lack of precision when you sharpen by hand. As such sharpening a knife with a convex edge by hand feels very natural. In addition, with a convex edge you don't just sharpen the very narrow edge but the entire blade. As such you have more room for small errors. As you can see there are many things to be mentioned that emphasize that sharpening a convex edge is easy!


## Ways to sharpen a convex edge


### Sharpening machine


The easiest way is using a sharpening machine. The grinding belt moves with you as you hold the knife against it, which causes the belt to bend. As such you will always sharpen with a 'convex' angle. We believe the [Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition](kato://product/WSKTS-KO-I) with the B[lade Grinding Attachment](kato://product/WSSAKO81112) is perfect

The [ESEE 4](kato://category/esee4serie) is one of [ESEE](kato://category/esee)'s most popular knives. This knife is the larger version of the **ESEE 3**, the knife that started it all for ESEE. For years, the ESEE 4 has been the standard by which other brands measure their survival knives. ESEE knives were originally designed as survival knives for use in the Amazon jungle. Years later, these knives are still being used in both the Peruvian jungle and the urban jungle. The knife's no-nonsense design is simple and effective, allowing you to fully focus on survival tasks instead of worrying whether your knife will be able to handle it.

Spotlight: ESEE 4

Spotlight: ESEE 4

I have been a fan of [ESEE](kato://content/migrated_pageid_356) knives for a long time now, having owned a significant range of their models over the years. This range includes the [ESEE 6 and ESEE 3](/en/ct/esee-3-s35vn-review-esee-6-3d-padraig-croke.htm), in the very same specs and materials we are looking at today. Not to mention the PR4, JG5 and the Izula II. [Just take a look at my Izula](/en/ct/esee-izula-long-term-review.htm) and you will see how much use I get out of mine. They are knives of pure utility and functionality. However, the team over at ESEE don’t like to rest on their laurels, and they’re constantly improving the materials and styles of their knives. So, let’s take a look at the [ESEE 4 in 3D milled Natural Canvas micarta](kato://product/EE-4POD-011), and explore the advantages of upgrading if you already own the original.

ESEE 4 in 3D Handle - Expert Review by Padraig Croke

ESEE 4 in 3D Handle - Expert Review by Padraig Croke

In 2020 [ESEE surprised the world](kato://content/migrated_topic_589) with new 3D handles for the best selling line of knives. Even more surprising was their choice for a new steel: S35VN. Bushcraft enthusiast Padraig Croke put the new [ESEE 3 in S35VN](kato://product/EE-3PM35V-001) and the [ESEE 6 with 3D handle scales](kato://product/EE-6PB-011) to the test.


## Breaking the Mould


***A closer look at ESEE’s new offering***


Truly tried and tested, and known for their utilitarian tools, their no nonsense warranty service, and their use of simple but effective materials, [ESEE](kato://content/migrated_pageid_356) are the quintessential made in the USA knife company. They have firmly established their place on the belts of law enforcement officers, military personnel and survival enthusiasts. I think a lot of this reputation comes down to the quality control they are known for. When you use the same steels and the same materials for your blades, I bet you become pretty familiar with the nuances of those materials. But this doesn’t mean that they have rested on their laurels, and they are constantly looking at new markets to tap into. New ways to get their knives into the hands of people that need a reliable tool. Their Camp-Lore series for example, which launched a few years ago, saw them looking to classic knife shapes to bring us tools more suited to bushcraft and woodcraft uses. The two staples in this range were the JG5, inspired by the legendary woodsman Nessmuk and designed by James Gibson, and the PR4, designed by Patrick Rollins and takes inspiration from Horace Kephart. You can read more on these with my articles on the [ESEE JG5](kato://content/migrated_topic_626) here and the [ESEE PR4](kato://content/migrated_topic_477) here.


ESEE have their ear close to the ground, interacting with users of their blades and listening to what people want, and with this new range, they have branched out into entirely new materials and production methods. The two blades I had the pleasure of looking at were the new ESEE 3 in CPM S35VN steel and the ESEE 6, both with 3D milled scales. Whether you are already the proud owner of either of the originals, or you are on the market for a new blade, I believe there is something for everyone in here with these new choices. So let’s take a closer look at what the differences are, as well as some advantages and disadvantages on the table.

Review: ESEE 3 in S35VN & ESEE 6 with the 3D handles

Review: ESEE 3 in S35VN &amp; ESEE 6 with the 3D handles

In 2020 ESEE will introduce a number of cool additions to the line-up. Take, for instance, the Xancudo: a new fixed knife with a well-known shape. And the existing ESEE models are made available with 3D scales. Meet the newest ESEE products for 2020.


`youtube: grjO57unFso`
## ESEE Xancudo: new, but still familiar


'ESEE Xancudo, didn't it already exist?' That was our first response. Until we read it again. Xancudo. Not [Zancudo](kato://content/migrated_pageid_889?ms_fk_zm-series=%5B%27Zancudo%27%5D&Category=78953a53-61db-4786-bb14-0192441e93dd). It turns out to be a fixed version of the popular ESEE pocket knife: the Zancudo.

New ESEE Knives in 2020 with the Xancudo and 3D scales

New ESEE Knives in 2020 with the Xancudo and 3D scales

The [ESEE PR4](kato://product/EE-ESEE-PR4) is an interesting bushcraft knife, designed by Patrick Rollins and inspired by the great Kephart knife. We asked bushcraft enthusiast Padraig Croke of the Trial by Fire podcast to review this bushcraft knife for us. Read what he has to say on this blade and its history:


## A Modern ESEE Classic


[ESEE Knives](kato://content/migrated_pageid_356) are renowned for producing tools that are seriously reliable. The look of their knives are as distinctive as they are sturdy, with their signature look of micarta scales and powder coated blades.


Their tools are truly tried and tested; from the smallest neck knife in their IZULA range, to their Junglas knife, capable of hacking through jungle terrain. They are carried and loved by soldiers and woodsmen alike.


## Camp-Lore Series


A couple of years ago the company introduced a new range of knives, known as the [Camp-Lore series](kato://content/migrated_pageid_888).


It could be argued, that the look and feel of most of ESEE’s range were more akin to one-tooloption, survival type blades, rather than classic woodman’s knives.

ESEE PR4 Expert Review by Padraig Croke

ESEE PR4 Expert Review by Padraig Croke

## Which knives are counterfeit?

We have seen knives from many different brands that were counterfeit. Some brands that stand out are: [Spyderco](kato://content/migrated_pageid_476), [Zero Tolerance](kato://content/migrated_pageid_508), [Fällkniven](kato://content/migrated_pageid_1062), [LionSteel](kato://content/migrated_pageid_443), [Benchmade](kato://content/migrated_pageid_282), [ESEE](kato://content/migrated_pageid_356) and [Cold Steel](kato://content/migrated_pageid_331). Often models that are already popular, so that there is as much demand for the counterfeit version as possible.

## Where do counterfeit knives come from?

We can safely say that all counterfeit knives come from Asia, mainly from China. Sometimes people whisper that there are counterfeit knives that are produced in the same factory as where the original is produced. We dare to say that that is almost never the case. We were, at least, never able to prove it.

Brands that would sell their own knives on the black market would simply be throwing money out of the window. On the one hand they break down their own legal trade by selling their knives for a lower price on the black market. On the other you break down your own brand because people can no longer rely on the authenticity of your products.

In addition, renowned brands spend a lot of time fighting counterfeit goods. One of the brands that is often copied is [Spyderco](kato://content/migrated_pageid_476). Spyderco director Eric Glesser told us that he spends quite a lot of time fighting and suing the individuals selling counterfeits. [Spyderco even sued eBay](https://knifenews.wpengine.com/spyderco-suing-ebay-over-counterfeits/) because they don't do enough to combat the sale of counterfeit goods. [Spyderco and eBay settled](https://knifenews.com/ebay-settles-spyderco-counterfeit-lawsuit/) this matter, after which eBay changed its policy.

## What about homages?

There is also a category that, by some, is called an 'homage' or 'tribute'. A model that strongly resembles a specific model of another brand, but without copying the brand markings. With these models you can also clearly tell that someone is not trying to pretend that the knife is made by the original brand. Highly debatable, but already relatively normal in the watch industry.

Counterfeit knives: what is the deal with those?

ESEE Buying Guide: which ESEE knife is the right one for me? 

ESEE Buying Guide: which ESEE knife is the right one for me?

In the United States you often come across warnings and disclaimers. On some packages containing knives you will, for instance, find warnings that are, to put it nicely, quite alarming. One of the most explicit warnings is the following:

> WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

And that is quite the statement, one you can find on the boxes of many large brands. [Buck Knives](kato://content/migrated_pageid_296), for instance, has printed this warning on its boxes and also [ESEE Knives](kato://content/migrated_pageid_356) has printed it on top of their packaging. Both pretty big brands. But what does it really mean? Are these knives life threatening on a chemical level?

What does the carcinogenic substances warning on the box of my knife mean?

Bushcraft enthusiast Padraig Croke has been using the [ESEE Izula](kato://content/migrated_pageid_884) for many years. He’s the perfect person to tell us about his long term experiences with the ESEE Izula in this Expert Review.


I have had the Izula II for a number of years now, and it has become a really solid part of my kit. At 4mm thick and with a comfortable 4 inch handle, it’s a lot more knife than it first appears. The Izula II was my first “non traditional” bushcraft knife. Having only dealt with scandi grinds up to that point, the Izula was my first introduction to a flat grind blade and ultimately led to a love affair with [ESEE knives](kato://content/migrated_pageid_356).


## Why carry a companion blade?


Often times, when packing for a trip or a day hike the choice of tools comes down to the pairing of certain combinations. For example, if I was to take my [Morakniv Garberg Carbon](kato://product/MO13147) blade with me, a perfect companion to this could be a simple [Mora 106 carving blade](kato://product/MO106-1630), or my [Eldris](kato://content/migrated_pageid_449?ms_fk_zm-series=%5B%27Eldris%27%5D&Category=0ee353ea-8981-44f3-9d0a-fbf0881dbc09), which is stainless. The question I ask myself is, what am I doubling up on here? Is there a reason I would choose to carry this blade over that one, and what do I plan to do when I’m out? Is it a craft based camp, or am I just going for a hike and some lunch? What type of woodland am I going to and what type of tools are going to be needed to process wood. If I was in a coniferous woodland for example, then maybe I would not need a heavy processing tool like an axe with me, as a saw and a large belt knife would maybe prove more effective. My small tinder and kindling sources in a woodland like that are most likely going to be processed by hand, gathering bundles of resinous branches off the forest floor or between the crooks of the trees. Or if my material is marginal… some light batoning and feathersticking. Carrying a larger knife in this instance would make sense, as the lack of an axe might limit your options, should you need to process something larger or split logs down. On the other hand, a broadleaf forest will consist of harder, denser woods that will burn much longer but will require larger tools to process it, such as a bow saw and a hatchet or small axe. In that case, the carrying of a hatchet would mitigate the need to carry a larger knife.


When it comes to carrying a companion blade or “neck knife”, I have found the ESEE Izula II finding its way into my kit on almost every trip since I’ve bought it, about two years ago, becoming one of my most beloved tools to carry. Paired with a larger knife, such as my [Fällkniven S1X](kato://product/FKS1X) or [ESEE PR4](kato://product/EE-ESEE-PR4), the Izula can really deal with the more nimble of tasks required of a blade in the field. Food processing is a little tricky, due to the thickness of the blade, but ferro rod striking, notching and carving, and cutting cordage are tasks I regularly assign to the Izula II. Of course we all love our primary belt knives, but in reality I have found when I carry a neck knife like the Izula II, it’s often more than enough to tackle basic camp chores.

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