Micarta & Phillips screws.

[Moab]

In praise of micarta scales and phillips head hardware:

My ESEE 5 came with micarta scales. But they were the traditional squared off version that typically comes on an ESEE fixed blade. Not super ergonomic if using a knife long term over long periods of time. I switched to G19 when they came out with a contoured set.

But eventually they produced a contoured set of micarta.

I've been down with COVID over the last few days. So nothing better to do. I finally put the new contoured micarta scales in green on my ESEE 5.

I really think micarta is a superior handle. I am very fond of certain types of rubber knife handles. But I have also had tangs rust under them. And having scales to remove and clean under are far superior. The retention is both excellent and feels very natural in the hand. This set is no exception. The Knife Connection stocks a complete line of micarta and g10 replacement scales for ESEE and a few other brands. 

Lastly, Phillips screws. I swapped the Allen studs on my ESEE 5 for Phillips when I first got it. I think keeping track of a tiny Allen head wrench in the field is a bit foolhardy. Not that that is life or death. But if you actually use your knives. Being able to remove and clean the entire tang and under the scales is important. Especially after processing fish or animals. Rust can build up under there quickly.

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[majorhavoc]

That's a sweet looking knife.  A tool that just feels just right in hand is one of life's sublime pleasures. 

Curious: would it have been possible to contour the less-than-ergonomic micarta scales that originally came the ESEE?  With a file maybe?

[12_Gauge_Chimp]

That's a sweet looking knife.  A tool that just feels just right in hand is one of life's sublime pleasures.

Curious: would it have been possible to contour the less-than-ergonomic micarta scales that originally came the ESEE?  With a file maybe?

It's possible, but you really don't want to be breathing in the resulting micarta dust.

If anyone goes that route, wear a respirator and glasses or goggles just to be safe.

[NT2C]

That's a sweet looking knife.  A tool that just feels just right in hand is one of life's sublime pleasures.

Curious: would it have been possible to contour the less-than-ergonomic micarta scales that originally came the ESEE?  With a file maybe?

It's possible, but you really don't want to be breathing in the resulting micarta dust.

If anyone goes that route, wear a respirator and glasses or goggles just to be safe.

And clean up the dust with a damp rag (preferably), or a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

[Moab]

I aged my ESEE and chemically engraved all the markings. That are normally only paint deep. And the guy I copied had filed his original micarta scales down. But it was very rough.

You could probably contour the originals down. But that really is an almost sculpture like art form. And the originals were not very thick. These new ones make an almost round handle. It is very comfortable. With the perfect amount of grip. I can't say enough good stuff about micarta.

[Plan B]

I'm a big fan of the ESEE 5, if I walk out the door never to return, it will be with me.

[Plan B]

Test photo, I think I've got it.....

[Moab]

I'm a big fan of the ESEE 5, if I walk out the door never to return, it will be with me.

It really is a do all - bombproof - apocalypse knife. And it's not as big as it seems. It looks like it would be to big and unwieldy. I don't have large hands. But with the addition of the co toured micarta (or g10) scales. It's balanced really well. And handles good.

I like the ESEE 4HM better for regular tasks. But your not going to cut your way out of an airplane. Or bust a lock with it. But it does handle really really well.

[Moab]

Test photo, I think I've got it.....

That's the only thing I don't like with the replacement scales. You lose the fire making divet. 

[Plan B]

True, but you can add them with a drill if you are OK with it.

[Moab]

True, but you can add them with a drill if you are OK with it.

I was gonna say that. Your absolutely right. 

The customization I did that I really liked. Was etching the markings before the paint comes off. Especially on my older model with the skull and cross bones logo. It's super easy with PCB etching. And makes the marks, even the serial number, permenant. Otherwise the etching is really only paint deep. And wears off.

[Plan B]

@Moab, you're spot on about Micarta, I've bought 6 ESEE 5's over the years and
the one that had G-10 scales weighed 1 oz more than the Micarta.
These porky's need to lose all the weight they can.
I still have these 3 left, the rest were given away.
The one on the left is #0126, one of the first 5's, it's my safe queen
and I only bring it out for special occasions.



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For me, here's where the carbon steel knives really shine, Rock and Knife Fire.
I used the knife Spine, a rock I found and some 0000 steel wool to make a fire and 
melt this snow, earlier this week up in the cascades.

Hydrate or Die.








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Hands down my favorite way to make fire.


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I hope I'm not too far off in the weeds with my post?

[Moab]

This is my ESEE 5. Not sure this thread below details all of my customizations. But they're around here so someplace. I PCB etched the markings, bleach etched the blade with Vaseline as a mask for the edge and markings, replaced the Allen heads with field expedient Phillips heads, micarta scales but these pics were with the g10 still on, and a custom sheath from Nay leather.

https://ufozs.com/smf/index.php?topic=357.0#msg4514

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