ESEE3HM (Handle Modified) Fixed Blade Knife, Sheath

The sheath and blade are nice. Keen edge right out of the box (good sign). The best qualities though (IMO) are the overall curvature and rounded handle. This isn’t the plasticky “micarta” of other knife makers - but soft, comfortable, true micarta. Good for a neck knife and all-around survival blade. Money well spent.

Ok so I’m gonna start with my dislike just because there is really only 1 or 2,Spine: I really think with this knife it should have come from the factory with a 90 degree spine but it didn’t, however that’s nothing to knock the knife for simple fix, I took a flat bastard file and gave the knife a 90 degree spine,Handle: now this one isn’t necessary I’m really just nit picking lol, all I did was a mod for better tracking I took a round file and put grooves in the handleEverything really about this knife is perfect minus the non 90 degree spine, it came Razor sharp outta the box and it was oiled, I personally didn’t use the clip that comes with the knife I threw a teklok on it much better in my opinion. The kydex sheath is phenomenal, but then I wanted a leather sheath to swap out sheaths here and there(if you’d like to know what sheath just let me know) I EDC this blade and I’ve never had any problems with it, all and all this blade is a tank and I’d buy it over and over, this is easily my favorite knife, if you are on the fence about buying this knife just do it it’ll blow your mind

Awesome knife. Very well made. Super sharp. It’s a little big if you’re looking for more of an ‘edc’ knife but still compact and sturdy. Would buy again

Fine knife for. I intended purpose. Delivered in timely fashion

incase you don't know esee makes like 5 or more different versions of their 3" knife. After looking at their different options this one seemed to be the best for daily use and bushcrafting. First impressions of the knife were it's extremely well made, came sharp enough to shave. The blade is thick and sturdy and the handle has a good grip even when wet. after using this knife for basic use like opening boxes and peeling potatoes and stuff I started to notice a small flaw in the handle. I figured the thicker handle would make it easier to handle however the lack of a stop at the end of the blade meant sometimes my hand would slide into the blade if I wasn't gripping it tight. This issue has more to do with my use of the knife and less to do with the knife's quality and design and although I love the knife I'm returning it for an see 3 with a different handle.

I have an Esee 3, which I never liked, and a 4hm, which I like for working with wood. I was expecting the 3hm to be a shorter version of the Esee 4hm, but it's not. The blade stock is thinner on the 3hm, making it an entirely different animal, in a good way.I have always wanted to love Esee knives because they tick a lot of my boxes, but the handle and the transition from blade to handle on their original designs were not compatible with how I use a knife. Their HM series changed all that. This "broomstick" style handle allows for any grip or blade orientation without discomfort, making the spine of the blade e very useful tool. The 3 hm is a near perfect hunting knife that will do way more than just butcher game, with a few easy modifications.First, I reversed the clip on the plastic back plate so the knife now hangs upside down on my belt on my right (strong side) hip. The retention on the knife/sheath I got is sure enough to allow this kind of carry and it drops the whole package down to a more comfortable level relative to my belt line. In this orientation I find the sheath collects less dust, rain, whatever, and it's easier to get to since I am pulling it out in a direction that's less likely to snag on clothing. Since the blade is exactly 3.5 inches (the legal limit for unrestricted carry where I live), I might just make this my edc knife.Eventually I plan to file the spine to a more usable 90 degree edge and shorten the scales 1/3 inch or so at the pommel to expose the rounded tang for use as a gouge (think spoon making). I might strip the finish and give it a nice patina... That's another upside- you can modify it without voiding the legendary Esee warrantee.

I love the original Esee 3 but this rounded handed makes it much more conducive to bushcrafting and extended use than the original. You do lose the more flat and compact benefit of the original 3 but that is greatly outweighed by the comfort ability of this handle. I always felt that the original 3 gave me hot spots on the hand over extended use but this one doesn't, very rounded and form fitting in the hand. As for quality, you can't go wrong with any Esee product and this one is no exception, well made and backed by the best warranty in the knife industry, even better than Buck's! I bought the version with the kydex sheath and the fit is perfect, tight but easily removed one handed.

This is probably my 20th knife and by far my favorite! Sheath is amazing. Great retention and durability. Im using two ulticlips which are super strong and slim. Knife just disapears on my hip and is the perfect size for edc. Erganomics are simple and comfortable and the mocarta is super grippy. The whole thing has a nice premium weight to it, and with esees no questions asked life time warranty, I will never NOT carry this beautiful tool!