History of ESEE

ESEE Knives originated from a practical understanding of survival needs, rooted in the founders Jeff Randall and Mike Perrin's adventures in the Peruvian Amazon. Their experiences with the Peruvian Air Force's jungle survival school, ESSEL, exposed them to the realities of survival tools and techniques. In 1997, disillusioned with the exaggerated claims of the survival gear market, they launched Randall’s Adventure & Training to offer no-nonsense survival training and gear.

As instructors, Randall and Perrin quickly realized the need for dependable survival tools. This led them to design their own knives, initially under the name RAT Cutlery in collaboration with Wicked Knife Company and later Ontario Knife Company, producing models like RTAK and Laser Strike. By 2007, to better reflect their market identity, they rebranded to ESEE Knives. This transition marked a pivotal moment, focusing intensely on manufacturing, quality control, and aligning their products closely with survivalist needs.

- ESEE was founded by Jeff Randall and Mike Perrin (pictured above) in 1997

- ESEE was originally named RAT Cutlery

- The ESEE name was officially established in 2007

ESEE’s design philosophy centers on practicality, durability, and user feedback. Their products, ranging from fixed-blade knives to machetes and camp axes, are developed through rigorous field testing and real-world application, ensuring they meet the high expectations of survival practitioners. The ESEE product line is notable for its robustness and reliability, backed by a no-questions-asked warranty that underscores the brand’s confidence in its knives.

Throughout its history, ESEE has continued to innovate, working with various designers and utilizing feedback from military and survival experts. Innovations like the ESEE-5 and the lightweight ESEE Izula have set high standards in the knife industry. The use of high-carbon 1095 steel is a testament to ESEE’s commitment to producing tough, easily maintainable knives favored by survivalists worldwide.

- ESEE has continued to innovate, releasing knives like the ESEE 5 and ESEE Izula (pictured above)

- ESEE commonly utilizes 1095 high-carbon steel

Beyond manufacturing, ESEE remains deeply integrated with the survival training community through Randall’s Adventure & Training. Offering courses from basic survival to advanced bushcraft, these activities provide continual feedback, shaping the development of new products and refining existing ones. The company’s active participation in online forums and knife shows fosters a close-knit community, emphasizing direct customer engagement and loyalty.

Looking ahead, ESEE Knives is poised to continue its legacy of excellence. With a focus on innovation and responding to the evolving needs of outdoor enthusiasts and professionals, ESEE is dedicated to maintaining its leadership in the survival gear market. Their approach, which combines fair pricing, real-world testing, and unparalleled customer service, ensures that ESEE Knives remains at the forefront of the industry.

- ESEE remains strong in the survival training community through Randall's Adventure & Training