# From the Kitchen to the Jungle: A Review of ESEE Sencillo Fixed Blade
Many people might not know this, but ESEE Knives first started on the floor of the Amazon in the Peruvian jungle. The company, which is also known as Randall’s Adventure & Training, spent years running survival classes in South America before moving its operations to the U.S. The knives and gear produced by ESEE Knives are based on the challenges faced during these rigorous training sessions, which span over 20 years.
The ESEE Sencillo is a versatile and powerful tool that can be your lifelong companion. Whether you need it for everyday use, camp cooking, or hiking, it’s definitely worth looking at. This knife, priced at $155 and up, embodies the company’s focus on practicality. It’s designed to function well, can be carried in multiple ways, and offers great value for its price. The knife has been tested during survival training in Peru and has proven its worth in handling bushcraft and camp tasks.
**ESEE Sencillo Knife Specs:**
– **OAL:** 7.25”
– **Blade length:** 3.05 ”
– **Blade steel:** A2/MagnaCut
– **Blade shape:** Drop point
– **Grind:** Flat
– **Hardness:** A2 57-58 HRC MagnaCut 62-63 HRC
– **Sheath:** KYDEX
– **Handle material:** Burlap Micarta (Brown)
– **Weight:** 3.88 oz. (6.49 oz. with sheath)
– **Price:** A2: $239 / MagnaCut: $276
**Pros:**
– Lightweight
– Secure grip on scales
– Ambidextrous sheath
– Tapered tip for slicing
**Cons:**
– No 90-degree spine
– Limited finishes
– Need a Torx wrench to adjust sheath
The Sencillo knife lives up to its name, which means “simple” in Spanish. It’s an exceptional tool, meticulously designed and prototyped by Jeff Randall, the founder of ESEE Knives. The knife is known for its simplicity, capability, and durability. It has undergone extensive testing and consistently delivers exceptional performance, proving its quality, reliability, and suitability for rugged use.
The 3-inch stonewashed blade of the Sencillo is razor-sharp and tough, with a thickness of 0.125 inches that’s perfect for both piercing and slicing. The full-flat grind and drop point shape provide excellent control and precision.
At 7.25 inches in overall length and weighing only 3.8 ounces, the Sencillo is a lightweight and portable option for outdoor enthusiasts and everyday users. The knife’s handle, made of brown burlap micarta, is rigid and grippy, ensuring a comfortable and secure grip with a lanyard hole for added security.
The ESEE Sencillo is made in the USA by White River Knife and Tool and is available in both A2 steel and MagnaCut stainless blades, featuring a stonewash finish. Like all ESEE Knives, the Sencillo comes with a lifetime warranty, ensuring replacement if it breaks, no questions asked.
**Design & Features:**
The knife is what the Izula II should have been designed to be, according to Randall. The Sencillo started off being made in A2 steel, but it’s now also available in MagnaCut stainless blades. The knife has a lifetime warranty and is designed for practical everyday use.
**First Impressions:**
The knife’s sharpness and design reflect top-notch quality. The handle allows a full four-finger grip with an integrated guard, ensuring a secure grip. The knife also easily transitions between different grips and is comfortable to use, although it may feel slightly narrow for those with larger hands.
The knife comes with a well-designed Kydex sheath with excellent retention and easy adjustment for both conventional and left-handed carry. However, it does not feature a 90-degree spine for fire-starting purposes.
**Return to Green Hell:**
During an expedition in the Peruvian jungle, the Sencillo was used for various tasks such as slicing pineapples, making feather sticks, and carving spears. Its thin grind and broad blade made it easy to slice through meat and its taper toward the tip provided excellent maneuverability.
**On Kitchen Duty:**
The knife was effective in deboning chicken thighs and proved to be a reliable kitchen tool for slicing various vegetables. It also doubled as an excellent cheese knife.
**In the Woods:**
During a multiday Advanced Bushcraft Class, the MagnaCut Sencillo was used to create camp tools and section small hardwood rounds. The blade made quick work of both food preparation and cutting wood.
**MagnaCut vs. A2 Options:**
Both steel options cut exceptionally well. The A2 version develops a used appearance, while the MagnaCut version remains almost pristine. Both require regular maintenance to retain their sharpness.
**Sencillo Carry Options:**
The knife offers versatile carry options, including inverted and scout carry positions, with a well-designed sheath that offers excellent retention and is easy to adjust for various carry heights.
**One Minor Drawback:**
The knife does not feature a 90-degree spine for fire-starting purposes, making it less suitable for some outdoor tasks.
**Conclusion:**
The ESEE Sencillo embodies the spirit of adventure and a dedication to quality, offering reliable functionality and day-to-day simplicity. It is a general woods/utility knife suitable for various tasks, and the two steel options provide choices for different preferences.
In conclusion, whether you’re braving the jungle or just need a reliable tool for everyday use, the ESEE Sencillo offers exceptional performance and practical design, making it a must-have addition to your kit.
