My first ESEE. Impressive. I really like it. The weight, steel, ease of sharpening,,, seems easier to sharpen than s30v. And talk about taking a keen edge! Got some solid handles on the way to replace the ones with the hole. The Xancudo scales will all interchange won’t they? I had no idea off kilter bone from old break perfectly lines up with the hole and create a pressure point. Nothing wrong with the knife. Definitely like what I’ve seen so far eeven have an izulla on the way now.
Got the new solid scales, and it fixed the hot spot/pressure point problem on the old bone break. No longer a literal pain to use now. Much more comfortable.
Sharpened factory edge off and wanted to see how it would hold up so got rough on it compared to how I normally use a knife. Used the Xancudo to cut all the wood out to adjust door striker plates. Set the edge on the wood and beating on back of the blade with the other hand, hammer fist style, to cut the depth. Then cutting and twisting with the edge to flip the wood out. Still shaving sharp when I was finished.
The Xancudo and its sheath checks all the boxes. Blade shape. thickness and length are perfect for me. I think the Xancudo should be way more popular.
Carried fixed for several years and got out of the habit started carrying folders for a while. Xancudo quickly changed that and it became my got to knife. Really like it. Izula is back up.
I'd like to see the Izula and Xancudo sheath type for the whole ESEE line. Good retention and adaptability. I don't "need" another ESEE but a JG3 in s30v with a similar sheath would be irresistible.
The Xancudo is high on my wish list. I need to do get back into having one or two knives I am always trading for fun. I have/had the 3, Candiru, Izula. So many good knives in this size range it would take owning one and putting it to the test to see if it would blow your skirt up or not. From the random tests I have watched on the 'tube and read here it looks like the upgrade beyond 1095 makes sense in a small knife.
I finally dulled my Xancudo, dull as in no longer slaying hairs. A few passes on a DMT extra fine stone and it is now back to mowing them down like a bush hog. This steel just wants to cut and it has made me a fan. I've trimmed the Xancudo sheath down to where the knife and sheath are the same length as sheathed Izula II. It makes for a good pocketable size for a front or rear jeans pocket. For some reason the Xancudo in use seems to have a lot more usable blade real estate for tasks. Just a nice all around blade shape.