The ESEE 5 Gear Selector

So, I'm a huge fan of ESEE Knives, they're some of my favorite outdoor tools. So I got an idea one day to turn an ESEE into a gear selector (or shift lever, gear lever, shift knob, whatever you want to call it.) The 5 was the obvious choice as it's the fattest of their knives at 1/4". Took me about a month and a half to find a used one, I just couldn't cut up a brand new one.

Ready to meet her fate.


First cut, man this thing is thick!


Cut two, working towards the end.


Cut three, down to the handle. I wonder if the warranty is still valid?


I then cut the channel when the piece of gear rod goes and cut out a space for the nut.


Cut out a space in the handles for the side of the nut.


Sanded out a small channel as the gear rod is about 3/8 think.


Epoxied the nut into place. I also took a bluing pen to most of the exposed metal.


The 98% finished product. Just need to cut the other two handle screws and glue them on.


Mounted.





It was a great project, probably only took about 10-12 hours all together. I'm really happy with how it came out too! Definitely one of the more unique gear selectors out there. All it took was a Dremel, some zip wheels, A tungsten carbide cutter and an engraving cutter.

 

Looks sick.

But poor knife

 

Unique! I kinda like it! I used to make aluminum pistol grips shifter knobs back in highschool. Wish I had made a few more! I do think you should rotate it 180 degrees though, that way your hands holds it a little closer to how it was designed. Just my $.02

 

your a beast with a dremel! nice work!

 

I'm curious as to why you cut the blade into three sections, when all you were after was the handle? I agree with turning it 180° as well...

 

The dremel can only cut so far down the blade until the end of the blade would get in the way not allowing it to cut.

 

Thanks man, I honestly had no idea what I was doing and made it up along the way.

This.

 

angle grinder--cut off wheel, worth the $$$

 

Looks cool.
You can buy ESEE grip plates and just use flat stock underneath them.

I just hate to see a good knife die.

 

good advertising though! got me looking at them, ill have one someday!
if I remember right they boast a Rockwell rating like 56-60 or something. sounds good

 

I cried a little.


But it looks cool, and if you ever get trapped in your truck, unscrew it and you have a glass breaker.
The 5 is my favorite of the ESEE line. Glass breaker, thick blade, and the round divot on the side for use as a bow-drill bearing.

 

I did too.

This will be the next knife I buy.

 

If you order direct, don't overlook the $200 survival pack. It includes an ESEE-6. I keep one behind my seat.
But the -6 is no replacement for the -5. The 5 is a monster.