Everyone knows that the standard, original ESEE 4 is made with a 1095 steel blade and treated with a powder coat, just like the overwhelming majority of ESEE Knives.

It is a good steel, and a very tough steel. One that is unlikely to break, too, though that doesn’t matter too much because as a result of ESEE’s legendary warranty, even if you do break it they will replace it.

But that is neither here nor there, because as “good” as a 1095 ESEE 4 is, that blade will rust if you don’t take care of it. 

There is an arguably better option. It will cost you a little more but that extra investment will pay off in the long run, especially if you carry and use your knives in places that are likely to incur rust. 

It’s the ESEE 4 in S35VN steel. Here’s what you need to know about the fairly major differences between these two steels.

Enter the ESEE 4 S35VN 

The ESEE 4 in S35VN is made with an S35VN steel blade. Whereas 1095 is basically iron with .95% carbon and that’s it, the former is a super steel with a few other tricks up its sleeve. 

Let’s talk about the obvious. Whereas 1095 is a tool steel with basically no addition of elements that will help stave off corrosion, S35VN is a super steel with a healthy helping of chromium, at 14%.

This alone shows a massive difference between these two steels. A 1095 steel blade will rust even if you try to get it not to; an S35VN will likely not rust even if you try to get it to. Therein lies one of the major differences. 

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg because this steel has a lot more going for it. Namely, it has more carbon. About 50% more, actually. 

Whereas 1095 has .95% carbon, S35VN has 1.4%. That means as a general rule S35VN can be treated to a higher hardness rating than 1095, which means it can hold an edge longer. 

But that’s not all, because S35VN is also rich in vanadium (3%) which is a carbide-forming element that further improves the hardness and wear resistance of the alloy. 

In other words, S35VN can hold an edge for quite a while, unlike 1095 steel. In fact, 1095 ESEE Knives are notorious for their softness. This makes them easy enough to resharpen, but all the same, some users find it sort of annoying. 

S35VN also contains a smidge of niobium, an element that is only rarely added to steel, but where it is added it improves grain size, structure and carbide distribution, improving wear resistance and toughness.

Also, this alloy contains 2% molybdenum, an element that improves the toughness of the steel, making it less likely to break. 

So, in a nutshell, an ESEE 4 in S35VN is tougher, harder, and more resistant to corrosion than a standard ESEE 4 in 1095. Those are some considerable upgrades, and well worth the premium in price. 

That’s what you need to know. Otherwise, the ESEE 4 in 1095 and ESEE 4 in S35VN are functionally identical to the point that you wouldn’t even be able to tell them apart but for the fact that the latter lacks the signature powder coat on the blade. 

Where to Get One

Want a new ESEE 4? If you can spare the extra, you might as well get an ESEE 4 in S35VN, and you can get one at The Knife Connection, along with custom scales and other accessories. Visit their website for more information and get in touch with them if you have any questions before buying.

For more information about LT Wright Knives and Smith And Sons Knives Please visit: The Knife Connection.