The ESEE Imlay is ESEE’s first rescue knife, and they did a heck of a job with it. It’s based off the Izula, so it’s a small, easily carried fixed blade with tons of thoughtful elements. You can pick up the Imlay for about $70.
Developed by the ESEE team during their Search and Rescue, swiftwater, and recreational rope courses, this knife has everything you need in a rescue knife. As always, it comes with ESEE’s 100% unconditional lifetime guarantee – if it breaks and you can get them even a piece of the knife, they’ll replace it, even if you did something dumb with it.
The ESEE Imlay features skeletonized, one-piece 440C construction for a light weight, corrosion resistant knife that holds an edge better than 1095. The 2.25” drop point is partially serrated and has a blunted tip for safe use with tensioned ropes and in rescue situations. There’s jimping throughout the knife for a more secure grip. The handle has an O2 slot and a carabiner hole.
They’ve taken an innovative step with the sheathing system for the Imlay. It comes with an injection molded sheath with an Izula clip plate, however it also has a secondary retention strap for added security. ESEE tells us, “The retention strap is designed to stay on the knife during use and features a long tail for easier manipulation with gloved hands.”
Not only is this a great knife, according to ESEE Knives, “10% of gross sales for the Imlay Rescue knife go to support operational costs of RAT-SAR, a 501(c)3 non-profit, all volunteer search and rescue organization.” According to Randall’s Adventure Training, the RAT-SAR provides a variety of search and rescue classes throughout the years and is “…a private, non-profit, non-government, specialized search and rescue organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Alabama and founded on the principle of self-sufficient, mobile teams trained to operate in remote high-angle, natural subterranean, flood / swiftwater, and other austere environments.”
ESEE Imlay Rescue Knife Details
- 440C, Stonewashed Finish
- 2.25” Blunt Tip, Partially Serrated Edge
- 0.156” Blade Thickness
- Flat Grind
- Skeletonized, One Piece Construction
- O2 Slot
- Carabiner Hole
- Injection Molded Sheath with Clip Plate
- Secondary Retention Strap
- 3.1 Oz with Sheath and Strap
- 5.9” Overall Length
- Made in the USA
The ESEE Imlay is a great rescue knife that benefits charity and comes with a sensational warranty. You can get it for about $70. To get this knife, click any link in the article or simply click the button below.
All images courtesy of Smoky Mountain Knife Works – smwk.com.
