ESEE Candiru handle scales
ESEE Candiru handle scales
In 2012, ESEE Knives—founded by survival experts Jeff Randall and Mike Perrin—introduced the Candiru as their smallest fixed-blade knife, a compact evolution of the popular Izula series. Teased in late 2011–early 2012 (with sneak peeks around February–March 2012 and full release by mid-2012), it drew inspiration from the infamous Amazonian parasitic fish—small yet tenacious—aligning with ESEE's jungle survival heritage from Peruvian training programs
The ESEE Candiru features a 2-inch drop-point blade in tough 1095 high-carbon steel (55–57 HRC, textured powder coat in black, OD green, desert tan, or later colors) for exceptional toughness, pry resistance, and easy sharpening, despite faster dulling. Weighing just 1.7 oz (skeletonized handle, .125" thick), overall length 5.13", it includes a molded polymer sheath (upgraded from early Cordura/velcro versions) with clip plate for neck, pocket, boot, or PSK carry—ideal as a lightweight survival knife, neck knife, EDC fixed blade, or first-aid tool
Designed for discreet, versatile use in PSKs, concealed carry, or backup tasks (batoning, fire prep, fine work), it earned praise for indestructible build, USA-made quality, and ESEE's no-questions-asked lifetime warranty. Variants with optional scales (Micarta, G-10) and colors followed, cementing the Candiru as a benchmark in ultra-compact survival knives and minimalist EDC fixed blades