The steel is 440C. Rowan is the manufacturer and does the heat treat. They are about as good as it gets.
G10 handle is by Dale SToops at TKC. This is from the first production run of 500. Serial number is 252.

Nice! I have #0071

Nice knife.

I have an Izula and a Candiru. Both are 1095 though. The heat treat seems excellent. I have cut quite a bit with the Izula, and sharpened it 2X now.

About the only "complaint" would be that the finish eventually chips if you use it much. But truth is, I really couldn't care less about it. It cuts well, sharpens easily, and holds a decent edge.

The plastic Izula sheath works well and I like it. The Candiru sheath is absolutely worthless, so I had a kydex one made. Then I put a Spyderco clip on it. Much better now....

I used mine to field dress a deer tonight. Didn't get any in action pics, but I snapped this one on my counter when I took it out to clean it

Funny you posted this Mann, I was looking at their web site last night and thought that that knife would be a good front pocket carry option with the clip. I gotta get one. It will be my first ESEE. On the opposite end of the spectrum I love the Junglas.

If you buy one Troy, you won't be able to stop. ESEE makes some very nice knives. Affordable, functional, stylish.

That's what I'm afraid of Sam!

Nice looking knife Sam!

440C seems to have gone out of fashion somewhat..I have a couple of Linder's in 440C and like it very much..

It seems to keep a reasonable edge but remains easy to sharpen meaning it makes for a very functional/workmanlike blade..

Got two bare bones izulas this evening at smokey mountain knife works. I think I might should have gotten the izula II, the handle is really short. I got one for my oldest sons best friend. When my lawn mower quit this summer he came over with his and mowed my yard and I didn't even ask him to. For a 15 year old he has more grit and pay it forward additude than a lot of men. He's a good kid so I pay him a little and buy him a good christmas present every year. He's a knife nut but only has a few new junk gerbers and cheap sog knives. I will get him the micarta scales for his birthday. I hope he likes it. I will probably give each of my boys one and get the izula ll for myself.

PM sent

Nice. I finally got a set of TKC scales for my dirty Izula this Christmas (early package opening, I know, we're traveling) and the nice clean scales clash with the dinged finish. May need to look at a stainless version. Are they making other knives in stainless now as well?

With the ESEE knives and the way you use them, do you have a preference between the 440C and the 1095...?

well, in all honesty, I just got the SS Izula. It only has cursory back yard use so far. The 1095 models are time tested, both at home and afield. Zero complaints on Rowan's manufacture and heat treat of that steel.
I expect the same care and attention to detail for the 440C model. I am not a big fan of 440C, but this one is changing my mind to some extent.

Rufus, the ESEE 4 is not out in a Stainless version, and shipping.