4 or 6: A numbers game

jumpmonkey

jumpmonkey

Joined
Oct 16, 2006
Messages
970
Hey guys,

I'm considering a larger blade. Not, a Junglas is not on the menu this time, so unless you're willing to give me one, don't mention it. If you are willing to give me one, PM me for my shipping address and dismiss the rest of the post.

There are things that I do feel require more than an Izy or Hest (great and versatile knives) So as I seek for more knife the three isn't enough more. The 5 is just a beast. The 4 and the 6 both seem viable. So, for a guy in the north east (South Eastern PA) do you guys have any thoughts or recommendations. Is the 6 more knife than a man wants to carry? Is the 4 just not enough? Will we ever get pics from someone whose killed a bear with a Junglas?

Thanks and God bless,
Adam

EDIT: If you recommend the 4 how do TKC's new grips compare to the standard?
 
Unless batoning is something you do regularly, the 4 is all the knife you need... Much easier to carry. The 6 is a big knife.
 
I love the size of the 4, but the handle on the 6 fits me a LOT better.
That said, the 6 is not too much knife - it does a lot of tasks very well, and the times a small blade would work better, you already have an izzy & hest.
if you only want to carry 1 blade, either the 6 or the 4 with the new scales should work fine.
 
I just picked up a 6 and I'd totally recommend it. I don't think it's too big, and it handles really well IMO, though I wouldn't go much bigger for a belt knife. The 6 is my first ESEE, and I'd like to pick up an Izula II to partner it with in the near future. Between the two, and maybe a folding saw, I don't think there's much you couldn't handle out in the bush.
 
For those who may have the HEST and the 4 do you think that the two overlap too much in function?
 
I dont have the hest, but i do have the Izzy,3, 4 and 6. The 6 was my first and besides the Izzy i use the 6 most often sometimes even more than the izzy. I would totally go with the 6 you wont be sorry, it looks big but it really balances and works great... If i could only have 1 out of them all it would definately be the 6. .... Good luck and hope this helps. Get the 6 you wont be disappointed. Nuff said.:D
 
I used to have the 6, but for me it was to big for detail work,and to small to chop, so I traded it for a 4, which suits me alot better.
 
The 4 is longer than the HEST, obviously. The RC4 is really a 4 1/2" blade, the edge is 4, but then there is the finger choil. The HEST is much lighter, skeleton handle.
I have the new RC4 handle scales coming in the mail. They should add a little bit more handle, but it still fits my hand very well.
I've been wanting a RC6 as well, but the RC4 is just a great knife. You can baton with the 4, just find smaller pieces of wood, or stay closer to the outside of the wood and work it down to size.
Oh, get both!
 
6 is perfect for me, Just the right balance of heft and maneuverability. My buds got a 4 an I feel like I would want something more in a survival situation.

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I live in WNY, and do most of my hiking and camping in the area and in Allegany. The 6 is hands down my favorite knife. Rides on the belt well with the molle back. It's a big knife that doesn't feel like one. Does minor chopping acceptably well. Batons like a mofo.

I like my 4, and I EDC it from time to time around town and while hiking. It's great to have in a camerabag or speedpack. But generally, I'll grab my six given the choice.
 
The 4 and the 6 are both great. I like them both and they are both outstanding. The 6 is big and larger to carry but it is versitile and not heavy at all (it feels lighter to me than my 5). The 4 might be the best all around unless you do a great deal of things that require the larger blade. You can't go wrong, but a 4 inch cover a lot of tasks. Plus know you can get some awesome handles to dress it up even more. Go luck picking.

I have a HEST too and don't think it is redundant with the 4. That's my 2 cents.
 
The 4 and a hatchet and your good to go...

Or 4 and a chopper...which us knife nuts all like! ;) :)
 
Adam,

I don't have a 6 to compare but I do have izzys and a hest to compare to the 4.. for me as of late a good combo is a machete and my 4 along with a saw for the bush..

the 4 is very versatile and batons very well, realistically who's gonna chop down 6" diameter trees for wood anyhow?? so the 4 is very capable.. but I'm sure the 6 is as well if not more.. as it is a bigger knife, making it more capable IMO..

my hest I've only had at camp once and really don't care for it in the bush to be quite honest, come to think of it I don't really know why..

I guess to me it really doesn't have a purpose when I have my izzy and 4 with me..

with that said if I had to pick only one knife it would at this moment be the 4..
 
Well guys, thanks for the help.

I've decided on a 4, with a set of Dales sweet new grippies. The question is... which ones? I'm leaning strongly toward a tan blade. But should I get orange Hi-Viz scales, or something lower key, cooler looking (and risk increase likelihood of blade loss... or get the orange/black scales that may stick out like a sore thumb, or get lost anyway since there some kind of hi-viz cammo?

God bless,
Adam
 
Good choice. I think you'll love the 4. I've ordered my tkc scales as well, and can't wait to see how they will feel. As to the color, I would put aside the high visibility concern and get whichever one you think will look the absolute coolest.. if you don't you'll likely be tossing and turning at night thinking about them. :D
 
The 4 rocks. Paired with an izula its the perfect bushcraft knife. I have the OD/Orange combo, it may not look that "cool" initially but give it time and you'll love the orange :)
And besides, whats not to like about g10
 
basb said:
The 4 rocks. Paired with an Izula its the perfect bushcraft knife. I have the OD/Orange combo, it may not look that "cool" initially but give it time and you'll love the orange :)
And besides, whats not to like about g10
Click to expand...

Ditto! I just gutted a nice buck with one. No serious hunter I know would want a larger knife to do that, in fact I use my Izula for skinning bears-MUCH easier to use, the smaller knife, when you want to do work requiring dexterity as in saving the hide of a bruin! The "4" is truly, the "Goldilocks" of knives! I honestly see no purpose for the 6. None. Nada. Well, maybe for those who: "need to compensate!":D It does look a little more: "Rambo like!" :D

I take the Izula and the 4 into the wild with me. If I could only pick one it would be the 4, no question.
 
Awesome choice and you're going to love the 4!

basb said:
And besides, whats not to like about g10
Click to expand...

On G10: Can't help on the custom scales, but overall I'm actually not a fan of g10 at all... It's a lot less comfy to me compared to micarta, gives me hot spots and gets more slippery when covered in crud, esp when skinning or processing. I love the look of the orange G10 handles with my OD blade, but I'm thinking of trading them for some tan canvas micarta...

I think scales come down to personal preference...
 
I have a 4 in the mail from Dale, black with the grey micarta. It'll complement my izula :D
 
The 4/Tan with the tiger stipe orange/black combo looks sweet! I cast my vote on that one.....for you...:D

I'm leaning towards a HEST and a 6. Here's to Dale making the custom scales for the 6! *crossing fingers*
 
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