Becker vs. ESEE

S

Southern14

Joined
Jun 15, 2013
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Hey guys, I know this is the Becker forum but I hope you guys also know a lot about ESEE knives. I'm torn between the Becker 22 and the ESEE-LS-P. Which would be better for all around use? I imagine the backer because it is so darn thick but how is it when I comes to chopping/battoning? I think I like the thinner blade of the ESEE but is the blade still rather thick as to where I couldn't do fine work with it? Thanks in advance.
 
Wasn't there a video somewhere of someone batoning an esee into a becker with one in a vice, edge to edge. Obviously that should really inform your decision ;)
 
If you really like the laser strike, check out the Bk16, great knife and cheaper.
 
the bk2 has better ergos than the LS and I don't like the choil. I would say if you like choils and had the money than they would be equal, a trade off between the Beckers superior chopping and battoning ability and the LS superiority in detailed work.

Hope this helps!

The Kid
 
I have a 1/4 in. thick blade (Ontario Afghan) which is almost the exact size of the bk2 and it is a little hard to do fin work with. However, it is amazing at batoning and making kindling for fires. Once I get to about 3 in. thick pieces of wood I forgo the axe/hatchet and just baton with the afghan. Works great, and I assume the bk2 would work just as well. Also, the bk2 is 33% cheaper :D Buy whatever you want, as both knives companies are great. However, if you want something that will withstand a nuclear blast, from what I've experience and heard, get a Bk2. Also, if it really is too thick for you, you could always get a bk10. Same size, but with a different point type and 3/16 in. thickness instead. I have never handled one, but from what I've heard it is also an amazing knife.

P.S. I saw a post of a guy's battening his soon to be Christmas tree in the woods with a Bk2. So yes, it will baton, and baton well.
 
I think the ESEE-5 is more comparable to the BK-2. I own both. I'll assume that the LS is about the size of the BK-16, which I also own.

I like the grip of the BK-2 much better than the ESEE. If you want to chop or baton, I think the LS and BK-16 are too small, although I have used my 16 quite a bit to baton with; not huge stuff, but works well if you need to split some small wood to get a fire going.

When camping in a park, I always have my BK-16 handy, usually for some food prep, etc. I also take it backpacking.

Of course, I wouldn't be caught dead with just one knife so I always have my BK-9 handy for snakes, bears and mountain lions. If they fail to show up, which is everytime, I use it around the campfire to get the fires going, split logs, etc. It does those things very well. I think the BK-16 and the BK-9 work together wonderfully.

With your two choices, I would go with the Becker.
 
This is the Becker sub forum, so I think your gonna hear a bit more Becker than Esee here. However Esee makes a great knife too, and there is a lot of cross blade loyalty and camaraderie, between the Beckerheads, and Esee fans.
BK-2 and Esee 5 are both similar in utility. I personally much prefer the Becker handles.
 
Becker and Esee.
Both have 1095 steel and good heat treats.
Both come with great warranties.
Both make great usable knives that can really take a pounding. :D
I personally prefer Beckers due to the fact that they are more comfortable in my hand for extended use.
The BK2 and Lazer Strike is like comparing apples and oranges.
Compare the BK2 to the Esee5. And the BK16 to the Lazer Strike.
The 16 get's my vote out of the bunch. :D It's a masterpiece!
 
I am a die hard becker head but the bk22 and the esse ls are very different blades. The becker is an all around brute but the esse is a great belt knife as it excels at bushcrafts tasks. If i could only have 1 it would be the becker but the esse isn't a bad second choice.

Cheers
 
I also looked hard at the Laser Strike. I took away points immediately for the stupid name, but ultimately I just didn't like the way it felt in the hand. However I think a better comparison would be the Laser Strike vs BK15/16/17 depending on your use. The 22 is a big chunk of steel and not really bushcrafter knife in my opinion. I have a BK16 and absolutely love it, it is the perfect size trail blade IMO. It's unique in that the blade is 5/32" in thick, which is great for woodworking but also makes a very good slicer. On top of that, it's possibly the most comfortable knife I have ever picked up. You will get top notch customer service with either brand, but if you happen to break your ESEE I don't know that Jeff Randall will give you his personal cell phone number to call and get it fixed, something I just witnessed Ethan Becker do the other day when a fella broke his BK9. To me, service like that trumps just about anything else. If a company treats me right, I will literally throw my money at them!
 
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