Guys, don't flame me for this question. I own a BK9 and I am looking at the BK2. I want opinions on why someone would choose ESEE over the Beckers. Again I am not trying to stir a hornets nest, I am looking for OPINIONS. I just don't have experience with ESEE yet.
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Becker vs ESEE
- Thread starter jvarn81
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Micarta grips, more detail in the fit and finish... if you find the BK7 grips comfy and you like to use your knives there's no real reason why you should get an ESEE over the Becker, other than warranty. To be honest I doubt a BK2 is ever going to need replacing anyway 
They're both the top dogs in the industry, period, and Jeff and Ethan seem pretty tight.
They're both the top dogs in the industry, period, and Jeff and Ethan seem pretty tight.The two lines are, in my mind similar. The neckers, the BK2 and the ESEE-5, the BK9 and the Junglas all play in the same areas. There are several areas where ESEE stands out, in my opinion.
First - The other models offered by ESEE fill roles that no Becker knives do. Look at the 3, HEST and 4.
Second - Fit and finish are far superior on the ESEE knives. This is an area you just can't appreciate until you hold similar knives in hand and look really critically at them.
Finally - While both have good warranties, ESEE will replace a knife for ANY failure, even abuse, if you manage to break it, you get a replacement. Becker's warranty might function the same, but they sure don't put it in writing.
I own both neckers, the BK2 and ESEE-5 and the BK9 and Junglas. All are outstanding and high-quality tools, but ESEE gets my nod for being the better product.
First - The other models offered by ESEE fill roles that no Becker knives do. Look at the 3, HEST and 4.
Second - Fit and finish are far superior on the ESEE knives. This is an area you just can't appreciate until you hold similar knives in hand and look really critically at them.
Finally - While both have good warranties, ESEE will replace a knife for ANY failure, even abuse, if you manage to break it, you get a replacement. Becker's warranty might function the same, but they sure don't put it in writing.
I own both neckers, the BK2 and ESEE-5 and the BK9 and Junglas. All are outstanding and high-quality tools, but ESEE gets my nod for being the better product.
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PayetteRucker got it pretty much right. The only things I would add would be that if you like micarta grips, they're available for the Beckers, too, and that, in practice, the Becker/KA-BAR warranty seem to work out about the same as the ESEE warranty.
As far as the knives themselves go, they're both strong, beefy, nearly indestructible blades that should last you a lifetime. There are some differences in blade and handle shape, but that's a personal choice thing. You can't go wrong with either one.
I might mention that I'm one of the primary Becker backers, and still don't think you can lose with an ESEE. I'm a BK-2 man, but if I weren't, I'd probably buy an ESEE 5.
And yes, Ethan and Jeff are pretty tight.
As far as the knives themselves go, they're both strong, beefy, nearly indestructible blades that should last you a lifetime. There are some differences in blade and handle shape, but that's a personal choice thing. You can't go wrong with either one.
I might mention that I'm one of the primary Becker backers, and still don't think you can lose with an ESEE. I'm a BK-2 man, but if I weren't, I'd probably buy an ESEE 5.
And yes, Ethan and Jeff are pretty tight.
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It's cool, either way you go, you won't be wasting your money-both will earn their keep.
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I own a few knives from both makers, and haven't been disappointed by either. I would strongly recommend both companies to anyone who might be interested. For me to choose one over the other...I'm not sure I can. Honestly, I don't think I will rest until I own every knife available in BOTH lines.
My name is Mike, and I'm an addict...
My name is Mike, and I'm an addict...
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they are both some of the best factory knives you can buy and prices are VERY good compared to others! it truly comes down to what feels better in hand, the only knife that ESEE has that becker doesnt fill is the RC-3. these are win win company's!!!!!! and yes i'am a esee and becker fan boy and proud of it! lol
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They are both the top of the line in knives, in my opinion. One is not really 'better' then the other. It is personal opinion on what materials that you like. If you like the Beckers, by all means buy them. If you want the ESEE, buy them. Both will suit you well.
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Both great blades. If I weren't an ESEE guy I'd be packing Beckers.
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I have blades from both companies and I much prefer my ESEE knives but Beckers are great as well. The handles and sheaths on the ESEE knives really do it for me. The ESEE forum has the better atmosphere though
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I have blades from both companies and I much prefer my ESEE knives but Beckers are great as well. The handles and sheaths on the ESEE knives really do it for me. The ESEE forum has the better atmosphere though
We're working on that over at Beckerland.
There's a lot of crossover between the two: a lot of Becker people own ESEE knives, and vice versa. I'd like to make the Becker forum just as nice to visit as the ESEE forum, so that people are just as comfortable in both places.
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We're working on that over at Beckerland.
There's a lot of crossover between the two: a lot of Becker people own ESEE knives, and vice versa. I'd like to make the Becker forum just as nice to visit as the ESEE forum, so that people are just as comfortable in both places.
I for one, feel comfortably at home at both forums. :thumbup:
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Oh, there's nothing wrong with the Becker forum, and sometimes we get rockin' over there, and have a lot of fun. At the same time, though, it could be more than it is now.
There's absolutely no reason that we shouldn't have the same level of involvement in the Becker forum, as there is here in the ESEE forum; I'm working on it.
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I've got a BK9 an RC-3 and an Izula. I like them all.
If you're looking at a BK2 you might be interested in a side by side with the ESEE-5. They are VERY similar knives. Here is a thread with some pics
The shortest way i can put it...based on my experience Becker knives are good solid well made tools. ESEE knives have a very similar design mentality. ESEE knives are also more expensive, but those extra dollars do get you tangible differences, micarta and kydex for example.
Like the others here I would happily buy another Becker if there's one I need.
If you're looking at a BK2 you might be interested in a side by side with the ESEE-5. They are VERY similar knives. Here is a thread with some pics
The shortest way i can put it...based on my experience Becker knives are good solid well made tools. ESEE knives have a very similar design mentality. ESEE knives are also more expensive, but those extra dollars do get you tangible differences, micarta and kydex for example.
Like the others here I would happily buy another Becker if there's one I need.