BK16 vs. Esee 4 vs. Rat Tak Handle length help

R

remac

Joined
Mar 5, 2014
Messages
2
So I am looking to buy another midsized knife. I have read as many posts as I could find regarding handle length etc for the knives I am considering but am still unclear. I am trying to decide between a BK16, Esee 4 or a Rat Tak but am unsure exactly what the useable handle length differences are. I have tried to do the calcualtions and have looked at all of the pictures but just can't seem to figure it out. I do not have large hands (typically wear a medium to large glove). I have a Rat 3 by Ontario and the handle just seems short. My Mora MG is pretty much pertfect sized. Also, I like kydex sheaths. That being said I will have to buy and or make a sheath for the Becker or the Ontario so I end up at the same price point as the Esee. I would go try them all but do not have a local retailer that stocks them and do not want to order something and have it not be right.

Any help is appreciated!!!!
 
BK16 would be my choice IF you strip the blade, get different handle scales, and get a different sheath. That being said the ESEE 4 is great if you get TKC scales. I think the over all build quality of the ESEE is better but the handle ergos of the BK16 are hard for me to argue aginst.
 
I had the ESEE 3 and 4. Neither handle was great as I found the both to be a bit too short. I also have the Ontario TAK and that one has a nice handle with plenty of room even while wearing gloves.
 
I can't speak to that particular Ontario, but I have the ESEE 4 and the BK16. I don't think I have particularly large hands, but I wear large gloves (some larges are too small, though). The ESEE fits my hand; but just barely...the handle feels a little short to me. The BK16 is a better fit - I have no complaints there. I also like the DPx HEFT4. The handle is far more comfortable than the ESEE; though it would be a tough call between the DPx and the BK
 
The BK-16 handle is longer than the Esse 4 handle. I find the rounded handle of the BK-16 to be more comfortable than the flat handle of the Esse.
 
I have an Ontario TAK 1 and I have to say that as many knives as I have owned , it certainly has one of the most comfortable handles . Several of my friends who have seen my knife collection and handled them say the same thing when they hold the TAK 1 .

They are well made knives that where designed by Randall's Training and Adventure team .


...............................................
HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS !
 
BK16 for me. Do you have a knife store within reasonable driving distance? It sure would be nice to get the three you like (or at least one of them) to see if it works for you before you drop cash.

Anyway - BK16 is super comfortable in my opinion. Stock handles are great right out of the box.

---

Beckerhead #42
 
Thanks for all of the replies! I am going out of town this weekend and one of the stores in the mountains we always stop at has alot of knives. It looks like they have the BK16 to try out. I am leaning in that direction. On another note, I wento to Academy today at lunch to buy my son a new bow for his birthday and was looking at their knives. Had a weak moment and bought a Schrade SCHF14 and honestly am pretty impressed with it for $34.99. Definately a made in China with machine marks knife and not the best steel (8Cr13 High Carbon Stainless Steel0 but feels good and comes with a decent kydex sheath as well.
 
I wear a XL blackhawk gloves and so far I have find the HEFT4, BK16 and TAK-1 to give me an excellent grip, the contour is really nice for my hand.

As for the ESEE 4, i find the handle to be flatter and wider which aint as comfortable the the rest.

I would wish the BK16 come with a better scales or even a micarta directly like the TAK-1 and that would be perfect.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top