Can't decide: ESEE3 or ESEE4

Orion's Belt

Orion's Belt

Joined
Mar 15, 2010
Messages
1,554
I was almost dead set on an ESEE3, but I've been thinking today about the ESEE4. The added length and blade width will make it stronger and more capable for batoning and chopping if necessary.

I will mostly be using said knife for hunting, fishing and camping. The only thing that may stray me away from the ESEE4 is, being that it is bigger, I may not want to EDC it. Seems the sheath is better though.

So what say ye? ESEE3 or ESEE4?
 
I love my rc4. everything i can throw at it, it has taken. I have batoned through cherry wood for carving pieces and then gone straight to processing fire wood and making fuzz sticks for fire starting. Even for my large hands the 4 fits great. While I do not own a three for comparison, I have never thought about switching my 4 for anything else. Except maybe a 4 in a different color!
 
If your going to use it for what you said, camping, hunting and fishing then the ESEE-4 is the way to go, you will have no issues with performing those tasks but too big for EDC. If EDC is more your goal right now and think you will use it more for that purpose then I would go with the ESEE-3. Either way you decide you will be very pleased no doubt.

Good luck my friend.

-Tim
 
I have the 3 and LOVE IT!!! I do however sometimes catch myself wanting a 4 to. I don't know if it's because I think the 4 will better serve my purposes. which are what you are looking for in a knife or if I have knife problem. I think its the last think.
It's really a moot point to be honest because more than likely you'll end up with both.
I find the 3 to be perfect for skinning and fishing. it will do most all of camp chores too but that extra inch(RC-4) also brings thicker stock.
 
I was in this same predicament one year ago.

Think of what you will use it for the most. If you want to do some batoning and put it to some harder use, I would go with the 4.

I chose the 4 for my use and have never looked back. Now I do have a 3 and a few others, but the 4 is still my favorite. Get it, you'll love it. :D
 
I've got all the Esee's ( and a few spares) and the 4 is my favorite smaller blade ( besides the Junglas) You're gonna eventually get both probably !!

Realistically , the 3 can do 90 % of what the 4 can do. The 4 does do better at batonning though , and I find it more comfortable for hard ,long-time use. The extra thickness , weight, and kydex sheath put it on top of the 3 for me.
 
Ha ha! Ohh the decisions. Well, I can tell you this...I have both, love both of them, but if I HAD to pic one to be in the wilds with me it would be the 4. My 4 is my go to woods blade.
 
I have a 4 and 3.

I have actually never carried the 3. I have an Izula that I carry every day and when I need something heavier I always go for the 4.

It just has a better feel to me and the kydex sheath puts it over the top :)
 
I have found myself debating the same issue for the past couple of weeks. I have an Izula that I EDC, but I wanted a bit more knife for when I go camping or on longer hikes.

I finally ordered an ESEE 4 this evening, and I believe it will serve me well. I may EDC the 4 on occasion, but more often than not it will only see action when I am out in the woods.

I do however plan on keeping the ESEE 4 in my backpack with a few other essential emergency supplies while I am in the "concrete jungle." As I mentioned though, unless the 4 is smaller than I am expecting it to be, it won't replace my Izula as my in-the-pocket knife.
 
I have the 4 and the 3mil. For what you an to do, go with the 4, you can always buy the 3 for an edc later. Heck carry both as an edc, I alternate my 3 with my HEST & always with my 4. Be prepared for everything. Good luck.
 
Well, I think I've made up my mind. I'm going to stick with the 3 for now. But I'm sure I'll end up with a 4 sooner that later;)
 
Decisions, decisions. I decided to go with the 3 and I LOVE it. So much so that I bought a 3MIL two weeks later:D. That being said, I mostly carry/use it as an EDC knife rather than a camp knife. I have no doubt that it would perform great as a camp knife but the added length of the 4 would be nice.

Either one will hold up to whatever you throw at it, so get what you want now. In the end you'll end up with both anyways.;)
 
You will not be disapointed with your choice. I have both and I always seem to choose the 3 over the 4 for what ever task I have.
 
I bought the Izula for EDC and the ESEE4 for camping/hunting/hiking, but after I got the 4, I started carrying it a little to see how I would like it which led to me EDC'ing both the Izula and 4. It's really not that bad. I can see how the 3 would be better, but if you plan on REALLY using the knife, the 4 is worth it, IMO.

or just get both.
 
The 3 is without question a very good knife from everything I've seen and read. Don't own one personally.

I pondered whether to get a 3 or 4 myself. I ended up getting a 4 and a Izula for my initial foray into the ESEE world of knives.

I just think the 4 is a tad more versatile than the 3 and really not that much bigger. To me it just made more sense. It could do everything the 3 can and maybe just a bit more. I like the fact that it has a thicker blade for some added strength.

For really fine work, the Izula is the way to go in my opinion. No offense to the 3....with my new ESEE addiction, I'm sure I'll eventually own them all!
 
Actually nevermind what I just said.

I literally just minutes after reading the OP's post and making my previous post decided to check to see if the site I like had ESEE 3MIL's in stock and they had a few...they go quick...so out came the credit card. :eek:

I swear...it'd be cheaper to be a crack addict. :p
 
Last edited:
I thought I would like the 4 better than the three, but I think the 3 is really handy. Also, I have more knives in the size range of my 4 so I carry them also. The 3 is just a good all around, easy to carry, versatile blade.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top