EESE 6 and KABAR BK2, which one is better?

X

xuli0009

Joined
Nov 16, 2011
Messages
39
EESE6 is the double price of BK2, and both of them are made from 1095 carben steel.
When they are used as survival tool or defence weapon, which one is better?
 
They aren't really comparable, the ESEE 5 is more similar to the BK2. The BK2/ESEE 5 are both very thick, short, tough blades. The ESEE 6 is a thinner general purpose knife, more similar too the Becker BK7. In general, ESEE knives have better warranty, better heat treat, better scales, better sheaths, and better quality. Some of these differences are marginal, though, and they cost significantly more than the Beckers. So you have to weigh your options.
 
Like everyone has said, there isn't a better one, they are too different to compare. I tend to prefer Kabar's 1095CV, it seems to take a crazy edge easier than the ESEE blades, although Rowen's 1095 is completely dependable. Most people will favor micarta to grivory but considering the price difference you can pick up some Becker micarta grips aftermarket. I'd tell you to get hands on if you can, but I went through this same issue when I purchased my ESEE 5. I'll tell you I love em both and you really can't go wrong with either ESEE or Becker.
 
PayetteRucker said:
Like everyone has said, there isn't a better one, they are too different to compare. I tend to prefer Kabar's 1095CV, it seems to take a crazy edge easier than the ESEE blades, although Rowen's 1095 is completely dependable. Most people will favor micarta to grivory but considering the price difference you can pick up some Becker micarta grips aftermarket. I'd tell you to get hands on if you can, but I went through this same issue when I purchased my ESEE 5. I'll tell you I love em both and you really can't go wrong with either ESEE or Becker.
Click to expand...

Thank you for your detail, and how about their sheaths? Which one is safer for edge not to touch the inside sheath and damage the sharpeness?
 
The ESEE sheaths are better and will rub and wobble a lot less, to be honest pound for pound the Beckers I think have a slight advantage regarding the quality you get for the price. A lot of people say the ESEE warranty is better and thats simply not true, for anyone who uses their knife in a reasonable manner the warranties are identical. Break it and theyll replace it, the only difference being that ESEE will replace usually even if you break it on purpose!
 
I am no fan of molded sheaths, rub or not. They get loosened up and rattle something aweful, the retention is constantly changing and never allows you to achieve a point of predictability. I much favor cordura jump-style sheaths due to positive retention, ease of use, long term durability and multiple mounting options. My ESEE 5 came with the old style Eagle Industries cordura sheath and it's fantastic. Sadly they went to a molded sheath versus the heavy duty cordura option. Considering the steel hardness and quality and the design of modern sheaths you won't have much of an issue either way with the edge being damaged by the sheath. I will say that ESEE's powder coating is more durable, although if you use these knives as intended you shouldn't be putting much stock in aesthetics anyway. My suggestion is just buy one and you'll fall in love with it regardless, once you have it you'll want the other eventually anyway ;) Many men survived crazy circumstances with drastically inferior knives-either one of these will offer you a lifetime of dependable service as long as you keep them well maintained.
 
PayetteRucker said:
I am no fan of molded sheaths, rub or not. They get loosened up and rattle something aweful, the retention is constantly changing and never allows you to achieve a point of predictability. I much favor cordura jump-style sheaths due to positive retention, ease of use, long term durability and multiple mounting options. My ESEE 5 came with the old style Eagle Industries cordura sheath and it's fantastic. Sadly they went to a molded sheath versus the heavy duty cordura option. Considering the steel hardness and quality and the design of modern sheaths you won't have much of an issue either way with the edge being damaged by the sheath. I will say that ESEE's powder coating is more durable, although if you use these knives as intended you shouldn't be putting much stock in aesthetics anyway. My suggestion is just buy one and you'll fall in love with it regardless, once you have it you'll want the other eventually anyway ;) Many men survived crazy circumstances with drastically inferior knives-either one of these will offer you a lifetime of dependable service as long as you keep them well maintained.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much for your suggestion~~:thumbup:
I will buy them in turn. Then try them and enjoy them in crazy circumstances
 
Survival tool: both equal. Both will be an aid to you at building shelter and fire and will cut up food. Although I'd pair both with a smaller Blade even like a SAK. My woods combo is a bk10 and a vic farmer.

Defense: esee 6. Longer lighter which means faster and more reach.

edit to add that the bk7 is even longer than the esee 6 and is a great woods knife as well. I prefer the ergos on beckers, they just fit better in my hand and I find the esee handles blocky but both are a superior product. Yes esee gives you the upgraded sheath and the micarta handles right out if the gate, but getting micarta and a sheath built the way you want for the same price aftermarket, is much better IMO. Especially since I prefer leather to kydex.
 
Last edited:
Heck with these guys - get the Becker. Just lookit!

It whittles tiny spoons and forks and things...
IMG_0002_20110305.jpg


It chops seasoned oak for no good reason...
20110212_ac_17.jpg


It cleans fish...
20110531_img_0237.jpg


It batons...
20110325_IMG_0104.jpg


It poses majestically...
20101215_ac_06e.jpg


It survives nuclear blasts...
behold_bk2.jpg


What's not to love?

You're welcome.


---

Beckerhead #42
 
Like others have said, I don't really feel like these two are all that similar.

A better comparison would be the ESEE 6 and the Becker/Ritter BK12, or the ESEE 5 and the BK2.

The ESEE 6 is a 3/16 FFG knife with just under 6in blade and micarta scales. The Becker BK12 is a 3/16in saber grind blade with a 6in blade and grivory.

The ESEE 5 is a 1/4in thick half saber grind 5in bladed beast of a knife. The BK2 is a 1/4in 5in bladed knife with a high saber grind.

The ESEE 6 should be the best slicer, followed by the BK12, BK2 and ESEE 5. "Toughness" would be in reverse order.

It really comes down to what features you find important in a knife, and the price range you are comfortable with. I have a BK2 and quite like it, and feel its much better at delicate work than you might initially think.

Good luck :)
 
PunisherLcr said:
Apples and oranges. The BK2 is more similar to the Esee 5.
Click to expand...

Beat me to it.

For head to head comparison purposes.
BK2 = ESEE 5
BK7 = ESEE 6

I prefer the BK7 to the ESEE 6 (and I am a big ESEE fan). It is light, handy, and just feels right. Sheath is no good but the price more than makes up for that.

For most things cutlery, I prefer ESEE as I feel that Becker has nothing below the BK7 that can compare favorably, in my mind, with ESEE products. Above the 7, I am liking Becker products although right now I have 7 ESEEs and just the one Becker.
 
GingivitisKahn, that's the best post I've seen anywhere in the last month... :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top