Esee 3 alternative

Shotgun

Shotgun

Joined
Feb 3, 2006
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I had an esee 3 for a while and I loved everything about that knife except for the choil. It was just a constant work around for me so I sold the knife off. Then I bought a GSO 4.1 in 3v and I love the knife but I need to sell it and for the craziest of reasons. I need a knife to take on a patina. It's just an aesthetic that I love. So, I'm looking to replace my GSO with something similar to the esee 3 if I can find it and in a carbon steel like 1095 or ideally O1. Any suggestions? Price, under 150 if possible.
 
In the same style you have, one can't help but recommend you look at Becker's offerings. Check out the BK16.
 
The knife that has topped my wish list for a year now would -- I think -- fit your bill nicely: a Kephart, preferably made by Matt Lesniewski: http://www.mlknives.com/KephartKnivesMLKnives.html

The blade shape is very similar to to your GSO 4.1, but with a convex rather than a saber grind (which I prefer). He usually works in 1095 but I'd bet he'd do 01. A lot of knives in this gallery fit your budget, and there are some really beautiful ones that are just a bit more.
 
Thanks guys but I'm looking for something more like the Esee than the GSO. I'm a bit over the kephart design and the beckers are too thick at 3/16. I'll look at Matt's gallery though. Thanks.
 
3/16 too thick? Darn, thought you might like this: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...Knife-in-dyed-Gray-and-stabilized-Tiger-Maple
What about 5/32? This is a little more expensive: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...L-KNIVES)-O1-Convex-Fire-Ant-Green-OD-Micarta
That one deserves a pic:
150620104569.jpg



Another set that are thinner: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1186203-Trio-of-O1-Hunters

Maybe those are too big...

A smaller one: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1186063-A2-Mini-Backpacker
Another: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1185672-Two-For-Sale

Honestly, these are just a few posts from the many available knives off the makers-section, commonly chalk-full of bare carbon blades ready to patina ;) (and fairly affordable for handmade knives) http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/754-For-Sale-Fixed-Blades
 
Have you looked at Bark River's offerings?

Lots of A2 or 3V, thin bladed mid to smallish fixed blades with a billion different choices for handle material.
 
I'm with you. I liked my 3 but sold it cause I HATE the choil. Why is there a choil on a knife this size? I don't get it.

And I agree that 3/16 is too thick. There is no reason why I need a knife that thick. I've sold off all my 5/32 and thicker except my 4.1. (I managed to get a stainless and it's the only stainless I own. For now, it has a place)

Have you ever thought about a BRKT Gunny? It's about 5/32 thick but I find it to be much lighter than the GSO. I carried mine this past hunting season and really liked the full convex edge. They are easy to come by as well. Mine is A2 which is also new to me. Although, it seems pretty stain resistant to me so far. But I bet you could force a patina.


Edit to add: I think a Sharek Mook may just fit your needs too. Design is great, no choil! Lol
 
This is gonna sound stupid, but a Mora will work for you. No choil. I hate hate hate choils. Mora runs the edge right to the guard. Easier to pressure cut with the knife. Makes it a bigger blade. If Mora is too low end, look at other scandinavian knife makers. They will have the same traits.
 
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