Ok, a few thoughts.
First of all, my bias. I like my RC3 more. I've had it for several years and it's my in-car knife. Good steel, easy to care for and sharpen, great sheath, like the pommel and I trust it. Hasn't had much use since it landed in my car- but that's ok! Another bias I have is that I think knives fit our hands differently and what's good for me may not be good for another. These are both solid knives anyway you shake it and someone needs to hold them/use them to see if one is better for them!
I haven't had the gunny for too long. I've struggled a little bit with the convex edge for sharpening, but just got a strop, have stroped the snotz out of it and am making progress.
I did a couple quick things here for play. Had a baby 5 weeks ago and got out to stretch my legs, get some fresh air and check these two out a little.
I processed a little wood, cut this wood into pieces and the RC3 was a easier. The Gunny transmits more shock to me and I find I can change my grip better with the Esee.
Fuzz sticks the Gunny takes it easily, but the stakes I felt like i could control the Esee more- go figure!
Batonning was a wash...maybe a little more comfortable with the RC3. But both did fine. I batonned cross-wise through the limbs and both did well- no pics there- spaced a little!
Lastly a couple more fuzz sticks to see how the edges held up...just fine!
Something I do think about is self-defense also. For me it's the RC3..better liveness for me, a little faster and I like the grip more for that application.
Really, I have yet to find a knife in this size range I like more than my 2nd genration Howling Rat. It can do it all with the comfort of Res C, hold a great edge and I love the big choil! These are two really good knives though, easily accessible and affordable.
Not a great review I know...but it was nice to get out on a evening stroll and take a few pictures. The final verdict? Buy the one you like more! hah!
