ESEE-3 / ESEE-4 for Backpacking

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huntmol

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Dec 24, 2010
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Before I found bladeforums I had just carried a moderately sized folder on hikes and when camping.
However, after reading about the many uses and importance of a good fixed blade knife, I have decided to invest in either an ESEE-3 or ESEE-4 for use on 3-5 day backpacking trips.
I'm not an ultralight guy, so weight isn't a deciding factor for me.
I think that I might like the size and handling of the 3 more, but deep down I feel that the 4 would make a better survival knife.
Which would you recommend?
 
This question has been asked a few times so I would suggest looking at previous posts. I chose the 4 over the 3 and use an Izula for finer tasks. If your gut is telling you to go with the 4 that may be the way to go. Many people own both models.
 
The '3 is lighter and flatter with amazing balance and much more comfortable on a belt or pack strap.

The '4 is heavier and thicker and lacks balance but comes with a much nicer kydex sheath.
 
The 4 is much better for wilderness tasks due to its thick blade. It is better all around for the wild and especially 3-5 day backpacking trips.

You also might want to consider an ax or machete depending on where you live because a small fixed blade lacks chopping capabilities.
 
Either one will fit your needs well. Personally, I am a big fan of the 4. It is a little thicker for some batoning if you need to get to some dry wood on a really wet day, but still can handle the finer tasks. I like the kydex sheath of the 4 better but both sheaths are similar in principle and great quality.

Don't overthink it. Browse around pick the one that "speaks" to you and know you have a great knife either way. Been there, done that!
 
I just went through the same thing, but with the 4 and the 5. I wound up going with the 4 because the consensus on this board is that it is the best all-around option. In the end I'll probably wind up getting a 6 and an Izula 2 as well...
 
Been backpacking with a 3 for a few years now. Great knife for the task. The difference in thickness is really overblown in knives of this size, unless you are going to be prying apart wood for the fire a lot. I've split a fair amount of wood even with 3s and it works OK. To be honest on a 3-5 day trip when doing lots of fires I will opt to throw in a hatchet as it is well worth the weight in that situation.

The 3 is very light and almost unnoticeable in the pack. Very good food prep/game processing knife as well. Been known to use mine in the kitchen (a lot) and I have butchered several deer with 3s.
 
There are alternate sheaths out there. Knives Ship Free has some from Sharpshooter sheath systems, they are for the 3 and 4. Two Wolves Outdoors sell an Armorall Leather sheath for the 4 and 5. All have a ferro rod holder.
I own a 4, but don't carry it around town. A 3 is a better option maybe for conceal carry, just another consideration.
 
I had the same debate when I started and was looking to fill the same need. I ended up buying an ESEE 4. I don't own a 3 so I can't really give input there. When I handled both, I just liked the feel of the 4 better. Know that I made that purchase, I am very happy with the results. I then bought an Izula; however, I just don't use it as much as others on the forum. It was suppose to be my EDC knife, but that really has not happen. I wear business dress (tie) so I find I don't grab the knife . . . but I digress.

I am now looking for a larger blade. Others here will swear by the 6 as a great camp knife. Again, I am very happy with the 4 as the use you indicated.
 
Just another perspective. I think you'd be just fine with an Izula II and either a saw, hatchet, or machete/chopper.
I used to carry larger blades and still do at times, but I do like my small knife and saw combos these days.
Frankly, you'll be fine with either the 3 or 4. Most bushcraft blades seem to be in the 4" range for functional "one knife" sort of reasons.
YMMV though.
 
bd51 said:
You also might want to consider an ax or machete depending on where you live because a small fixed blade lacks chopping capabilities.
Click to expand...

That's a good idea, a small hatchet would probably be a good companion to a fixed blade. I'll start looking around for one. My pack does have a spot for a tool to hang, after all - no sense letting it go to waste!
 
Take a look at the Granfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet. Runs about $110 most places and well worth the cash. Fantastic old-school quality.
 
Guyon said:
Take a look at the Granfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet. Runs about $110 most places and well worth the cash. Fantastic old-school quality.
Click to expand...

That looks like a great hatchet!

Although I might go with the Mini Hatchet to keep things a bit lighter (I know, I said earlier I wasn't an ultralight guy, give me a break here!)

Seems to me that the Mini plus an ESEE-3 could do a much better job at general bushcraft than an ESEE-4 or even an ESEE-5 alone.
 
I carry a 3-MIL into the woods nearly every time I go. I'm certain a 3 would be enough, but there are a LOT of folks on the board that use and like the 4. I like the 3 because it's unobtrusive, but still big and sturdy enough to do 90% of what I've found I need a knife for. I expect I could press it into service to do the rest if I find myself in a bad spot.

SP
 
The Mini GB is pretty small, but it is a very functional piece of kit. It would complement an RC3 nicely. See rightmost hatchets below (Wildlife and Mini).

3%20Hatchets.jpg
 
All i ever carry is my rc-3 and rc-6 together. 6 for the big stuff and 3 for,,, well everything! i think the 3 is one of the best knives produced. PERIOD.
 
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