esee 3 or esee 4?

I prefer the 4, but that may be because it was the first ESEE (then RC) I ever bought. Both are great knives, though.
 
I had a 3 for a brief time. The handles were the most uncomfortable that I have ever tried. I gave it away soon after buying it. If your hands are anything like mine, the 3 is not a good buy.
I've never handled a 4. The 3 and other things about them, ruined it for me.
 
3 because the 4 isn't legal to carry edc in my locale.....the 3 is.

I'd prefer the 4, but I stay in the realm of legality w/ edc.
 
I will choose the 3 everytime. The thinner stock slices better and its tough enough to handle anything the 4 can.
 
co556guy said:
3 because the 4 isn't legal to carry edc in my locale.....the 3 is.

I'd prefer the 4, but I stay in the realm of legality w/ edc.
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this might affect my decision. i'm in ny state so i'm pretty sure it can't be over 4 inches in blade length. this would put the esee 4 over the limit for me.
 
I've also been through this decision. I prefer the 4.
I carry my 4 almost everyday. I love them both, but
I don't think the 3 cuts all that much better. At least
not after I convexed and polished the edge. :D
Add to that the 3 is just a bit too small in my hand
and I end up with the 4...
Can't really go wrong though, both are great knives.
Good luck whatever you pick. :thumbup:
 
it's getting near decision time. 3 or 4? i'd like to get the esee 4 but does anyone here live in ny or around the area that could tell me if i would be ok from a legal standpoint? i don't think i can go over a 4 inch blade but i don't want to get in any trouble with the law and just want to make sure the esee 4 will be ok.
 
I carry here in ct with a 4" limit as well. Just don't go whipping it out in a store to cut thread off your shirt and you'll be fine.
 
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SuzukiGS750EZ said:
I carry here in ct with a 4" limit as well. Just don't go whipping it out in a store to cut thread off your shirt and you'll be fine.
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i would strictly be using it for camping, day hikes, or any off road excursions. wouldn't be an edc for me.
 
The law in ct is, when carried for hunting or fishing any size knife can be carried. For camping you carry hatchets and axes sometimes as well, I don't think they'll look twice at a 4" blade.
 
If you don't mind my asking, why are you looking only at ESEE? Have you looked at others? To me the Beckers and some other brands are better choices.
Just asking.
 
protourist said:
If you don't mind my asking, why are you looking only at ESEE? Have you looked at others? To me the Beckers and some other brands are better choices.
Just asking.
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not at all. i know of the beckers from people mentioning them on here but didn't look into them deeply. many speak highly of the esee line so thought i'd take a chance on one, but i'm also open to beckers. any models within the 4 inch legal size you'd recommend? i'll take a look.
 
The BK15/16/17 are all great options, pick the blade shape you like. You'll have to buy the micarta handles seperately though, they only come with 2 sets of grivory scales.
 
C_Becker said:
The BK15/16/17 are all great options, pick the blade shape you like. You'll have to buy the micarta handles seperately though, they only come with 2 sets of grivory scales.
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i think this was the reason why i started looking at the esee line because the bk 15/16/17 are all over 4 inch blade length. i believe ny state is 4" blade length and under.
 
protourist said:
If you don't mind my asking, why are you looking only at ESEE? Have you looked at others? To me the Beckers and some other brands are better choices.
Just asking.
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I would argue the Becker vs ESEE. The only reason I would ever suggest a Becker over an ESEE is if the ESEE did not fit your hand (which you already said was the case) and that can normally be fixed with a set of TKC scales. Other than that the ESEE has better fit and finish, better heat treat (from my own personal experiences), lord knows the sheath that the ESEE comes with is far and away better than any of the Becker sheaths, the ESEE will come with micarta not cheap feeling plastic scales, and the ESEE will have the single best warranty in the knife industry simply you break it they send you a new one no questions asked.
 
think i'm going to go with the esee 3. the 4 looks like it's a little too big for my state's law. if anything, if i don't like the way it feels, i can always return it.
 
cards94 said:
think i'm going to go with the esee 3. the 4 looks like it's a little too big for my state's law. if anything, if i don't like the way it feels, i can always return it.
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State laws are interpretable. I wouldn't worry abou the length, if you want the 4, get it. Nobody will look at it and pull out the tape measure if you're using it camping or really anywher except in a public place. I wouldn't even pull a Swiss Army knife out in general public. Worry about length is not needed. It's barely over 4" anyways. A 6 would be a no no because it's noticeably big, but a 4 isn't an issue. I open carried my 4" custom in town past a cop, no issue. If you don't present yourself as a threat there's no issue. Like I said previously,
Compared to axes, hatchets an machetes,
A 4" blade isn't much. Don't limit yourself by law if your knife you want is just over legal limit. Just don't tote it around moronically.
 
SuzukiGS750EZ said:
State laws are interpretable. I wouldn't worry abou the length, if you want the 4, get it. Nobody will look at it and pull out the tape measure if you're using it camping or really anywher except in a public place. I wouldn't even pull a Swiss Army knife out in general public. Worry about length is not needed. It's barely over 4" anyways. A 6 would be a no no because it's noticeably big, but a 4 isn't an issue. I open carried my 4" custom in town past a cop, no issue. If you don't present yourself as a threat there's no issue. Like I said previously,
Compared to axes, hatchets an machetes,
A 4" blade isn't much. Don't limit yourself by law if your knife you want is just over legal limit. Just don't tote it around moronically.
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since you put it like that, and make sense....:)
 
Just buy what you can afford and what you want. Settling will leave you wanting it later on anyways. And let us know what ya get. I have a venom green with orange g-10 ESEE 4. The 3 is great for concealment, but the 4 IMO is better. I can cut tomatoes with mine, so the thick stock isn't an issue.
 
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