ESEE-3 or ESEE-4?

S

shelbysguns

Joined
Feb 1, 2009
Messages
443
Well the title says most of it? The Knife Connection is having a sale and the ESEE-3 is cheap and the ESEE-4 is very slightly cheaper SO there isn't a lot of price difference. I need you guys help to choose which knife better suits my purposes. I'll be using it for general bushcraft/camping roles like fireprep and possible food prep and maybe cleaning fish or game. So which knife should I get?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Very common question. I was looking for about the asme as you are and I went with the 4 first. The extra blade length and thickness is nice for batoning from time to time. The 4 is a very durable knife without being overly heavy. It also comes with a nice kydex sheath.

Then I got a 3 around Christmas. I'm pretty impressed with it. Nice small knife with the same size handle as the 4, just a little less blade to work with. It came with a very impressive edge on it. The sheath with it is injection molded. If I bought another 3, I would (and still might) get the 3MIL. Canvas micarta scales instead of the linen, comes will molle back and molle locks and has a sharpened pommel.

Do you think you'd want the extra blade length and thickness? If so, I'd go 4. If general cutting tasks with occasional batoning of kindling is more likely the use, I'd go 3MIL.
 
Based on how you would use it, I would go with the 4 also.:thumbup:
The 3 could do the job as well, but as long as you have the choice, I say 4.
 
good call - I recently had a chance to handle both the 3 and 4 for the same non-food prep task, and the 4 was hands and above more functional. I love my 3, but as an only knife I wouldn't be comfortable. (the 3 and a 6, OTOH, now there's a woods combo!)

you should be very happy with your new cutting tool.
 
shotgunner, why can't he have prices listed in his post?

I don't know what he originally posted, but it doesn't seem like he was deal spotting or naming any dealers. What's wrong with taking price into consideration in making his decision?

Just curious...i haven't seen simple prices edited out of posts before as long as they're not spotting. Thanks
 
lazerboy2000 said:
shotgunner, why can't he have prices listed in his post?

I don't know what he originally posted, but it doesn't seem like he was deal spotting or naming any dealers. What's wrong with taking price into consideration in making his decision?

Just curious...i haven't seen simple prices edited out of posts before as long as they're not spotting. Thanks
Click to expand...

I was in the wrong, I was deal spotting I posted the exact prices.. my stupid mistake. Sorry shotgunner
 
shelbysguns said:
I was in the wrong, I was deal spotting I posted the exact prices.. my stupid mistake. Sorry shotgunner
Click to expand...

OK thanks for the clarification. The way he edited it makes it look like you merely posted prices, not deal spotting.

Carry on, nothing to see here.
 
i have a 4 and i love it, i find the size and balance is perfect for most camp chores or bushcraft utilities
 
I bought a -4 as my go-to knife for just about everything I do outdoors, and I've been extremely happy with it. It's not too big to choke up on for small game like hares, and I'm hoping to put it through its paces taking apart a bear and moose this year. I use a Cold Steel fillet knife for fish, though. I'm sure I could take apart a salmon with my -4, but it's worth the extra length of a full size fillet knife in the pack to be able to take coho and sockeye apart quickly and cleanly.
 
RC-4 , designed for wilderness bushcraft. Best knife in its size category and will stand on its own as primary knife. KNIFEABILITY-a must for all humans
 
I just bought the RC-4 also; looking forward to using this weekend when my son and I go camping and hog hunting.

Did you get the plain or combo edge?

Thanks,

Al
 
Going against the grain here, but I have and use both and for my money, the RC-3 is just about the perfect knife. It will do anything the -4 will do, but the thinner blade makes it a little better for slicing/food prep, etc. And I like the feel of it in my hand better. I have never felt like I was under-knifed with the RC-3.

That being said, you aren't going to go wrong with any of the ESEE blades.


______
RP #63
 
I've been thru the same dilemma before and after thinking about it carefully I ended up with a 4, now I also want a 3 not that there is anything wrong with 4. So to save you the trouble - get both. You will not regret it. At least its there for whatever tasks you're up to you'll have the right knife.
 
Last edited:
Albin said:
I just bought the RC-4 also; looking forward to using this weekend when my son and I go camping and hog hunting.

Did you get the plain or combo edge?

Thanks,

Al
Click to expand...

Plain, sir, and as to the fish statement, I was more meaning cleaning not filleting, sorry to confuse anyone, and does the 3 really have a thinner balde? I was sure they were only different in length!

Off topic here but this is what caused me to get a ESEE knife, mora just didn't "cut" it :D

25353_1401326120078_1440070058_3110.jpg
 
The ESEE4 has a blade thickness of 3/16, .188 inch and the 3 has a 1/8, .125 blade thickness.The blade thickness and length are what made me end up getting the 4. Liked the balance , feel, design I ended with a ESEE 3MIL soon after.
 
I prefer the RC-3 over the RC-4 (I have both of them). I like the thinner blade and superior slicing capability. However, I usually have my RC-3 paired with a larger chopper (RC-6, machete or hatchet). The RC-4 is a better blade if it is your primary and only blade.

At first I liked the kydex of the RC-4 best of the sheaths, but after using the molded plastic of the RC-3 and RC-6 for some time, I've come to actually prefer them over time. Who would have thought? (I say that because I think I criticized the molded sheaths relative to the kydex a bit when I first got them.....time and experience has a way of turning your thoughts).
 
1066vik said:
good call. I love my 3, but as an only knife I wouldn't be comfortable. (the 3 and a 6, OTOH, now there's a woods combo!)

you should be very happy with your new cutting tool.
Click to expand...

I agree. The 3 and the 6 are good together. Would be my choice. I recently got the 3 MIL and i will probably get the 6 in a month or 2.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top