Esee 3 or Tops CAT

T

txgolfer45

Joined
Aug 29, 2002
Messages
147
Looking for a durable fixed blade EDC in the 3 - 4 inch blade size. Both have 1095 steel and solid warranties. The Tops is shorter overall length,but thr Esee 3 has a bit longer blade.
Experiences with either or both?
 
I carried the BK11 and esee 3 for a good while at work. Either one of those are great edc knives.
I don’t know about the Tops Cat.
 
Esee 3 is a good knife. I had a Tops CAT a long time ago and felt like the handle was a little small and I didn’t like the looks of the holes in the blade. It worked alright but I tired of it quickly.

If money is no object, try to find a Busse AMS. Best knife I’ve ever had in that size.
 
I'd vote ESEE 3 with the new(er) contoured 3D G-10 handles. The older micarta scales aren't as comfortable. If you can't handle the knife before you buy it, I tend to avoid finger grooves. Depending on the size of your hand, sometimes the grooves just don't sit right. When in doubt, I'd choose the neutral shaped handle. I have handled the ESEE 3, 4 (own one), 5, and 6. No experience with TOPS.
 
Esee 3 will cut better with thinner stock. The tops is probably more durable if you plan to pry with it. The blade on the 3 is a little longer but you’ve also got a huge choil taking away valuable space for a cutting edge. The 3 has a ton of aftermarket scales, sheaths etc. Both tops and Esee have a great warranty. Flip a coin maybe 🤔

Not sure if you’ve considered other options in that size range.. there are many.

Bradford makes a few similar sized options in a variety of steels.

Architect knives has some excellent offerings (Ak 3.5 might be the just right. It’s like a choiless Esee 3 with better ergonomics and 3 or 4 steel choices ).
 
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