esee 3 vs 4

A

ASharpCanadian

Joined
Sep 12, 2011
Messages
88
my tasks

1.firemaking(feather sticks etc carving)
2. batonning for firewood
3. skinning small game ducks and rabbits

which knife would you rather use to do these 3 tasks?
 
I was having this same conversation with myself when I bought the 3 and I'm still not sure. The Esee 3 works for me at all three but if your not sure I'd think the 4 is the best bet, better to have the extra size and know then not have it and wonder.
 
I have a few 3's and 4's and even though the 3 is a very capable knife , I prefer the 4 when I go in the bush for serious work , just because of it's size and thickness. If choosing between buying one or the other , it would always be the 4.

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I say the 3. I've used mine for everything you've listed and its still in one piece despite many people stating that its thinness is its weakness. Rowen did a great job with the HT so why not use it rather than waste it by using a thicker knife when you don't have to? It also makes a better feather stick than a 4 and is better at food prep, takes less effort for sharpen to a narrow edge profile, and all the other benefits of a slightly thinner knife. The 4 is a great knife, and it does feel meatier in your hands but I just don't see the void it was supposed to fill in their product line. Either one will handle your cutting needs well though!
 
Hi,

I've got both and both would perform in those areas.

I think, if pushed I'd go for the 3; slightly lighter, but could still do everything the 4 can do, the best thing to do if you get the chance is to hold both, I haven't got big hands, so that makes a difference and is maybe why I prefer the 3. At the end of the day it's the one that feels most comfortable to YOU!
 
fixed blade users are a lot like revolver barrels, 4 inches is the best all around general purpose length.
 
I love my 4, I also want a 3 though when funds permit. I got my 4 first for one because I also ordered an Izula, but also because my thought process was that a big knife can do anything a small knife can do, but a small knife cant do everything a big knife can do. I do think the 3 would make a better food prep knife by far, but the extra heft of the 4 makes it better for an all around camp knife.
 
+1 for the ESEE 3.
Since the knife is basically the same (steel, quality, ergonomics and so on), I prefer to go smaller. And I don't miss the extra length.
:cool:
 
im considering either the 3 or 4 too.

so which do you like more?
how do you think the thinner blade of the 3 will hold up compared to the 4?
 
The RAT3 design is super tough for it's size and thickness. I actually wish the RAT4 had the same thickness as the RAT3.
 
RAT-3 is different then RC/ESEE-3. RAT-3 is Ontario, RC/ESEE-3 is ESEE.

But anyways, I have both the ESEE-3 and the ESEE-4. Both are fantastic and will handle anything you throw at it.
 
I have both as well. 1 esee4 and 4 esee3's. The 4 just sits on the shelf in my safe. The 3's have been used hard and are my favorite smaller knife.

take it easy
cricket
 
its really a tough choice - one i've mulled over more than once - i find it especially tough because i've done much fire work including batoning with my - Izula - and whilst I'm sure the 3 is a super capable knife - I've come to the conclusion the 4 is where its at - in terms of size, 4 inch blade seems to be on the money for me..
 
its really a tough choice - one i've mulled over more than once - i find it especially tough because i've done much fire work including batoning with my - Izula - and whilst I'm sure the 3 is a super capable knife - I've come to the conclusion the 4 is where its at - in terms of size, 4 inch blade seems to be on the money for me..
 
I recently purchased my first quality knife. Being the nooby at knives as I was, I almost came to buying a Gerber LMF II. After trolling this site and many others I became aware of some better options, not to say Gerber is bad. I was close to purchasing a BK2 or an Ontario. Then I stumbled on my brand, Esee. Then it came down to the Esee 3, 4, or 5. I liked the compact Esee 3 but also like the thickness and stout blade of the 5. I then compromised on the 4. It is the perfect size in my opinion while being a stout knife.
 
I have all of the Esee line. The 4 is probably my favorite all around blade. I think it would fill your needs well. You cant go wrong either way though.
 
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