Esee 4 or 5?

G

Gawrg

Joined
Sep 16, 2010
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I'm looking for a new survival knife. I have narrowed it down to an Esee. I'll probably pick up an F1 for use in wetter climates. Now I need some help deciding if I should get the 4 or 5 model?

I carry a machete, or axe when camping; so I don't need to use it as a chopper... most likely. I also carry a combo edge folder; so I definitely want one with a plain edge.

What do you guys think? I'm not opposed to buying a used one, provided its in good condition.
 
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I'd get the 4 unless you're gonna be doing some pretty extreme things with the knife. The 5 is a beast and way more knife than I've ever needed.
 
That's what I've been thinking. I have this huge chopping combat knife already, and I don't really carry it. It does stay in my trunk though.
 
If someone kicked me out of a chopper into who knows where.....Id have an esee-4 ready at my side. I have one and it goes absolutely everywhere I go. Period....But that being said, the five kick ass also.
 
LOL... When I started looking for a new survival knife a few months ago I eventually found BladeForums and bought an RC-4 shortly thereafter. Couldn't be more pleased. After the initial purchase I also picked up an F1 and an Izula, love 'em all!
 
Carolina River Rat said:
I'd get the 4 unless you're gonna be doing some pretty extreme things with the knife. The 5 is a beast and way more knife than I've ever needed.
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I agree totally. The 5 was the first ESEE/RAT I got and is great (it is a ton of knife), but I just got the 4 and I think I will use it more. It is just a great size, vey good balance,fits my hand perfectly and not as heavy as the 5. Now of course once you have the 4 and get the ESEE addiction, don't be surprised if you and end up the the 5 and maybe a few other down the road. Good luck.
 
I'd reccomend the 4...the 5 is more like having an axe head on your side...it's beefy.
 
Thanks for the replies. I'm going to go with the 4, in Desert Tan. I'm probably going to get an Izula, with the survival kit, as well.
 
Kind of off subject, but I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good portable sharpening kit to go with my new blade.
 
When you say kit, do you mean an actual sharpening device? Or just something to sharpen it with?

I use a coarse ... I think carborundum (sp???) stone for shaping the primary bevel to the angle I like (generally much more acute than factory). Then use a Spyderco Double-Stuff for the usual touchups.

Alternatively, I will occasionally use sandpaper over leather to convex the primary bevel (ONLY), then use the Double-Stuff again to keep the shaving-sharp edge on it.

The closest I've come to a kit is a Spyderco Sharpmaker.... and I haven't used that in years.
 
I Like the 4 myself. 5 is just a bit large. If I want a large blade I would get the 6 instead.
 
adaman04 said:
4 absolutely. If I could only have one knife, it would be my 4.
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I totally agree. It's by far my favorite knife ,so much that I bought 3 of them.:thumbup:

Perfect grind, weight, steel ,thickness ,OA length,great kydex sheath.All backed by a killer warranty:)
 
Gawrg said:
Thanks for the replies. I'm going to go with the 4, in Desert Tan. I'm probably going to get an Izula, with the survival kit, as well.
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I got the same version of the 4 and I am really pleased. Along with the Izula it will be a very nice combo. As for a nice small sharpener, I like the little Lansky. They are cheap, small and great for a quick sharpening. I like how it is easy to grip.
 
5 isn't a great chopper unless you choke down on the handle - I love mine, but it's intended as my "last ditch" knife.

Sounds like a 4 would be fine for your needs - it's an excellent knife.
 
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