ESEE-4 or Becker BK2

For what you said ESEE-4 without a doubt. Usually Bk-2 and ESEE-5 are more comparable though
 
I have the the RC-4/ESEE-4 and just picked up the BK-2 and like others have said the BK-2 is comparable to a RC-5/ESEE-5, much thicker blade and heavier than the ESEE-4.

For every day use I would go with a ESEE-4 due to the weight and versatility

Both great knives though!!
 
myowngod said:
EDIT: I'd also like to recommend taking a look at Dale's ESEE 4 + extended and sculpted handles @ http://www.the-knife-connection.com/ The handles are a bit longer than the factory ones, but that is entirely up to you. You can get a blade + your choice of handle for the same price as a factory ESEE 4 (or at least close)
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I traded my ESEE-4 because the handle wasn't comfortable for me. But the TKC blade/handle option looks like it would work. I might have to try that. Thanks for the link. :thumbup:

.
 
Serrations are great for cutting certain rope and nylon webbing. To my understanding, it was put on lots of military knives for their needs. Cutting straps from your parachute to get down from a tree, would be an example.
That said, the ESEE serrations are made so a file can sharpen them.
I still have all plain edges on mine.

Both seem like great knives, I love my RC4, but don't own the Becker. I've been drooling over a BK-2 over at Chestnut Ridge knives. It has micarta handles and a custom kydex sheath, twice the price tho.
 
Ah... so either he has an ontario rat or the guy selling it was confused.
 
Love my BK2 and don't own the ESEE 4 yet but the BK2 definitely has it's limitations as far as fine work due I suppose to having a 1/4" thick sharpened pry bar of a blade. It is one of my favorite all time knives though
 
They are both great knives, and both completely different. The BK2 is downright brutish. It picks up where the ESEE 4 leaves off, I think everyone should own one.

The ESEE 4 is an outstanding utility knife, and probably all the knife that I will ever need. I carry one in my pocket every day, and I also think everyone should own one of these.

So, like they always say (and I think that in this case, it's good advice); I think you should get both.

My 2 cents.

pete
 
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smcclown05 said:
I believe the Ontario RAT series had RAT-3's in D2. There have been no D2 blades from RAT Cutlery or ESEE Knives.

That being said. I've never had a Becker but I've got lots of RC/ESEE knives and love them all. The RC-4 was my first and I still find it to be a very capable blade and a great all around woods knife.
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I went back and checked an email that was sent to me discussing the knife before the sale. You guys are right. He said it wasn't D2, but 1095. :rolleyes:
My memory is slippin' in my old age.
 
I have a couple of KA-BAR Beckers and a couple of ESEEs - either way you get a good knife. Shon Rowen makes the ESEEs and knows his stuff - the 1095 treated by him is a great steel. Toooj from KA-BAR also knows his stuff and the 1095 CroVan used on the Beckers would be as good or better than the ESEE steel - but if the CroVan is better it would be by a very small margin, both steels are fantastic.

I'd say that between the ESEE-5 & the BK-2 it would be a case of price vs micarta scales & kydex sheath. The BK-2 is better value for money and the ESEE-5 is great if you really care about getting the Micarta scales & Kydex sheath and you are happy to pay more to have the ESEE.

The ESEE-4 is easier, there isn't a Becker equivalent, so I would say buy that knife now and use it. If you want a beefier knife later then decide between the ESEE-5 & BK-2 at that point.

And I agree with those that said the warranty isn't a factor, either brand stand behind their products just fine. (and you aren't going to break a BK-2 unless you are deliberately trying to)
 
"I'd say that between the ESEE-5 & the BK-2 it would be a case of price vs micarta scales & kydex sheath. The BK-2 is better value for money and the ESEE-5 is great if you really care about getting the Micarta scales & Kydex sheath and you are happy to pay more to have the ESEE."

Don't forget you can get micarta scales for the BK2 ~$40.

Vin
 
I have only used the BK2 for a very very limited time when in the woods. I have a lot more experience with ESEE and I LOVEEEEEE my ESEE's. From what I have read you can not go wrong with Becker but if it were my dollar I would stick with ESEE. Great community of people, warranty and continuos interest of developing new gear as company. Reputation ain't bad either.
 
myowngod said:
snip

EDIT: I'd also like to recommend taking a look at Dale's ESEE 4 + extended and sculpted handles @ http://www.the-knife-connection.com/ The handles are a bit longer than the factory ones, but that is entirely up to you. You can get a blade + your choice of handle for the same price as a factory ESEE 4 (or atleast close)
Click to expand...

If you buy the bare blade and scales, you'll still need a sheath system on top of the price, but you're right - the extended handles look like they would increase function/comfort by quite a margin.

That said, I have very large hands and find the 4 to be pretty comfortable.

another thought would be to get the BK2 and an Izula 2 for just a little more than the ESEE4 alone - and then you have the best of both worlds!
 
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