ESEE 4 or ESEE 6, help me pick my first ESEE

C

Carolina72

Joined
Aug 10, 2014
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Hey guys, new to the forum and need some help.

I'm trying to pick between the ESEE 4 and 6. I spend a lot of time in the woods. I hunt, fish, camp, hike etc. I like to carry a knife on the belt horizontally and vertically. This will be my first ESEE, just want to see what most people prefer between the two. I don't like heavy gear and I believe most would agree, I also don't want a knife that is too big and awkward to handle smaller tasks, which I am concerned the 6 would be but I'm not sure. Thanks!
 
I have both the 6 is my most used of the two but thats only because I use it in camp.

The 4 would make a better knife for hiking and hunting. My personal choice would be the 4
 
Thanks for the quick replies, I really appreciate it. I have been using a Mora Bushcraft which I really like the size of but was considering getting something with a little more back bone. Carrying the Mora horizontally is no problem and I can do a lot with it. I went from a Mora companion to the bushcraft.
 
After looking over the ESEE line-up a few years ago, I bought the 4 and an Izula. Very happy with both.

I still think about snagging a 6 from time to time, but don't feel like I "need" it.
 
I would HIGHLY recommend using your Mora and go with a 4. The 4 ups the length enough to do much more heavy tasks, and its size will be a bit more comfy to carry (unless you carry it on your pack, then either is great). I have an Ontario and Becker that are both similar in size. Both feel good to carry.
With the number of sheath makers here on BF and elsewhere (get it from a BF member :) ), carrying styles should be easy to accommodate. So many of them do ESEE sheaths.
 
In my opinion, the only reason to get a '4 is if you need a knife of that overall length to fit in a tight spot in a 'pack or on a vest or something. It's too thick for it's length, making it feel heavier than it needs to be. It has the same stubby handles as the ESEE-3, with 50% more steel.

The ESEE-6 is a much nicer knife, the handles suit the blade and it balances perfectly. The only problem is that it comes with a cheap, injection molded plastic sheath.

The LaserStrike has a 5" spearpoint blade, and makes a better woods knife both the '4 and '6. It's balanced perfectly, light and flat, and comes with a kydex sheath that is as good as it gets.

I don't like heavy gear and I believe most would agree, I also don't want a knife that is too big and awkward to handle smaller tasks
Click to expand...

Then you definitely won't prefer the ESEE-4. It's too heavy for its blade length.

Look at the ESEE-3, LaserStrike, or ESEE-6. The LS is by far the best value.
 
The 4 is my favourite allround Esee.
Comes with a great kydex sheath.
Goes with me camping, hiking and so on.
Can't go wring with either one though... great knives.

oh... and this thread needs some pics ;)

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Guys, thanks for your response I appreciate everyone's opinion. I want something that would be the most versatile, one I can carry on my belt, stick on a vest, and do heavy and light duty work with that isn't cumbersome to carry. I will confess that I am a kydex sheath maker, have been doing it for about 5 years but have recently started to make something of it and started working with it full time. With that said, I can pretty much make any carry position you could think of.

I'm considering going with the 4 because of its length, it seems to be a good overall size, but comparing the two I like the 6s handle shape better. This is simply from viewing them on the internet. but eventually want to pick up and izula as well. I've been eyeing these knives for a long time.
 
Carolina72 said:
Guys, thanks for your response I appreciate everyone's opinion. I want something that would be the most versatile, one I can carry on my belt, stick on a vest, and do heavy and light duty work with that isn't cumbersome to carry. I will confess that I am a kydex sheath maker, have been doing it for about 5 years but have recently started to make something of it and started working with it full time. With that said, I can pretty much make any carry position you could think of.

I'm considering going with the 4 because of its length, it seems to be a good overall size, but comparing the two I like the 6s handle shape better. This is simply from viewing them on the internet. but eventually want to pick up and izula as well. I've been eyeing these knives for a long time.
Click to expand...

The only way to know, for sure, is to buy an ESEE 3, 4, 5, 6, and LS. I did, and couldn't rid myself of the '4 and '5 fast enough.
 
I would strongly recommend going with the ESEE 4 over any of the others. I had the 3, 5, and 6. The 3 was nice, but not enough blade, the 5 was a brick and the 6 was too big. I got the ESEE 4 a couple years ago and it's great. I don't like a huge handle, especially if a knife has a big finger choil like the 4. I got the orange handles and lost the knife in the leaves while climbing down a very steep hill. We searched for 20 minutes and found it because of the handles.
 
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