ESEE 4 vs. Becker BK16

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Lakanen7

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Dec 24, 2012
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Yeah, I know this is a Swamp Rat Forum so I figured I would ask the same thing here as in Beckerland. Opinions? Remember, they are opinions being sought after for a purchase... please validate your opinions with experiences!
 
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Easy, RatManDu.

I've got a well used RC4, but the RMD literally walks away with the prize.




well, what did you expect in the Swamp? :p
 
On my desk lays a broken BK16, and I have sold off all my ESEE knives other than my Izula 2. So for me I don't buy Beckers anymore because I don't have confidence in them (shame too because the handle of the BK16 is actually pretty comfortable) and the ESEE 4 to me has an uncomfortable handle.

I would and did take my RMD over both of them for a couple of reason which I will list below
-more comfortable handle than both the BK16 and ESEE 4
-better steel than both the BK16 and ESEE 4 (I am very fond of how ESEE does 1095 but 52100 is just better)

For me the Becker really isn't even in the same sentence as the Rats (or the ESEE for that matter) however that being said if you find the handle of the ESEE comfortable I think you will have a knife that will last you a lifetime.
 
Just those two...... hummmmm.... I would take the ESEE. I think their iteration of 1095 is the best going and the whole balance/handling of the knife appeals to me more than the Becker. I gave an ESEE4 as a Christmas gift as a matter of fact. That said, RMD for the win ;)
 
Its' blasphemy to post that here! :eek:


To answer your question,

Beckers: Kabar's HT is good and offers a bit more edge retention than Esee's due to hardness. but due to Quality Control issues, I don't trust kabar.

Esee: Great warranty, expect little edge retention on their 1095 as their HT is on the tough side of things, better fit and finish than beckers.
 
I'm not a big fan of 1095 steel, but I would have to go for the ESEE. I feel like it's a couple rungs above the Becker. Mostly because of the micarta handles vs the plastic. I have have an older Camillus Becker, and while it's a reasonably good knife, it just falls a little short for what I use my knives for, which is mostly skinning game. I'm not sure the ESEE would hold an edge any better but just seems like a nicer knife. I've never owned one.
 
Moved to general discussion.
 
I don't see how ESEE's low alloy 1095 steel is superior to the 50100b steel that Becker/Kabar calls "1095 Cro Van" and Cold Steel used to call "Carbon V". It is basic steel with a little extra carbon to form carbides. Steels like 50100b, 52100, O1 and A2 have added elements to increase edge retention and shock resistance.

ESEE knives come with micarta handles and other nice details - but that's why a 4 is $40 more than a BK16. For the cost of the ESEE, you could get into and O1 or D2 bladed bushcraft knife. The ESEE strikes me as expensive for it's very basic blade steel.
 
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The 4 will have better fit/finish (IMO), micarta handles, a much better sheath, and a better warranty. For me, that is worth the extra cost. That said, either would probably work just fine so pick whichever you like best.
 
RX-79G said:
I don't see how ESEE's low alloy 1095 steel is superior to the 50100b steel that Becker/Kabar calls "1095 Cro Van" and Cold Steel used to call "Carbon V". It is basic steel with a little extra carbon to form carbides. Steels like 50100b, 52100, O1 and A2 have added elements to increase edge retention and shock resistance.

ESEE knives come with micarta handles and other nice details - but that's why a 4 is $40 more than a BK16. For the cost of the ESEE, you could get into and O1 or D2 bladed bushcraft knife. The ESEE strikes me as expensive for it's very basic blade steel.
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Two words on why the 1095 ESEE uses is so good, heat treat.
 
They are well known for consistant heat treats. Kabar Beckers are just fine too. The BK-16/BK-17 is my favorite size in the Becker line and they have a good warranty not that I have ever needed such. The ESEE's are finished nicer with nicer factory handles and I think have a slightly better sheath. I have a ESEE 4. It depends on personal preference and what size of handle you prefer. The ESEE handles are a little thin for many.
 
As much as those seem like staples for a little more you could grab a Survive Knives GSO 3.5 or 4.1.
 
I prefer the ESEE. My ESEE 4 is my go-to knife for hard use. It has takes countless beatings and is no worse for the wear. The warrantee is fantastic as well.
That said, I have 3 Bark River knives that I like even better. They're worth checking out too.
 
They're both good knives, with essentially equal performance characteristics. I prefer the BK-16 - much comfier handle at a better price. If you get a chance, try both and see which is more comfortable in your hands... that's your huckleberry.

B34NS said:
As much as those seem like staples for a little more you could grab a Survive Knives GSO 3.5 or 4.1.
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Not sure $180-230 qualifies as "a little more" when we're starting out with $75-$110 knives... according to my math book that's more than "twice as much". Besides, for the same price as a GSO or a little more, he could go custom and get whatever steel at whatever hardness he wants, with whatever design and handle material he wants.
 
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Bk16. Because the handle is longer, and shaped much better. I also find the esee 4 too thick for such a small knife, so I prefer the extra sliceyness of the bk16. And for all functional purposes, their warrantees seem to be the same (never seen a warranty request denied on a Becker, but not saying it can't happen).

Anyway, to each his own.

And personally id be choosing between the laserstrike and the 16 :/.
 
In general I prefer ESEE over Becker. That being said, the 4 isn't the most comfortable knife. In all honesty, I much prefer the sizes of the Izula/3/6 over the Candiru/4/5. The former just seem to fit my personal use cases better than the latter.
 
ESEE 4 vs Becker BK16
Opinions? Remember, they are opinions being sought after for a purchase... please validate your opinions with experiences!
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Buy'em both. :D
Validation? Most of us did? Why decide between the two based on other peoples' opinions. Buy'em, try'em, and decide for yourself. Worst case scenario - you don't like either one, and decide to sell them and buy a Ratmandu....and that isn't really a bad thing. Best case - you like them both, keep them both, and buy a Ratmandu.
 
hhmoore said:
Best case - you like them both, keep them both, and buy a Ratmandu.
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I would be remiss if I didn't mention that the Ratmandu - although highly recommended ITT - is a very different knife than the 4 or 16. I love mine, but I also have a smaller knife for wood carving and the like.

OP, can you give us a more specific list of tasks you intend to use this for?
 
calc said:
I would be remiss if I didn't mention that the Ratmandu - although highly recommended ITT - is a very different knife than the 4 or 16. I love mine, but I also have a smaller knife for wood carving and the like.

OP, can you give us a more specific list of tasks you intend to use this for?
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I think the only reason the RMD was brought up is this thread originated in the Swamp Rat forum. That being said the RMD isn't that different than the 4, its only 3/4 of an inch longer blade length and the same thickness.
 
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