ESEE 4 vs. Becker BK16

[calc]

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.

This is all personal preference, but I much prefer the 4 to the RMD when doing anything but chopping or splitting. And even then, I much prefer the 3 to the 4 because - like you mentioned - the thickness of the 4 is a bit overkill for its length.

My typical combo is a RMD for tougher work, a GSO 3.5 for finer work. I don't feel comfortable using either for the other's work. The 4 awkwardly straddles the gap between the two, but straddle it it does, which makes it a better all around camp knife than either. And it sounds like OP's looking for an all around camp knife rather than one that excels at one or the other. For that reason I don't think the RMD is a good option.

 

[n7titan]

If you don't feel too lazy, my solution was to buy the less comfortable one with rock solid warranty, and made it more comfy.

 

[craytab]

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.

By "a little more" you mean double.

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.

I agree with this.

 

[MOCraig]

Between those two, you really can't go wrong. All you'll find here is personal preferences, and opinions. I don't see that there's much difference in the steel, magical heat treat or not. I think it comes down to your personal preferences.

I like the looks and "extras" of the ESEE, but for me the Becker is more comfortable. Now, I've never used the ESEE, because I didn't buy one. However, I didn't buy one because the Becker handles and ergos were much better in my hands.

Think you should just handle them both for yourself, and feel good knowing you can't go wrong with whatever choice you make.

 

[calc]

If you don't feel too lazy, my solution was to buy the less comfortable one with rock solid warranty, and made it more comfy.

Very nice scales. The Knife Connection makes nice ones as well, very similar to yours with the palm swell. Although since they stick out past the end of the tang, I actually prefer the look of yours more.

 

[n7titan]

Very nice scales. The Knife Connection makes nice ones as well, very similar to yours with the palm swell. Although since they stick out past the end of the tang, I actually prefer the look of yours more.

Thanks, I almost always prefer wood over micarta or g10 and I love when people personalize their knives with etching, scales, etc. It was a fun project that was probably around 5-8 hours total. Not bad for my first try, it definitely helped that Birch wood isn't the toughest to work with.

 

[B34NS]

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.



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.

wait so is that math before or after the custom scales and Diy mods...

 

[james terrio]

wait so is that math before or after the custom scales and Diy mods...

I compared stock knives (BK-16, ESEE 4 and 5, and GSO 3.5 and 4) at standard prices, straight from the factory/retailer/dealer to your front door. No mods or custom scales or shipping costs included.

It's not too difficult; it took me all of a few minutes to find the best deal on each knife.

 

[edge13]

As much as those seem like staples for a little more you could grab a Survive Knives GSO 3.5 or 4.1.

I second the GSO suggestion I'm in love with my 4.1

EG

 

[Gizler00]

I've had both and like both very much. I currently only have the BK16. The handle on the 16 fits my hand a lot better than the esee4 does. I've never had to use the warranty on either so I really cannot comment on that aspect Of them. I say buy both and see what you like.

I feel the esee sheath is superior while the handle shape and size is superior on the BK16

 

[B34NS]

I compared stock knives (BK-16, ESEE 4 and 5, and GSO 3.5 and 4) at standard prices, straight from the factory/retailer/dealer to your front door. No mods or custom scales or shipping costs included.

It's not too difficult; it took me all of a few minutes to find the best deal on each knife.

I bought them when they were "all the rage" to see what everyone was squaking about, granted this is when the BK16 and ESEE 4 were above $120. I was not interested in making or buying aftermarket scales or taking the handles to belt sander, nor was I fond of having to remove the coating on both blades, so I traded em'. I'd estimate those mods to add up to the initial cost of a GSO 3.5. Say you don't like 3V, you're right, there are plenty of custom makers out there, but from OP's request, didn't sound like he was in the market for one. Value is in the eye of the beholder.

 

[MOCraig]

I bought them when they were "all the rage" to see what everyone was squaking about, granted this is when the BK16 and ESEE 4 were above $120. I was not interested in making or buying aftermarket scales or taking the handles to belt sander, nor was I fond of having to remove the coating on both blades, so I traded em'. I'd estimate those mods to add up to the initial cost of a GSO 3.5. Say you don't like 3V, you're right, there are plenty of custom makers out there, but from OP's request, didn't sound like he was in the market for one. Value is in the eye of the beholder.

Wow - never knew there was a time people were paying $120 for a BK16. Can buy them all day long for ~ $65, and that price includes two sets of handle scales. So, I'm not sure, given today's market price anyway, that I would see deciding to remove a factory coating being equal to the price of a GSO.

Don't get me wrong - I think highly of the GSO line. Just don't see that it's an accurate financial comparison to the other choices.

 

[B34NS]

Wow - never knew there was a time people were paying $120 for a BK16. Can buy them all day long for ~ $65, and that price includes two sets of handle scales. So, I'm not sure, given today's market price anyway, that I would see deciding to remove a factory coating being equal to the price of a GSO.

Don't get me wrong - I think highly of the GSO line. Just don't see that it's an accurate financial comparison to the other choices.

Yea, that's why I can appreciate what James is saying. At that point one could get a set of 5 old hickory knives and get much more utility that one knife.

 

[craytab]

Wow - never knew there was a time people were paying $120 for a BK16. Can buy them all day long for ~ $65, and that price includes two sets of handle scales. So, I'm not sure, given today's market price anyway, that I would see deciding to remove a factory coating being equal to the price of a GSO.

That's because there likely wasn't. We need to deal with the present when we discuss recommendations.

Don't get me wrong - I think highly of the GSO line. Just don't see that it's an accurate financial comparison to the other choices.

That's because it is not.

 

[B34NS]

I'd rather know something exists with the features I want even if I can't afford it now, so I can save to get one. I wouldn't want to just put the blinders on and only look at two options because I want something "right now". Nice to know what's out there. At the very least, you'll get a better understanding for what you don't want. Didn't realize there was an "acceptable" amount for suggestion cost ratios to OP's models. Shame I can't recommend some ABS mastersmiths by that logic either, because they're too expensive compared to an ESEE or a BK.

 

[RX-79G]

Are there not other high quality full tang choices out there? I just ran across a sale of Enzo Trapper blades in O1 steel for $40. Spend $5 on some micarta and another $10 on leather and stitching and you have a knife arguably nicer than either of these for $55 - and a fun weekend project. A complete Enzo will cost $110 or so.

You also have stuff like Anza that is also really great carbon steel that is in this price range.

 

[james terrio]

On my desk lays a broken BK16...

I'm kind of curious about what the heck people were doing to break either a BK-16 or an ESEE that size... neither is a big ol' chopper, obviously; so how much leverage/force can you really put them through? What gives? Prying open locked doors? Hammers and/or vices?

"Bulletproof" warrantees... heh. I don't know of many complaints about either of those manu's not standing behind their knives. Last time I was at SMKW there was an ESSE in the display case that had literally been shot with a deer rifle, to prove... I don't know what it was supposed to prove. C'mon now, people... that's a bit silly. These are light, handy cutting tools. Use 'em as such.

As for HT and certain company's "magic" with 1095... don't kid yourself too much. HT of simple steels like that is pretty straightforward... you either get it good and hard with good grain structure, or not. After that, it's just a matter of how far you temper it back.

 

[ocnLogan]

I'm kind of curious about what the heck people were doing to break either a BK-16 or an ESEE that size... neither is a big ol' chopper, obviously; so how much leverage/force can you really put them through? What gives? Prying open locked doors? Hammers and/or vices?

Last time I was at SMKW there was an ESSE in the display case that had been shot with a deer rifle, to prove... I don't know what it was supposed to prove. C'mon now, people... that's a bit silly. These are light, handy cutting tools. Use 'em as such.

I've been kind if wondering that myself, not that I can't imagine someone broke one, since it isn't trying to be indestructible. I just can't figure what would break one in my normal uses of that size knife.

 

[cut it out]

My guess is batoning. Idk what else you could be doing to break any knife besides May be throwing them. I sold my ESEE 4 do to the handle. Just didn't fit me. I love my izula and 3, and 6 and junglas. But the 4 I hated the handles. Just another good option is a Falkniven F1

 

[craytab]

I'd rather know something exists with the features I want even if I can't afford it now, so I can save to get one. I wouldn't want to just put the blinders on and only look at two options because I want something "right now".

Wait, you are the one recommending a knife based on a past price YOU paid. How in the hell is that "right now"? You would be crazy to pay $120 for a BK16 "right now"!

Didn't realize there was an "acceptable" amount for suggestion cost ratios to OP's models.

Well, lets be fair to what was said. You were tagging a long with a guy who said to just save "a little more" and get a GSO. Is "a little more" double the cost of the knives the OP was interested in to you? If it is, I would love to have your finances. A little more to most people does not mean double.

I bought them when they were "all the rage" to see what everyone was squaking about, granted this is when the BK16 and ESEE 4 were above $120.

Further, you said the BK 16 was $120 when you bought it. You claim that it was once this price, which is irrelevant, because it is not that price now. When making suggestions it is important to consider the relevance and accuracy of those suggestions. If you tag along with a guy suggesting something double the cost who claims it is "a little more", be prepared to explain how that is "a little" and don't jump all over someone when they provide an accurate account of the facts and figures. If you are off in price when countering someone else's suggestion by $50 (42% in this case) and base your pricing on the "past", prepare to have your pricing accuracy questioned. It is okay to be wrong, just learn from it and move on.