ESEE 4 vs Demko Armiger 4

Status
Not open for further replies.
E

EatingSarma

Joined
Jun 22, 2020
Messages
654
My friend is getting himself a knife and has hard time deciding between these 2 models.

I had spear point Armiger 4 in the past and sold it. I never trully clicked with it or used it, so I just sold it.
I have ESEE 4 currently, and I like it. I am a bit biased.

He is looking at tanto model Armiger 4 in 80CrV2 steel. And ESEE 4 in 1095 steel. His main point for Armiger is that he can set the sheath apart to clean it, and about the ESEE, the true full tang. Price is not of an issue to him, despite Armiger being a lot cheaper.


What are your takes on it guys, what would you pick?
 
Armiger 4 weighs less, so thats a plus in the EDC book, additionally 80crv2 is pretty impressive
Esee 4 is probably better for more reckless use, its a lot heavier
 
ShaiHulud said:
Armiger 4 weighs less, so thats a plus in the EDC book, additionally 80crv2 is pretty impressive
Esee 4 is probably better for more reckless use, its a lot heavier
Click to expand...
Laws here are such that you can EDC a fixed blade, but carrying either of them in urban area would get you in trouble.

Mini Pendleton, Candiru and Izula are examples of what is acceptable as fixed blade EDC here.

And he does do a lot of stupid things with his knives, so he is worried about plastic guards on Armiger breaking off, which is why he sees the ESEE4 true full tang as advantage, the guard won't break off, even scales can be replaced, and knife itself is also not an issue (ESEE warranty)...
 
The ESEE is a great knife backed by perhaps the best warranty in the knife industry. It is higher quality and more robust than the Armiger.



The Armiger is lighter and probably a better cutter overall.




They both have their place.
 
The True North said:
The ESEE is a great knife backed by perhaps the best warranty in the knife industry. It is higher quality and more robust than the Armiger.



The Armiger is lighter and probably a better cutter overall.




They both have their place.
Click to expand...
I have ESEE 4 and I had Armiger 4 in the past and sold it.

Armiger 4 has the better sheath, and arguably a bit better steel.

But it feels light, too light. It feels flimsy in the hand.

I agree with ESEE 4 being of overall better quality and more robust. Sheath wise - you can make or buy another sheath if ESEE 4 sheath gets gunked up so bad that you can't clean it... and you can do that much easier than replacing Armiger 4 handle if it gets torn up. ESEE handle though - getting new scales and replacing them is really easy. And if anything happens to the knife itself - ESEE will just send you a new one.
 
Armager - Better edge retention, less expensive, thinner stock, better edge geometry, less weight, solid warranty, not great for big hands

Esee 4 - Nearly unbreakable, options to upgrade scales / sheath, solid warranty, more weight, easy to keep sharp, handle is kind of small if you have big hands

Both have a factory sheath that will tolerate freezing temperatures without cracking, both will tolerate abuse, both will take up the same amount of space on a pack or belt.

I’ve had both, sold both.. I’ll definitely be picking up another Esee 4 sooner than later and I have no desire to buy another Armager

* maybe the friend might like a freereign ? That is basically the 5 inch Armager with a full sized handle

* the factory Esee sheath is pretty easy to clean.. I run hot water though it and let it air dry if it’s really full of sap or dirt.
 
Of these two, I only have the esee4. I hate the standard handles so much that it would probably be considered unreasonable.

If an esee4 is being considered, I'd say that it should be an -HM example or budget for a set of the scales that make the handle usable.
 
Blues said:
B beeinak may have some information to share
Click to expand...
I don’t have an Armiger Tanto or Esee 4.

I am partial to 80CrV2 over 1095 simply based on my experience. It is one of my favorite steels.

I do have 2 Armiger 4’s (one in MagnaCut) and really like them a lot. I am on waitlist for another in MC. They are very light, very well made, and a perfect companion knife for hiking, boating, camping, EDC, etc. Great grip for wet/cold. They would not be my first choice to simply beat the snot out of, but I think they would hold up fine.

If worried about wanting a ‘tougher’ knife, the Demko Freereign is pretty amazing with 3 steel choices. IMHO the 3V version is one of the best designs and buys available.
 
luethge said:
Armager - Better edge retention, less expensive, thinner stock, better edge geometry, less weight, solid warranty, not great for big hands

Esee 4 - Nearly unbreakable, options to upgrade scales / sheath, solid warranty, more weight, easy to keep sharp, handle is kind of small if you have big hands

Both have a factory sheath that will tolerate freezing temperatures without cracking, both will tolerate abuse, both will take up the same amount of space on a pack or belt.

I’ve had both, sold both.. I’ll definitely be picking up another Esee 4 sooner than later and I have no desire to buy another Armager

* maybe the friend might like a freereign ? That is basically the 5 inch Armager with a full sized handle

* the factory Esee sheath is pretty easy to clean.. I run hot water though it and let it air dry if it’s really full of sap or dirt.
Click to expand...
I agree with you. And I also clean my ESEE sheath the same way, I sometimes even add a bit of the soap at the start
 
luethge said:
The Esee 4 is the unsung hero in their line up. You can do a lot with those knives. I have gifted about 6 of them to friends and co workers over the years.. they are excellent general purpose tools ( especially if you convex the secondary ).
Click to expand...
And if you manage to break one esee will replace it no questions asked/hassle free while being quietly surprised at the achievement
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top