ESEE-4 vs. Swamp Rat Rodent 4

H

Hadji Flip Me Over

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Mar 1, 2010
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I'm looking for a fixed blade somewhere in the 4-4.5" range that will mainly be serving as a carry piece with likely woods use as well. I've narrowed it down thus far to the ESEE-4 and the Rodent 4.

The sticking point for me is the price. Ideally I'd like to keep it under $150. I've found the ESEE-4 for $115 all in with shipping and a sheath. The Rodent 4 is $125 shipped, not counting ~$50+ for some kydex or nice leather and any accessories/shipping that may accompany. That said, the Rodent is a much better looking knife.

On top of the price issue, I also already have the Scrapyard 511, which seems relatively similar in size and purpose to the Rodent 4 (albeit a bit bigger). That leads me to ask: are there any major reasons why I should make the $60 jump to the Swamp Rat other than SR-101 being the superior steel? Is the Rodent 4 just a much better knife than the ESEE-4, or should I just save a chunk of cash and go with the ESEE?


Thanks for your input!
 
Theyre so similar that I would say go with the ESEE unless you really LOVE the Rodent 4. The design, function, and materials are very close, for me the value of an ESEE 4 wins.
 
I have an Esee 4 with the jump proof sheath, and I like everthing about it. I can't speak for the Rodent 4 as I have never own one.
 
I don't have a Rodent 4, but I do have a Ratmandu, as well as an ESEE 4. I think the ESEE is your best bet; it's a great knife and you should be able to get it well under your spending limit.
 
+1 on the ESEE 4. I have heard that the SS model will be coming out this year. It is listed in their 2013 catalog.
 
Not to pile on, because I like Swamp Rat's designs and may pick something up from them some day (esp. the Rodent Solution), but I faced this decision a few years ago and also went with the ESEE-4. For the full package I don't think you can beat it.

If you prefer the design, want SR-101, and have the extra cash for a sheath, I'm sure the Rodent 4 wouldn't let you down.
 
You can get the esee4 with a nice kydex sheath for $97 at the knife connection. They are great blades.
 
I have the Rodent 6 and the Ratmandu among others. I don't own any ESEE's but I've never heard a bad word about them so I don't think you can go wrong either way. The SYCO series is pretty sweet and the 411 at $79.95 is a steal. Love the Res-C mudders.
 
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I would put any dollar amount that the SRKW has a better, more comfy handle. IMO the ESSEE-3/4 handle is too short an too tall. My experience with SR101 and ESEE's 1095 is that they are both excellent but the SR101 is a "wow" material and the 1095 is a standard issue good steel. My advice is go with SRKW.
 
I guess I'mI'm Swampie Guy, I paired my Rodent 9 with my Ratmandu, my Rodent 7 with my Rodent 4 my Mod. Rodent 6 with my Rodent Solution, I didn't like a Tactical looking knife for bushcraft so I had it thinned down and the top gaurd taken off and now it look's like a beefy Ratmandu on steriods, I am paired my Rodent 5 with my Rodent 3 and I got the Rodent Rucki as my Summer Long Knife in Ohio, it's just what I needed I can baton with it and the choil I use as a smaller knife when building and clearing camp I don't have to go for a smaller knife to finish the job, I might also be a Steel Snub but the SR101 IMO is a better steel than the 1095 and with the Busse Tempering and deferentially tempered blade I feel it holds a great edge, I have friends that like and have Essee Knives but slowly they're changing over to Swamp Rat' s after they handle my knives, don't get me wrong Essee make some good knives and are deferentially tempered but I never had a problem with my Swamp Rat's and the warrenty is great at Swamp Rat too.
 
HardTripper said:
Theyre so similar that I would say go with the ESEE unless you really LOVE the Rodent 4. The design, function, and materials are very close, for me the value of an ESEE 4 wins.
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^^ This :)

to get you in the right mood ;)



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Thanks a lot Knoefz.... Now after trying to find a nice fixed blade for light work/food prep I now want a Core stove! My wife and my wallet hate this forum... Haha!
 
Of the two I like the handle of the Rat and the blade of the Esee. Both are 3/16" thick though. That's really thick for a 4 inch blade.
 
Wjmiller3 said:
Thanks a lot Knoefz.... Now after trying to find a nice fixed blade for light work/food prep I now want a Core stove! My wife and my wallet hate this forum... Haha!
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Lol... yep.... this forum has that effect on people.
It's a great stove though, you won't regret it.

There's a nice thread about it on the forum here
 
The Esee4 is the one that they make that I like least, the handle was too short and less comfortable. The swamp rat feels much better in hand and will hold an edge better. Buy a sheet of 10.00 kydex and make your own sheath just need hand tools its not hard.
 
I'm sure the MIA OP made his decision two years ago.

Yet, put me down with the ESEE 4.
 
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