ESEE-4, Which Handle Material?

J

Jeff#103

Joined
Oct 17, 2007
Messages
330
I've been looking for a hard-duty hunting knife, that could serve as a survival knife if the 'chips are down', for a future Newfoundland moose hunt. Since I have been impressed with the strength and quality workmanship of the Izula my kids gave me for Christmas (not to mention that warranty), it looks like it's going to be an ESEE-4. I am leaning toward the one with orange G10 scales. How does that material compare to micarta for durability?

Thanks.
Jeff
 
Last edited:
I got the orange handle ESEE-3 and it rocks...very tough, grippy, and doesn't absorb moisture. Plus if ya drop it in the woods better chance of finding it:-)
 
Both G-10 and micarta are overkill for durability. Both can be sanded, drilled, or cut. G-10 has fiberglass cloth instead of cavas or linen.
Check out The Knife Connection, Dale has some aftermarket G-10 handles that extend over the pommel, you can build your own knife.
I think the stock handle size is fine, but for larger hands or hours of push cutting, you might like the larger contoured handles better.
 
also if the G10 isnt grippy enough, it's really easy to take a round file to the scales and make it groovy.
 
I have a G10 ESEE-3, with a G10 ESEE-4 inbound (thanks Dale!) The 3 is my preferred hunting knife. Very grippy, even with water/blood/fat etc. on it. Very durable, but easy to clean
 
I will also add some folks think micarta will soak up blood etc. It doesnt. I used my 3mil to field dress my deer this year and it cleaned up like brand new. You really cant go wrong with any material.
 
I have all three across different blades and they are all very durable and comfortable. For the G10, I second the notion of being able to find the orange handle easier should it be dropped or misplaced.
 
Delkancott said:
I second the notion of being able to find the orange handle easier should it be dropped or misplaced.
Click to expand...

That's why I favor the orange G10 scales. I also have orange lanyards from "Katie's Custom Lanyards" on all my field knives for the same reason.
Thanks for all the helpful comments. Guess I'll be placing an order for an ESEE-4 with orange G10 scales on Monday! :D Dale, you listening?

Jeff
 
I found that when handling knives wet with blood, G10 had a tendency to slip less in my hand as opposed to any type of linen.

So for gutting/skinning/quartering work in the field, I prefer well textured G10 scales all the way.
 
Last edited:
Jeff#103 said:
That's why I favor the orange G10 scales. I also have orange lanyards from "Katie's Custom Lanyards" on all my field knives for the same reason.
Thanks for all the helpful comments. Guess I'll be placing an order for an ESEE-4 with orange G10 scales on Monday! :D Dale, you listening?

Jeff
Click to expand...

I'm listening!:) Thanks!
 
Under testing conditions, G10 is somewhat more durable than Micarta. But having said that, for knife handle purposes, you will see no difference between Micarta & G10.
 
foxx said:
Both G-10 and micarta are overkill for durability. Both can be sanded, drilled, or cut. G-10 has fiberglass cloth instead of cavas or linen.
Check out The Knife Connection, Dale has some aftermarket G-10 handles that extend over the pommel, you can build your own knife.
I think the stock handle size is fine, but for larger hands or hours of push cutting, you might like the larger contoured handles better.
Click to expand...

I thonk I just found my next purchase .....................An ESEE 4 w/ some custom g-10. What are the prices like?( for the g-10?)
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top