Esee 5 or BK2?

[Corporalknifekid]

I am considering getting one of them since they both kind of have the same stats. Just want to know whats more better out on the field.

 

[immolatus]

First let me say that this has been hashed quite a few times in many forums on the net. However:
With price not being a consideration I would prefer the esee 5 hands down. It's good to go as is where the BK-2 will need a different sheath and better scales to match the ergos and comfort of the 5. Then you have to consider the warranty <-- bullet proof. But a warranty doesn't do any good out in the field. Though I've never even heard of either one being broken.
Hope this helps.

 

[billygoat162]

Honestly, I think the BK2 has better ergos. The ESEE 5 has better handle material, but you can buy micarta for the BK2 and still spend less than the ESEE. That said, the BK22 is the same knife as the BK2 but with a better sheath. I would get the BK22 just because of the handle shape, even if it meant keeping the grivory scales on it. Out in the field, I think the only difference you will actually notice is the handle shape. If you can find a way to hold both, then the decision will be easy.

 

[Quillan]

I personally do not see the point in the design of either knife. Both are far too thick and cumbersome for basic bushcraft/camp chores, and too short for chopping and batoning compared with what I consider much more effective (and thinner...3/16 inch) 7 and 9 inch blades. To say nothing of a full pound slab of steel slapping against your hip all day long.

Both try (it seems to me) to be the solution to those who seek the holy (and unrealistic) grail of "one knife to rule them all, and in the darkness bind them". No offense Becker or ESEE fans...just my 2 cents...

 

[MEJ]

I personally do not see the point in the design of either knife. Both are far too thick and cumbersome for basic bushcraft/camp chores, and too short for chopping and batoning compared with what I consider much more effective (and thinner...3/16 inch) 7 and 9 inch blades. To say nothing of a full pound slab of steel slapping against your hip all day long.

Both try (it seems to me) to be the solution to those who seek the holy (and unrealistic) grail of "one knife to rule them all, and in the darkness bind them". No offense Becker or ESEE fans...just my 2 cents...

You obviously don't understand the need to lug around a 1 lb knife to whittle sticks and slice veggies, not everyone gets it.

Really though, both knives are pretty nice. Plastic vs kydex sheath. Both heat-treats are fantastic, 1 has a great warranty the other has a no questions asked warranty. Micarta handles on esee 5 not sure exactly what bk2's are. Beckers are a little slippery but can easily be fixed. The 5 is a little more than twice the price.
I have had a bk2 and while it was pretty sweet, i would not buy it again. I have not handled the 5 but i have the 3 and the junglas and i dont think you can go wrong with either. On the other hand these knives are not really all the practical (maybe in unique situations) and you might be served better with the esee 6 or bk 7.

 

[Quillan]

My bad!

 

[knoefz]

Esee 5 gives you much better sheath, better handle materials, more choise in material and color...

 

[jbass]

I think the only real difference in the field would be the handles. Some people like the rounded sides on the handles of the Becker while others like the flat sided handles on the Esse. The Becker handles are smoother than the Esse handles. Some people like the smoothness while others prefer a little rougher finish for a better grip.

 

[Monofletch]

I have had both. Honestly I never caught the Becker bug. I like the Ontario RD series over the Beckers. That is my opinion. (sorry Becker guys).

Having said that the ESEE and RATs are quality pieces. You can not go wrong buying an ESEE. They are amazing.

 

[shqxk]

ESEE 5 is way too overbuilt IMO, the saber grind also make it worse... I would prefer ESEE 6 over 5 anytime.

 

[immolatus]

"one knife to rule them all, and in the darkness bind them"

LOL.
I don't think there is one. It just comes down to the individual. You have to try them.

 

[immolatus]

sorry I double posted.

 

[mrynecy]

I used to ask the Esee vs. Becker questions until I got into customs. Then, I sold my Esees & Beckers...

 

[22-rimfire]

I'd probably go with the BK-7 myself. It's a pretty hefty piece to me. On the other hand, many say the BK-7 is the big tweener that really does not excell at any function as compared to the BK-10 or BK-9 which have the same steel thickness (0.188"). You might look at the BK-10. That is a knife that will probably be on my buy list in the coming months.

jbass said... I think the only real difference in the field would be the handles. Some people like the rounded sides on the handles of the Becker while others like the flat sided handles on the Esse. The Becker handles are smoother than the Esse handles. Some people like the smoothness while others prefer a little rougher finish for a better grip.

I agree with this. I have an ESEE 4 but never really got into the ESEE line. I feel the Beckers are a better value if you like the factory handles and sheath. I like the handles and the sheaths are useable/functional.

I find the BK-2 to be simply over built and un-necessary. It was in fact my first Becker and it is the one that I don't use due to the weight. It sits in the box.

 

[jdk1]

I personally do not see the point in the design of either knife. Both are far too thick and cumbersome for basic bushcraft/camp chores, and too short for chopping and batoning compared with what I consider much more effective (and thinner...3/16 inch) 7 and 9 inch blades. To say nothing of a full pound slab of steel slapping against your hip all day long.

Both try (it seems to me) to be the solution to those who seek the holy (and unrealistic) grail of "one knife to rule them all, and in the darkness bind them". No offense Becker or ESEE fans...just my 2 cents...

I prefer the ESEE 6 for outdoors use as well. As you say, a longer blade and thinner spine seems better for a lot of things. But, I wanted to add the purpose of the 5. It was designed for one thing: a downed Air Force pilot's survival knife. From cutting yourself out of aircraft to starting a fire and it was designed along with SERE instructors for this purpose. I've read they like it a lot. That being said, it can handle a lot of wood chores very well, it's just a beast. One thing's for sure, it won't break! For most people, it makes a great and highly capable toy. Truth be told, that's what 95% of the blades we own are: toys A Buck 110 would handle most of what we need. But, the Buck 110 forums wouldn't be as fun I have a 5 as my truck knife and it's mighty comforting to have available. It also comes with an incredible sheath. Good luck.

 

[ursamajor]

In the perspective lines, I would take a BK-7 over a BK-2 for a field, and even a general purpose knife, and I would take an ESEE 6 over an ESEE 5 for the same reasons.

Between the ESEE 6 and BK-7, I would take the 6. It is just a deft nimble blade-moreso than a knife that size has any right to be.

The BK-2 and ESEE 5 are really made to be demolition tools. They are not good slicers. The are not the best choppers either. But for p prying, and hammering like a chisel-2nd to none. Well maybe 2nd to the tactool

 

[knoefz]

Corporalknifekid, did you make up your mind yet after all these different suggestions??

In my experience once you have your mind set on a hefty knife like the BK2 or the Esee 5 the thinner blades won't satisfy you!
You'll have that 1/4" urge until you give in and get out in the woods with one Instant satisfaction guaranteed

 

[Jeru]

ESEE-5: much nicer handles, best production sheath in the business, best warranty possible.

 

[C_Becker]

Becker price+micarta handles+decent sheath= ESEE price anyway.
So go for the one you like and which handles fit your hand better.

Take a look at the Boker Vox Rold and the SwampRat Ratmandu, too.
The Ontario RATs and Rangers are good quality too

 

[Mike-The-Knife]

I have an Ontario TAK 1 that I would take over either of those knives . The blades are too thick and with a saber grind the cutting angle just isn't good . The Ontario RAT 5 is also a good choice in that size .

However if unbreakable is what you are going for , then the ESEE 5 or BK 2 will be tougher . There are other companies out there though like Survive Knives ! They make a Survive GSO 5 in the same style as the ESEE 5 or BK 2 that is only 3/16 thick but is made of CPM 3V . So it is thinner , cuts better and is still tougher than the others .


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