ESEE-6 vs Fehrman First Strike

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paolino250

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Aug 23, 2010
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Hi guys,
so after many comparison between ESEE and Becker I would like to know what do you think about these two so similar and so different knives.

Have anyone here tried both the 6 and the First Strike?
Which are the differences on the field in handling, edge retention, stain resistance...and whatever you want to say about this comparison.
In particular, how our beloved 1095 steel keeps up against the CPM 3V supersteel?
 
While I don't have experience with both specific models, I do have experience with Fehrman 3V and Rowen 1095.

Long story short, neither of these knives will fail you. Both are tough as hell.

Digging a little deeper, Fehrman's 3V is one of the toughest steels that I've come across. It can take so much abuse, it's unreal. My Last Chance went to hell and back with me and I was amazed how well it held up.

That being said, Rowen 1095 is no slouch either. While it's edge retention and toughness may not be quite as good as the Ferhman 3V, you'd have to do something completely outside the realm of what a knife is designed to do to over extend anything from ESEE.

Corrosion resistance is a concern for both, but more so with the Fehrman 3V from my personal experience. My Fehrman had issues with corrosion to the point where I stopped taking it on my kayaking trips, and opted for a knife better suited for dealing with the moisture. My ESEE's are fine for these trips.

Both companies are great to deal with, and both will back their products. You will get a better sheath with the ESEE.

ESEE is also significantly cheaper than the Ferhman.

I thought both knives were very well made, but if it means anything, I only ever bought one Fehrman, but I've now bought three ESEE's and will probably buy more.

JGON
 
I own both esse and fehrman.

Both will be MORE than you will ever need in a knife and are excellent.

With that said I don't think these knives are in the same league and cannot be fairly compared as the fehrman is closer to a semi-custom like a Busse. But then again the price diference is pretty significant.

The esee is such a bargain I'd say just get both.
 
Thank you JGON and others for your exaustive answer!
I didn't imagine 3V was so prone to rust!

TrailWolf I know what you mean, but as tools with comparable size and uses I think they should be compared. And I'm SURE both are more than I will ever need in a knife,
but I'm curious to know if a celebrated AND EXPENSIVE knife such as the Fehrman has noticeable virtues that stand out on the field... ;)
 
Alright here are some quick thoughts on a comparison:

Fit and finish is nicer on the fehrman - it has that semi-custom feel and the micarta is not just more comfy but LOOKS very very nice. The edges on the fehrman are more rounded and finished.

Blade coating is thicker on the Fehrman and has seemed to hold up better as compared to ESEE.

Blade steel - 1095 gets sharper for me, but 3v holds it's edge much longer. Haven't noticed a problem w rust on either other than normal staining.

sheath goes to esee.

Handle ergos go hands down to fehrman - it's one of the most comfy handles I've ever held. I have med/large hands.

Companies: I prefer esee bc they have more of a presence to me here on bf and the warranty seems more comprehemsive. Jeff also is the friggin man - his attitude rules and I like his transparency. For me, fehrman mixes too much religion into his business - check out his website. Not that religion is bad, but cmon, you make tools and weapons that kill...
 
As far as toughness and usefullness goes, we'll put our knives up against anyones.

With that said, I agree that these knives are in a different leauge. With a new Fehrman going for around 4 times the cost of the ESEE-6, it's much more on par with the Busse line.

And you won't hear anyone here claiming that a Fehrman or Busse isn't woth the pricetag they command, it's just a different mentality.
 
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