ESEE folks, handle preference?

T

Trailer_Ape

Joined
Jun 22, 2017
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Ok, as some of you may recall, I was trying to decide if it made sense to get an ESEE 6, when I already had the 5. I ended up ordering one with the 3D natural Micarta scales. While I have not actually USED it, yet, it just feels weird to me. I kind of miss the blocky slabs. This might actually change when I have to do some work with it.

Anyone here like the old style scales over the new contoured scales?

On a side note - night and day between this and the 5. I did not believe 4oz would make any difference, heck my pocket knife weighs more than that ( because I also ordered a Manix 2 XL) BUT it DOES. It carries so much better on my hip. I love this knife! Just ain't sure about these scales yet.
 
I'm perfectly satisfied with the stock scales on my 3 and 6. Being the cheapo that I am, I never wanted to spend the extra $$ on custom scales. The 6 is a great knife and I'm sure you will enjoy its many attributes.
 
I've had my 6 for many years now and the factory scales have worked well for me. The 6 is a really good balanced knife. :thumbsup:
 
On the 5&6 I prefer TKC g10 handles.
The 3&4 have the old school original in micarta in my setups.
 
Are the 6 scales the same as the Junglas2 slabs? I scalloped/rounded mine for grip and comfort. I like the 3d G10 on my 4 and would like to try the HM scales next.
 
I have big hands, so I didn't get my Esee-4 until the HM handle came out. The micarta is also nice, but it was about the rounder handle for prolonged use in the bush that sold me on it.
 
I hate to hijack this thread--I'm looking at the ESEE 3. I'd like the looks of the 3D handles, trying to decide between the standard handle profile and the HM model. It will be used as an EDC, do all blade for small tasks.

How does the Standard handle model feel--comfortable for food prep? Is the HM model THAT much more comfortable? Please let me know your thoughts!
 
Trailer_Ape said:
Ok, as some of you may recall, I was trying to decide if it made sense to get an ESEE 6, when I already had the 5. I ended up ordering one with the 3D natural Micarta scales. While I have not actually USED it, yet, it just feels weird to me. I kind of miss the blocky slabs. This might actually change when I have to do some work with it.

Anyone here like the old style scales over the new contoured scales?

On a side note - night and day between this and the 5. I did not believe 4oz would make any difference, heck my pocket knife weighs more than that ( because I also ordered a Manix 2 XL) BUT it DOES. It carries so much better on my hip. I love this knife! Just ain't sure about these scales yet.
Click to expand...

I've only used the 3-D scales on an ESEE 3, but so far I prefer the original flat scales. I like them better when using, and I especially like them better for carrying. I have accoon-like hands with short fingers, so that may play a role.
 
rhino said:
I've only used the 3-D scales on an ESEE 3, but so far I prefer the original flat scales. I like them better when using, and I especially like them better for carrying. I have accoon-like hands with short fingers, so that may play a role.
Click to expand...
I have two Esee3s 3d on one and micarta on the other, I like the contoured for handling but the canvas for carry. I wouldn't want anything else on my E6 but the contoured
 
My experiences with ESEE - 3, 4, 6, & Rat-3 all with OG scales. I like to install a liner of sheet rubber on the palm side to slightly increase thickness (similar to a palm swell effect). Pic below shows rubber liner on my 4 (middle knife). Cadet large glove size. Have only handled the contoured scales (not put them to work yet). Would be interested to read your experiences provided you do a swap comparison.

IMG_20201212_115005-1024wide.jpg
 
I'm loving the 6's contoured as the best feel for my big hands, the only grip I have that is better is from a Finland Maker, Wood Jewel
 
I have both the 5 and 6. The 5 had factory slabs and I upgraded them to TKC aftermarket. IMO made the feel of the knife significantly better. It’s a thick blade, and the standard slabs didn't do it any favors. The swell on the aftermarket slabs makes a huge difference - less fatiguing during heavy use.

I went through the TKC knife builder option for my 6, so it came with aftermarket slabs. A much slimmer knife than the 5, so the OEM slabs might have felt better on the 6 than they did on the 5. I will say the aftermarket slabs from TKC on my 6 are fantastic, so the OEM slabs don’t trigger my curiosity.

I assume the OPs question involves ESEE’s new(er) contoured slabs. I doubt there would be much difference between the TKC aftermarket Contoured slabs and ESEE’s.
 
JOELSM,

Excellent reply, especially with your inclusion related to the extra thickness of the 5, and TKC vs OEM ESEE contoured scales.
 
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