Esee knife recommendation

V

voodoo120

Joined
Jul 28, 2014
Messages
7
Hey guys I'm new here and haven't seen any other thread with the recommendations I wanted, I'm planning on buying a new esee knife and was wondering what you guys thought on it between the esee 3, 4, 5, 6, and laser strike. I plan on using the knife for hiking camping and mainly hunting (hopefully helping me skin out an elk this fall!). Of course I doubt I'll be in a survival situation anytime soon but if I was what knife would yall recommend. I think the esee 3 is a little small and would be more of an edc or backup blade, not that I don't need a new edc but I'm looking for a little more. Haven't heard much about the 4 6 or laser strike but I guess the 5 turns out to be a beast of a knife and might be too much. Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks!
-Voodoo
 
I'd say get a 5 and a 3. Or a Laser Strike.

You're about to get a ton of advice. :)
 
Laser Strike. One of their best "do all" blades. A 4 is also a good choice, as is a 6, but the LS is a good size with a good handle and a good blade profile.

The 5 is a great knife but is pretty overkill unless your general survival situation involves cutting your way out of a tank.
 
I say the #3 is about a perfect short tough thin knife
I was mildly disappointed when i got my g-10 esee-4, it seems so thick, heavy and rectangular compared to the three, i am certain that the #6 would feel even more squarely uncomfortable in my small hand
I am very certain i would love a Junglas though
 
I have a 3-mil and I love it. I bought the 5 at the same time and I haven't had the opportunity to do much more than look at it yet. It is a stout knife.
 
The 3 and 4 would probably be best for skinning due to the smaller size aiding in dexterity. I have the 4 myself and I can see it skinning without hassle.
Pretty much all the Esee's are made to have the same quality steel so it's just a size preference really.

I can break up kindling with my 4 but it's no chopper. The 6 and junglas seems to be where everybody points for choppers.
The 5 is usually said to be too bulky for normal comfort and the Laser strike is a good alternative as far as something with similar Overall length but is more manageable.

edit: Laser strike probably the best all around size, do it all kind of thing. The 4 is just slightly too small top chop much with and the handle is slightly on the smaller side also.
2 cents.
 
Last edited:
I would have said the 3, but you indicated you wanted something a bit larger. For the tasks you describe, I would go with the 4, but you should also compare the Becker BK16 Drop Point, cheaper, better (slightly) steel (50100B), and more comfortable in the hand. Also check out the Knives of Alaska Alpha Hunter (3.75 inch) and Magnum (4.5 inch)
 
Personally I have to vote for the 4. I like the Laser Strike but I have bigger hands and the scale is a little small for me. While the scales are not much different in size it is all about the way your hands wrap around them. You can not go wrong with any of them but for what you are considering my vote will stay the 4. Shoot me a PM if you need any comparison pics!
 
whitty said:
Personally I have to vote for the 4. I like the Laser Strike but I have bigger hands and the scale is a little small for me. While the scales are not much different in size it is all about the way your hands wrap around them. You can not go wrong with any of them but for what you are considering my vote will stay the 4. Shoot me a PM if you need any comparison pics!
Click to expand...

The laser strike has a 5.25" hand while the 4 has a 4.5".
First time I've heard a person with larger hands prefer the 4, it also fits me very well.

Voodoo, I think without handling them for comfort you'll just have to pick what size you'd like.
 
The 6 is a big large fine work, and a bit small for chopping. I couldn't resist a 6 a few years ago, but now I'm leaning towards a 4 in blade. I've got khukris for chopping, and I need a smaller blade for general chores. YMMV, some people love the 6. Think more about what you are really likely to be doing, rather than the outlandish survival scenario that the 5 will save you from.
 
Thank you all for your input, I'm still open for any advice , pretty much have eliminated the 5 from my list it's just to big for what I need!
 
I'd say the 4. Or the 3. Skip the 5. It's too thick and the grind sucks. Not conducive to anything other than being strong. It was designed to enable helicopter pilots to cut their way out, and then survive for a while... IIRC...

Between the 3 and the 4, the 3 is 1/8" thick. The 4 is an inch longer and it's 3/16" thick. If it was for deer I'd say the 3 for sure. No doubt. Since you're looking for elk, I'd go with the 4. Should do just fine.
 
I'm with you, antdog :D

ESEE 4 FTW!

But yes, the three is also awesome. I had a tough time deciding between it and the 4, but ended up with the 4 because I liked the longer blade. I also agree the 5 is kinda rediculous. Jeff said they only started making it because the military wanted something that could be used to chop your way out of a fuselage
 
I was researching the Esee knives recently for similar use that you need (minus the skinning) and almost purchased the 4. Then came across the Hogue EX-F01 in a 5" and fell in love with it. I would suggest looking at that one too. Beautiful knife with great touches and survival components. Only issue is that it might be a tad too big for skinning, though I don't hunt so what the F do I know!
 
I was researching the Esee knives recently for similar use that you need (minus the skinning) and almost purchased the 4. Then came across the Hogue EX-F01 in a 5" and fell in love with it. I would suggest looking at that one too. Beautiful knife with great touches and survival components. Only issue is that it might be a tad too big for skinning, though I don't hunt so what the F do I know!
 
AntDog said:
I'd say the 4. Or the 3. Skip the 5. It's too thick and the grind sucks. Not conducive to anything other than being strong. It was designed to enable helicopter pilots to cut their way out, and then survive for a while... IIRC...

Between the 3 and the 4, the 3 is 1/8" thick. The 4 is an inch longer and it's 3/16" thick. If it was for deer I'd say the 3 for sure. No doubt. Since you're looking for elk, I'd go with the 4. Should do just fine.
Click to expand...

Yet the 5 is one of their bigger sellers for whatever reason lol. Even Jeff said it is this least favorite knife in their lineup

I have the 3mil. It is a tough little bugger. I've used it to process hogs and used the tip to pry/chip boar tusks out and whittle. The 3 is a bit small for my likings for a standalone woods blade, its why I always pair it with my Junglas

But lately, I've been going for a axe/junglas a 5 inch, and a small (less than 3 ounce) neck knife like the Izula. Worth the extra weight imo.

I'm not a big fan of functional/large choils anymore. Sure ESEE's choils are really good but I've always found that I'd rather have more cutting surface and deal without the extra control of a choil (i'd use the small neck knife instead)
 
Esee 4 is awesome all around all purpose camp knife that can do anything that a good knife should do by basic definition. also can baton to split wood and is still covered by warrantee. I do enjoy larger blades but honestly believe that the esee 4 could serve for every purpose short of a machete or axe. edit ( or a kukri if it tickles your fancy)
 
Last edited:
I carry a ronin on hip almost everyday If I'm going to the city I carry a spyderco dragonfly you can't go wrong with an eese
 
I recommend the LS, it is the most comfortable to use. I also recommend the Izula with g10 scales, it's a total beast!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top