Recommendation? ESEE Laser Strike with TKC scales??

[19-3ben]

Considering the Laser Strike. If I buy it, I’m going to do a build in TKC with their scales, which are contoured a little differently than the stock scales, so while I can find loads of reviews on the stock LS, I can’t find anything on it specifically with TKC scales.

Anyone have one and feel like sharing? Specifically, I’d love to hear about general camp and “bushcraft” uses, handle comfort, and the difference in feel with the LS’s unique handle shape.

Thanks.

 

[GB940Rookie]

I don’t have a LS but have had my eye on it for quite a while. I like everything about it except the blade thickness. It’s the same as my RC6(.188). I would like to see it around .125 - .13. Other than that I think it would make an excellent outdoor blade.

The TKC scales that I’ve personally seen have all been better than the factory scales. Never got to see them on a LS though.

 

[19-3ben]

I don’t have a LS but have had my eye on it for quite a while. I like everything about it except the blade thickness. It’s the same as my RC6(.188). I would like to see it around .125 - .13. Other than that I think it would make an excellent outdoor blade.

The TKC scales that I’ve personally seen have all been better than the factory scales. Never got to see them on a LS though.

Right. It’s where I stand as well. I’ve had an LS in the past, and didn’t find the handle to be particularly comfortable, but it was with stock scales. I’ve had TKC scales before and found they made a world of difference, but I have never had nor felt the confluence of TKC scales on an LS.

I wouldn’t mind the thickness of it too much, because I’d carry a thinner folding knife anyway that I could use for finer tasks.

 

[gazz98]

I don’t have a LS but have had my eye on it for quite a while. I like everything about it except the blade thickness. It’s the same as my RC6(.188). I would like to see it around .125 - .13. Other than that I think it would make an excellent outdoor blade.

The TKC scales that I’ve personally seen have all been better than the factory scales. Never got to see them on a LS though.

+1. Definitely go thru the knife builder. TKC scales are much better then stock one.

For those that aren't familiar with the TKC knife builder, you can purchase just an ESEE or Ontario blade (ie. no factory scales) and then pick TKC scales to go on it. You can also add sheaths or firesteels too if you want.

I know a few folks who bought an ESEE knife from another site, knew they were going to replace the scales, then bought the new scales from TKC. About $50 or so down the toilet.

 

[Pr3inar]

I know a few folks who bought an ESEE knife from another site, knew they were going to replace the scales, then bought the new scales from TKC. About $50 or so down the toilet.

Me. Twice... Go to TKC first!

 

[rustyspike]

There is a ton of vids on YouTube about TKC scales.

They look really nice. Been thinking about getting a set for my Esee 4.

Rich K.

 

[shinyedges]

Not steel thunder (pun king?) from the esee, as they make a fine knife. Have you considered other similar sized knives? With the additional scales you have bumped up the price into the neighborhood of several other sweet ass knives.

 

[19-3ben]

Not steel thunder (pun king?) from the esee, as they make a fine knife. Have you considered other similar sized knives? With the additional scales you have bumped up the price into the neighborhood of several other sweet ass knives.

Definitely considering that. There are knives from BHK, LTW etc... to look at.

The reason I was looking at the LS, stupid as it sounds, is that I have a leather sheath that would fit it perfectly so being the insane knife but that I am, I’m considering getting a knife just so I have something to put in the sheath. If I buy one of the others, it comes with a sheath so that doesn’t really fix my problem.

It’s like buying a box of .38spl and then buying a gun just so you can shoot it. This is a sickness.

As for the other replies, I appreciate them. I assure you i don’t need to be convinced of the quality of TKC scales. I have first hand experience that they are amazing. The question was specifically related to the ergos of TKC scales on the LS.

 

[gazz98]

The question was specifically related to the ergos of TKC scales on the LS.

Personally, I found the ergos of the ESEE 5 or 6 to be better. I like the finger choil to be outside of the G10 like on the 6/5. I like the more pronounced finger guard on the 6/5 vs the LS. On the TKC LS scales, there is a divot on the scales right above the choil. The way that area is contoured seems a little .. odd? and maybe not thought out as well as it could be.

PS. I wear a 2xl glove usually too. My big mitt causes problems and comfort issues that most people don't experience. YMMV

 

[Pilot1]

It’s like buying a box of .38spl and then buying a gun just so you can shoot it. This is a sickness.

I've actually done that. Yes, it is a sickness. I have the TKC scales on my RAT RC-4. They are very nice.

 

[Swampdog]

The reason I was looking at the LS, stupid as it sounds, is that I have a leather sheath that would fit it perfectly so being the insane knife but that I am, I’m considering getting a knife just so I have something to put in the sheath.

Totally understand, I'm left-handed and have purchased a knife because it was available with a left-handed sheath.

BushcraftUSA forums sometimes have used ESEE LS for sale on their website and have a lot of feedback about them if you do a Search...