ESEE or a Custom Knife in 1095

jvthor

jvthor

Joined
Feb 23, 2010
Messages
285
Update 4/25
Knife Complete!

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Update 4/23

Almost there!

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****UPDATE**** 4/17

I received an email last knight that my knife was ready to start its heat treatment!

The profile is similar to the one below, but the cutting edge is A LOT bigger.

It's going to be a wicked chopper! It should be getting treated as we speak!

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I recently had a fervent itch to buy myself an ESEE knife until a knife maker and fellow wireman contacted me offering his services. The knife that he wants to make for me would be in 1095 carbon, with a similar profile to that of an RC-3 or a H.E.S.T. Here is a picture of one he had made for another person (hopefully he won't mind me posting a picture of his work)

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Let's say that the prices are exactly the same, and his knife would also include a kydex sheath. I would really like some honest opinions about whether I should buy a proper RAT, or one that is crafted by hand in a small workshop on the California coast.

I don't want to post any of this Maker's information because he makes knives as a hobby, and I don't want to flood his inbox with requests. I have seen some of his work, and he makes a lot of beautiful, well crafted pieces.
 
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Buy the one you like the best. If you have an idea of what your perfect knife would be and he can make it, go for it. If your idea of a perfect knife is an ESEE design, then go for that because it's more of a known quantity as far as heat treat and warranty.
 
If it were me, and they were the same cost? I honestly would get the custom if I only had one choice. With that said, I don't have one choice, as I get all the knives I want. Not like one knife is all I'll ever need. I mean, I need a knife for everyday of the year ;)
 
I think you are really the only one that can answer that question. There is a big difference in price between a custom blade and a production one. If the ESEE style and design work for you, then save the extra money and buy one. If your really picky about how you like you knives, then go the other way.
 
jvthor said:
I recently had a fervent itch to buy myself an ESEE knife until a knife maker and fellow wireman contacted me offering his services. The knife that he wants to make for me would be in 1095 carbon, with a similar profile to that of an RC-3 or a H.E.S.T. Here is a picture of one he had made for another person (hopefully he won't mind me posting a picture of his work)

1095.jpg


Let's say that the prices are exactly the same, and his knife would also include a kydex sheath. I would really like some honest opinions about whether I should buy a proper RAT, or one that is crafted by hand in a small workshop on the California coast.

I don't want to post any of this Maker's information because he makes knives as a hobby, and I don't want to flood his inbox with requests. I have seen some of his work, and he makes a lot of beautiful, well crafted pieces.
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Personally? I think it looks very nice! Wouldn't mind carrying that in my bag. But I have to press the question cause I by no means am adept at survival, or anything, but how strong is the knife? Same material from what I read, but he does it for a hobby right? I was about a month or so ago involved in a situation I uttermost hate to think about, cause I was so hopeless useless and uninformed about anything. All I had was my Benchmade folder knife who until that moment served as a box opener, tape cutter, rope cuttng tool. Can the knife your friend is offering, stand up to hard use?

The incident I was involved in, my friend had a Rat Cut Co knife, well 2, and they served every need, demanded and asked of them, and didn't fail. I draw, ALOT. and I do alot of graphic design, I played games all the time, and my only physical activities were working on my sportster thats a craigslist special, and my rice cooker crotch rocket, a GSXR 600. Or my bicycles. Sports in school are Football, and Soccer.

Thats about it. I didn't know how to make a fire, he said gather burnables? I couldnt find anything cause I was looking for big cut logs on and around the ground, I had not even the littlest of common sense, OH HEY, dried plants or dead pieces, trash or debris, etc. It was really sad...

But from cutting down small trees, to splitting for smaller pieces, to using like a razor blade to string cheese other plant life to make rope or lashing like items, his knives did their jobs. I like the knife you posted, No doubt it would be dandy daily carry in the city or what not, but I wouldn't trust my life to something unknown. But looks good, I could be wrong.

I'd just go with ESEE, my friend informed me they have a great warranty, customer service, and rep.
 
To comment on LittleSpartan's post (not gonna quote the whole thing), I've seen his knives in action, and to say he's a hobbiest does not reflect his knife quality. And after reading your post, I'm more inclined to purchase his knife for two reasons: (1) How rewarding would it be for him to know that one of his knives aided my survival in a "Worst that Could Happen" situation, and (2) What better customer service than to sit down with him over a beer and discuss MY knife design?
 
I love my ESEE blades. They are great quality and fit the bill as a all around knife that I know will stand up to any abuse I give them. The warranty is second to none. The price point is below many knives that are lower in quality, and don't offer the level of satisfaction.

Having said all that, and all things being equal between the two kives, if I had the opportunity to get a one off custom to my specs for the same price as an equivalent ESEE offering, I would most certainly take it. The custom will be a one of a kind, regardless of how many duplicates he makes, and you will always have a great blade at a fantastic price. If the price is as good as good as ESEE, then do it! You can always add to your stable with great ESEE blades as time and money permit.

Just my two cents.
 
I recently got a RAT 4, and it's one sweet knife. However, I will be giving it to my dad because I became aware of the Spyderco Bushcraft. I just received both in the mail, normally the Bushcraft would be a 300 dollar knife, but because the wooden handles cracked on the knives, Spyderco released the knives for 90 bucks. It is honestly the sharpest most balanced knife I have ever held. The crack in my handle is so minimal, that selling them for 90 dollars is almost stealing. If there are any left I highly reccomend them as an alternate to the RAT 4. As hard as it is for me to say, the foreign made Bushcraft is sharper, and much more ergonomic for the same price.
 
I forgot to add that there is no warranty since they are released as seconds. So the ESEE blows them away in that department.
 
Buy the one that tickles your fancy, you have to carry it. Having said that, the ESEE knives will be around for a LONG time. No telling if you will be able to get another of that makers knives for the same price, or if at all later if you don't get it now. I would recommend getting the custom, then get your ESEE later......

Best, Les.
 
While 'hand crafted' is a great idea, there is something to be said for the quality control manufacturers employ.

I would go with ESEE my self based on that treason, unless you got a money-back-unless-satisfied-contract/agreement with the maker.

Will the maker make/rework knives of his design until you get one that you are 100% satisfied with?
 
IMHO, Although custom made knives are nice and in most cases a work of art the very few I owned just sat on a shelf for display because I never want to use or damage a nice and very often expensive custom.

Now, on the other hand you will never be let down by owning and using an ESEE, any ESEE. never mind the the very best quality, the company alone is worth buying one of their knives.

Having said that - I would go with an ESEE because the last thing I want is another knife sitting on a shelf or stand collecting dust.

I'm sure either knife will serve you well.
 
ipm said:
Will the maker make/rework knives of his design until you get one that you are 100% satisfied with?
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Yeah, he will. I would hope the most knifemakers would too. I mean, what's the point in dealing with the actual maker if he's not willing to give you a one-on-one type of customer service? I know that I always try and keep that in mind when I spend good money on any knife.
 
jvthor said:
To comment on LittleSpartan's post (not gonna quote the whole thing), I've seen his knives in action, and to say he's a hobbiest does not reflect his knife quality. And after reading your post, I'm more inclined to purchase his knife for two reasons: (1) How rewarding would it be for him to know that one of his knives aided my survival in a "Worst that Could Happen" situation, and (2) What better customer service than to sit down with him over a beer and discuss MY knife design?
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I think you're on the right track with this -- if you like the maker and trust his skills that much, get the custom.
even if he makes others in the same pattern, yours will be the first and only one "just like it". the others will all be close copies.

that said, i have nothing negative to say about ESEE knives - they're great for what they are, but they're not custom pieces made to fit you specifically.
 
1066vik said:
I think you're on the right track with this -- if you like the maker and trust his skills that much, get the custom.
even if he makes others in the same pattern, yours will be the first and only one "just like it". the others will all be close copies.

that said, i have nothing negative to say about ESEE knives - they're great for what they are, but they're not custom pieces made to fit you specifically.
Click to expand...

I have NEVER heard anything negative about RAT Cutlery either on these forums or anywhere else, which is why I was so torn. I'll definitely be posting picks here when I get the knife and be giving a full review of it. Maybe I can even convince the guy to do a Pass Around with one of his folders if he's interested in that kind of constructive criticism.
 
I really struggled with this same choice. I ended up going with a RAT or 3 lol... (RC3 4 and Izula).

My main reason for going with an established company is the warranty. That's something you don't (or may not get) with an custom knife maker. Combine that notion with RAT's super duper tough guarantee and its something to consider.

Sometimes I wish I had gone the other route. Not for any knock on the RAT products but just that there is something SUPER cool about owning a knife that was made by someone you can talk to and respect. Gotta love our custom knifemakers... its just cool.

Ultimately my next knife will be a custom (hand made / local maker).
 
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