ESEE v. BECKER

J

jwise

Joined
Mar 26, 2011
Messages
61
I am wanting to get a large fixed blade multi-purpose knife to carry on my Tac vest when serving felony warrants. I find myself doing this more often, and so far all I have carried with me is my trusty Benchmade folder (aside from my sidearm and med kit).

I am looking at either the Becker KABK7: Becker Combat Utility Knife:

file-19.jpg

Blade Length: 7" 1095CroVan
Overall Length: 12.75"
Blade Thickness: 0.188"
Blade Coating: Black epoxy powder coat
Grind: High, flat saber grind
Handle Material: Full tang, Grivory
Sheath: Black Nylon w/ kydex insert
Weight: 12.9 oz.
Made in USA

or the ESEE-6:

file-20.jpg

Overall length: 11.75"
Cutting Edge Length: 5.75"
Blade length (end of handle to tip of blade): 6.5"
Blade Width: 1.56"
Weight (knife only): 11.8 ounces
Sharpened clip point blade style, full flat grind
Maximum thickness: 0.188"
1095 Carbon Steel, 57 Rc.
Removable lined Micarta handle slabs
Rounded Pommel w/ lanyard hole
Full-tang construction
OD molded sheath; Paracord
Made in USA


The BK-7 is larger, at 12.75" vs. 11.75", with a 7" blade instead of the 5.75" cutting edge of the ESEE-6 (the actual blade is longer, but not the cutting edge, which is what was measured).

However, the ESEE comes with micarta linen scales, whereas the Becker will only come with grivory scales. The micarta linen scales for the Becker is an additional $45. Additionally, the ESEE comes with a sheath that is high quality friction locking, with MOLLE backing. The Becker does not. Its sheath is frankly, pretty pathetic.

The pricing on the ESEE is around $130, and the Becker (with micarta scales) is just under that ($123?).

I think its a pretty clear that I should go with the ESEE, as it comes with exactly what I want (MOLLE compatible sheath), but the Becker is a bit bigger with a really nice blade design. I can picture it with the micarta scales, and it should look REALLY good!

First question: all else being equal, which is the better knife?

Second question: how easy/hard is it to find a friction-lock, MOLLE compatible sheath for the Becker KABK-7?
 
hi, the truth is they are both great knives i've got both. Either one will do anything you want to do. For me the 6 carries easier and the factory sheath is much better. By the time you add a set of micarta scales and a kydex sheath to attach to your vest your going to be out more money than on the esee. Both have great warranties, both have great blades. Its going to come down to do you want to mess with the add ons and getting a sheath made or just order and have it ready to go.

You can also go to the esee sight and order using the LEO option for a discount.

take it easy
cricket
 
One more thing I see your in houston, specter firearms carries esee knives if you havnt held one in your hand and want to see how it feels you might stop in there.

take it easy
cricket
 
Sometimes, Chestnut Ridge Knife shop will have custom Beckers. They also do custom kydex for some Beckers. They seem to only have the BK2 and BK9 kydex right now, but it may be an option.
The ESEE line is great, and the handles and sheaths are partly what make them great.
I saw one here on the exchange for less than new price, just yesterday.
Beckers are great as well, and the micarta is one option, make your own is another. Some like the grivory just fine.
 
Do you think that you really need a 7" blade? Just curious. I'm a huge Kabar fan so the Becker would get the nod from me. Lots of makers can do custom kydex for it. I love everything about the ESEE except how they feel in hand. For some reason, they just don't feel "right" to me.

Personally, I think that I'd go short and stout in my choice.... The Becker BK2. 5" of blade is enough length if forced to use it as a weapon and being 1/4" thick saber grind, you'd have tons of lateral strength for prying, etc. If you shop around, I think you can get the BK2, micarta scales, and a custom kydex sheath for around the same price as the ESEE, or close to it.
 
jwise said:
I am wanting to get a large fixed blade multi-purpose knife to carry on my Tac vest when serving felony warrants. I find myself doing this more often, and so far all I have carried with me is my trusty Benchmade folder (aside from my sidearm and med kit).
Click to expand...

HPD or HCSO?

Personally Id go with something a little smaller. The 6 is a great knife, but quite large, especially when you are trying to bust down a door to serve a warrant.

An ESEE 4 would be perfect IMO.
 
The ESEE 6 is a better knife (better heat treat, scales, sheath, and customer service) but the Becker BK7 is a great value at its price point. If you're just going to add micarta scales anyway, though, I'd go with the ESEE.
 
You really can't go wrong with either one.

I'm in the Becker camp so I'm a little bias.

But you're right, if you're going with Micarta the price point will be similar and the Sheath for the BK 7 and the 9 are sericeable, but there's a reason we all
go with something else ;)

Felony Warrants eh ? .... Bon chance mon amie
 
Both are good values but my personal preference between those two would be the ESEE-6. If you look at some of the dealers that frequent BF, you can find them for under $120 delivered. That being said, I would opt for the ESEE-4.
 
cricketdave said:
One more thing I see your in houston, specter firearms carries esee knives if you havnt held one in your hand and want to see how it feels you might stop in there.
Click to expand...

I was in Spectre Firearms today, and got to handle the ESEE 5 and ESEE 4. The 5 was MUCH more comfortable in the hand than the 4. The 4 was just too short. I have big paws!

However, they did not have the 6, which I was able to find online. I like that the 6 comes with all the MOLLE attachments, and the blade is not so thick (but still plenty thick), saving some weight. The 6 is also cheaper than the 5 (due to this thickness issue, I'm sure).

I don't need a 7" knife. However, that was the Becker I liked the most (blade design, etc...).

I am on a Task Force, so I operate in Harris and the surrounding counties.

This is what I was expecting to hear, so I'm glad to know I was on the right track. Is there another knife similar to the ESEE 6 (in features and price) that I should look at? Basically I started my search with the Gerber LMF, and have been trying to beat its features and value. The ESEE (and Becker w/ micarta scales) is more than the LMF, but they still represent a good value.

I'm also in search of a replacement for my aging Benchmade lock-back folder. I am starting a new thread for that discussion. However the cost of replacing it and getting a new fixed blade is prohibitive.

Anything else I should look at?
 
Bark River Bravo 1, Bravo 2, STS-5, STS-8.
The Bravo 1 is like a choiless ESEE4, but 1/4" thick, and convexed. Fatter and longer handle than the ESEE4.
The STS series is worth looking at, 154cm, removable scales, semi-kydex sheaths.
TOPS has lots of tacticool designs, some thicker than others.
Winkler Knives II are very serious, look at the Hawks while you are there, impressive.
Have fun looking around.
 
jwise said:
I was in Spectre Firearms today, and got to handle the ESEE 5 and ESEE 4. The 5 was MUCH more comfortable in the hand than the 4. The 4 was just too short. I have big paws!

However, they did not have the 6, which I was able to find online. I like that the 6 comes with all the MOLLE attachments, and the blade is not so thick (but still plenty thick), saving some weight. The 6 is also cheaper than the 5 (due to this thickness issue, I'm sure).

I don't need a 7" knife. However, that was the Becker I liked the most (blade design, etc...).

I am on a Task Force, so I operate in Harris and the surrounding counties.

This is what I was expecting to hear, so I'm glad to know I was on the right track. Is there another knife similar to the ESEE 6 (in features and price) that I should look at? Basically I started my search with the Gerber LMF, and have been trying to beat its features and value. The ESEE (and Becker w/ micarta scales) is more than the LMF, but they still represent a good value.

I'm also in search of a replacement for my aging Benchmade lock-back folder. I am starting a new thread for that discussion. However the cost of replacing it and getting a new fixed blade is prohibitive.

Anything else I should look at?
Click to expand...

fyi, if you contact ESEE directly you can get LEO discounts.
 
Also check out Swamprat and Scrapyard knives under the Busse brand. Some excellent knives there.
 
Funny - I was going to say a Bravo 1 too.

Cold Steel Recon Scout is a beastly 7" knife (5/16 thick) for about $100 not a bad deal - I actually like the rubber handles (called kracon or something)
Some folks don't like them.

Check out Swamprat Knives too. Some nice stuff in that size.
 
Tsujigiri said:
The ESEE 6 is a better knife (better heat treat, scales, sheath, and customer service) but the Becker BK7 is a great value at its price point. If you're just going to add micarta scales anyway, though, I'd go with the ESEE.
Click to expand...

Both are great but of the things you mentioned, heat treat, scales, sheath and customer service, the only one of those in which ESEE is clearly superior is the sheath.

Heat treat is great on both but there are as many that are argue that KaBar's is better. ESEE's scales are better only if you must have micarta. To me and others, the grivory is more comfortable and I'd be highly disinclined to 'upgrade' from that to micarta. Customer service at both companies is legendary.

The OP seems to want the ESEE, so that's probably what he ought to buy the but the BK7 is an outstanding choice (and the one I'd choose).

---

Beckerhead #42
 
It depends on what you like more. Some people really like the grivory handles on the Beckers, some prefer the Micarta. I, personally, would go with the 6 because of the sheath and Micarta. All in all, you can't go wrong with either.
 
I think that if you MUST have micarta scales and you want a GOOD sheath then either option is good - it all comes down to whether you want to pay more for the bigger size of the BK-7 or if you'd be happy with the size of the ESEE-6.
If the grivory scales are fine by you (like they are for me) then the BK-7 will be cheaper.
 
foxx said:
Bark River Bravo 1, Bravo 2, STS-5, STS-8.
The Bravo 1 is like a choiless ESEE4, but 1/4" thick, and convexed. Fatter and longer handle than the ESEE4.
The STS series is worth looking at, 154cm, removable scales, semi-kydex sheaths.
Click to expand...


I think that's a good description on the B-1. I amnot a choil fan and that's why I carry my B-1 more often than my RC-4. I also like the longer handle on the B-1 as I have pretty large hands. The STS-5 intrigues me, but I do not have one yet.

We have to remember the price point on the ESEE/RC-4 is less than a B-1, and the ESEE sheaths are very nice.

Between the ESEE and Becker, I'd go ESEE, or save up a little more and get the B-1.
 
GingivitisKahn said:
Both are great but of the things you mentioned, heat treat, scales, sheath and customer service, the only one of those in which ESEE is clearly superior is the sheath.

Heat treat is great on both but there are as many that are argue that KaBar's is better. ESEE's scales are better only if you must have micarta. To me and others, the grivory is more comfortable and I'd be highly disinclined to 'upgrade' from that to micarta. Customer service at both companies is legendary.

The OP seems to want the ESEE, so that's probably what he ought to buy the but the BK7 is an outstanding choice (and the one I'd choose).
Click to expand...

Very well said! Considering the OP's desired use for the blade, the ESEE would certainly be easier to attach to a vest. I own blades from both companies, and certainly don't think one is better than the other!
 
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