ESEE vs. Becker vs. Rat vs. Ontario

[stevekolt]

Just curious, I received an ESEE 4 and really like the knife. What are the pros and cons regarding these fixed blade knives? Have a CRK 7" Green Beret, a couple Bark River's, SOG, Glock (I know ) Want to to purchase a 5-6" blade... any advice would be appreciated.

 

[TwinStick]

Can't go wrong with any of those. Esse's are more $$$ because they have a good sheath, choil & jimping-worth it if you don't modify things or just want to make 1 purchase. Beckers RAT & Ontario are also top notch knives & IMHO, just as good as an Esse. But you will want a new sheath with those last 3. Personally, i like that route, because i have never found a production knife that had a sheath i liked 100%. You can get a custom made any way you want, or so you can use it in a multitude of ways. I can HIGHLY reccomend Mashed Cat Outfitters for custom sheaths. I will be sending them some more of my blades as money allows. Here is a few pics of the ones i have from them.

 

[Shotgun]

Yep. Can't speak for Ontario but the current Beckers and ESEE's are on par with each other. If you're going to upgrade the Beckers to micarta grips and a quality sheath, they're about the same price. However IMO most of the Becker line is Fugly.

Edit: The ESEE sheaths are pretty good. I was going to upgrade my Izula to kydex but the retention was excellent on the factory sheath.