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Esee vs cold steel
- Thread starter majen
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Esav Benyamin
MidniteSuperMod
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ESEE uses good steel even if it isn't the latest and greatest -- it is tried and true.
But the ESEE 5 is not really a camp knife, it is a demolition machine, designed for evasion and survival. It's overkill for camping.
The Becker BK 2 is a similar pattern but a better cutter than the ESEE 5. Check out the ESEE 4 or 6.
But the ESEE 5 is not really a camp knife, it is a demolition machine, designed for evasion and survival. It's overkill for camping.
The Becker BK 2 is a similar pattern but a better cutter than the ESEE 5. Check out the ESEE 4 or 6.
Esav Benyamin
MidniteSuperMod
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Very good choice. Tough as nails, will slice nicely, big enough for anything short of sugar cane. 
For the price of the AK fixed, you could have a Becker BK-16, a Sven Saw, and a Snow and Neally Hatchet. Or a Falkniven F1 and the Sven Saw. I know you asked between the two choices, but I'm not a huge fan of the Cold Steel knives, and the ESEE knives I've handled have been very uncomfortable with their slab handles.
If you're looking for an all-in one, either will do. But I'd also consider the Beckers - there are a number of all-rounders in that series.
If you're looking for an all-in one, either will do. But I'd also consider the Beckers - there are a number of all-rounders in that series.
Both are going to be well made knives. In my opinion both fall more into the military survival knife category than a true outdoors knife. The Cold Steel is 5mm thick and the Esee is a true 1/4" or 6.35mm. Thats just way too heavy of a knife for me.
In that price range there are lots of seriously good outdoors knives that will excel at cleaning game, cutting cordage, and carving wood which is what you want in a outdoors knife.
Personally I think a Mora Bushcraft Black would be a better choice than either of those two. If you want heavier duty the BK16 is about as thick of a knife as I would go.
If I had to pick between the two choices you listed I would go Esee. I like some of Cold Steel's stuff and would generally choose them, but the AK47 is a new knife design and also I prefer the blade shape of the Esee to the CS's clip point.
Remember this is just my opinion. Some people like the added comfort and assurance they get from holding a really heavy duty blade, I just prefer a lighter knife for most situations. If you think he wants/needs a heavy knife like the Esee 5 then that is what you should get him. I don't think either knife is a bad choice.
In that price range there are lots of seriously good outdoors knives that will excel at cleaning game, cutting cordage, and carving wood which is what you want in a outdoors knife.
Personally I think a Mora Bushcraft Black would be a better choice than either of those two. If you want heavier duty the BK16 is about as thick of a knife as I would go.
If I had to pick between the two choices you listed I would go Esee. I like some of Cold Steel's stuff and would generally choose them, but the AK47 is a new knife design and also I prefer the blade shape of the Esee to the CS's clip point.
Remember this is just my opinion. Some people like the added comfort and assurance they get from holding a really heavy duty blade, I just prefer a lighter knife for most situations. If you think he wants/needs a heavy knife like the Esee 5 then that is what you should get him. I don't think either knife is a bad choice.
Ha ha!
When you get down to it
Esee made in USA, Cold Steel made in Taiwan (matters to many people, especially when they're similarly priced)
ESEE has a "you break it, we replace it no questions asked" warranty. Cold Steel is 1 year against workmanship.
Sure the steel in the AK is better than ESEE 1095 (assuming CS has a good heat treat) but 1095 is far from a bad steel (its also much easier to sharpen than 3v)
Anyways, the ESEE 5 isn't exactly a camp knife. Its a sharpened survival prybar. I'd look at a 4, Laser strike, or a 6 as they're more suited to general camp tasks
- Joined
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Easy. ESEE. better warranty. the 4 or 6 would be better for camp stuff. I have the 3 and its great, but the handle is small for a lot of guys. Rowen does magic with the 1095 (okay, not really, but they make a very good blade) You can absolutely beat on a 4 without much worry. and your secondary value on the ESEE is going to be much better than it is on the CS, Largely due to that bulletproof warranty.
There are still a lot of other options, but of your picks, that's the direction I'd go. Nothing wrong with moras or beckers, and worth looking at in future as needs and tastes change.
There are still a lot of other options, but of your picks, that's the direction I'd go. Nothing wrong with moras or beckers, and worth looking at in future as needs and tastes change.
I would have a really hard time picking 1095 over 3v at a similar price point, but a sheath that works is good enough for me and slabs that fit are more important than what they are made of.
I'd never pay $60 or whatever for micarta handles, then another $60 for a kydex sheath personally. And that seems to be about what EESE is charging for those over the becker/ ontario lines.
1095 is my favorite steel of those that I have tried, from a price to performance standpoint. Good mix of all properties, strength, edge retention, toughness, ease of sharpening, wear resistance, customization, it all falls in line on a nice Becker or Ontario or custom here on the forums.
$150+ 1095 knife? I'll take some 3V instead. Though at the price cold steel wouldnt be my choice either.
For about $80 you can get an Ontario Marine Raider Bowie- a giant chunk of tough as hell 1095 steel with a good sheath and nice handle. Spend the balance on stuff to sharpen all your knives and live happy. YMMV
I'd never pay $60 or whatever for micarta handles, then another $60 for a kydex sheath personally. And that seems to be about what EESE is charging for those over the becker/ ontario lines.
1095 is my favorite steel of those that I have tried, from a price to performance standpoint. Good mix of all properties, strength, edge retention, toughness, ease of sharpening, wear resistance, customization, it all falls in line on a nice Becker or Ontario or custom here on the forums.
$150+ 1095 knife? I'll take some 3V instead. Though at the price cold steel wouldnt be my choice either.
For about $80 you can get an Ontario Marine Raider Bowie- a giant chunk of tough as hell 1095 steel with a good sheath and nice handle. Spend the balance on stuff to sharpen all your knives and live happy. YMMV
grogimus
Gold Member
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The BK16 and BK2 can both be found for around $70 from a little google searching, the ESEE 4 and LS can be found for right around $100 and the 6 can be had for $113. I'm a huge fan of the Becker and ESEE lines both but those numbers are off. Or, equally as likely, I misunderstood you entirely
The BK16 and BK2 can both be found for around $70 from a little google searching, the ESEE 4 and LS can be found for right around $100 and the 6 can be had for $113. I'm a huge fan of the Becker and ESEE lines both but those numbers are off. Or, equally as likely, I misunderstood you entirely
Math is hard after cheap rum and 4th celebrations. $60 total, $30 each was what I was going for, lol.
Since the knife is a gift for your brother try to find out which one he likes better. There is no way for you or us on the forum to second guess which knife he desires most.
Personally I view ESEE knives as over rated JMO.
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