Esee vs cold steel

OP you are going to have to take the ESEE recommendations with a grain of salt as they are one of the BF darling companies here. If anybody really notices the difference between a RAT by Ontario and the ESEE version I call BS. It's 1095 steel there is no magic wand at the Rowen facility. If you weren't aware the Ontario versions cost less with a similar warranty and mediocre sheath. Good luck in your choice.
 
crom said:
OP you are going to have to take the ESEE recommendations with a grain of salt as they are one of the BF darling companies here. If anybody really notices the difference between a RAT by Ontario and the ESEE version I call BS. It's 1095 steel there is no magic wand at the Rowen facility. If you weren't aware the Ontario versions cost less with a similar warranty and mediocre sheath. Good luck in your choice.
Click to expand...

And that right there is all the reason to pay more for the Esee. And if similar warranty you mean completely different, you are correct. Let's see, limited lifetime (Ontario), vs no questions asked forever and transferable (Esee). Those are similar in what way exactly? (it is rhetorical, I already know the answer)
 
craytab said:
And that right there is all the reason to pay more for the Esee. And if similar warranty you mean completely different, you are correct. Let's see, limited lifetime (Ontario), vs no questions asked forever and transferable (Esee). Those are similar in what way exactly? (it is rhetorical, I already know the answer)
Click to expand...

I have read that Ontario has done the right thing when necessary, IE replaced a knife when it was probably misused. Same with CS, warranties seem to be flexible and I never useda warranty as a benchmark for my knife buying decisions. It's one of those things that's nice to have, but not a deal breaker. Are the ESEE sheaths plastic or Kydex? If they are Kydex then if agree with you that the extra price is warranted, of they are that faux Kydex in my experience that stuff is soft and usually ill fitted.
 
crom said:
I have read that Ontario has done the right thing when necessary, IE replaced a knife when it was probably misused. Same with CS, warranties seem to be flexible and I never useda warranty as a benchmark for my knife buying decisions. It's one of those things that's nice to have, but not a deal breaker. Are the ESEE sheaths plastic or Kydex? If they are Kydex then if agree with you that the extra price is warranted, of they are that faux Kydex in my experience that stuff is soft and usually ill fitted.
Click to expand...

As for the warranty, for the price of the CS I would expect a better warranty. They would probably replace a blade that broke but probably isn't definitely.

As for the sheaths? Guess what CS uses for their $170 AK fixed blade? Something called securex. A fancy name for injection molded plastic. They also put a crappy nylon back with a crappy nylon strap on it. Now, as to your question of the Esee sheaths, I have several of their molded plastic sheaths and they are very good, better than kydex in certain respects, IMO of course. It is funny you mention faux kydex being soft. In my experience, Kydex is the much softer material. Kydex will melt at much lower temperatures. Don't leave you kydex sheath in a car on a hot summers day.

To the OP, the 3V is very tempting, It is currently my favorite steel. That said, I would get an Esee 6 for him and call it a day.
 
I have had secure ex sheaths that I believe contributed to the dulling of the edge. That material is definite softer than Kydex. I have felt the sheath that comes with the little ESEE neck knife type knives and it felt like softer plastic as well. All I'm getting at is the OP was looking for options and I for one do not see the additional benefit of buying ESEE over Ontario when the knives are practically identical. As for CS warranty; there are many examples of people here misusing the knives only to get replacements. I personally would buy neither for an outdoors knife/camp knife, both are overkill.
 
dear crom. with regards to the secure ex sheaths. Mine do the same thing . My CS knives sometimes get weak and wont securely grab the knife do u have the same issue with your sheaths?
 
crom said:
I have had secure ex sheaths that I believe contributed to the dulling of the edge. That material is definite softer than Kydex. I have felt the sheath that comes with the little ESEE neck knife type knives and it felt like softer plastic as well. All I'm getting at is the OP was looking for options and I for one do not see the additional benefit of buying ESEE over Ontario when the knives are practically identical. As for CS warranty; there are many examples of people here misusing the knives only to get replacements. I personally would buy neither for an outdoors knife/camp knife, both are overkill.
Click to expand...

Fair enough. When a plastic sheath is poorly designed it will dull a knife edge. I have not experienced that with my Esee knives that have the plastic sheaths (Izula, 3, 4, & 6). Also, when comparing directly in hand, kydex bends more than the Esee plastic sheaths and for sure has a lower melting point. All from my direct in hand experience but still IMO of course. For me, the Ontario Vs Esee argument is clear. Esee has the better warranty, better heat treat, better fit and finish, and better sheaths. The sheath upgrade alone is worth the price difference. Nothing worse than making a good knife suck by using a crappy sheath.

maccarelli said:
CS made in taiwan. aus8 steel . but not a usa product are you listening lynn Tompson? LOL
Click to expand...

Um, so did you read the OP? It is talking about the new AK fixed blade which has American made 3v steel which more than a significant upgrade over what you said in your attempt at bashing Cold Steel.
 
nope not bashing sir.I have a few cold steel blades. i like em.Furthermore hell. I make my own sheaths with knifekits. But i did not know the new cold steel was made in USA. Thank for the correction.
 
Last edited:
I support American manufacturing. It's how we won the 2nd World War. Additionally, the warranties are in no way comparable. The esee is made here, and has an infinite, no questions asked, free replacement policy. Forever. My decision is made.
 
maccarelli said:
dear crom. with regards to the secure ex sheaths. Mine do the same thing . My CS knives sometimes get weak and wont securely grab the knife do u have the same issue with your sheaths?
Click to expand...

Yeah, I read somewhere you can forcefully insert/retract the knife many times to wear a groove in the sheath. I tried this but I don't think it worked. Never had a problem with retention, though the sheath did start to wear (superficially i'm sure) marks into the soft handle. I ended up selling my last secure-ex sheathed knife some time back. Also like to add, the handle on the AK while looking cool and ergonomic, most likely isn't if it's anything like the folder. IMO, a work knife that has a more neutral shape is so much more comfortable in actual use. You know, not just looking cool strapped to your backpack hehe!
 
crom said:
Yeah, I read somewhere you can forcefully insert/retract the knife many times to wear a groove in the sheath. I tried this but I don't think it worked. Never had a problem with retention, though the sheath did start to wear (superficially i'm sure) marks into the soft handle. I ended up selling my last secure-ex sheathed knife some time back. Also like to add, the handle on the AK while looking cool and ergonomic, most likely isn't if it's anything like the folder. IMO, a work knife that has a more neutral shape is so much more comfortable in actual use. You know, not just looking cool strapped to your backpack hehe!
Click to expand...

yep. I just make new ones with kydex. Good knives none the less. thank u Crom
 
BK15

BK15%20MED.jpg


Get 'em while they're hot because they won't be around forever...
 
Go with the ESEE.

I wanted to make a joke about virtual fixed blades and Cold Steel but I'm too tired and not clever.
 
craytab said:
Apparently not. Just interested to see if new folks can back up the junk they talk. Fine for me if you dont want.
Click to expand...
that's not it you don't like new guys.sorry since it makes you happy I'll just take my cold steel knives and go play by myself
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top