Esse scales vs. Ontario Ranger/Ranger Bush Series

[BuckeyeGuy]

I was hoping some of the more experienced knife users could give me your opinions on this. I am considering purchasing either an Esee 3 or Esee 4, but can't get my hands on one locally to see how they feel. I have an Ontario Ranger Bush Series 9 that looks to have a very similar handle design as the Esee, does anyone have experience with both that can lend me their opinions on how these handles compare as far as ergonomics? I absolutely hate the handle design on the Ranger and I'm worried I'll feel the same about the Esee. The corners on the Ranger are very sharp, and the large humps on the top and bottom make it very uncomfortable. I love Becker handles, for what its worth.

 

[Joebsand]

Well I dont have any ontario knives but I do have a couple ESEE's including the 4. Its handle is contoured pretty well and definitely doesnt have a blocky feeling like I've heard the ranger series of knives having. But it isnt a particularly huge knife and therefore doesnt have an overly large grip. I wear a large size gloves and my hand fits well on the handle, but it could do with a bit more swell or mass for comfort during extended use, but overall I think its a great design. Honestly you cant go wrong. The 4 was my first ESEE and I am hooked now as I'm sure you would be.

 

[jimh0220]

Have Ontario knives, not the Ranger series, but and RTAK II and a NS4. The common thread for both seems to be pretty squared off handles. Now, that said, I love Ontario blades, so I'll do a little rounding to the RS4 (sold the RTAK) to my liking. Esee knives come much sleeker and more comfortable. Had a 6 and 3, and both were great,and there are a lot of custom handles out there.

You'll like the ESEE handles, but working on an Ontario, you can probably adjust it to your liking. Either knife is good. If you just don't like Ontario, get the ESEE.