Giving ESEE a shot

flipaldinho

flipaldinho

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Jan 18, 2012
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Hello all. This is my first time posting in the General Knife Discussion so please point me in the right direction if this is misplaced. I have recently seen some pictures and reviews of some ESEE knives and my interest has been piqued. How are they? I first saw the Junglas and BOY is that guy a beast. I am looking at getting a KaBar BK9 at some point but that Junglas would give it a run for its money! So here is my question, is there a chance any one could please let me try out one of their ESEEs? Specifically a 3 or a 4? I wanna try them out, experiment with their ergonomics and ability but I can't commit to buying one without seeing for myself first. I know this may seem shady but I really want to give them a shot and see if they are worth the hype. I am willing to pay the shipping both ways, a flat-rate box would probably work best. I would just want to try it out for a couple days, try some whittling, some carving and just see how it fits in my hand. If there is no way this will happen and you guys know that, please let me know. Anyways, I appreciate your consideration.
 
Try Knifeworks. They're quick and fast. They have a good return policy (Ive never tried it). Ordered my first Esee from there last week. and love it.
 
They're fine knives, but I'm not huge on the blade shape. The handles are comfortable enough, but a bit flat. For many people they are just fine. I only have the 3-MIL, and while it is a perfectly respectable knife, I wouldn't purchase it again given the chance. Only for personal preference reasons. It came in at a hair under $100, I think. Yet I vastly prefer my $12 Mora knives in almost every single way. Except for having crappier sheaths.

Good luck at getting someone to let you test theirs... :D Most ESEE guys are fanatics, and might not part easily with theirs.
 
ESEE is good stuff. Great no-nonsense designs with a fantastic warranty. The 3 and 4 are a little small in the handle for some folks with large hands, but they work great for me. Dale at The Knife Connection carries custom scales for them that lengthen the grip.
 
Good knives, with a no nonsense warranty, and as others have said good sheaths that come with the knives. I have a 3, 4, and 5, and they've been great, but I did put TKC scales on my 4 because the handle was a bit small for me. For some reason I don't mind it on the 3. (same handle).
 
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There is a pass around part of this site, maybe it is something for you to look forward to. I almost bought an ESEE when I was buying my last fixed blade, but I went with a convex edge. I'd still like to compare the ESEE 4 to the BK2 though.
 
Trail Edge said:
There is a pass around part of this site, maybe it is something for you to look forward to. I almost bought an ESEE when I was buying my last fixed blade, but I went with a convex edge. I'd still like to compare the ESEE 4 to the BK2 though.
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That could be a good option, thanks for the heads up. On the note of comparison, I have heard that the ESEE 5 is more of the comparable model to the BK2. The ESEE 4 does seem more manageable though.
 
It would be nice to handle them. Maybe you could call the guy at chestnut ridge and cut a deal?
 
The ESEE 4 is wayyyy smaller than the BK-2 and far more manageable if you are planning on carrying it any serious distance. Mine has the TKC handles as well and it suits my biggish hands really well. It's a really good package IMO and I'd feel confident taking it into a survival or combat type situation that it would do pretty much everything I asked it to. I'll try and sort some photos tomorrow.

On your other comment, I have the BK-9 and a friend has the Junglas and we compared them one day (over the dining room table sadly - a chop off is yet to be organised). I picked up the Junglas and said, "yeah OK, cool but I already have this covered." He picked up the BK-9 and said, "oh I think I have to get one of these." Make of that what you will.
 
My 4 with the TKC Camo scales, along side my 3 which now wears the 4's tan, factory scales, but was not on the 3 yet when I took this pic.


ImportedPhotos00021.jpg
 
What are these TKC scales I keep hearing about? They seem to be a little thicker than factory...?
 
They are a little thicker, but not a lot. I have a set on my ESEE-6 and love them. They are kind of contoured more like the Becker handles, and well worth the money.
 
EK20 said:
They are a little thicker, but not a lot. I have a set on my ESEE-6 and love them. They are kind of contoured more like the Becker handles, and well worth the money.
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give us a shot of the palm swell of those scales, if you would
 
mctrinket said:
Love the lanyard on the BK2. What is that knot you finished it with?
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No idea. Something I saw on a website somewhere, but I forget what it's called and I know it doesn't look very much like the one on the video I based it on. But thanks anyway. :)
 
Thanks for the shot of the scales. That helps put things in perspective. The original grips did not look too bad but these do look a little more graceful.
 
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