Help me pick: TOPS BOB vs Esee 4

I was going to say BK16 is worth a look,
Godspeed I believe that is a BK17 in your photo. ( nice photos BTW)
 
I have only had my Tops B.O.B. for a few days now but am loving this knife. The one thing that I really love is the sheath and that much maligned clip attachment. I wear suspenders most of the time. I put a belt on with the suspenders just to allow me to carry my knife. I have found I don't need the belt with this sheath. I can directly attach the knife to my jeans and get the perfect angle for my carry (ie. left side with slightly upward canter). This clip on the sheath allows me more freedom of placement than a tekloc on my other knife sheaths. My big questions, and these can only be answered by someone who has had this knife for some time - does the clip rotation mechanism last and does the rotation mechanism stay tight over time. Reviewers have postulated that the clip might not last but there are no reports I have found of it failing.
 
DarkPatriot said:
Thanks for the pics, GodSpeed. I know you said the bushcrafter throws a better spark, how do you feel the 162 and the B.O.B. compare in other aspects? I've never really owned a carbon steel knife and was interested in how it compares to my stainless collection? I like the scandi grind on my mora, and like how it goes through wood and would be interested to see how it is on a larger knife. I may end up pulling the trigger since I'm not in a place currently that I need to be conservative about knife purchases, but I'd like to hear how the 2 (tops & and 162) compare from someone who owns both.
Click to expand...


No problem, looks like you've found a place to get your hands on them too so that's great. I think the ESEE-4 is in the same class as the 4 (blade profile/size etc.) and a convexed blade would be a nice addition/change-up BUT, I convex all of my ESEE users anyways so it's an easy fix. To be honest I don't have much time with the BM162 yet like I do with my other knives but I've been grabbing the BOB before Bushcrafter lately... need to dedicate more time to "specific" knives.

The Bushcrafter is a little thin to convex but it's a great slicer. I'd like to hear your opinion/choice once you get a chance to check them out.

LG&M: Right you are Sir, I need to get some more sleep lol. Glad you liked the pics.


Eli
 
Glenn Jones: I have a scrap pile of "stock" sheaths and I make my own so I can't tell you from experience but if I remember correctly it seemed like there's a rubber o-ring that the clip swivels against and the sticker on the opposite side covers a screw head so it should be something that can be re-built. I replace a lot of the factory sheaths because most people find it "limiting" but it's a serviceable sheath and would make a good backup sheath.

Gratuitous (and possibly shameful) BOB Kydex Sheath Pics:

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bb16e8aa-3d78-4634-972f-45d5352fcf0f_zps62f4cdfe.jpg



Eli
 
.02

I have most, if not all of the aforementioned knives.

I, like yourself, was doing my own self-funded research on what works best IN THE FIELD.

The girlfriend and I are avid hikers, doing AT sections, Adirondacks, Alaska, etc.

I have added a couple of Lionsteel made knives to this collection, a M3, and a DPX HEFT 4. Both Niolox.

ALSO - I have added bothe the GSO 4.1 and 5 to the mix.

I am very partial to STAINLESS blades out in the wet wilderness.

Having said all that, the one thing that hasn't been mentioned, especially since you will be trekking with these blades, is weight.

The BOB outweighs most of these, albeit by a few ounces. I never concern myself with extra weight when it comes to a few ounces vs. the knife I want/need to carry - but it is worth the mention.

Impression.

If you want to stick to your ORIGINAL question, the ESEE 4, with TKC custom scales is the way to go for one important reason.

It sharpens like you wouldn't believe in the field! Whether it be with a stone, diamond stick, even a Smiths Pocket Pal, that 1095 and the flat grind, and size of blade does great!

It can handle anything those other knives can - and weighs in lighter.

As far as the stainless knives go - the GSO's are holding up just fine, but those Niolox blades seem to always be razor sharp - and are easier to sharpen than the S30v

Good luck. You got some $$. Do your own due diligence - and you will find what suits you well!
 
I chose the BOB myself,just ordered tonight. My choice was between the Fieldcraft knife and a BK16. After reading,and watching some reviews I decided to pay extra for the Fieldcraft. I have not received it yet,but can tell you as soon as it arrives I will be removing that clip and replacing it with a dangler attachment.
 
Wow, I haven't received an update on this thread in a few days. I want to thank everyone for their responses. I went to the store which was also someone's house. There was only 2 other customers in the store so I was a little dismayed, but I shouldn't have been.

The owner of the store turned out to be quite the old hand at bushcraft and was extremely accommodating, he let me try out the display models on some kindling in the back. I ended up trying the B.O.B., the ESEE's 4, 5, 6, and laser strike, the Becker 16, the Spyderco bushcraft and the bark river Aurora. I have to say I liked them all more or less but I really liked the B.O.B. It felt great in hand and I had a lot of success with the various trials I did in store with it. I ended up with the version with black and green G10 handles. I'll be taking the B.O.B. with the 162 and the mora on the backpacking trip this summer, put them through their paces, takes some pics, and post my final preference.

Godspeed, I wanted to ask the procedure for ordering sheathes from you. It wouldn't be for a couple months, but I'd like to have sheathes made for both the 162 and the B.O.B. made with a left handed person in mind. Just shoot me a message and let me know so I can make the necessary preparations. Thank you and thanks everyone!
 
I am none too happy with you DarkPatriot. Since viewing this thread I have now bought a 162 to add to my B.O.B.. I love my B.O.B. but in my sub-tropical climate I also love stainless and hence my decision to add the 162 to my collection, and I found a retailer selling the 162 for about half the recommended retail price (same price I paid for my B.O.B.). Added to that I have also contacted Godspeed to arrange a sheath for each. Please do not start another thread, you have cost me enough money already.
 
Glenn, I am truly sorry to have thus burdened you. Hopefully the "afflictions" you've acquired from my thread will serve you long and well ;).
 
Any updates on things, DarkPatriot? I have a 162 and a Mora but the B.O.B. has been on my mind, too. Curious what you've found after owning them all....
 
Omknj said:
.02

I have most, if not all of the aforementioned knives.

I, like yourself, was doing my own self-funded research on what works best IN THE FIELD.

The girlfriend and I are avid hikers, doing AT sections, Adirondacks, Alaska, etc.

I have added a couple of Lionsteel made knives to this collection, a M3, and a DPX HEFT 4. Both Niolox.

ALSO - I have added bothe the GSO 4.1 and 5 to the mix.

I am very partial to STAINLESS blades out in the wet wilderness.

Having said all that, the one thing that hasn't been mentioned, especially since you will be trekking with these blades, is weight.

The BOB outweighs most of these, albeit by a few ounces. I never concern myself with extra weight when it comes to a few ounces vs. the knife I want/need to carry - but it is worth the mention.

Impression.

If you want to stick to your ORIGINAL question, the ESEE 4, with TKC custom scales is the way to go for one important reason.

It sharpens like you wouldn't believe in the field! Whether it be with a stone, diamond stick, even a Smiths Pocket Pal, that 1095 and the flat grind, and size of blade does great!

It can handle anything those other knives can - and weighs in lighter.

As far as the stainless knives go - the GSO's are holding up just fine, but those Niolox blades seem to always be razor sharp - and are easier to sharpen than the S30v

Good luck. You got some $$. Do your own due diligence - and you will find what suits you well!
Click to expand...

How do you like the gso 4.1? is it worth the money? is it 3v? if so how do you like the steel as far as weather resistant
 
Esee also offers custom G10 handles/scales for the model 4. My son has one and loves it with Black and Blue G10. Someone recommended the 5 and 6. The 5 is a beast at 1/4" thick and not really suited to bushcraft like the BK2, it's just too thick and short. The 6 is a great Esee and my favorite but it's a big knife. A lot of guys carry two knives out in the woods. A large chopper style like the 6, and a smaller model likle the Izula or Izula II for camp chores. I carry that combo or the SURVIVE GSO 10 with a GSO 4.1 piggybacked onto it. I just orderd the new SURVIVE 3.5 to add with the 10 instead of the 4. A little smaller package. The orange knife is the Esee 5.
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Hello Mr. Mildots, an update. I ended up selling the tops and buying an ESEE 4 instead. Nothing wrong with the tops B.O.B, I just found, for me, the bushcrafter 162 to be a superior knife. I also love my ESEE 4 and don't find the stock handle to be uncomfortable. I have two combinations that have been serving me well. The first is for longer trips, where I will pack my benchmade 162, my mora, and my Khukuri. Between those three I haven't yet found a task I couldn't handle. For short day trips I'll bring my estwing sportsman's axe and my ESEE 4. Unfortunately the shop I bought the tops in has since gone out of business. I did find another shop called Rocky Mountain Specialty gear in Arvada, they have an excellent selection of knives and the owner was very knowledgeable.
 
DarkPatriot said:
Hello Mr. Mildots, an update. I ended up selling the tops and buying an ESEE 4 instead. Nothing wrong with the tops B.O.B, I just found, for me, the bushcrafter 162 to be a superior knife. I also love my ESEE 4 and don't find the stock handle to be uncomfortable. I have two combinations that have been serving me well. The first is for longer trips, where I will pack my benchmade 162, my mora, and my Khukuri. Between those three I haven't yet found a task I couldn't handle. For short day trips I'll bring my estwing sportsman's axe and my ESEE 4. Unfortunately the shop I bought the tops in has since gone out of business. I did find another shop called Rocky Mountain Specialty gear in Arvada, they have an excellent selection of knives and the owner was very knowledgeable.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info and the tip about the store... it just so happens I'll be near Arvada this afternoon. Hmm!
 
Esee makes really great knives, I like the handle (I have small hands).
The sheath is really good, and the knife itself is awesome for outdoor, something like batoning and cutting branches.
For a little more money, you can get one of the Survive knives!
My brother has one and he says it's one of the best fixed blades you can get,
There's a big topic on it, you can read all the reviews about it there.
Anyhow, good luck searching!
 
I'm very new/green to this. I just purchased an Esee Laser Strike and would like to piggy back a izzula to it. I would also like to add a pouch and a fire Rod to the sheath (I know there's a Rod in the LS handle but I want one on the outside). The setup in your first photo looks exactly like what I'm looking for. If you could send me some info on where to purchase this gear I would greatly appreciate it.

Hale Storm said:
Esee also offers custom G10 handles/scales for the model 4. My son has one and loves it with Black and Blue G10. Someone recommended the 5 and 6. The 5 is a beast at 1/4" thick and not really suited to bushcraft like the BK2, it's just too thick and short. The 6 is a great Esee and my favorite but it's a big knife. A lot of guys carry two knives out in the woods. A large chopper style like the 6, and a smaller model likle the Izula or Izula II for camp chores. I carry that combo or the SURVIVE GSO 10 with a GSO 4.1 piggybacked onto it. I just orderd the new SURVIVE 3.5 to add with the 10 instead of the 4. A little smaller package. The orange knife is the Esee 5.
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