Help with ESEE shopping

B

Bob W

Joined
Dec 31, 2000
Messages
17,079
This crowd seems like just the bunch of folks to ask...

I'd like to pick up an ESEE knife. Not to use or abuse, just to have as an example for the collection.
Unfortunately I'm having a difficult time visualizing the different sizes and proportions merely by looking at specs and catalog pictures. Would anyone have a photo showing their various models side-by-side?

Thanks.
 
ESEE 6 in hand
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ESEE 3 in hand
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5 & 6 with Ritter/Becker perseverance mk 2 ("BK12")
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4 & izula 2
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Eskabar (BK14) with ESEE 4 (w/TKC aftermarket G10 scales)
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I just found a comparison picture at the ESEE website, exactly what I needed to make a decision. I've browsed their site before but must have missed it.

ESEE-group-shot1.jpg


The 6 does look nice. The #5 blade is broad by comparison, and the number 3 has a more 'stubby' profile. Both the #4 and #6 have visually appealing proportions between blade and handle lengths, and between the blade width and length. Generally speaking the #6 would make a better Accumulation piece since it's a bit larger (larger knives are easier to see and show), but I prefer the uncoated bladed that is offered on the 4 and not the 6.

So #4 it is...

Thanks for reading, everyone. Sometimes I just need to think out loud, so to speak. ;)

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If buying one to actually use and carry, the Eskabar looks like a real winner.
 
Thanks 1066vic. Those pictures were very helpful and I appreciate it. I have some Becker knives (BK2, BK7, and BK9), so I know what their handles are like. Seeing the RC-6 handle in comparison helps confirm my decision towards the ESEE #4.

:thumbup:
 
As an example for the collection ........

The graphics, weight, fire drill divot, pommel and the story behind it .... etc. ... make for a great story!
 
I'm going to get jumped on for saying this again but I think if someone's going to invest a hundred bones into a high quality bush knife it should at least be mentioned. The handles are hit and miss. Some people have no issues, and some like me find em damn near unuseable. If you want to take the safe route, you can buy the blade and some custom, longer handles with an integral pommel guard that give a much fuller grip. Price is almost exactly what you'd pay for the original, but you'd be in the safe zone for ergos. Great blades-awesome finish, great profile, sharp as hell and like to stay that way. I've got a 3, 5, Junglas and Rowan-made HEST, and when funds allow will pick up the custom-handled 4.
 
The 3 is only a hair shorter than the 4 and has a thinner blade. It's still plenty tough but it slices better. Just my observation. :)
 
PayetteRucker said:
I'm going to get jumped on for saying this again but I think if someone's going to invest a hundred bones into a high quality bush knife it should at least be mentioned. The handles are hit and miss. Some people have no issues, and some like me find em damn near unuseable. If you want to take the safe route, you can buy the blade and some custom, longer handles with an integral pommel guard that give a much fuller grip. Price is almost exactly what you'd pay for the original, but you'd be in the safe zone for ergos. Great blades-awesome finish, great profile, sharp as hell and like to stay that way. I've got a 3, 5, Junglas and Rowan-made HEST, and when funds allow will pick up the custom-handled 4.
Click to expand...

If you were choosing one for the collection and not to use ....... which would it be?
 
PayetteRucker said:
I'm going to get jumped on for saying this again but I think if someone's going to invest a hundred bones into a high quality bush knife it should at least be mentioned. The handles are hit and miss. Some people have no issues, and some like me find em damn near unuseable....
Click to expand...

No one's going to jump on you. Thanks for bringing it up.

Is your issue with the fit-and-finish/quality, or simply the ergonomics and design?
 
I think Payette is refering to their size, correct me if I'm wrong. They are thin and have the exposed pommel, which can dig into larger hands. Thus, the Knife Connection made larger scales. I highly recommend them, I have them on my ESEE 4.

ESEE 4, w/ TKC g-10 scales next to a Bark River Bravo-1...
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Fit and finish are about as perfect as they come. I'm referring to the shape of the handle moreso than anything. The gradual boattail design ends right at the meat of my palm, and when pressure is exerted on the handle, IE, when I am putting pressure on the blade to carve, the handle pushes up and out of any kind of firm grip. The more pressure you use to grip the handle, the more the handle wants to squirt out the front of your fist. It becomes incredibly annoying when you're doing any kind of long term bushcrafting or survival work. The TKC handles appear to be the solution. I have average size hands, generally a large glove size. Other than the shape of the handle they are really ideal survival knives, the factory just hasn't chosen to modify them from the original design to suit everyone's ergonomic requirement-thus, TKC has stepped in and solved the problem.

If I were to choose one for the collection and not to use, the RC-5 has the most novelty. The whole Jungle-ized SERE thing, skull crusher/glass breaker, bow drill divot, mondo profile and drop point saber blade (I kinda have a thing for drop point, saber ground knives) would probably add the most zoot.
 
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PayetteRucker said:
I'm going to get jumped on for saying this again but I think if someone's going to invest a hundred bones into a high quality bush knife it should at least be mentioned. The handles are hit and miss. Some people have no issues, and some like me find em damn near unuseable. If you want to take the safe route, you can buy the blade and some custom, longer handles with an integral pommel guard that give a much fuller grip. Price is almost exactly what you'd pay for the original, but you'd be in the safe zone for ergos. Great blades-awesome finish, great profile, sharp as hell and like to stay that way. I've got a 3, 5, Junglas and Rowan-made HEST, and when funds allow will pick up the custom-handled 4.
Click to expand...

ditto on the ergonomics being hit or miss. after using them awhile i got rid of my 5, 4, & 3. for me hands down the junglas has the best ergonomics.


Brian Sargent said:
If you were choosing one for the collection and not to use ....... which would it be?
Click to expand...

ditto on the 5 for show and tell. ofcourse the junglas has an interesting story to tell too.

junglas_t-shirt.jpg
 
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