Help with ESEE shopping

Well, I ordered the #4 with the tan handles and plain edge.

Thanks, but no thanks on the #5 "graphics." I don't put that skull and crossbones death fetish crap on my bike, and I'm certainly not buying knives with it either. Yuck. :mad:

Thanks for bringing to my attention the custom handle scale options from TKC. Interesting, but for the collection I want a factory original example. Too bad they don't do anything in wood. If I were to buy a second ESEE knife in the future, it just might be a #6 or #5 to customize - strip the coating and add natural handles. Hmmm...

Thank again for all the suggestions and information. :thumbup:
 
PayetteRucker said:
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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I just bought a 4 and regret it. In all the reviews and write ups about this knife I never once saw a handle issue. I generally wear medium to large size gloves so I was shocked when this knife had a handle that was too small for me. I get better purchase on the Izula 2. I've removed the scales and did a quicky paracord wrap and the handle feels better but it's probably destined for the "for sale" pile.
 
try adding liners or the TKC scales if you can find a set on the exchange - or make some wood ones that cover and pass the pommel by 1/2" -- totally changes the feel of the knife.
 
Bob W said:
Thanks, but no thanks on the #5 "graphics." I don't put that skull and crossbones death fetish crap on my bike, and I'm certainly not buying knives with it either. Yuck. :mad:
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a note about the skull and cross knives logo - paraphrasing what jeff randall (co-owner of esee) posted previously, it wasn't meant as a tough guy logo but a reminder to keep one's skills sharp/constantly learn or end up like the logo.
 
JV3 said:
a note about the skull and cross knives logo - paraphrasing what jeff randall (co-owner of esee) posted previously, it wasn't meant as a tough guy logo but a reminder to keep one's skills sharp/constantly learn or end up like the logo.
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I've heard that before. I still don't want skulls on all my gear. For one I hike with others who aren't so keen on skulls and harcore stuff. And two, I'm not keen on skulls and hardcore stuff. :D
 
Shotgun said:
I've heard that before. I still don't want skulls on all my gear. For one I hike with others who aren't so keen on skulls and harcore stuff. And two, I'm not keen on skulls and hardcore stuff. :D
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strip it or spray paint it over. i don't let looks prevent me from using an otherwise very well-designed knife. i use 'em so i don't mind. they could even put a pink unicorn logo on there and i'd still buy it - i'll just use it more often to wear it off quicker :p
 
I don't even notice the skull. Forgot it was even one my 5.


:yawn:
 
This one caught my interest. I think that I'm going for an orange scaled 4. I have more than enough big and middle sized blades. It's time for me to try the smaller F.B.'s now. I would have gone for the 6 but I already have several mid rangers. Might still, who knows. Came within a hair of trading for a N.I.B. 5 but I have two that fill that role and can't see the point. Part of me is tired of 1\4 inch spined heavier knives.
 
Shotgun said:
I just bought a 4 and regret it. In all the reviews and write ups about this knife I never once saw a handle issue. I generally wear medium to large size gloves so I was shocked when this knife had a handle that was too small for me. I get better purchase on the Izula 2. I've removed the scales and did a quicky paracord wrap and the handle feels better but it's probably destined for the "for sale" pile.
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I don't like the '4 either. I sold mine after it sat in the safe for a couple of years while my ESEE-6 rode on my belt in the woods, not for the bigger blade but for the handle. The '4 also has the worst balance of anything in ESEE's lineup.
 
wow, Im glad I came onto this, I was like a week away from buying a 4. Guess I'll stick with my 6.
 
My first, and still probably my favorite beside the Junglas is the 4. The handle may be a tad small, but I don't really mind it. It is pretty comfortable to use, in my opinion. You should hold onto it before saying no to it. Or yes, for that matter.
 
TheGame said:
My first, and still probably my favorite beside the Junglas is the 4. The handle may be a tad small, but I don't really mind it. It is pretty comfortable to use, in my opinion. You should hold onto it before saying no to it. Or yes, for that matter.
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True. I think only a small amount of people have a problem with it. I just happen to be a problem child. :D
 
Try using it for a little while before deciding that the handle is too small for you. Many find that it seems small at first but find it perfectly comfortable when they actually use it extensively in the woods. That being said, I don't find them small because I have sissy little girly hands. :p
 
I bought an RC-3 when they first came out.

I loved the edge and the way it cut but I really didn't like the handle and the finger choil.

I like the edge to come as close to my hand as possible and couldn't figure out why they designed the knife that way.

I can see it on a knife with a 6 to 8 inch edge but not a knife with less than 4 inches of cutting edge.
 
Can someone please post up a pic of the BK-14 above or below an ESEE 4 ? Thank you.
 
Thanks for all of the help. The ESEE-4 arrived today and I am pleased. Super-sharp, not even a hint of a manufacturing imperfection, and reasonably comfortable to hold. Not only is the tan version an attractive addition for the collection, I'm also confident I can depend on for an emergency blade if the need arises.

I appreciate all of the comments on the other models too. Maybe next time. :)
 
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