Knife

R

Rigger#1

Joined
May 2, 2013
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Im thinking about buying a new knife. I have 3 in mind but never actually held any of them. I really like the esee 5 and its warranty but not the price. The rat 5 and the becker bk2 are the other two. For those of you that own these or have knowledge of them I would like to know if you could only have one which would it be?
 
ESEE 5, BK2, then RAT 5. In that order.

I probably wouldn't consider the RAT 5 because of quality control and Fit n finish issues that I have heard about with Ontario. If the ESEE really is too expensive for you I think you would be plenty happy with the BK2.

BTW, I have an ESEE 5 and it is a beast (all the knives you listed are actually). These aren't great for general cutting. They are more of SHTF knives. For a more useful all around knife try the ESEE 4. ESEEs are worth the extra price in my opinion.
 
Most.original.title.for.a.thread.ever.

You cant go wrong with ESEE. I had the ESEE 4 and it rocked.
 
For an all around camp knife an ESEE 4 or 6 would be excellent, just depends on which size you want. For more economical options look at other BKTs that are thinner than the BK2.
 
It's not an Esee, but in your situation I went with a Survive! GSO 4.1. It is made out of Stainless M390, is rock solid, has an amazing warranty, great sheath, and is oozing with an artistic tool like quality that has to be used.
 
You are right The GSO 4.1 is expensive at $199. However, an Esee 4 is running about $114 these days. I think it is worth the extra $85 for the stainless M390 upgrade and a knife that is ergonomically superior in my opinion.
 
If the OP is concerned about the price on an ESEE 5 @ $150 then a GSO 4.1 @ $219 may not work out. Looks like a great knife but that is a lot to pay, especially if price is a determining factor in the purchase decision. The ESEE 4 at $113 will come with an awesome sheath, incredible warranty, molle locks, and a molle backing. My 4 has a great feeling handle, but that is a personal preference issue. I have never held a 4.1. Again, if price is a major concern BKT would be the way to go. If you have no budget, the options are endless, why not get a Busse TGLB. The GSO 4.1 is another option but I think an ESEE 4 or 6 would be the way I would go (and have). For the money, ESEE is hard to beat.
 
I have the Rat-5 in D2. I bought it because I really like my rat-7 in D2. For me, that steel is great. It's a bit hard to sharpen on the fly, but I've put a good edge on it at home and it's lasted through several hunting/camping trips and still sharp. I've beaten on the rat-7 pretty good, too (batoning and wood splitting, etc.). My only beef is the blocky micarta handles. They're a bit uncomfortable under a long session of pounding. I have to admit the Rat-5 is larger than I need to for camp duties. I would think the Rat-3 or Esee 4 might be better for all around. I've had none of the quality issues that have been "heard of" on the internet either.
 
The knives you list are all heavy duty, thick, weighty pieces. More than many of us want hanging off our belts for extended periods of time.

Personally I'd look at the ESEE-4, Becker BK-15/16/17 or something from Bark River, such as the Bravo 1, Gunny or Aurora.
 
I'd go with the bk2 I have one and it has withstood tons of abuse. And it's 1095 cro van takes a edge easy and a softer steel than per say d2 so chipping or breaking wouldn't be a issue.
 
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