Looking for alternatives to a Becker BK2 and ESEE 5 - let me hear your thoughts.

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RevDevil - You're definitely not the only one, but definitely one of the few. I am supremely impressed with those knives and the designer Molletta, and if they ever make the Rasul again, i'm going to buy as many as I can. I have a Bravo 1 too, and I have considered the 1.5, but not the 2. Not a fan of the design of the 2. If the blade was wider, it would be an easier sell, but having it designed to be their version of the Kabar USMC, doesn't really do it for me.
 
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raindog101 said:
OK, I hear where you're coming from on the 6. Didn't like the stock scales myself, but I'm looking forward to the TKC scales (ordered some this past Monday). At this point, I'm going to echo Crazyfingers' suggestion above to take a look at the Survive!Knives series. I think the GSO 6 might be right up your alley. A bit spendy, with the 3V steel and all, but their handles are some of the most comfortable I've tried. And, if you grab one and don't like it, the resale market is pretty strong around here from what I've seen.
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I think you'll love the TKC scales. My issue was the feel of the G10, it felt really artificial in my hand, but it was really comfortable. The GSO series is where I think I'm headed, and if any website had 5.1, 6, or 7/7 available, i'd own one already. The 5 is nice, but I'm holding out for a 5.1-6 -7/7.
 
The GSO 6 is another good package. Lots of cutting edge for its size and no choil.
I was playing around with the removable scales and added some rubber liners. It really filled out the palm in a good way.
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Munzer said:
RevDevil - You're definitely not the only one, but definitely one of the few. I am supremely impressed with those knives and the designer Molletta, and if they ever make the Rasul again, i'm going to buy as many as I can. I have a Bravo 1 too, and I have considered the 1.5, but not the 2. Not a fan of the design of the 2. If the blade was wider, it would be an easier sell, but having it designed to be their version of the Kabar USMC, doesn't really do it for me.
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I have both the Bravo 1 and 1.5 and love them both. In fact they have a Bravo 1 LT now which is a thinner blade stock using 3V steel. I was just going through a similar exercise - though not exactly the same criteria. I came really close to ordering a Fallkniven S1 but ended up with the Bravo 1 LT. It's in transit from TKC and I expect to receive it tomorrow. Made in USA was a big deciding factor.
 
Munzer, you are absolutely on the right path. My final suggestion would be Scrapyard Knives or Swamp Rat. Very economical, USA made, and a lifetime guarantee. If GSO fits the bill contact Guy directly.

Ijustdontknow, I too was recently looking at the Necker II and the Bravo 1 LT. So many choices it's enough to make a guy go insane. I've also been looking into the Survive! line of knives, and possibly a custom from one of the makers here.

I'm in the same boat.:)
 
Fehrman? I would also recommend Bussekins. SY and SR are the shiz.
 
I don't think I read anything about the Ranger Series from Ontario Knives. Designed by Justin Gingrich and knives that match up favorably with Becker in size. The RD series do have clip points, but the Afgahn model is a drop point. These use 5210 carbon steel.
 
cutter17 said:
I don't think I read anything about the Ranger Series from Ontario Knives. Designed by Justin Gingrich and knives that match up favorably with Becker in size. The RD series do have clip points, but the Afgahn model is a drop point. These use 5210 carbon steel.
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The blockiness of the handle scales on Ranger Series kind of scares me. I do think the Afghan fits my criteria, but that handle looks like a killer. If i knew someone that had one, I would take it for a test drive.

i do appreciate all the suggestions, i'll look into the Fehrman. The current SW and SY models don't appeal to me.

I'll probably hold out until I can get one of the GSO models I like, or find the right custom to order. I know I'm way to picky, but there are no knife shops even remotely close to me, and I'm hesitant to buy without handling some of these great suggestions. Beckers and ESEEs are easy to find and I own a some of each, and what I'm trying to find is a knife with the blade profile and specs of the ESEE 5 and the handle ergos of the Becker BK2.
 
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I think you're right to hold out and keep a good lookout for a GSO in the size you want :thumbup: I have a GSO 5 and it's a great knife .


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HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS !
 
Munzer said:
The blockiness of the handle scales on Ranger Series kind of scares me. I do think the Afghan fits my criteria, but that handle looks like a killer. If i knew someone that had one, I would take it for a test drive
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The stock scales on the Ontario RD series are blocky, and not good for extended use. A few minutes with a half round file work wonders, though.
 
Mr. Bob said:
How about the Condor Crotalus?
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Excellent recommendation, that looks like it may be ideal. I don't own any Condor products, but I know their products are relatively inexpensive, but are they cheap as in low quality.
 
hhmoore said:
The stock scales on the Ontario RD series are blocky, and not good for extended use. A few minutes with a half round file work wonders, though.
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I've employed the half round file on a some my ESEE 6, RAT 7 and TAK 1. If i opt for the Afghan, I would give it the same treatment. How is the 5160 steel, I know its tough, but how is the edge retention?
 
kjd2121 - The only Busse/Swamprat/Scrapyard that really appealed to me was the Ash (i think that's what it was). Having never owned or handled one, some of the crazy handle shapes have made me lose interest. Many of their smaller offerings do appeal to me though.
 
Munzer said:
The blockiness of the handle scales on Ranger Series kind of scares me. I do think the Afghan fits my criteria, but that handle looks like a killer. If i knew someone that had one, I would take it for a test drive.

i do appreciate all the suggestions, i'll look into the Fehrman. The current SW and SY models don't appeal to me.

I'll probably hold out until I can get one of the GSO models I like, or find the right custom to order. I know I'm way to picky, but there are no knife shops even remotely close to me, and I'm hesitant to buy without handling some of these great suggestions. Beckers and ESEEs are easy to find and I own a some of each, and what I'm trying to find is a knife with the blade profile and specs of the ESEE 5 and the handle ergos of the Becker BK2.
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Hey, there is NOTHING wrong with a little pickyness. It will save you money in the long run!:thumbup::)
 
Munzer said:
Excellent recommendation, that looks like it may be ideal. I don't own any Condor products, but I know their products are relatively inexpensive, but are they cheap as in low quality.
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They are not "cheap as in low quality." They give the buyer a lot of bang for the buck and they are often recommended by forum members to people who want a good knife, machete, etc. without spending a lot of money. They are not Esee, Busse, Scrapyard, Swamp Rat, etc. but they are quite good for their price point.
 
Munzer said:
I've employed the half round file on a some my ESEE 6, RAT 7 and TAK 1. If i opt for the Afghan, I would give it the same treatment. How is the 5160 steel, I know its tough, but how is the edge retention?
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Ontario tends to run 5160 a little soft, but I've got no complaints with my RD7 - it has taken everything I've done with it in stride & without damage (nothing near abuse, though - routine camp duty and yard cleanup, with some chopping & batoning thrown in for testing/comparison purposes). Admittedly, I'd put it away for a few years; but I've been playing with it again recently.

On the other hand, I like my MBBs, too - you could ask them to do a 6" M8 in 1/4. Their new handles are much more comfortable than the old ones...though textured G10 can still get uncomfortable, especially considering the weight & impact. (actually, I know they've done some stuff in 3/16, too; so there's that option, as well)
 
jbass said:
They are not "cheap as in low quality." They give the buyer a lot of bang for the buck and they are often recommended by forum members to people who want a good knife, machete, etc. without spending a lot of money. They are not Esee, Busse, Scrapyard, Swamp Rat, etc. but they are quite good for their price point.
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Without ever seeing one up close, they look like very good products, just not fancy. That Crotalus has really has me interested.

hhmoore said:
Ontario tends to run 5160 a little soft, but I've got no complaints with my RD7 - it has taken everything I've done with it in stride & without damage (nothing near abuse, though - routine camp duty and yard cleanup, with some chopping & batoning thrown in for testing/comparison purposes). Admittedly, I'd put it away for a few years; but I've been playing with it again recently.

On the other hand, I like my MBBs, too - you could ask them to do a 6" M8 in 1/4. Their new handles are much more comfortable than the old ones...though textured G10 can still get uncomfortable, especially considering the weight & impact. (actually, I know they've done some stuff in 3/16, too; so there's that option, as well)
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I have been considering MBB, I do like the M8 and if I can get one in either ffg 1/4 or 3/16 sabre, that may be exactly what i'm looking for. I'm having a hard time getting a GSO 5.1 or 6 or 7/7 out of my mind though.
 
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