Looking for two new fixed blades

G

Greenhead556

Joined
Sep 6, 2011
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I sold two of my fixed blades, currently looking to fill their spots. I've heard alot about ESEE on here and how they are great knives. Also all of my other knives have stainless steel blades, so I think it would be a good change of pace. I want to pick up a large and small fixed blade. Right now I have my eyes on the Laser Strike and the ESSE 3. What does the hive have to say about these two?

Also has/does anyone use their ESSE around saltwater? I know that it is not idea as the blade is made out of carbon steel, but I was just curious. I see alot of reccomendations for ESSE's as survival knives. But it makes me wonder why because they would be more prone to corrosion and would be exposed to elements that would cause this in a "survival" scenario. Forgive me if my question is dumb. Maybe someone can clear this up.

Thanks.
 
First off, ESSE makes some GREAT stuff. Carbon steel is great for the majority of "survival" situations due to its high toughness, and very easy sharpen-ability.

The only issue with the ESSE stuff is indeed, salt conditions. You'll probably experience it mostly on the edge to begin with, but as the coating wears away, it could slowly take over the blade. In a salt air environment, all blades are going to need more maintenance. You might want to look at something from Spyderco in H1, if salt water is your main concern. You might be able to find a disco'd aqua salt or something in the for sale forums.

I would recommend you look into the Spyderco mule teams that are going to be coming out on the 19th if you can get one. Nice solid leaf shaped fixed blades, and the new run is going to be in CTS-XHP, which is a damn good steel, with very good corrosion resistance properties, with the only downside being you'll need to make or have some handles made, or wrap with para cord. The reason I mention these in general is because the mule team release is imminent, and they're inexpensive for what they are if you can get one.

hope this was useful information.
 
EESE is a fantastic company. The blades are coated, so corrosion will be mainly along the edge. Just wipe it dry and wipe it with mineral oil when you get home and you'll be fine. As for the models you've chosen, I have no experience with the Laser Strike, but the 3 is a fantastic tool.
 
Have you herd about Fallkniven, Bark River Knife and Tool, Blind Horse Knives Fiddleback Forge Knives, Koster Knives, Mora...?
 
There are many threads on ESEEs products. Do a search, there's a wealth of information to be found.

I owned the 3. It's was a great knife with some minor gripes. The biggest problem for me was the smallish handle. It didn't fit my hands very well. I also disliked the choil, that took up a lot of cutting edge. Personally id go for the LS instead...it has a bigger blade, bigger handle and thicker bladestock.

Regarding the rust, carbon steel WILL rust in a humid environment of left to its own. This is a pic of my RC3, which i used on a rainy day. I forgot to wipe it dry before i sheathed it. This is the day after and as you can see theres quite a bit of rust on the exposed edge. It was no big deal, it took about 60 seconds on a DC4 stone.

Look into Fallkniven for stainless outdoor knives.
 

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Fallkniven F1 has been a very good user for me. Tough, rust resistant, and really good in wet, cold weather.
 
I have owned every model from ESEE at some point.

The '3 is a great all around knife. It is a perfect EDC knife, to wear on a belt under an untucked t-shirt everywhere legal. For defensive purposes, the "clip point" double edged '3 can't be beat for its length.

The LS is one of my favorite woods knives, I couldn't recommend it more.

You picked out two good ones, exactly what I would buy if I could only have two.
 
I really like Becker Knives, I own 2 of them. The knives are excellent quality and priced very well. It is worth a shot in my eyes. Mora is also a great company to consider, very practical and durable fixed blades at an incredible price. ;)
 
Blind Horse Knives are my go to fixed blade makers. Well made non flashy fixed blades for hunting and camping applactions. Made here in the USA hand made for a price point you cannot beat. I's a big fan of the Work horse and M.U.K. the offer 2 diffident sheaths, Scandi grinds for a few bucks extra and your choice of micarta handles on most of their knives. They use 01,D2 at 58-59 hardness mostly. It does take about one month get get the a knife from BHK but they are all hand made to order as far as I know.
 
I love the R3. It feels great in the hand and in a good kydex rig, it conceals very well.

esee4.jpg
 
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