Man...picked up an ESEE RC-3 & HEST

S

shinank

Joined
Feb 10, 2009
Messages
53
This is so addictive. I originally got an Ontario RAT-3 D2 (I really wanted the D2)

Then I started doing more and more research on ESEE. I found this place and I too became a fan. I ended up picking up a HEST & RC-3 w/ Leather Sheath. I wanted to try a variety of sheaths to see what was more comfortable to carry.

All of these will serve as EDC, dayhiking & Camping blades.

Thanks. The ESEE community is great.
 
Last edited:
Congratulations! Just curious, have you used and compared the two 3's yet, and what your thoughts are about the two in comparison?
 
only real difference is the material used and length of handle.... ESEE3 has a longer handle and in this case 1095 steel vs. D2
Jeff Randall & Mike Perrin design both blades just the RAT3 is produced by Ontario and the RC3/ESEE3 is made by ESEE
 
I've go a couple of RC-3's and the Ontario Rat-3 in D2. My hands are about medium in size, so the slightly shorter handle on the Rat-3 is not a problem. That said,the RC-3 handle is a bit more comfortable for me.

I like D2, S30V and other super steels, especially for a dedicated hunting knife intended for a specific/limited purpose. But for a multipurpose woods knife like the RC-3 or RC-4, I like the 1095. Its takes and holds a very good edge, and is easy to touch-up or resharpen. The D2, while generally will hold an edge for a longer period of use, its more of a chore to sharpen, especially without diamond hones.

The only other minor difference is that the choil on the Rat-3 was dulled where it meets the blade edge. My RC-3's were sharp in this area. Easy to remedy by blunting the corner on the RC-3 with a hone or stone, if you so desire.

Chris
 
Thanks Murphyslaw, that's what I was wondering mainly; the comparison of the two steels. Not owning a D2 knife, I'm always curious about how they hold up in real world use and if they are worth the extra cost.
 
texastonydobbs said:
only real difference is the material used and length of handle.... ESEE3 has a longer handle and in this case 1095 steel vs. D2
Jeff Randall & Mike Perrin design both blades just the RAT3 is produced by Ontario and the RC3/ESEE3 is made by ESEE
Click to expand...

And that can be a very large difference.:)
 
Murphyslaw said:
I'm glad my post was helpful. FWIW, I feel that my Rat-3 in D2 was a great deal at less than $60.
Click to expand...

Everything you said is spot on as far as my knowledge goes. I got a great deal on my D2 Rat as well.

NutnFancy has a couple of good table top reviews of the Ontario Rat-3 and ESEE RC-3.

He mainly noted the handle length difference and better fit & finish of the ESEE.

Thanks. I am eagerly awaiting my packages.
 
Wow! Just opened my HEST and there is a tremendous quality difference between my Ontario RAT-3 D2 and the HEST.

The HEST is razor sharp out the box. I had to touch up my RAT-3...it was basically dull from the factory.

The scales and coating on the blade feel more robust. The HEST feels like a much more expensive blade.

I am very pleased. Cant wait for my ESEE RC-3 to get in.
 
I can't find a HEST in stock anywhere. They must be popular or limited production at this point.
 
Vege-Taco said:
I can't find a HEST in stock anywhere. They must be popular or limited production at this point.
Click to expand...

I was afraid that would happen. I think after I picked mine up from New Graham Knives they had 1 left. Now they are out of stock.
 
Vege-Taco said:
I can't find a HEST in stock anywhere. They must be popular or limited production at this point.
Click to expand...

I ordered one last week from Knifeworks. They said they had a few. The knife is with out a doubt worth the hunt or wait. I LOVE my HEST, such a great knife.
 
Hows the HEST compare to the RC-3?? Im torn between getting a RC-3 or a RC-4 as I have a HEST on order.. I already have a Ontario Rat-5 that I got many moons ago when they were the only RAT company..
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top