Need EDC fixed blade

gulliamo said:
What is the difference between the ESSE 3 and the Ontario RAT 3?

http://www.eseeknives.com/rc-3.htm
http://www.knivesshipfree.com/Ontario-Knife-R.A.T.-3-D2-Steel-Black-Sheath-RAT-3

(I know... I'm full of questions.)
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Since you asked, here's the stock history lesson: :) from 02-07 Ontario built the RAT knives in collaboration with Randall Adventure and Training. (RAT)
After 07, they went their separate ways. Jeff Randall & Mike Perrin of Randall Adventure & Training started RAT Cutlery making the RC3, RC4, RC5, & RC6.
In 2010, due to name confusion, they changed their knife company name to ESEE.
The Ontario RAT3 and the RAT cutlery RC3 (or ESEE3 as it's now labeled) are VERY similar. RC/ESEE blades are made in Idaho by Rowen, Ontario blades are made at their factory in NY.
The main difference is production standards & warranty. The RC/ESEE blades have a higher fit/finish and a "No BS" lifetime warranty and so cost more than the Ontario versions.

Also - last time i looked, there were still some Swamp Wardens available through Swamp Rat Knife Works if you're willing to go a little smaller than your 4" blade. yes, it comes without handle scales or a sheath, but it's supposed to be a great little knife and there are several people on the forum who could make you a sheath at a reasonable price.
 
ESEE 3 or ESEE4, i have both and like the 4 better out of the both. Its easy to horizontal carry as well. Great knife from good people with an outstanding warranty and made in USA.....:thumbup::thumbup:
 
$104 is the basic version with "rubberlike" handle and molded plastic sheath.
$230 is the deluxe/custom version with micarta scales and leather sheath.
Think GMC vs Caddy.
 
Aggghhhh! It keeps getting worse! The more I look the more options I have! What happened to the good ol' days when we didn't have any choices and we were stuck with the few crappy products that were available to us?

These look good too!
http://www.knivesshipfree.com/STS-3

http://www.knivesshipfree.com/Bark-River-Knives-2009-North-Star-Knife-Midnite-Tiger-Hollow-Pins

An extra $130? for handles and a sheath I'm not going to use anyway? I'm sure I can get Chase to put handles on for less.
http://chaxknives.com/Handles.html
 
How much of a factor is weight and length to you? The ESEE-4 and Swamp Rat HRLM are both pretty solid, heavy knives IMO. They are certainly acceptable but my choice would be the Swamp Warden. It's light, thin and just enough handle with a cord wrap for a full grip. With roughly a 3" blade, it does most everything you need a belt knife to do without being cumbersome.
 
Hardtarget762:
While I would love a Busse those are about an inch longer than what I want. And the SAR 3 is about an inch shorter...
 
gulliamo said:
These are all close:
(Almost the perfect size)
Fallkniven F1
http://www.fallkniven.com/en/shop/details/370/24/fixed-blades/survival-knives/f1
Bark River Fox River
http://www.barkriverknifetool.com/knifedetail.asp?kid=1
Bark River Bravo Necker 2
http://www.knivesshipfree.com/Bark-River-Knives-Bravo-Necker-2-Green-BN2


(I really, really like the design of this! If I were to draw up exactly what I want it would be this with a wee bit longer blade. I like the holes in the handle but wish it had a full cut out choil or no choil at all - the small choil seems worthless.)
Busse SAR3
http://www.bussecompanystore.com/knives.htm

(This is really close as well but I wish the handle were drilled like the Busse.)
http://www.chrisreeve.com/nyala.htm

What about Swamp Rat or Scrap Yard?
The Swamp Rat Howling Rat LM(HRLM) looks like it is too big by an inch or so for horizontal carry. (Am I wrong here?)

This is really close on size. I like the design, the choil, the gimping, but don't like the steel at all. I'd really prefer an S30V. I also like the removable scales.
http://www.eseeknives.com/rc-3mil.htm


Thoughts?

Thank you in advance!
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That's one hell of a list you got there. I want them all. Just EDC an ESEE Junglas and call it a day...
 
Although I don't EDC either, I have both the F1 and the Rat RC3-MIL right next to me as I'm typing. The Rat is a smaller knife that itself would be simpler to conceal, but not in the stock sheath. The F1 is larger, but not as intimidating to look at and comes in a simpler sheath if you take the leather option when purchasing. It still wouldn't be a simple to conceal option. I love the F1 for it's simplicity, but the RC3-MIL is more comfortable to hold. Feels more like an extension of my hand and less like I'm holding a tool.
 
kc2kth said:
The Rat is a smaller knife that itself would be simpler to conceal, but not in the stock sheath. The F1 is larger, but not as intimidating to look at and comes in a simpler sheath if you take the leather option when purchasing.
Click to expand...
That's interesting! The F1 claims a total length of 210 mm (8.3") where the RC3 claims O.A Length: 8 5/16" (Standard Model) which is bigger! So what are the actual sizes?
 
The Spyderco Bill Moran Drop Point has just the right measurements but I really don't like that handle.
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I have it with a partly orange handle. Fyi it's actually a very practical handle that has softer inserts for an extra good grip.
If you'd like to have a closer look at the Moran, perhaps you are interested in my video review about it.
 
I think I found what I've been looking for:

A SW Rat Hunter! Now where can I buy one of these?
 
In the sub 4 inch realm, here's what I carry depending on mood. YMMV.

Fallkniven F1
Bark River Gunny
RAT RC-3


They are all great knives. The F1 is stainless, but with proper care no worries on using the others.
 
get the necker 2, you wont regret it. Easy to sharpen and holds it edge very well. heres some pics for you.

neckerpictures006.jpg

neckerpictures004.jpg

neckerpictures003.jpg
 
Those are some very convincing pics bpiatt!
I've decided I should get two! A Bark River STS-3 and a neck knife. Either the Bravo Necker 2 or the Izula.

Now for my pending Bark River STS-3: Micarta or G-10?
 
Whew! I am now (or soon will be... the order is placed) owner of a:

Bark River STS-3 Black-Midnite Tigerstripe
and
ESEE Izula Desert Tan

I will post a review soon.

Thanks much for all of your help! Honestly this was exhausting... exhilarating but exhausting.
 
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