Need some advice on my next RAT

G

gytheran

Joined
Apr 6, 2009
Messages
499
Ok, I'm having a major dilemma. I currently have the RC-3 and love it, but I would like a larger blade to fill the gap between my RC-3 and BK-9 that would serve as a good work horse blade, being able to handle many tasks.

I have been scouring the forums looking for some advice, but have hit a minor road block. Originally, I had narrowed it down to either the Becker BK-2, or the ESEE 5. On the Becker forums, they swear by the BK-2. Seeing as I happen to like the solid feeling I get from my RC-3, I had decided to go with the ESEE 5. Now I read here that there is a majority of people who feel the 5 is too unwieldy and prefer the 4. That's great and all, but the difference between the 4 and my current 3 seems to be minimal.

Would the ESEE 4 still be the recommended blade with me already owning the 3 or should I pull the trigger on the 5?
 
The 4 is a different beast due to increased thickness over the 3. In the end, it all depends on what your tasks are. So, explain what you want to do a little more.
 
I would like it to be a "do all" type of knife, being able to handle larger woodcrafting tasks, such as chopping(only if I absolutely had to), splitting wood for fires and shelter building, but still able to take care of smaller, more delicate tasks. Right now, the BK-9 works as a chopper(though I use a folding saw now), and wood splitter, but it's way too big for smaller tasks. My RC-3 is great for smaller tasks, but lacks to ability to handle the tasks the BK-9 does with ease.

Eventually, I would like to be able to put together a light-weight survival kit, go out into the wilderness for a multi day trip and be able to be self sustaining, while not carrying around blades whose functionality is too limited.
 
The 4 and 5 are different animals for sure. The 4 is my go-to knife, but with the exception of batoning suitably sized material when needed, it doesn’t do much for me the 3 won’t do. I find comfort in the added thickness of the 4 over the 3 for general use.

The 5 on the other hand is a very hefty knife and would be more between the 3 and the BK-9. But, as Jeff said, what are you wanting this knife for in particular? I think you could perform all knife tasks with the 3 and the BK-9. For a general use knife though I prefer the 4 over any knife I own.

If batoning and some chopping are requirements, I'd lean toward the 5. Have you considered the 6? Lighter weight and same thickness as the 4 for maybe better slicing over the 5.
 
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This calls for the power of the Rc-6 or Bk7, best of both worlds.

your problem is solved........
 
Get the 5. I have an ESEE3 and a BK9, and many other knives from both companies. The knife you want is an ESEE5 or a BK2. You will need to "relearn" your approach to both tasks, as you have more blade on the 5 than the 3 and less blade than the 9. It is a perfect blend of toughness, agility, and utility.


Moose
 
I think you may possibly, in part, be overthinking things.

The 5 isn't too unwieldy as long as you realize it's a thick bastard and isn't a great slicer. if you've got a 3 around, that's not a big deal. The 4 is a smaller blade, but very capable. It's not so much a chopper, but it's much different than the 3. Not just another inch. Personally, I vote for a 3/6 combo most days I'm hiking.

Really though, Any sharp edge is gonna do it. Don't think too hard on it.
 
R.A.T. said:
The 4 is a different beast due to increased thickness over the 3. In the end, it all depends on what your tasks are. So, explain what you want to do a little more.
Click to expand...

i hope he doesn't want to throw it at trees and zombies! :D
 
Nah, I don't have a need to kill trees from a distance. :)

I believe I'm going to go with the 5. I am overthinking this a bit. I like the idea of a heavy use blade. The length is what I'm looking for(I'm not a big guy by any means lol) and in the end, if I think the 6 would be a better choice... Well I could do a lot worse than buying another ESEE blade. :)

Thank you for your input guys!
 
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