New knife decision... ESEE, Becker, Or...?

thedukeoftank

thedukeoftank

Joined
May 17, 2010
Messages
109
Well, after my recent fixed blade purchases, (ESEE 4 & Kabar LHB) I'm looking to add another fixed blade to the collection.

While I like the large blade of the Kabar LHB, and love the feel of the ESEE 4, I am looking for something inbetween the two. I have taken a fondness to the comfort offered by micarta over all other handle materials. Also, I have realized that a kydex sheath with its functional standpoint combined with its mounting options is now irreplaceable in my book.

Now to the fun, yet somewhat overused question on this forum. I think I have narrowed my choices to a few blades.

ESEE 5
ESEE 6
Becker BK2
Becker BK7

Considering that I would be upgrading to micarta and kydex on the Beckers, the prices would be very close to each other.

What are your thoughts? Any other options in this type/size/price range that I should be considering? (High carbon steel, micarta, kydex)
 
Out of those listed, ESEE-6 for sure. the ESEE-5 is a tank though and I'm looking forward to picking one up for myself.
 
I have owned the ESEE 6 for about a year and I cant say enough good things about it. The price was fair, considering you can use it with out worrying about the cost of replacing it. I have never heard of one failing in a real life situation. Another good point is that it is NOT a custom. If you get a fluke and it does fail, you can get the exact same style knife that you may have become experienced in using. With some of the limited editions, once they are gone, they are gone and you have to start learning to do your bushcrafting or whatever with a new knife. I like my equipment to be very predictable because life is not. Just my two cents.
P.S. If I didnt have my ESEE 6, I would take my SYKCO 511, and feel just as prepared. I love both these knives and am unsure which would win in a toe to toe death match.
 
I like Beckers better but then I like grivory better too. Given your planned upgrades, I'd probably go w/ one of the ESEEs - the 5 if you want a chunky cool knife and the 6 if you want a bit better slicer.

BK2 still rocks tho. :D

---

Beckerhead #42
 
I like the 6 with the scales from a 5, add the molle back and pouch and its pretty much perfect for my uses. I've got the 5 as well and its a great knife too, it just dosn't work quite as well with the thicker blade for me. Its my oh crap I have to chop my way out of my wrecked truck knife.

take it easy
cricket
 
The Esee 5 is great, it does everything well (but doesn't really excell at any one task). I beat on my knives pretty hard, so I tend to like saber grinds. But I realise they're not for everyone, so if you're more concerned with slicing, get the Esee 6.
 
You can't go wrong with any of those choices. If you like to mod things like i do, i suggest the Beckers. I made these mods with a Dremel tool. They work great for me. I beat the snot out of mine.

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The Ontario Ranger RD series. RD-4, RD-6, RD-7, and RD-9. All are made from 5160 carbon steel, have micarta handle scales, have a clip point blade, and are 1/4" thick. They come with a nylon sheath, but kydex can be found at Chestnut Ridge Knife Shop. Prices are between the Becker and ESEE lineup.
 
if your comparing the esee 5 and the bk2 (with micarta and upgraded sheath) your right the price would be the same. What would not be the same is the handle ergonomics, which is one reason i love my bk2 more than i did my esee. The esee hand is thinner, and not contoured as well to a hand (IMO). So if you plan on paying around the same for both id hold em first and decide which feels better to you
 
I found my BK2 locally on sale with the aftermarket Micarta grips. I already had the RC-5, the predecessor to the ESEE-5, with it's discontinued sheath. They are shown together below. Judicious shopping can land a standard plastic-like grip BK2 for $60 shipped - hard to beat. Both are US-made .25" thick hunks of 1095 steel.

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Both knives now have KYDEX sheaths - a la the BK2 above. The aftermarket Micarta grips for the BK2 are a bit more crude in their execution - and certainly thicker - than the stock ESEE-5. Both are 'healthy' knives - suitable for some rough use.

You can always add the Micarta scales to the BK2 later - and enjoy it sooner. You'll need some longer screws, too.

Stainz
 
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