one more 5" preference question

J

jasonbroni

Joined
Dec 10, 2009
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I need (or want) a 5" for camping. Can't decide between Ontario rat 5 or esee 5. I like esee's thickness and slightly larger blade, but like Ontario's flat grind for better (IMO) batoning/splitting... are there any knifes that I may have missed? My $$ limit is $100ish, I'd prefer a thicker/flat grind, and a 5" blade... any help would be appreciated!
 
Condor Rodan
Becker BK2 Campanion (1/4" thick, high saber grind)

The Ontario RAT 5 is a 3/16" thick blade, the ESEE5 is 1/4" thick - and I've not seen one under $100.
 
Wish the bk2 was flat ground... is there much of a difference in batoning? Damn... just really want a smaller recon scout ~ lol
 
actually, the BK2 batons great - the saber grind means less friction and better wedging action, so once you're past the shoulder, there's less chance of damaging the edge because it's not in contact with the wood unless you hit a knot.
 
BK2 is a great knife for that type of work. I've got one, and I love it. For what its worth, I feel like the saber grind works better for battoning as well. Partially because of the friction thing, but also because of the added side to side strength.

You can also check out the Scrap Yard Knife Company 511. Its 3/16 SR101 and just about a FFG. Comes in just right about at your budget as well.
 
I always loved Becker's... have a bk11 and of course... it's flatground... maybe I can consider the sabre grind ~ is it comfortable? It looks like it might not be w/ the exposed tang. Also looks slippery? (Although I have been known to wrap many of those types of handles w/ sports tape ~ super grippy and actually gets stickier after getting wet.)
 
Is it comfortable?

I think one of the main reasons that people like Beckers is their handle design. It fits your hand really well, and is super comfortable. I don't find them slippery at all (also less of a problem because the handle design has its own front guard), but they have decent grip, and don't give me blisters even when working with them for a few hours (2-3 is the most I've used my continuously at this point). The handle design also lets you "choke back" on the handle for some chopping if you need it. In fact, while not a chopper, it chops dang well for a little knife.

I've seen people use grip tapes on the Becker handles, and many other people use Micarta, but I really actually like the stock grivory. I've never been worried that my hand was about to slip forwards onto the blade, or that I was going to loose control of the knife while hacking away at something.
 
I have to say, I chose the ESEE 5 and although it's nice, I can't find anything it's very good at. The blade is too thick and the grind too obtuse to be very good at the fine stuff, yet too short for efficient chopping or the majority of my batoning. I think you will be better served with any of other knives mentioned. Good luck buddy!
 
There's also the Ontario Afghan, it's 1/4" thick full flat grind. I own it, but I prefer my BK2 for all the reasons mentioned.
Another less popular knife is the TOPS Mountain Lion. It's got the ESEE 5 grind, but only for the back half. The front half has a false edge on top, so it's much thinner towards the front half. It's also a recurve blade, and has G-10 scales, with no lanyard hole. Just another option.
 
I like that Ontario afghan ~ thanks! Now I'll just have to decide between the 2 ~ that, or the bk2. Unless I get more cool suggestions... thanks guys!
 
IMO, the BK2 is a better made knife. Unless, you get one from Justin Gingrich himself. The Ontario versions will have boxy handle scales, possible uneven bevels, and mine does not hold an edge like 5160 can or should. Then there's the sheath, Ontario offers a very basic, barely useable sheath. Maybe the BK2 doesn't come with the greatest sheath, but it's useable.
Chestnut Ridge knife shop sometimes offers "cusomized" versions of the Ontarios, and offers upgraded kydex sheaths, for the BK2 as well.
 
Probably pick the bk2... anybody have any real experience w/ that scrapyard 511 mentioned above? Looks great, but can't find any real reviews. Also ~ a kydex sheath will be another $30 + shipping...
 
jasonbroni said:
I need (or want) a 5" for camping. Can't decide between Ontario rat 5 or esee 5. I like esee's thickness and slightly larger blade, but like Ontario's flat grind for better (IMO) batoning/splitting... are there any knifes that I may have missed? My $$ limit is $100ish, I'd prefer a thicker/flat grind, and a 5" blade... any help would be appreciated!
Click to expand...

Yep - you missed the Becker BK2. ESEE 5 is great but I'd certainly go with the BK2 for what you describe. Your budget is enough for a BK2 *and* a nifty necker ( might I recommend a BK11 or BK14 ).

20110702_img_0268.jpg


You mentioned batoning - BK2 batons as well as or better than any 5" knife you're going to find. Whack the heck out of it - it's going through.

IMG00628-20100814-1401.jpg


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Beckerhead #42
 
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