Opinions?? Esee 4 and Hest folder as a combo

T

Talshiar

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Nov 1, 2011
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I have always carried a K-bar fighting knife and just a cheap folder camping but I think it is time to step up. The k-bar is a fine knife and I have never had any problems with it but I feel it is time for something bigger and stronger a real survival knife. Something more up to the tasks that I tend to use it for. I am giving a lot of thought to the Esee 4 or possible the 6. I think the 5 is just too thick... IMO. I have never had an Esee knife but have only read good things about them and their warranty sounds great. For folders I have always carried cheap Chinese made ones. I have come to realize that if my life depended on it a cheap knife might not be the way to go. I'm thinking the HEST folder would make a good companion to an Esee knife? I found both at this website I thought the prices seemed pretty good, what do you guys think of the prices and do you think the Esee 4 and Hest folder would make a good combo? thanks

(( deal-spotting ))
 
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The ESEE 4 is a very well-built and designed knife. The HEST is a poorly designed knife that has been plagued with severe quality issues (like the blade sticking out when closed) since it started production. Rather than being made by a respected knifemaker, it was designed by an arrogant journalist who doesn't seem to know much about knives. If you want something tough for a folder, take a look at the ZT line, or something like a Hogue or Spyderco Military/Paramilitary 2/Manix 2.
 
Thanks for responding. Have you used a HEST yourself? Just looking at the picture and reading the specs it does sound pretty tuff. But I know nothing more about it then what I have read. I will have to look into the brands you reccomended. thanks
 
It is well known that the HEST folder had its share of initial issues. I do also have the impression from reading comments that the current production is as good as it should be.

Yes, ZT are great heavy duty knives, however the HEST folder is more compact to EDC than most ZTs, which is also useful.
 
What kind of stuff do you see yourself doing with the blade? Chopping? Battoning? Carving?

If you like the original KaBar USMC, then you might be interested in essentially its modern, updated sibling, the Becker BK7.

Its a full length, full width tang knife with a high saber grind. Its 3/16in thick, and is quite a workhorse.

Just throwing that out there for you.
 
I have never handled the first HEST/F. The 2.0 that I have is very solid and trustworthy, very rugged. I think $175 for a ti framelock with a thick D2 blade and Rotoblock, with its current build quality is a good deal.
 
Well it sounds like you know what you're doing so I'm going to recommend the 6 and either a benchmade or spyderco knife of your chosing.

I say if the kabar worked for you then stick to the 6 because it's similar in size and you know you like that size. I agree 1/4" thick blades are overkill and add unneeded weight.

To the folder I would suggest benchmade or Spyderco because they're both good and reasonably priced. The HEST has issues and even if the QC issues were taken care of, the design is no good IMO. The whole HEST line is gimmicky and the guy who designed it is a Dbag. The Benchmade griptilian series is very nice and so is the Spyderco military, paramilitary, or even the delica.
 
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I don't have a specific suggestion for the folder but when carrying a combo(big and small knife) i like the smaller to have a thinner blade so that it can be more easily used for slicing tasks. I don't have to worry about breaking the thin blade because i can use the big, think blade for harder tasks. Just my opinion.
 
If you like the ESEE 4 then go with it.

For the combo though I would go with a Swiss Army Knife, version of your choosing. I find the tools complement a stout fixed blade very well. So well that I certainly wouldn't die if all I had was a SAK.
 
I love both my ESEE-4 and my ESEE-6. I'd say an ESEE-6/Izula combo would serve you very well in the woods.
 
You can't go wrong with ESEE knives. They are excellent and have a great warranty! That would be a great setup for any situation.
 
Yep! Anything with ESEE on it is great! Pick your length.

As far as the HEST, I'm not so sure about it. For a folder in the outdoors, I'd go for something more stainless. Also, since it will be your companion knife, a slicer would be better than a pry-bar.
 
Thanks for the advice all. It was a hard choice but landed on the Esee 6 and went a head and ordered it, got a hawk to go with it. JSE's price seemed good, and hopefully in short order I will have them. Couldn't make up my mind on a folder, still looking at what everyone has recommended, I guess it will have to wait awhile.
 
Good deal. Where did you end up ordering it from? And don't forget the MOLLE back and accessory pouch. :thumbup:
 
For a folder, I am really liking the Benchmade Bone Collector these days. I haven't had one in hand, but I like what I see.
 
Talshiar said:
Thanks for the advice all. It was a hard choice but landed on the Esee 6 and went a head and ordered it, got a hawk to go with it. JSE's price seemed good, and hopefully in short order I will have them. Couldn't make up my mind on a folder, still looking at what everyone has recommended, I guess it will have to wait awhile.
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Many people (including myself) supplement the larger ESEE knives with an ESEE 3 or Izula for some more precise cutting tasks. I personally use the ESEE 5 and ESEE 3 on outdoor expeditions. The ESEE 3 or Izula would both be excellent as a supplement to your new ESEE 6.
 
You know you want to...

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it seems like an ideal companion would be a shorter thinner knife and the izula fits the bill well. but you are looking for a folder not a fixed blade.

i personally think that a folding hest would be an excellent choice for outdoors use. i havent handled one but after the initial qc problems were ironed out its one hell of a folder at a very reasonable price for a ti frame loclk


Unlike other here i like my fixed blade hest amazingly well, it may be one of my top 5 knives and i own doziers busses and some of the heavy hitters in the industry for me its that good, if you think its gimmicky then do a search for a guy on this forum named mistwalker and look at his review and subsequent uses- it may change your mind or you may just think im a moron :)
 
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