Question re: TKC replacement scales for ESEE-3

BenchmadeBoy

BenchmadeBoy

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Sep 4, 2005
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I have a question. Does anyone have a set of the new handle slabs from TKC for their ESEE-3?

http://www.the-knife-connection.com/esee-3-series-custom-sporting-field-handle-kits.html

I'd like to see a side by side spine shot of a stock ESEE-3 and one with the slabs installed. I have a custom Martin Swinkles kydex sheath and I'd like to know if the knife would still fit the sheath with the custom scales attached. Specifically, how much thicker are the TKC scales vs the stock scales up to, say, the first handle screw (up from the choil). This is how deep the knife sits in my current sheath. Clear as mud? Anyway, thanks!
 
Now I have the scales for a 4 so the thickness might vary but for me the scales didn't fit my custom sheaths. Just a hair too big. They did fit the stock sheath.
 
Good thread BenchmadeBoy. I've been curious about the difference in the thickness and weight of the TKC scales vs the stock scales myself. I'm interested in any spine shot comparisons of the same knife ( a 3 or 4 ) if anyone could provide them. Also the weight difference if anyone happens to know.
 
Well, I'm considering the scales as they seem to add a little bulk to the handle. I'm wondering if Dale at TKC has any comparison shots . . .
 
Nice! Thanks Dale. I look forward to seeing them. I think the scales would make a great knife greater, but I don't want to give up my Swinkes sheath:D
 
Here is a top shot comparison picture.

The stock ESEE 4 Linen Micarta scales weigh 1.1 ounces & the custom ESEE 4 G10 scales weigh 2.3 ounces. Keep in mind that G10 material is heavier than Linen Micarta.

The stock ESSE 4 Linen Micarta scales on the knife are 9/16" wide & the custom ones are 23/32" wide (or 1/32" short of 3/4").
 
Hmm. Thanks Dale. That does look pretty thick. Are the replacement scales the same dimensions for the ESEE-3 as well? That's what I was wondering about.
 
BenchmadeBoy said:
Hmm. Thanks Dale. That does look pretty thick. Are the replacement scales the same dimensions for the ESEE-3 as well? That's what I was wondering about.
Click to expand...

The stock ESEE 3 scales on the knife are 1/2" thick & the custom ones are 22/32" thick at the palm swell. The length is of course the same.
 
BenchmadeBoy said:
Hmm. Thanks Dale. That does look pretty thick. Are the replacement scales the same dimensions for the ESEE-3 as well? That's what I was wondering about.
Click to expand...

That pic is a little decieving. The Dale scales aren't that much thicker at the sheath lockup area, the liners on the stock handles make the Dale scales look alot thicker than they are.

I gotta say, the Dale scales make enough of a difference to me that I think their worth the possibility of having another sheath made.

They make it a whole new knife.
 
shotgunner11 said:
That pic is a little decieving. The Dale scales aren't that much thicker at the sheath lockup area, the liners on the stock handles make the Dale scales look alot thicker than they are.

I gotta say, the Dale scales make enough of a difference to me that I think their worth the possibility of having another sheath made.

They make it a whole new knife.
Click to expand...

That is right... Thanks for pointing that out.
 
Wow! Thanks for the pics Dale. Those look like a huge improvement over the stock. Thanks for the weight numbers as well. Man.....I sure wish I could hold an ESEE-4 with your scales. It might make the difference for me in regards to a possible purchase.
 
shotgunner11 said:
That pic is a little decieving. The Dale scales aren't that much thicker at the sheath lockup area, the liners on the stock handles make the Dale scales look alot thicker than they are.

I gotta say, the Dale scales make enough of a difference to me that I think their worth the possibility of having another sheath made.

They make it a whole new knife.
Click to expand...

t-k-c said:
That is right... Thanks for pointing that out.
Click to expand...

Dale, thanks so much! I appreciate the input from everyone too. I'll have to mull it over a bit.
 
This whole thing got me thinking. If you buy one of these knives with these scales already attached......does it come with a sheath? Didn't see any mention of that on the site. I'm assuming the stock sheath comes with and would still work right?

*edit* ok I see it should work with the stock sheath, but I don't see any mention of it coming with a sheath
 
MtnDude said:
This whole thing got me thinking. If you buy one of these knives with these scales already attached......does it come with a sheath? Didn't see any mention of that on the site. I'm assuming the stock sheath comes with and would still work right?

*edit* ok I see it should work with the stock sheath, but I don't see any mention of it coming with a sheath
Click to expand...

All components are purchased individually so you can make a custom set-up.
 
you can buy a heat gun from Harbor Freight for $10 or $15. just heat up the area that may possibly be too tight on the custom kydex sheath and reform it to fit the new scales.

works for sheaths that get too loose too. i've got a custom necker that i've gotta snug the sheath up on. use a thick towel or oven mit, don't go pushing on hot kydex with unprotected hands.

this seems like the simplest, most cost effective solution to the problem to me.
 
I'v had a look at where the stock 3 sheath sits and where my custom Swinkles sheath sits on the knife. They are pretty much identical. I'm giving serious thought to a set of scales but school books are priority now. I've already spent my alloted $$$ for this Holiday. Nice to know they should work though:thumbup:
 
Thanks for posting this thread so I don't have to. You guys all answered my questions and now I'm getting at least one set of these scales. They look so good.
 
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