Ill add some more observations from my use of both!
Ive had probably 6 or 7 rodent solutions and about 4 ESEE 3's and Ive EDC'd both and used both in the field.
The RS is much more comfortable to use. The handle just fits the hand better and I think most people will tell you this.
The ESEE3 has better edge geometry, is thinner, and will slice better. If your task is cutting and apple, the ESEE3 will perform better than the rodent solution.
Not that toughness is super important for an EDC but the RS is a STOUT little knife. My brother has used one for about a year and a half as his go to work knife for heating and air + repair work for rental properties. He's beat the thing to hell and it keeps on ticking. Its a knife you can pry with, hammer on, and just generally abuse. And this is not to say the ESEE 3 isn't tough but it has a much finer tip, is thinner and taller overall and 1095 is not as tough as SR 101. I know I could break my ESEE 3 with a little bit of effort. I don't know that I could break a RS short of doing anything really stupid. SR 101 is a better steel than Rowen/ ESEE 1095. Its harder, tougher, and holds its edge noticeably longer than 1095. Keep that in mind.
In terms of non slicing cutting performance I think the RS is the better knife mainly due to the comfort of the handle. If you want to make a feather stick, cut drywall, cut through thick cardboard etc... the RS will be a much better knife for the task. You'll be able to generate more cutting power due to the leverage you can get from the handle.
I tend to EDC a folder now but I used to EDC the ESEE 3 over my RS only because of the comfort of pocket carry. The 3 has a slimmer profile that makes it more pocket friendly. If I were carrying on a belt I would pick the Solution almost every time.
One last thing to add- Ive had many rodent solutions and most of them have had awful edges out of the box. I mean bad. The satin ones are much better than the coated ones for initial edge geometry and sharpness.
If you want the best of both worlds get a hollow ground satin RS. It will slice well and have better edge holding than the ESEE 3.
Either way both knives will do the Job for EDC and do it well and both come from companies that stand behind their product and make their knives in the USA. You cant go wrong with either.
