Things the ESEE 4 does better?

The 4 is a thicker blade for one. I don't have a 3 yet myself either. But for certain tasks I prefer a thicker blade and visa versa. Esee knives are One hell of a knife and I may just have to get a 3 to see if it can do everything the 4 can.
 
im pretty sure the 3 can do everything the 4 does...they both have edges and handles and cut stuff........the only thing a 3 cant do is be called a 4. the 3 can probably be carried legally in more states than the 4.

id like to know what things you think the 3 CANT do.

why dont you save your money and take a trip somewhere rather than spending it on knives you dont need?
 
I have lots of 3 inch or smaller and 5 inch or bigger knives, but don't have a fixed 4-ish blade, thicker than the 3's but lighter than the 5's. I got a junglas and izula II on order now, the 4 will be my next.
 
I have a 3, 4 and 5. I like the 4 for backpacking, and camping. Its thicker blade and longer length gives me more confidence for harder woods use. I take the 3 mostly on day hikes and for camp chores, and food prep around the fire. The 3 is small enough where you can even throw it in a pack for a back up to your 4 or 5.

The 5 is for when I get shot down over occupied, communist territory, like New Jersey. :D
 
I like the glass breaker on the 3MIL vs. the 4. I only have a 5, but the next knife I'm buying is probably going to be the 3MIL, for edc.
 
I've found that the 3 can handle just about anything the 4 can aside from batoning. Not that the can't baton some but the thicker, longer blade makes it a bit better. The 4 used to be my go to blade but its since been replaced by the 3.
 
William.45 said:
selling the 4 and picking up a 3.
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2 questions.

1. What color?
2. How much of a beating are you ready to take to sell it to me? :D

In all seriousness, they're both very capable blades. Since I thought it would be my only ESEE purchase (what a maroon) I was looking for a good, general purpose woods knife. Something that was comfortable to carry but would stand up to some hard use or abuse if necessary. I’ve always liked 4” blades and between the size of the knife, the slight additional thickness for strength, the excellent sheath, etc. I went with the 4. If I had it to do over, I’d do the same thing.

The 3MIL is really starting to grow on me. It was my get home bag knife but have since moved the 5 to that role since I like having the 3 handy.

I guess on the other foot, what will the 3 give you that the 4 doesn’t? It is lighter and a bit shorter in the sheath. It’s also a little thinner overall than the 4.
 
I just have a 3 but I sometimes wish it had a longer blade. Especially when cutting rope and whittling larger pieces of wood - the straight part of the blade is just.. kinda short. Or feels like it is (IMO).
I like the thickness of the 3 and its sheath and that it's small enough that it won't disturb me while carrying it.
 
William.45 - do you own an Izula?
I have the Izula II and want to pick up a 4 to be the "big brother" / camp knife.
I think the Izula and the 4 make a better combo than a 3 & 4. I don't think you will come across many things that one does better than the other while comparing the 3 vs 4.
The Izula could be your food prep / small task knife while the 4 comes out for heavier duty jobs such as batoning. I know this is just my opinion but to me having a 3 & 4 seems to be over doing it a little.
 
WolfTrot said:
I like the glass breaker on the 3MIL vs. the 4. I only have a 5, but the next knife I'm buying is probably going to be the 3MIL, for edc.
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Same here, for me the only way to improve a 4 would be a 4mil version. I would order another one in a heartbeat if it had a glass breaker/pummel. It would be like smaller scale lightweight version of my 5.

As is, the 4 is an amazing do all size.
 
I have a esee 4 well mine is an rc 4 but same knives. I have beaten mine done everything to it still works fine I have lot of videos on youtube on it. Pretty sure their both good in their own way 4 is tougher 3 is lighter 4 is good at batoning not sure about the 3 and how it batons both are good I would say the 4 is the best because it can do everything the 3 can and more. but the 3 is still good might pick it up some day.
 
I have done extensive and exhaustive testing of these two blades. I nearly destroyed them both.

My conclusion is that the 4 is capable of holding down 25 more sheets of paper during a windstorm.
 
Dizwolf said:
I have done extensive and exhaustive testing of these two blades. I nearly destroyed them both.

My conclusion is that the 4 is capable of holding down 25 more sheets of paper during a windstorm.
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Nice! When it comes down to it excellent point. I was drawn to the smaller blades first...3MILCP and then the 4. Maybe I'm overdoing it but I love them both. And maybe I'll get a regular 3 just because...oh, and then the comprehensive survival kit because it comes with something larger. These things are crazy addictive.
 
I like my 4 alot,but,find I carry my 3 way more.I like the thinner blade,and the lightness of the knife.The 3 excels at slicing/cutting(not that the 4 is a slouch),which is another reason that I favor it.If I need bigger than my 3,I tote my 6,which is one of my all time favorite knives.
 
I think that if you have an Izula, I would stick with the 4. It seems to be a more versatile combo than the Izzy and a three.
Having said that, I have the 3 and love it. It is more than capable of handling most camp/every day chores, and its easy to carry, light weight and will fit in most pockets.

I think that anything one does better than the other will be offset by their similarities, and really just personal preference.
If you're a minimalist and are having trouble deciding, maybe pick up the 3 before you sell the 4, and see what one you like the best in hand. Then sell the other.

I really cant see you being disappointed owning either, both great knives.

SJ
 
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