Tops B.O.B. VS Tops HOG VS Esee 6

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BlackWolfBushcraft

Joined
Jan 4, 2016
Messages
31
Hello!
I purchased a Tops B.O.B. a few weeks ago after debating purchasing it or the esee 6, and have been doing a few field tests with it but after rethinking my decision I am wondering if i should return it and purchase a different blade.
I am considering the esee 6 or tops hog but would appreciate some advice and suggestions.
I'm looking for a good all around bushcraft blade made of 1095 or o1. My budget is around 140 bucks.
Any advice and/or suggestions on some blades would be much appreciated!!!
THANKS!!!
 
I love my Esee 6. I wouldn't return something after I used it unless something was wrong with it.
 
Yea would be kinda messed up to attempt returning a knife that's been used already and isn't defective. (Unless of course you simply made a feather stick and the blade it's mint still)
That being said what don't you like about the bob? It's an excellent knife that can handle basically all your Bushcraft needs, it holds its edge throughout hard use and it's easily maintained by stropping it.

Of the 3 blades you mentioned I believe you have the best option for your intended use.
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I have tried the BOB as well the ESEE 6 (no experience with the HOG). I prefer definitely the BOB. It is more versatile than the ESEE 6, if we are considering the concept "one knife for outdoors". I agree with Bobby3326 saying: "It's an excellent knife that can handle basically all your Bushcraft needs, it holds its edge throughout hard use".
 
Are you rethinking things because you're wanting a two knife setup?

As others have said, the B.O.B. is a pretty versatile blade. But if you're going to a two or three more specialized blade setup, then I can understand your thought process.

If that is the case, I'd still likely keep the bob. There are times when you do want just one blade.

For the two knife system, I'd get something like a Mora for the small knife, and then an esee 6, bk12, esee junglas, bk9, or even a tramontina machete (14in), depending on your needs.

Good luck finding something that works for you :).
 
The BOB and a bk9, and either the tops msk 2.5 or bk11/14 makes for a very versatile 3 knife set up.

Honestly I'd take the bob over a mora for even a 2 knife set up. The BOB is more useful for a variety of tasks than a mora would be and for a 3/16" thick knife does the finer tasks rather easy after the factory edge is stropped really well. The BOB is honestly just one of those blades that you can tell allot of thought and input from actual experience went into its design.

Many of the possible 1 knife options are often a jack of all trades master of none. The BOB however is one that does everything pretty darn good, with the one exception being chopping but that's due to its size, but for it's size it definitely chops well enough.
 
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The ESEE 6 has to be accompanied with another, smaller, blade. The BOB can stand alone undertaking all the duties....
 
Thanks! I hadn't used the B.O.B. very much so I didn't realize how good it was. I have a mora 511 and a Gransfors Bruks that I pair with it most of the time.
Thanks again
 
IMO the BOB is a bit thick/stout to be the "small" knife in a system, especially considering its low saber grind. However, it could fill the role of a midsized knife (in my mind at least), if you have an opinel, or SAK, or something smaller, and then a BK9/Junglas/Tomahawk/saw/etc as the "larger" tool.

And I'm not arguing that the B.O.B. is a great all around tool, or that it somehow can't be made sharp (it can, just like my BK2 can), Rather, I'm saying personally I'd prefer something smaller if I'm doing a dedicated two blade system, whereas the B.O.B. works better as a standalone carry (as its a design of compromises, as are all tools, its just that it was designed as more of a "single" knife, similarish to an ESEE 4). The OP already owns a B.O.B. though, so keeping it and pairing it with a larger one makes a lot of sense :).

The ESEE 6 is a great knife (if you're into choils. If you're not, check out the BK12, which is made by the same manufacturer that produces the ESEE blades). However, the ESEE 6 feels to small to be a "large" knife. In my mind it occupies kind of the other end of the same "one knife" philosophy as the B.O.B. as its on the upper end of what most feel comfortable using for "everything".

In short, if you're looking for a big knife to go with the B.O.B. go a lot bigger than the ESEE 6. If you're looking for a larger "one tool option" to replace the B.O.B. then the ESEE 6 starts to make a more "sense".

EDIT: Thats what I get for not hitting refresh before I post. Sounds like you've got it covered :thumbup:.
 
SWEET!!! I've got an opinel 6 and a butcher knife. I like axes more than chopper knives so I tend to use my tomahawk and axe more often. As far as tools go, i use a leatherman. a mora, a sheath knife (4.6 - 6"), and a tomahawk or axe. Do you think that is OK?
 
BlackWolfBushcraft said:
SWEET!!! I've got an opinel 6 and a butcher knife. I like axes more than chopper knives so I tend to use my tomahawk and axe more often. As far as tools go, i use a leatherman. a mora, a sheath knife (4.6 - 6"), and a tomahawk or axe. Do you think that is OK?
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Looks like you should be covered with that set up...now get out there and put that BOB to work...then you'll see why it's one of tops most popular knives.
 
I just sold my BOB, as I moved into customs that I just like more....it's a great knife though.

So my 3-cents is: click on over to the custom Fixed Blades Exchange here on BF & either find or create your dream knife there - I prefer customs to production fixed blades in every way, including price, just my opinion (& irrefutable fact, but who's counting?). Best of luck BWB!

ocnLogan - I read thru your post above & just wanted to compliment you on it - well done sir.
 
Thank you all very, very much for all of the advice. I just built a fire and made a shelter with my BOB and I can now see why it is so good!
Thanks again!
- BWB
 
BlackWolfBushcraft said:
Hello!
I purchased a Tops B.O.B. a few weeks ago after debating purchasing it or the esee 6, and have been doing a few field tests with it but after rethinking my decision I am wondering if i should return it and purchase a different blade.
I am considering the esee 6 or tops hog but would appreciate some advice and suggestions.
I'm looking for a good all around bushcraft blade made of 1095 or o1. My budget is around 140 bucks.
Any advice and/or suggestions on some blades would be much appreciated!!!
THANKS!!!
Click to expand...

With the exception of the Junglas, ESEE ergonomics leave much to be desired...at least for me and my big hands. But this holds true for most slab-side scales.
I would actually point you to something like LT Wright and Battle Horse Knives. Their designs work much better (for me) than something from ESEE/TOPS
 
BlackWolfBushcraft said:
Thank you all very, very much for all of the advice. I just built a fire and made a shelter with my BOB and I can now see why it is so good!
Thanks again!
- BWB
Click to expand...
Yea it's one of those knives that you really have to use to see its potential. I had a few issues starting out with mine which was as result of a defect, but once I had a good one in hand and put it to use I was impressed with its performance.

Glad you like it and that we could be of help too you.
 
BlackWolfBushcraft said:
SWEET!!! I've got an opinel 6 and a butcher knife. I like axes more than chopper knives so I tend to use my tomahawk and axe more often. As far as tools go, i use a leatherman. a mora, a sheath knife (4.6 - 6"), and a tomahawk or axe. Do you think that is OK?
Click to expand...

Yep, nothing wrong with liking 'hawks or axes :). I just thought you were looking for a blade based on your first post.

VanDammet said:
I just sold my BOB, as I moved into customs that I just like more....it's a great knife though.

So my 3-cents is: click on over to the custom Fixed Blades Exchange here on BF & either find or create your dream knife there - I prefer customs to production fixed blades in every way, including price, just my opinion (& irrefutable fact, but who's counting?). Best of luck BWB!

ocnLogan - I read thru your post above & just wanted to compliment you on it - well done sir.
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Thank you as well good fellow!

And people complementing others on the internet!?!?!, today must be a good day :thumbup:.

BlackWolfBushcraft said:
Thank you all very, very much for all of the advice. I just built a fire and made a shelter with my BOB and I can now see why it is so good!
Thanks again!
- BWB
Click to expand...

Glad you're liking it :thumbup:.

The cow said:
With the exception of the Junglas, ESEE ergonomics leave much to be desired...at least for me and my big hands. But this holds true for most slab-side scales.
I would actually point you to something like LT Wright and Battle Horse Knives. Their designs work much better (for me) than something from ESEE/TOPS
Click to expand...

I actually agree with most of this (I don't have any experience with the ones you listed as alternatives). The ESEE ergos aren't the best. I'll be interested to see if their redo of the 3 and 4 will help with that some. As it is now, many consider TKC scales to be a "required" upgrade to the knife, which puts the price range as a total setup past what I'm comfortable with. Different strokes for different folks and all that, but Tops and ESEE aren't ones that I'm super interested in personally. For 1095, I have been happy with Becker so far (IMO, great handle ergos), but they're not everyones favorite either :/.

Cheers!
 
That esse rg3 is calling my name...I never liked the 3 or 4 for reasons many don't, the handles just weren't to my liking..for the price of tkc added on you can have a bk16, with tkc grits and a custom kydex sheath made. Plus that choil on em bugged me, it isn't needed on that size knife give me blade length..now the 6 is a different story.
 
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