Which ESEE for my uses...

T

TedRango

Joined
Mar 8, 2011
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Hello everyone this is my first post! Please forgive me as I have searched but cannot come up with a definite answer. I do realize that there are multiple 3 vs 4 threads but I still need help :confused: Basically I am a one knife type of guy. I want an ESEE! But which one the 3 or 4? This will be my camping/hiking/hunting/fishing/bushcrafty knife. I know that's a lot to ask for one knife so if anyone has any better recommendations for me please feel free to let me know. My concern with the ESEE 3 is that it is too thin for these tasks. I feel like it would be the better of the two for hunting and fishing but maybe not for the more bushcraft types of tasks. My concern with the ESEE 4 is that it is too thick and long to be a good cleaning/skinning and fishing knife maybe even too large or thick for small wood carving tasks. If the 3 were just a little thicker I would buy it hands down. The length is fine it's just the thickness that warrants concern in my book. I realize ESEE has a terrific warranty but while i'm in the field that doesn't help me if my knife fails. No disrespect intended. Where I live (SC) I don't particularly need to baton wood so that's out of the question. Sorry for all of the questions I just want to give everyone a good view of what I need this knife to do on a 2 or 3 time a month job. Thanks everyone even if you just come to see what some idiot is doing asking the same question yall have probably already seen a dozen times. :)
 
That matches my criteria almost exactly and I went with the 4 and haven’t regretted it one bit. The 4 is just the perfect general purpose knife IMO. More than I would want to EDC but other than that it’s my go to knife.

My dad and I are bad influences on one another on gear. Basically whatever one of us researches and thinks is worth having, we just order two because the other one wants one (this makes us VERY easy to Christmas shop for one another :D). We ordered a 3 and 4 so we could compare both and after getting them in hand, returned the 3 for another 4. We both have 3s now also of course but the 4 is my go to blade.

Get the 4, you won’t regret it. Buy from some of the great vendors we have here and if you get the knife and at first glance realize it’s not for you, swap it out for the other.
 
Thanks for the quick response. :) I really would like to make my way to SMKW and hold them before I buy but it will be a while before i'm in that area unfortunately.
 
I recommend the Esee 4 for your uses; it's the most versatile knife in the whole lineup. I have both the Esee 3 and 4 and the differences in size, weight and thickness are not that significant. You'd be fine either way, but 4 is more versatile. You'll be able to dress game just fine with a 4, but you'd also be able to do most bushwork just fine with the 3 (there's a great youtube video proving this). Hope this helps. Go Esee 4.
 
If you are really adamant abotu having only one blade I would say a 4.
 
the ESEE3 is about 1/8" thick and the ESEE4 is 3/16th.

I pack the ESEE-3MIL everywhere and never felt one time "under knifed"
not much cash dif between the ESEE 3 & 4 ,so it boils down to thickness and Blade length . IMO
 
if you think the 3 is "enough blade" but not thick enough, while you're at SMKW check out the izula 2.
1/2" shorter blade than the 3, thicker at the spine, different shape to the handle but pretty close in length.

that said, the 4 is nearly perfect for me.
 
Thanks everybody, I can tell I will like this place! Like I said the blade length of either is fine, it's just the thickness that concerns me. I will have to do more looking into I guess. I am probably over thinking it. :p
 
I vote for the -3.

The 1/16" difference in thickness between the -3 and -4 isn't going to make much of a difference in knife durability - unless you're complete hulking badass - but might in the case of skinning/filleting/etc, thinner being better (ie. easier).

The diff. in blade length isn't that great - about a 1/2"? Handles are the same length.
 
the 3 or 4 who could ask for more.......??

I couldn't help myself.....


for your situation though, get the 4, it'll do more..
 
An 1/8" thick blade is pretty strong. I wouldn't worry about it breaking or chipping. I prefer a thinner knife for most tasks. That said, the 4 is a great knife. You can't really go wrong with either.
 
While the 4 is definetely more knife, the 3 is enough knife. The 3 is small enough to carry around every day when your not hunting and fishing. You're more apt to leave the 4 at home.
 
I use a diafold for in the field sharpening. (OK, and at home, too, for the most part)
 
Another vote for the 4. Got one and love it. admitted i don't fish and hunt.
I've got more knives larger and smaller but the only two that are always on me in the woods are the 4 and the Izula.
 
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