Esse or Kabar Becker Companion
- Thread starter Axis II
- Start date
They're both made from 1095, both made by companies with good reputations. Some ESEE knives are now made with other steels.
Which models are you looking at and what are you using it for? Camping and bugout, both will excell at this.
ESEE 3, 4 and 5, Becker 2, 7 and 16 would all be good choices.
Which models are you looking at and what are you using it for? Camping and bugout, both will excell at this.
ESEE 3, 4 and 5, Becker 2, 7 and 16 would all be good choices.
The 4 or 5
ESEE 4 or 5, maybe a 6. Camping and bug out.
The 4 and 6 are 3/16” blades, the 5 is ¼” blade. Most reviews I’ve see have the 4/6 better as a general purposed knife and the 5 as a hard user chopper.
I have a 3 and laser strike that I like but haven’t used hard.
DDDWho
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- Dec 3, 2016
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- 793
I have a Becker BK2, my nephew has an Esee 5. Blade steel is the same, The BK2 has a better feeling handle, blade shape is somewhat different, decide which you like better. Which ever one you choose be prepared to buy new handle scales, nephew and I have both changed scales. Both are great knives either will last a lifetime and serve you well.
maxxhavoc
Member
I really like my BK2, especially after stripping the metal. My only complaints are that the sheath is too big and kinda cheap, and the spine edges are smoothed over and not a sharp 90 degrees so I will have to regrind a little to use a Ferrorod.
borrowedtime69
Member
Esee,, no doubt about it! All my users are Esse and I know I can trust the knives and the company.
I own a Candiru, E4, E5, E6, Junglas, and AH-1 Arrowhead, never leave home without one or 2. I usually have my Cadiru as my neck knife and, as needed, the E6 when I'm hunting, or an E5 if I'll be far from home. My E4 is for bushcraft, and my Junglas is for the "zombie outbreak" or serious times. The Arrowhead I have in kydex on my E6 sheath.
I just need an Izzula to round out my collection.
I own a Candiru, E4, E5, E6, Junglas, and AH-1 Arrowhead, never leave home without one or 2. I usually have my Cadiru as my neck knife and, as needed, the E6 when I'm hunting, or an E5 if I'll be far from home. My E4 is for bushcraft, and my Junglas is for the "zombie outbreak" or serious times. The Arrowhead I have in kydex on my E6 sheath.
I just need an Izzula to round out my collection.
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Why did you change scales?
The Esse 4 is a good size. The blade length on the Esse 5 splits the difference between the 4 and 6, but is a very thick and heavy blade. The Esse 6 while longer, is a lighter knife. I realize it is personal preference, but I'd skip the 5 and go with either the Esse 4 or 6 if I wanted an Esse.
The Becker BK2 is also a thick, heavy knife, and that may be what you're looking for.
The BK 16 is comparable to the Esse 4 and I like it a little better especially after I modified it a bit. I went with replacement grips, removed the black coating and put it in a leather sheath.
The Becker BK2 is also a thick, heavy knife, and that may be what you're looking for.
The BK 16 is comparable to the Esse 4 and I like it a little better especially after I modified it a bit. I went with replacement grips, removed the black coating and put it in a leather sheath.
BIZERKO666
Member
Anchorite
Member
Exactly what I did - got the 4 and 6.
Both good knives so handle each and pick what fits you the best.
I think if you're getting two, the ESEE 3 makes a better companion to the ESEE 6 than the 4 does. The 3's blade stock is thinner and it's a better slicer, which makes it easier to do finer work than the 4. If I could only have one ESEE, it would be the ESEE 3.
DDDWho
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- Dec 3, 2016
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- 793
Mad word choice. I actually had the scales dimpled for a better grip.
BigBL87
Member
I really want an ESEE eventually, so that'd be my choice. I'd foot the extra for an S35VN version over the 1095, but that's because I qualify for their LEO pricing so the difference in price is alot less.
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We BROKE our S35VN ESEE 3!
We BROKE our S35VN ESEE 3...and you might too if you don't understand the usage characteristics and differences in our 1095 steel. Our S35VN knives are heat...
youtu.be
Good video on S35V, listen to what they talk about.
herrwalther
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- May 1, 2013
- Messages
- 8,130
Becker Campanion hands down.
Archibald Stanton
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- Joined
- Oct 21, 2021
- Messages
- 144
Esee PR4 (slightly different than the 4) might be my favorite knife I have ever owned, it’s definitely up there.
I just can't warm up to coated blades. Though I'm certain the knives are top shelf from either maker. Seems like you are in a can't lose spot. Enjoy whatever you decide on.
It's not what you're after but I am fond of this BK62. It takes an excellent edge and I like a Kephart.
It's not what you're after but I am fond of this BK62. It takes an excellent edge and I like a Kephart.
Kepharts rock for actually cutting stuff!
Old Dog
Member
I'd go with the ESEE simply because I've owned several and I'm a big fan. Got the Izula, the 3, the 4, the 5 and the 6. Oh, and the Junglas.
Yeah, I'm kinda a brand loyalist.
Yeah, I'm kinda a brand loyalist.
