Help me decide on my a new EDC fixed blade.

[uspJ]

I've been going back and forth on a new EDC fixed blade knife. I've narrowed it down to these two knives. I may get both eventually. Can anyone provide input or experience with either knife. The knife will be used for moderate chores most of the time but I like knowing it can handle rougher tasks should it need to.

-ESEE 3MIL
http://www.eseeknives.com/rc-3mil.htm

-TOPS Walkabout
http://www.topsknives.com/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=166

 

[Yo Mama]

I'll go ESEE, as I've been drooling over them this year.

 

[conw]

I like the Becker BK14. It has the Izula handle and same steel, different blade, thicker construction...the ESEE3 is nice but much heftier and IMO harder to comfortably EDC. I wrote a review of it on my blog linked below. I don't think this knife has gotten the recognition or credit it deserves. It is an absolute steal at $30!

I think the Becker represents a middle ground between Izula (lightweight, comfortable to carry, handy) and the ESEE 3 (hefty, sturdy, utilitarian).

 

[nevermas]

I've got an Ontario TAK, it is pretty old, at least back to the days where Ontario and ESEE/RAT was on speaking terms.

It is essentially the ancestor of an ESEE 4, 1095 steel can be sharpened on anything out in the field. Reliable workhorse, micarta handle very grippy even when wet, weight/handle perfectly fit my hand.

 

[uspJ]

I'm leaning more toward the ESEE at the moment. I'm curious if the difference in the shape of the blades would give one the advantage of being more adaptable to different types of tasks than the other.

 

[451 Detonics]

Either would work I am sure...I just really dislike the blade coating, all it does is add friction when cutting. Proper knife care will prevent rust just as well as the coating does. The slight recurve on the Top might be tougher to sharpen for some. Both are of reasonable size for the best usefulness and should work well on the trail and around camp. While neither would be my first choice I think I would prefer Esee sheath, again tho not my first choice as Kydex is too noisy.

My pick...Spyderco Mule Team with G-10 scales...

 

[JShirley]

Spyderco makes good gear. If you're willing.to add your own scales, and find a decent sheath, most Mules would be good choices.

ESEE makes good gear, I just don't love 1095. I like 5160 much more.

J

 

[Sulaco]

Rowen makes the knives for both ESEE and Tops, but I prefer the ESEE. They have a lifetime no questions asked warranty. You break it, they replace it. Period. Doesn't get much better than that.

 

[FTG-05]

I would not buy the ESEE!

Remember that old Lay's Potato Chip commercial? Yes, it is that bad!

 

[uspJ]

Ordered the ESEE today.

A friend of mine told me today that I should have ordered the Rat3 from Ontario instead and saved myself some cash. I compared the specs of the two and they seem pretty much the same, is there something ESEE does to their knives that makes them that much better? If the Rat3 is pretty close in quality I'll most likely order a couple and throw one in my backpack and one in the toolbox of my car.

 

[hso]

Your friend is correct, but his advice is bad.

You would have saved some cash, but you would not have gotten as good a knife. The Ontarios are not as thick nor as well heat treated as the ESEEs and the guys at ESEE are a bunch of real users putting the product through real use. Differential heat treat, careful construction, real user design.

 

[nevermas]

Don't forget ESEE's warranty is one of the best in the business: Covers everything, including misuse and abuse, no questions asked (however not designed to be thrown) Their knives are designed to be used hard. You woulda saved some cash with the Ontario, but you wouldn't have gotten their warranty.

Take care of your ESEE, the only thing they won't cover is rust.

If my TAK is damaged, it is going on the grinder as a project and will be shelling out for a ESEE 6.

 

[uspJ]

Thanks for the advice guys. Since Rowen makes both brands (TOPS and ESEE) do they stack up pretty evenly or are they made to different specs? I ask because I have some extra cash and I may still pick up the TOPS and maybe a mule since 451 Detonics just had to post that pic of the mule.

 

[FTG-05]

A friend of mine told me today that I should have ordered the Rat3 from Ontario instead and saved myself some cash. I compared the specs of the two and they seem pretty much the same, is there something ESEE does to their knives that makes them that much better? If the Rat3 is pretty close in quality I'll most likely order a couple and throw one in my backpack and one in the toolbox of my car.

Go to the ESEE portion of Bladeforums.com and you'll see that the ESEE guys themselves don't talk down about Ontario RAT knives. They're not bad knives.

Having said that, ESEE knives are much better than the Ontario knives due to the design, manufacturer (Rowan) and the ESEE warranty. They're worth the extra $$$, IMO.

Good luck.

 

[FTG-05]

ESEE has left Bladeforums for their own forum located here: http://jungletraining.com/forums/index.php