ESEE 3 or 4?

[Delvehound]

I'm looking for a place to physically hold/see the ESEE 3 and 4. I'm having an internal debate which to get. I'm going to be using it for backpacking mostly; gutting fish, breaking down some wood from time to time, and normal camp duties. I like the weight of the 3 but the blade thickness of the 4 seems more durable, but could it still handle detailed work? This'll be my 1st fixed blade. Any opinions and advice are appreciated.

Derek

[lex137]

Rapid fire bunker usually has them, but call ahead. I think either would do fine choping wood since there a vids of people using just an Izula, I think they also have a survival challange just using and Izula. So I wouldn't worry about strength on the 3. I would lean towards the 3 cause the shorter blade easier to control at least for me. I'm no expert by any means of even a seasoned outdoorsman. You will get much better feedback from other members, but since you asked I threw in my 2¢

[StagLefty]

I have a couple of 3's and they serve me well.

[hurley842002]

i have the izula 2 and the esee 4. i think the esee 4 is too big for anything I do unless I am in dropped in to a triple canopy jungle again. I think I am going to buy the esee 3 next.

I'm going to second this. I've owned the izula and the 4, and wish I would have gotten the 3. The 4 is an awesome Knife, and if I could own two it would likely be the 3 and 4, but the 4 was just too large for the bulk of woods work I ever used it for.

[ray1970]

The Izula is plenty small and light and there is no reason not to take one along with you. Excellent for most chores short of splitting timber or building shelter. If you want a bit more knife and you aren't dead set on ESEE, I would recommend the DPX H.E.S.T. 2.0 "Mil-Spec". Physically, it's similar in size to the ESEE 3 but it's made of some special steel that's tough as nails but weighs almost nothing.

[Delvehound]

Alright, sounds like the consensus is go for the 3. I'll give Rapid Fire a call and see if they've got one handy. Thanks for the advice

[ray1970]

Here's the DPX I am referring to.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m98/rjs1970/photo_zps798936c9.jpg

[Delvehound]

The DPX looks nice, thanks for the pic!

[hatidua]

Any opinions and advice are appreciated.

Get an ESEE 3 or 4, -but don't expect either one to 'gut fish' any better than a framing hammer.

[Delvehound]

Get an ESEE 3 or 4, -but don't expect either one to 'gut fish' any better than a framing hammer.

[LOL]Ahh, the good 'ol mutli use framing hammer

[RussDXT]

I would go with the 3, add the Laser Strike next. The "pri Bar" on the DPX makes it umcomfortable to carry in my opinion

[ray1970]

I would go with the 3, add the Laser Strike next. The "pri Bar" on the DPX makes it umcomfortable to carry in my opinion

I have a DPX H.E.F.T. as well. No silly pry bar thing. I'll toss a picture up later.

[ray1970]

It has a bottle opener instead. Lol.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m98/rjs1970/photo_zps0ec312d7.jpg

[Ah Pook]

I've had a R.A.T. 3 (early version of EESE 3) and and EESE 4. Liked both but just didn't use the 4. Carry the 3 all the time. I really like the Izula too.

What's wrong with using a framing hammer to clean fish? I prefer a 12" Death Stick. [Swim]

[chshrct]

Here's a question regarding the ESEE 3... If you carry it on your belt with an untucked shirt, is it an illegally concealed weapon? The blade has an overall length greater than 3.5 inches according to the ESEE website, but the cutting surface of the blade is under 3.5". How does Colorado's knife laws rule? I know 3.5" is the cutoff but what measurement matters in a situation like this one?
NICK

[COvigilance]

I have a 4 and an izula 2, If I had to get one fixed knife I would get the 3. The 4 is nice but heavy and I think the 3 would cover all the jobs that the op talked about. I have batoned wood with the izula 2...it works but the three would be better IMO

[polski]

Here's a question regarding the ESEE 3... If you carry it on your belt with an untucked shirt, is it an illegally concealed weapon? The blade has an overall length greater than 3.5 inches according to the ESEE website, but the cutting surface of the blade is under 3.5". How does Colorado's knife laws rule? I know 3.5" is the cutoff but what measurement matters in a situation like this one?
NICK

Law varies by jurisdiction. Manitou Springs measures from tip to handle.