Knife newb

[jcoosi]

So I have been wanting to pick up a few knives and have been very intrigued with esse knives.I plan on looking at what the Smokey Mtn Knife Works has when I go.Really only looking at fixed blades in 3-4" blade.May also pick up larger blade to throw in hunting bag.Besides Esse what are some brands that I should also look at.Thanks

[Oh Shoot]

So I have been wanting to pick up a few knives and have been very intrigued with esse knives.I plan on looking at what the Smokey Mtn Knife Works has when I go.Really only looking at fixed blades in 3-4" blade.May also pick up larger blade to throw in hunting bag.Besides Esse what are some brands that I should also look at.Thanks

Without going expensive custom, top of my head:

USA Companies: (most models made here, but not all):

Becker

Ka-Bar

Buck, especially famous classic 119

Ontario

Non-USA:

Condor (El Salvador)

Cold Steel (various)

- OS

Edited July 2, 2012 by OhShoot

[Major Kong]

The Becker BK-2 is hard to beat but it's a little bit larger than you stated (5.5" blade). I've also got an ESEE 3 that I think is just about perfect.

If you haven't been to SMKW before plan to spend a couple of hours there.

[jtmaze]

I have a 119 buck that I wouldn't take anything for. One of the greatest hunting knives ever made.

JTM

Sent from my iPhone

[jcoosi]

I went to SMKW and I left with 6 knives all esse

Candiru

2 Izula

esse 3

esse 4

esse 5

[Moped]

WOW!!! Nice set of knives there jcoosi! I'd love to have the Esee 3! My favorite length in a fixed blade is between 3.5" and 4.5". If you go to a more traditional look, and don't care about where it's made, check out Helle! My favorite styles tend to be Puukko's and other Scandinavian knives. When I'm out and about in the woods I carry a Helle Odel most of the time.

BTW, I was over at SMKW this afternoon, but didn't buy anything. I'm looking for a nice small fixed blade neck knife or fixed blade pocket knife and wanted to check a few out. That Candiru is nice, but I think I like the Becker BK14 better and I liked that Boker Plus Rhino a lot! Unfortunately the knife I was really there to check out was the CRKT Bowie Minimalist and they didn't have it or any of the other Minimalist models, for that matter.

Congrats on the purchases. Give us a report on them, once you get through checking them all out!

[Oh Shoot]

I went to SMKW and I left with 6 knives all esse

Candiru

2 Izula

esse 3

esse 4

esse 5

Wowser. Well, I guess with that double handful of fine steel, you're a newb no more. Enjoy.

- OS

[Guest Scramasax]

A man after my own heart. Why buy just one. More into custom knives. But always see many factory knives that I would just like to have around. The knives I use and like the most have around a 5" blade. Don't carry a neck knife anymore, too much neck trama.

Wish I lived closer to RMKW. But it's probably for the best.

Enjoy your new tools.

Cheers,

ts

[willis68]

I went to SMKW and I left with 6 knives all esse

Candiru

2 Izula

esse 3

esse 4

esse 5

Quite a nice purchase you made there, Congrats on some fine knives!

[DevJames]

definitely bought right on the first big purchases!

I need to get an ESSE 3 and a large Ka-Bar TDI I think. Probably get the TDI first as it's about half the price of the ESSE

[Major Kong]

Nice scores. ESEE makes a great knife and stands behind it with a great warranty. I've found the 3 and the 5 to be my favorites and I keep an Izula in my truck-bag.

[jcoosi]

Well here is the knife family I acquired

[Oh Shoot]

Well here is the knife family I acquired

What are the two arrowhead looking blades over on the right?

- OS

[jcoosi]

They are esse arrowheads

http://www.rockynational.com/6232_AH1-ARROWHEAD_ESEE_RAT_Arrowhead.html

[Moped]

The Esee 3 or 4 looks just about perfect for me! Pair that with the Izula or Candiau, a Victorinox Farmer for a pocket knife and a Gransfors Bruks, Wetterlings or Snow and Neally Ax and you are set for life for Bushcrafting or anything else you might want to do outside in the woods!!! Nice purchases!

[Guest bkelm18]

I like the Izula. I've got a Kabar Escabar which is esentially the same knife. I put the same cord wrap on it too.