ESEE 3 or similar with a Kydex sheath?

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Sid Post

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Oct 14, 1998
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I have been looking closely at the ESEE 3 which apparently only comes with a plastic or nylon sheath. Plastic molded sheaths are fine for some uses but, I want something more durable and tougher than I expect a plastic sheath to be. If I am wrong about the ESSE 3 sheaths, please school me! ;)

I am not dead set on the ESEE 3 over all others but, I want something reasonably thin with either a flat or high saber grind so it isn't too heavy and a thin edge that is a wickedly sharp and a great cutter, not a pry bar that cuts too. I'm not an operator on a two-way range or a hardcore survivalist/prepper so, a thick heavy 3~4" knife is a no-go me. I looked at the OKC RAT 3 but, it looks a little thick edged to me. I want to keep the knife and sheath price around $100 but, that isn't a hard never to exceed price point. Since I get can get a 'knife only' ESSE 3 for ~$70, my other option is to buy that and get a custom Kydex sheath from someone.

So, what knives should I consider besides the ESEE 3? If I get an ESEE 3, what sheath makers should I consider?

TIA,
Sid
 
The Esee 3 plastic sheath is good. You can also build your own Esee knife (choose blade color, sharpened/round pommel, serrated/plain, clip point/drop point, G-10 handles, compact or normal) and order it with a kydex or leather sheath or the plastic one at theknifeconnection.

I have the compact handles on my 3 and the extended handle on my 4. Both are much better than the stock micarta handles imo.

https://www.theknifeconnection.net/tkc-knife-builder-esee-3/
 
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Sid ....


You probably already considered the Cold Steel Pendleton series and Bradford Guardian ( n690 is still available)....though no kydex..

Here’s one worth looking at Manly Patriot in D2 w/kydex and meets your price requirement...check out the review section.
 
The Bradford Guardian 3.5 is looking pretty nice at the moment though the Vanadis 4 Extra is tempting too, all at a much higher price point. The Lion Steel TM4G10 looks nice in D2. Things do get spendy pretty fast with an Internet search! :)
 
If you find what you believe will work for you even if it is a "few dollars more", buy it and use it. You won't have any regrets.
 
Pr3inar said:
I have the compact handles on my 3 and the extended handle on my 4. Both are much better than the stock micarta handles imo.
Click to expand...

How do the HM 'traditional' handle scales compare to the standard ones or the TKC versions? If I go with the HM scales, is there a reason why I couldn't upgrade later to TCK scales? I'm thinking I might 'test drive' and HM version and then upgrade the scales if I decide it doesn't work for me.
 
Sid Post said:
If I am wrong about the ESSE 3 sheaths, please school me! ;)
Click to expand...
I would say you are wrong about the Esee 3 molded plastic sheath. It actually might be considered more durable than kydex as it is less susceptible to hot and cold temperatures. I've got a lot of experience with both Esee molded plastic sheaths and kydex sheaths and I don't see the need to upgrade the Esee 3 molded plastic sheath. For the record I've got Esee molded plastic on two 3s, a 4, and a 6 (I've also got probably over 20 kydex sheaths for various fixed blades). Esee just recently switch the 4s to molded plastic from kydex. They wouldn't do this if they thought less of the plastic.
 
The Esee 3 molded plastic sheath will hold up very well ...

I personal prefer the new Esee HM series handles they fill my hand and are much more comfortable than the older flat scales ... but the HM series come with leather not kydex or plastic ... so if you wanted kydex you would have to get an aftermarket sheath

And I haven't used the G10 TKC scales but hear good about them ... and don't see any reason you couldn't get them later if you wanted to switch out the HM scales.
 
Sid Post said:
How do the HM 'traditional' handle scales compare to the standard ones or the TKC versions? If I go with the HM scales, is there a reason why I couldn't upgrade later to TCK scales? I'm thinking I might 'test drive' and HM version and then upgrade the scales if I decide it doesn't work for me.
Click to expand...
It is a different handle design all together. I'm not sure TKC makes HM specific scales.
 
The esee 3 is a good knife, the plastic sheath should work fine as is. lots of good options in knives this size .
 
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I’m not a sheath expert but I have had quite a few over the years. I find the ESEE molded plastic sheaths to be some of the best I’ve owned. Maybe the best. Rugged with excellent fit.

I do like a fine leather sheath but I find that a well made molded plastic or kydex sheath serves me better when outdoors.

Mostly I think you should do what your heart tells you. If you feel more comfortable with a leather or aftermarket sheath, I think you should do that.

I have no suggestions for an alternate knife. I use my 3 as a game processing knife and it excels at that. Otherwise, I usually prefer longer blades. Sorry
 
Sid Post said:
How do the HM 'traditional' handle scales compare to the standard ones or the TKC versions? If I go with the HM scales, is there a reason why I couldn't upgrade later to TCK scales? I'm thinking I might 'test drive' and HM version and then upgrade the scales if I decide it doesn't work for me.
Click to expand...

I dont own any of the HM models. It’s the same blade, so if you don’t like the choil, go for it. But the TKC handles are very good if you choose the original. With the HM I think you get a leather sheath, not the plastic, but I could be wrong.

Anyway, I have the Candiru, Izula, 3, 4 and 6. The 3 is my favorite of them because of the relatively thin blade, so I think you will be happy with your choice, HM or standard :)

Edit: I have the plastic sheaths for all of them, and IF I’m going to buy something else it would be a leather dangler sheath, for lower carry, but I don’t plan on doing that anytime soon.. :)
 
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craytab said:
I would say you are wrong about the Esee 3 molded plastic sheath. It actually might be considered more durable than kydex as it is less susceptible to hot and cold temperatures. I've got a lot of experience with both Esee molded plastic sheaths and kydex sheaths and I don't see the need to upgrade the Esee 3 molded plastic sheath. For the record I've got Esee molded plastic on two 3s, a 4, and a 6 (I've also got probably over 20 kydex sheaths for various fixed blades). Esee just recently switch the 4s to molded plastic from kydex. They wouldn't do this if they thought less of the plastic.
Click to expand...

^^
This.

There was a conversation on the Esee forum about just this topic. This is a quote from Mike Perrin of Esee knives.

“We will probably always have all three materials used in our sheaths for various reasons. But the injection molded polyethylene is absolutely the most durable and most dependable material we use in our opinion. The only thing that affects it over time is wear. But wear affects all materials over time”.
 
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I really like the 3. I have it paired with my Junglas.
 
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