ESEE 4 Custom Handle Questions

A

AndyM

Joined
Jan 13, 2011
Messages
45
Hey Gang,

I'm newly registered to the forum. I've been hanging on the outskirts for a while (ie reading without posting) and decided it was time to jump in.

I'm looking to buy an ESEE 4 for backpacking. There are lots of threads about that already so we don't need to go into that here.

My questions is about the custom handles that The Knife Connection makes. I like the looks of them and have seen some people promote them, but the questions I can't seem to find an answer to are:
1. What is the feel like compared to the micarta? Rougher, smoother, fit in hand, etc...

2. Do they include a sheath, or do I then need to buy that separately? The price for custom isn't that much more than stock, unless I need to buy a sheath.

3. Looks like the set up they have with ESEE is that T-K-C is the one that holds the warranty. Any concerns there? One of the best features of ESEE is the warranty and I don't really want to loose that for a set of handles.

Anyone who has purchased these out there that can help me out?
 
Andy,

Let's kick this pig:

1. I have never used a ESEE-4 with the original micarta handles. While lacking ability to compare I can say that I love them.

2. It does not include the sheath. You can order those separately. It took me a while to figure that out too. (Dale you might want to try and clarify that on the site bro.)

3. The warranty goes through T-K-C because they are responsible for the handles; but it is the same warranty as I understand.

Explanation of why I love them (in case you desire, if not skip this part and do something fun, like shooting a midget out of a cannon.) They fit the knife very well (remember that there are slight variance in each knife so flawless fit is almost impossible without some touch up.) The slight bit of extra length allows more room to choke up or down on the knife. The small bump on the bottom is superb for retention. There is still space for a lanyard (I just use a small paracord loop long enough to stick two fingers through for really choking down when chopping.) The texture compared to the micarta on my Izula II and HEST is actually quite nearly identical. Don't know how but the way Dale's Scales are machined they do have a nice medium to light-ish texture. My only possible complaint is that because they are made of G10 (which is actually surprisingly dense stuff) and slightly longer) the point of balance is about 1/2" down from the center of the top screw in the handle. I'd rather it was right around the bottom of the choil. Also I imagine that it increases the overall weight of the blade.

God bless,
Adam

PS: Just get Dale's Scales, you will love them.
 
They are nice scales. I ordered mine after already owning the knife. There are also other sheaths for the ESEE 4. Check out Two Wolves outdoors, the armorall leather sheaths are very nice, bottom left of screen when looking at their ESEE 4 page.
Also, at Knives Ship Free, they have a Sharpshooter Sheath options over there.
This knife has lots of choices, not a custom, but you can pic from many options.
I have an Armorall for my RC5, which also fits the Becker BK2. And, I have the SSS for my RC4. They are both great sheaths, as well is the original Kydex option. I've never seen their molle options.
 
this thread needs pics...:p


A%20007.jpg
 
Pea-Ta said:
Check out my thread on the g10's

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=806030

1. The feel is like this from smooth > rough. Linen micarta, g10, canvas micarta.

2. Does not come with sheath

3. Warranty is through tkc

I love my tkc scales, makes the knife feel more present in your hand.
Click to expand...

This information is correct.

The reason that the warranty for the entire knife (that has my scales on) is handled through me is because ESEE Knives does not want knives returned to them for warranty that have my handles on. The blade is still warranted by ESEE Knives & the handle slabs are warranted by me.
 
The 4 feels GREAT with the custom handles. Much better grip and balance, huge improvement over the standard handles IMHO.

I just placed an order for an ESEE 3 w/ Custom handles! :thumbup:
 
If it is going to be your first knife, you may want to get a set up with at least the kydex sheath, if not the MB.

So I'd suggest that you buy a sheath setup if you get a custom knife (since you can't use one you already own) or buy an ESEE-4-MB.
 
Thanks everyone! Exactly the info I needed.

Dale, thanks especially for taking the time to respond. I don't know any other forum where the owners of the suppliers and the dealers are so involved.

I think I'm going to go with a standard 4 and then add the handles later if I decide I want them. By the time I buy everything separately (blade, handle, sheath) it won't cost much more to buy a standard package and then add the handles later.
 
AndyM said:
Thanks everyone! Exactly the info I needed.

Dale, thanks especially for taking the time to respond. I don't know any other forum where the owners of the suppliers and the dealers are so involved.

I think I'm going to go with a standard 4 and then add the handles later if I decide I want them. By the time I buy everything separately (blade, handle, sheath) it won't cost much more to buy a standard package and then add the handles later.
Click to expand...

I think that's a good decision. You will then also have a spare set of handles.

Also, if you acquire multiple versions of the ESEE-4 (Black, Tan, DarkGreen) you might find that the different handles may look better on different blades.

I'm going to pick up a set of his handles sometime......not sure what yet. I might get a dark green and a tan blade in the 3 or 4 and then figure out which one I want what color of handles on.
 
You are welcome Andy.

Also... Welcome to the forums! It's great to have you here!
 
I wanted to show my ESEE 4 some extra love, so I ordered the custom "blue/black" handles from TKC. They shipped today....:):thumbup:
 
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