Ka-Bar 1213 vs Esee 6

[Chapp]

The Kabar 1213 is 80$
The Esee 6 is 140$.

They're both approximatively the same lenght and they both use a similar steal. Both are made by companies with good reputation and handle really well. I'd even dare to say the 1213 is nicer to hold than the Esee 6.

Is there something that I missed that could justified such a difference in price ?

 

[Revolverrodger]

Full tang vs rat tang ?

 

[SharpieB]

Both 1095 and the Ka-Bar is more of an army type knife. A better comparison to the ESEE6 would be something like the Ontario RAT. The 7 maybe. And lots less $$$.

I have the ESEE 6 and the RAT7 is very similar. Same shape, steel, etc.

 

[cbrstar]

I bought the Ka Bar for my little Brotherto go camping and it's a solid knife, but it does lack finesse as it feels a little crude. The Esse you are getting a much nicer handle and full tang.

 

[craytab]

Is there something that I missed that could justified such a difference in price ?

Besides almost everything, no.

 

[Chapp]

I didn't know the 1213 was a rat tang. I thought it was a full-tang. That could explain the price difference since you're getting a much bigger piece of metal by going with the Esee 6.
I also learned the Esee 6 was made in the US, while the 1213 was made in Taiwan.

 

[Reitwagen]

I also learned the Esee 6 was made in the US, while the 1213 was made in Taiwan.

Correct me if I'm wrong but, the Kabar in question is US made.

 

[jbmonkey]

Correct me if I'm wrong but, the Kabar in question is US made.

its usa made. not sure where that Taiwan theory came from?

ones a fighting knife the other a much thicker stock bushish knife with micarta handles. very different knives really. I wouldnt compare them at all.

 

[Tommy-Chi]

Buy the ESEE Knives CM6 Combat Knife Fixed and call it a day.

 

[Chapp]

Correct me if I'm wrong but, the Kabar in question is US made.

Yep, I don't know where I read that. It's usa made.

Buy the ESEE Knives CM6 Combat Knife Fixed and call it a day.

It's a really good alternative to the 1213, even if it's more expensive.

 

[thebrain]

I have had both the ESEE 6 is a much better user, but doesn't have the history of the Kabar. Both USA made but the ESEE6 has nearly unconditional lifetime warranty and will hold an edge longer.

 

[dirc]

I have had both the ESEE 6 is a much better user, but doesn't have the history of the Kabar. Both USA made but the ESEE6 has nearly unconditional lifetime warranty and will hold an edge longer.

I would expect the 1095 CroVan in the Kabar would hold the edge longer... it's not just plain 1095 like the esee
http://www.zknives.com/knives/steels/Sharon_Steel/1095_cro-van.shtml
I'm curious why you'd think the reverse?

 

[Chapp]

Buy the ESEE Knives CM6 Combat Knife Fixed and call it a day.

How does the CM6 compare to the Esee 6 ?

 

[bikerector]

Esee generally have better stock sheaths too, which adds to some of the cost.

 

[Tommy-Chi]

How does the CM6 compare to the Esee 6 ?

All Esee models are right here: https://eseeknives.com/knives/esee-knives/

 

[craytab]

I would expect the 1095 CroVan in the Kabar would hold the edge longer... it's not just plain 1095 like the esee
http://www.zknives.com/knives/steels/Sharon_Steel/1095_cro-van.shtml
I'm curious why you'd think the reverse?

Steel charts

Rowen does a fantastic heat treat. Like legendary. That said I can't tell the difference in use.

 

[sharp_edge]

At one point I had both ESEE 6 and Ka Bar USMC full size. I bought the KaBar solely for its history. Sold it later as I don't fight with it For other uses the ESEE is a much better choice. BTW, ESEE 6 can be had for $110 new am I wrong?

 

[Chapp]

At one point I had both ESEE 6 and Ka Bar USMC full size. I bought the KaBar solely for its history. Sold it later as I don't fight with it For other uses the ESEE is a much better choice. BTW, ESEE 6 can be had for $110 new am I wrong?

Not in my country, unfortunately, best deal is around 210$ (185€), while the Ka-bar is 112$ (100€). The difference is quite big.

All Esee models are right here: https://eseeknives.com/knives/esee-knives/

Yes, but why would you recommand it over the Esee 6 and the 1213 ? I'm interested in your opinion.

 

[sharp_edge]

Not in my country, unfortunately, best deal is around 210$ (185€), while the Ka-bar is 112$ (100€). The difference is quite big.

Ouch! That's expensive. I'd suggest you to buy from the Exchange. Some people do ship overseas.

 

[Tommy-Chi]

Not in my country, unfortunately, best deal is around 210$ (185€), while the Ka-bar is 112$ (100€). The difference is quite big.

Yes, but why would you recommand it over the Esee 6 and the 1213 ? I'm interested in your opinion.

I'm waiting to buy the CM6 Combat Knife. I've wanted it for a long time, but every time that I get a few hundred I buy something else. I like the style of the drop point. It looks like a no nonsense fighting knife, and I think it is.

What is this "something else" I keep on buying? I have quite a large collection at around 85 knives with almost $20,000US invested. Recently I am looking for fixed blades in the 1 inch to 4 inch range for EDC. I have folders but as many here have discovered, folders may not work properly and if it is my only defense, I'd prefer a fixed blade.

My most recent knives are Bradford Guardian 3 and 4, both of them in M390 - Black G-10 - False Edge - Stonewashed. I also bought Armatus Architect Sheaths in Black Carbon Kydex for them, and with the black grips they look unreal. I also picked up Winkler Knives WKII Jaeger Fixed Blade Knife Black Micarta (3.75" Black). These are my EDC now! I've been working hard to get my EDC knives squared away.

I have an ESEE Knives Junglas Machete and I love it! It's a beast. That is why I recommended the ESEE, and I'm just waiting for that moment to get the CM6.