First, I wanna thank you for making this video. As I was researching what knife I wanted to by next, I too settled on the PR4, and this video, came up in my search as I was watching reviews, so I was happy that I had the option to change the handles. I was on the fence wether or not I liked the original handles, but after some hard use, it didn’t take me long to spring the money to TKC and purchase them. I love them! It made my favorite knife AWESOME! Two things I wanna point out, 1. I did wet fit my original sheath, and it does fit my knife perfectly. 2. As I took the originals off, I noticed a small band of rust under the handles, so that’s something to consider when installing is maybe putting a light coat of oil on before new handle install, the second option is possibly put a light coat of epoxy on. I just oiled mine, and once in a while, I’ll take the handles off and re oil during my knife maintenance. Any who, thanks for the great reviews! I absolutely highly recommend the Esse PR4 and a handle upgrade when you can! 👍🏻
Now you just need to strip the blade coating and get a nice patina started.
4 роки тому+2
Some weeks ago I bought the PR4 (it is the kind of knife I like the most ) and I was 'disappointed' with handles (nice but not very confortable) So I watched your video and listened your experience, I ordered new handles (and a new sheath too) to TKC (not very cheap 'cause of price for the travelling to Belgium ^^)
Excellent video, I have the same in blue and black. Will you be showing how to wet form the sheath as knife connection doesn’t recommend the original sheath with their scales.
Thank You!!! I always have my sheaths custom made at my local leather shop. If you watch my video "Happy Anniversary Ochoco Bushcraft", You will see the sheath they made for mine.
I like both, but must say I prefer the OEM handles the best. Just unique and personally I love how it feels and despite hard use, never even came close to a hot spot issue. But some like chocolate, some vanilla!
I have a PR4 and like the look of the standard scales with only one exception: I would really like them with a couple of orange handle inserts. The standard micarta scales are a bit too thin and spacers would be a really nice touch for both looks and comfort. Now I also have the JG5 and the similar micarta scales feel alot fuller in the hand and are more comfortable.
@@ochocobushcraft1742 Thanks, but I like the existing micarta handles but would like them alot more if the offered some spacers for the original micarta handles.
I noticed on TKCs website that after the handle upgrade, the sheath won’t fit. Wondering if stretching the leather by soaking it then fitting the blade in will solve this issue?
Hi Dan, I have been thinking on the PR4. I wear XXL-XXXL gloves; would the TKC aftermarket scales work for my size hands or would I be better off with esee 4HM for example? Thanks for sharing your experience with the PR4. Take care my friend.🇺🇸🔪🔥🌲
You can oil up the blade, wrap it in pladtic....wet the sheath and install the knife, working it in slowly. Let the leather mold itself (stretching) until dry. It will only take over night to form fit. Then once dry you xan saddle soap the sheath or even use wonder lube, then buff with a ckean cloth.
First, I wanna thank you for making this video. As I was researching what knife I wanted to by next, I too settled on the PR4, and this video, came up in my search as I was watching reviews, so I was happy that I had the option to change the handles. I was on the fence wether or not I liked the original handles, but after some hard use, it didn’t take me long to spring the money to TKC and purchase them. I love them! It made my favorite knife AWESOME! Two things I wanna point out, 1. I did wet fit my original sheath, and it does fit my knife perfectly. 2. As I took the originals off, I noticed a small band of rust under the handles, so that’s something to consider when installing is maybe putting a light coat of oil on before new handle install, the second option is possibly put a light coat of epoxy on. I just oiled mine, and once in a while, I’ll take the handles off and re oil during my knife maintenance. Any who, thanks for the great reviews! I absolutely highly recommend the Esse PR4 and a handle upgrade when you can! 👍🏻
It is a great knife! Thanks for the info on oiling the handles. Good advice!
Now you just need to strip the blade coating and get a nice patina started.
Some weeks ago I bought the PR4 (it is the kind of knife I like the most ) and I was 'disappointed' with handles (nice but not very confortable)
So I watched your video and listened your experience, I ordered new handles (and a new sheath too) to TKC (not very cheap 'cause of price for the travelling to Belgium ^^)
I think you will really like those handles!
gotta love esee warranty i snaped my izula in half batoning and they replaced it no questions asked
Nice! It is a good feeling to carry a knife backed by such a good warranty.
I have tkc g10 on my bk14
Well done fit
I do plan on ordering more for my ESSE Knives
that is a awesome knife now that you made it better great video ive lived in the smoky mountains my whole life
Thank You! I would love to see the smokies someday.
Thank you! I ordered the PR4 a couple of days ago. Will be following your lead in the handle section
Ge sure and check out the black linen micarta with brown burlap! Very nice.
nice thanks for doing that....I'm getting one seems like a great little blade//all the best
I'm sure you will really like the PR4. It is very enjoyable to use.
I do like ESEE knives. I got a couple more I want to get, that PR4 being one of them.
I think you will really enjoy the PR4. It is my favorite bushcraft knife 🔪.
PR4 works. Thank you.
Excellent video, I have the same in blue and black. Will you be showing how to wet form the sheath as knife connection doesn’t recommend the original sheath with their scales.
Thank You!!! I always have my sheaths custom made at my local leather shop. If you watch my video "Happy Anniversary Ochoco Bushcraft", You will see the sheath they made for mine.
I got the burlap micarta's on mine. Been reforming the damned sheath for a week to get it to fit back in
I just switched to the brown burlap. Love them!
The new handles look way better than the original. 👍
Thank You! They feel really good in the hand.
I like both, but must say I prefer the OEM handles the best. Just unique and personally I love how it feels and despite hard use, never even came close to a hot spot issue. But some like chocolate, some vanilla!
I have a PR4 and like the look of the standard scales with only one exception: I would really like them with a couple of orange handle inserts. The standard micarta scales are a bit too thin and spacers would be a really nice touch for both looks and comfort.
Now I also have the JG5 and the similar micarta scales feel alot fuller in the hand and are more comfortable.
The Knife Connection does have some handles with liners. You might check it out.
@@ochocobushcraft1742 Thanks, but I like the existing micarta handles but would like them alot more if the offered some spacers for the original micarta handles.
I noticed on TKCs website that after the handle upgrade, the sheath won’t fit. Wondering if stretching the leather by soaking it then fitting the blade in will solve this issue?
I don't think so. I had a couple leather sheaths custom made. The Knife Connection handles are much thicker, but amazingly comfortable!
Hi Dan, I have been thinking on the PR4. I wear XXL-XXXL gloves; would the TKC aftermarket scales work for my size hands or would I be better off with esee 4HM for example? Thanks for sharing your experience with the PR4. Take care my friend.🇺🇸🔪🔥🌲
I believe that the PR4 handles would be the biggest around. Still might be small for your hands though.
@@ochocobushcraft1742 that's for your input Dan. Keep up the good work on your channel my friend 👍. 🇺🇸🔪🔥🌲
I liked the looks of the stock scales, but like you, I got the G10. Much better
I'm with you. Knife Connection just came out with canvas micarta handles for the Esees. I'll be debuting them this week
Scales on at 8:00
Nice thanks
Awesome
Did you have to get a new sheath or were you able to use the stock one that came with the knife.
I had a custom leather one made.
You can oil up the blade, wrap it in pladtic....wet the sheath and install the knife, working it in slowly. Let the leather mold itself (stretching) until dry. It will only take over night to form fit. Then once dry you xan saddle soap the sheath or even use wonder lube, then buff with a ckean cloth.
did it fit the leather sheath it came with after the modificaiton
No. Had to get a custom sheath made.
I have heard those scales won’t fit the sheath. What’s your plan for a sheath?
If you watch my video, "Esee 4 and PR4 side by side", you will see the custom leather sheath I had made for my PR4. Thanks for watching!
Why don’t u talk abt the esee warranty best u can get
I have mentioned it in other videos. It is a great warranty!
Ochoco Bushcraft thanks never heard it mentioned