I own this knife and love it - also gets a nice patina and easy to sharpen with the full Scandi grind lays flat on the stone so no worries about the angle when sharpening
Having given up on the search for the "perfect" knife, I have moved on to a new search...the "perfect" pair. And in that application, fixed blades under 4 inches thrive! I do my large tasks (batoning, de-limbing, etc.) with my Junglas 2 and my small tasks (carving notches) with the RB3. For my set up, RB3 rocks!
Great review. I must be one of the few people out here who likes a 3 to 3.5 inch blade. I hunt / camp. That size blade is perfect to field dress most game. I prefer a flat grind, but scandi works just fine to. Guess I am just the odd duck.
I'm with you too buddy but I'm a fan of the scandi grind now after I've experienced how easy it is to sharpen. Especially in the field with a small light diamond stone. Sad because I have so many flat ground knives but I just want to use my scandi blades
unlike many other people's when I Ser you test a knife I'm thinking.... Wow does he HATE this knife lloll. you really do fully test equipment. thanks much for your time and hard work!! Blessings sir!!
I just barely learned about this blade. I have my eye on the Bradford Guardian 3, but looking at this. Different use I believe between the two blades, but if you could only choose one of the two, which would you go with?
Be interesting to see what else Esee makes in their camp-lore line. I do agree on the blade length for a fixed blade, 4"+ is what I prefer, under that, it seems cumbersome to me when I can use a folder.
Thank you for the vid. I'm actually thinking of going with my axe and then only a sub 4" neck knife. I've heard you say many times that 4" is the minimum blade you like, but I don't understand why. Feathersticks? Notches? Food prep? Cut cordage? 3" can handle all of that, and we prob shouldnt be battoning with sub 5" blades. So what can't you do with a 3.5" blade? I'm puzzled. Thanks.
Black Sheep , I usually carry an ESEE 3 and an ESEE Junglas when I go camping. No need for a hatchet with the Junglas and the two knives work very well together as a system.
really nice knife I agree wish it was a little bigger dig that handle I'm really leaning towards a Lt Wright or Jeff white knife though what's your opinion on those
Its true for me as well 4 inch is the minimum fixed i'll carry,i always wished the esee 3 came 4 inch plus with 8th thick...They just fall short of the mark for lightweight batton spanning and food prep etc...Thank you for another great video and although i love the idea and design ill wait dor a longer model. P.S. i just ruined an LT wright bushcrafter battoning so im starting to stray away from heavy use on small blades lol.
I just got a new knife today a buck knife I am doing a video on it as I have had a lot of interest about it on my Facebook group..I really enjoyed your video
In my state I can legally carry a 3.5 inch blade. So I like the length of the RB3 but I get your point. I don't like the sheath especially for the price. I think Condor makes better leather than the camplore line. So I bought an AZ welkie sheath for it big improvement.
out of curiosity, do you prefer the sub $20 Mora Companion or around $30 Mora 2000? I would agree if spending $100 on a fixed blade would spent a little extra for the Laser Strike, but as could get 5 or 6 Mora's for this price it would be a hard sell.
Re: RB3 vs. JG3... I went to Cabela's fully expecting to get the RB3 (after watching this review) but I also handled the JG3 and I much preferred (and bought) the JG3. The RB3 had too much handle for me and seemed oddly balanced. Also, size-wise the RB3 too much like my ESEE 4. I also have the CR2.5 and LOVE it for EDC. The sharp 90º spine on the Camp-Lore knives kills me!
Esee has a UA-cam video I just watched and the designer said he chose 3.5" because he travels to a lot of countries and with knives approaching 4" they start to be treated suspiciously as weapons, smaller as tools. Still I'd prefer 3.75"-4" which is still small in the bushcraft niche.
I've been drooling over this knife since it was announced, but I have several other Scandi blades that are 4+", so I probably won't be getting this one. I would consider buying a used one at a decent price though if it was available (hint hint)!
Say Heah Aaron,, Yup, my Rodent 4 is now one of my Fav's Bush Craft Knives, I still stand strong, I love Choils. Infact my first Custom made for me by George Koutsopoulos a G. E. K. Custom is a 3/16" thick 4" blade with a Choil. Yup he especially made it for me like that. It's a Beauty. Also very rare (R. I. P.). Infact I just put a Casstrom # 3 Dangler Extension Caribiner on the sheath and I love it even more. I also put a Danger Extention Caribiner on my Cold Steel SISU. Alot of negative reviews especially about the price. Well, I could put it up against a O1 Bushcraft knife. Yeah, It's my Rolls Roys Mora. Even though I can't afford a Bugatti, I still don't knock the car because it's one of the best made. Sure a Mora are good and get the job done, But I'd rather drive a Vet than a Focus, No offense Ford Country you make great cars. But you know what I mean. It's amazing what a Dangler does for me, The same with Choils. No offense to Essee Country you make great knives. But, Yeah, That's why I love my Rodent 4, and yeah, I support a Home Grown.,,. p
Aaron, this is one of the few reviews of this knife that I have seen where the blade didn't chip or roll. I'm wondering if this is a newer revision of the RB3 with a better heat treat. The same thing happened with a lot of the first runs of Cold Steel Finn Wolf knives. Either way, this was a great review. Thanks!!!
Great video. Thanks review and your thoughts. Compared to the Mora, you said that it can do everything that the RB3 can and vice versa. Are you batoning with your companion as well? Since it comes with a note saying not to baton with it, do you happen to know if the ESEE warranty still applies if you do you us to baton?
I bought this knife yesterday. Went backpacking with it last night. ONLY problem I have with this knife is the non coated blade. I got rained on a small bit and the leather sheath got wet. I hadn't even used my knife yet and I pulled it out of the sheath maybe 30 min later and it was COVERED with rust. Not just dark spots , full on rust. And the leather sheath didn't dry off (and still isn't dry) so every time I put my knife in the sheath it comes out with rust. Kind of annoying considering I love the knife itself. I too would love a plastic sheath option.
Trent Armstrong no offense but you knew it was carbon steel, why didn’t you oil it?! It’s not the knife’s fault that people don’t know how to take care of their tools. Unfortunately it’s common, I work in a knife shop and a lot of young people and even adults get that scared expression on their face when I tell them “it’s carbon steel, it will rust if you don’t take care of it “ they almost jump back- “It’ll rust?! What do you mean it will rust?” “What do I do to keep it from rusting?” As if rust is some demon, and these kids nowadays are utterly incapable of thinking for themselves it seems. When I tell them to oil it, they ask “what kind of oil” or “I don’t want it if it will rust!” Yeah, once a spot of rust appears the knife is falling apart and useless. Sad, that people don’t know how to take care of such basic things as your own tools.
Would love it to have a bit longer of a blade length! The price is rough too, considering that mora is releasing a full tang knife for around that price range, and that one is a most for you to review!! Cheers from Portugal
+Addison Bryant I would love to see an ESEE8. 8.5" blade with a choil, 3/16" thick, Junglas handle and sheath style. Weight around a pound. Boom, game over!
This is a nice looking blade with a nice review, i was REALLY interested in the DC-6 but damn I guess BHK doesn't like having a knife company that actually have blades in stock.
love the review bro! it's awesome to see your perspective on how you like your set up. I do carry a sub 4 inch fix blade simply for hunting and fishing tasks. Our trout here in pa are not that big so a 4 inch blade is a little much. Plus I like the added security of a fix blade. Awesome review, love the channel, you're a boss bro!
I see nothing wrong with this knife , the smaller blade is fine. I own a LT Wright Next gen flat grind with 3 inch blade and it works fine. It depends what a person likes in a knife in blade size and ergonomics . I think the LT Wright Genesis would be more of what you are looking for with a 4.25 inch blade and available in Scandi or flat grind.
You remind me of my ex always wanting an extra inch. Anyways she's gone and here I am stuck with a 3 inch knife. All joking aside I had to order one from the US here into Canada and it cost a fortune but it's worth every penny.
Aaron, as always I apreciate your perspective, Have you checked out the Esee 4 HM? I have been eyeballing it as well as the RB3. Size on these smaller knives is less of an issue for me as I pack the Junglass and the BHK Scout Platoon. I would really enjoy the RB3 I think but the pragmatist in me wins the argument every time..........is the RB3 5 times the knife that the Mora HD is? Clearly thats ans easy and resounding NO. There is a lot of love on youtube for the Mora, yet I think it's very underapreciated, the value and performance of the Mora HD just makes it a real Gollum/Smeagal type disagreement anytime you you start ponder a 4" knife in the $100 range. And honestly.........its 3.5 inches of 1095 and a bit of micarta, this really ought to be in the $60 range when you consider other production knives of similar materials where you get more knife....i.e. BK16, Tops Bob, . Im not saying it isnt worth it but its hard to justify when you've got $500 in knives already hanging on your belt.
Thanks for this review. This knife seems awesome and I love Scandi grind knives. I hope someday I will be able to afford a knife of such quality. Thanks man. 👍🏻
Good vid 👍🏻, I too wish the RB3 was made Ina 4" it would be more useful ! I too have the JG3 and I wet formed the sheath and it came out great the sheath now retains the knife perfect ! Thanks for the review 👍🏻✌🏻️
i guess large hands need large blades ;D i would defenitly pick a rb3 up for the us. price but here in germany it costs 210€! wich is far aways from good or evil... picked a bark river gunny insteed and im happy with that since i also own a high quality scandi knife (EnZo trapper 95 O1 steel)
iv really liked what u did with this vid im not saying this cuz im and esee guy witch i am but its almost insalting comparing and esee and a kora knife any bushcraft/survival knife needs to be full tang
"Again, your mileage may vary"??? Ain't hat Nutnfancy's trademark phrase? What are we going to see next? Nutn' saying that he has "large size hands"??? Great review Aaron, as always. Hope everything's coming along with Baby Gideonstactical.
Haha, he is one of the originals, but he doesn't have a monopoly on every term lol! Hence why I use "theory of use, " instead of "philosophy of use." Baby is coming soon!
+Boy Scout if you sharpen it just like any other you will most likely add a secondary bevel to the true scandi grind. Scandi grinds often end up with a lower degree secondary bevel because unless you know exact angle of primary bevel which is very wide and very hard to get exact free hand then you end up with variations on the edge anyway. it is a case of learn it over time or add a secondary bevel OR use a guided system to keep the true scandi grind at the exact degree it was originaĺly profiled at or you choose to reprofile it at.
+EarlyMist if you own such a knife it is worth learning to sharpen it true....to its original angle. not being lax and adding a secondary bevel and thinking it is sharp. it is like a V shape in totality compared to a U shape with a tiny V at the sharp edge. kind of hard to explain. Like a convex edge it is one of the reasons it hasn't gained mainstream traction...it is a bit more involved and you can't just 'sharpen it like any other knife' to its original state.
i find this tempting but "never baton with this" etc...no way. I know oldskool says never baton but I have had no problems with bk16, bk9, Ontario SP series, esee 4, various folders even etc.
point being I would never buy a knife 4 inches plus I couldn't baton with because hiking lightweight (not ultralight) dictates I need a knife that serves the purpose of getting to dry wood along with my lightweight saw (Silky 210). Not being able to baton or voiding warranty by doing so makes me need to carry my bk9, bk16 or other alternatives which boots my lightweight system to the curb.
+EarlyMist i ...if my esee could do all that but not baton I would just use my mora which is so light and capable for everything the new esee can do but also not baton and use my bigger knives for the rest of it...but defeats the purpose of my lightweight system. sorry...no.
In Canada, this very average hunk of 1095 goes for almost $200 on Amazon.ca. Seriously, why would I drop that kinda dough on a knife that’s nothing special when I can get a razor sharp 12C27 Mora for $20, (of which I have many, lol). This is ridiculous.
Uncoated 1095? This is a 100 Dollar knife, and with that size, it´s not something you´d do chopping or heavy batoning with. So why not make it from VG10? As it stands, it´s just too expensive.
check out the ESEE 3HMsame handle as the RB3 but the blade of the ESEE 3 (FFG)www.gpknives.com/esee-3hm-black-plain-edge-rounded-handle-knife-leather-sheath.html
The reason i dont buy the esee rb3 is because of the uncoated blade which always makes me worry about rust. I heard that olive oil will do the job of reasure that the blade wont rust whenever i come back after a camping weekebd but yet... Wish more would use stainless...
Say Heah Aaron, Check out the Rodent 4, It became one of my Fav. Bush Craft Knives. Infact I now teamed it with my Rodent 9 in a Piggyback, which I Baldric Carry. ,, .
Such spendy knives, I know we hear it all the time but dang you can buy a Schrade Schf 55 for 39$ and add LMF industry scales to it or just keep it stock. Also we have Condors wide variety of knives that usually run $60 and under for scandi blades and very nice sheaths. BUT buying USA made products does give ya a sense of prideful ownership ;)
Doug Lloyd Okay its been a year since this comment. Ive been using all kinds of knives but mainly my Mora Garberg which only cost $56 but runs for $75, I also have had a condor Bushlore for over a year and it works great no issues got it for $27...I'm not saying the Esee ain't a nice knife, yes its polished and comes nice and neat but $100 for 3inch piece of 1095??? Cold steel Master Hunter cpm3v $100, Verustalika Pukko $65 shipped 1095hc, Camulis Bushcrafter $65 USA 1095 leather sheath, Enzo Trapper $95 01 toolsteel leather dangler.
Aaron, you know by now PAPA DUKES loves all knives ! Depending on what I'm doing, where or how long I'm doing it, will determine what size blade I'll carry and use. Over time (long) I've found 4" to be the best length to carry in the woods, be it a knife blade or handgun barrel. Now at other times I'll use shorter blades so you can get up close and personal. The larger blades get carried when I want to blaze through wood ! What I'm trying to convey is that we must get out of the "one tool option". It's much more fun buying good knives like this anyway...you'll find a need later !...PAPA DUKES
I agree...while 3.5" is plenty for my lovely wife, I'd want this knife to have more blade length before I'd purchase it as an outdoors user. Did I make this entire comment only to sneak in a juvenile privates joke?....yes I did, but I found this to be a great review as always nonetheless!
I think in every single video he says "large sized hands", I have not seen this with any other knife reviewers and it gets pretty old and is just weird...
I do say it in every video. When it comes to knives, guns, packs or whatever size is important. Example I always tell people in my pack reviews, "I am 6ft 2in. 220lbs." So when I complain that the belt strap on a pack is too high on my waist, someone who is 5ft 11in would know. This pack is too small for him but would fit me much better. Same with knives if you have XL size hands and you can see I have no room left on a knife handle you will know this is going to be too small a knife for me.
I own this knife and love it - also gets a nice patina and easy to sharpen with the full Scandi grind lays flat on the stone so no worries about the angle when sharpening
Having given up on the search for the "perfect" knife, I have moved on to a new search...the "perfect" pair. And in that application, fixed blades under 4 inches thrive! I do my large tasks (batoning, de-limbing, etc.) with my Junglas 2 and my small tasks (carving notches) with the RB3. For my set up, RB3 rocks!
The RB3 is kinda the perfect size, for the tasks you use such a knife for. I would like to be able to purchase a scandi ground ESEE 4.
Great review. I must be one of the few people out here who likes a 3 to 3.5 inch blade. I hunt / camp. That size blade is perfect to field dress most game. I prefer a flat grind, but scandi works just fine to. Guess I am just the odd duck.
Just like me, you would love the mora pro series.
I'm with you too buddy but I'm a fan of the scandi grind now after I've experienced how easy it is to sharpen. Especially in the field with a small light diamond stone. Sad because I have so many flat ground knives but I just want to use my scandi blades
Yeah this Gideon guy is kind of a tool
if you like this knife you might want to look at the LT Wright GNS very similar but longer
" I Need A RB4! " SECONDED !
+cl m Right on!
I’d love to see this blade option in a pukko handle I have this one and really like it
great review..I use this knife when I am camping with my grandkids, along with my Granfors Burks hatchet...all camp work gets done with ease. .
Nice!
I agree with the 4 in + blade length. My go to knife is the ESEE Laserstrike.
I agree would love the RB3 handle on the JG3 blade. Thanks for the review and the fast response to me. You truly help me a lot
unlike many other people's when I Ser you test a knife I'm thinking.... Wow does he HATE this knife lloll. you really do fully test equipment. thanks much for your time and hard work!! Blessings sir!!
No problem, thank you very much!
Yer welcome!!
Sweetness
I just barely learned about this blade. I have my eye on the Bradford Guardian 3, but looking at this. Different use I believe between the two blades, but if you could only choose one of the two, which would you go with?
It’s to bad the esee dc6 didn’t end up panning out it looked fantastic
If ESEE were to one day make a 4" - 4.5" model, is the day I would order me one right away.
I second to look at the ENZO Trapper 95 as a real challenge to the RB3 in all sorts of steels
nice looking carving knive is it better than a Mora lol
Be interesting to see what else Esee makes in their camp-lore line. I do agree on the blade length for a fixed blade, 4"+ is what I prefer, under that, it seems cumbersome to me when I can use a folder.
+Todd Klekotka My thoughts exactly!
Then ten years after they announce it it will finally be produced or they will cancel it altogether like the Dave Canterbury knife.
Thank you for the vid. I'm actually thinking of going with my axe and then only a sub 4" neck knife. I've heard you say many times that 4" is the minimum blade you like, but I don't understand why. Feathersticks? Notches? Food prep? Cut cordage? 3" can handle all of that, and we prob shouldnt be battoning with sub 5" blades. So what can't you do with a 3.5" blade? I'm puzzled. Thanks.
Black Sheep , I usually carry an ESEE 3 and an ESEE Junglas when I go camping. No need for a hatchet with the Junglas and the two knives work very well together as a system.
Looks like an awesome small carving knife. I agree on a bigger fixed blade but I'm not a bushcrafter which I assume this is marketed for.
Wow I've noticed that you are getting much better at making feathersticks so good job.
Right thanks! This knife sure helps.
wish mora's came with that handle. that handle is perfect.
You always give a straight-up, honest review. I, too, prefer a larger knife.
+Teachering Thanks so much, it just has more capabilities when it has the bigger blade.
really nice knife I agree wish it was a little bigger dig that handle I'm really leaning towards a Lt Wright or Jeff white knife though what's your opinion on those
+Danny Macdonnell Never used either so I am not sure.
Really good assessment. I too wish it was an inch longer.
Sweet!
don't we all lolz
I wish all Esee handles were like this
Do they come with a different sheath
As I said in the video, leather only right now.
I so much love this sample shape and compact forms, also it is USA made knife but in one video I saw how weak is its scandi edge. :( is it normal?
you should do a review of the tbs boar bushcraft knife from britain
That video helped me a lot, as usual, i love that channel, thank you very very much!! Saying hi from up north Québec!! ✋🙂
We got the PR4 and it kicks butt!
Its true for me as well 4 inch is the minimum fixed i'll carry,i always wished the esee 3 came 4 inch plus with 8th thick...They just fall short of the mark for lightweight batton spanning and food prep etc...Thank you for another great video and although i love the idea and design ill wait dor a longer model. P.S. i just ruined an LT wright bushcrafter battoning so im starting to stray away from heavy use on small blades lol.
I just got a new knife today a buck knife I am doing a video on it as I have had a lot of interest about it on my Facebook group..I really enjoyed your video
Thanks, what knife is it!
Did they ever make one longer than 4 inches? I'd like 4.5 inches in the knife
Awesome video
tell me please which compass you wearing on your watch?
In my state I can legally carry a 3.5 inch blade. So I like the length of the RB3 but I get your point. I don't like the sheath especially for the price. I think Condor makes better leather than the camplore line. So I bought an AZ welkie sheath for it big improvement.
+DamionJR4923 Nice!
Hope you can show us an ESEE-4HM when they are finally available.
+avldxvw I plan on reviewing both!
out of curiosity, do you prefer the sub $20 Mora Companion or around $30 Mora 2000?
I would agree if spending $100 on a fixed blade would spent a little extra for the Laser Strike, but as could get 5 or 6 Mora's for this price it would be a hard sell.
Re: RB3 vs. JG3... I went to Cabela's fully expecting to get the RB3 (after watching this review) but I also handled the JG3 and I much preferred (and bought) the JG3. The RB3 had too much handle for me and seemed oddly balanced. Also, size-wise the RB3 too much like my ESEE 4. I also have the CR2.5 and LOVE it for EDC. The sharp 90º spine on the Camp-Lore knives kills me!
Esee has a UA-cam video I just watched and the designer said he chose 3.5" because he travels to a lot of countries and with knives approaching 4" they start to be treated suspiciously as weapons, smaller as tools. Still I'd prefer 3.75"-4" which is still small in the bushcraft niche.
I've been drooling over this knife since it was announced, but I have several other Scandi blades that are 4+", so I probably won't be getting this one. I would consider buying a used one at a decent price though if it was available (hint hint)!
Do you prefer this one or 4hm ?
Say Heah Aaron,, Yup, my Rodent 4 is now one of my Fav's Bush Craft Knives, I still stand strong, I love Choils. Infact my first Custom made for me by George Koutsopoulos a G. E. K. Custom is a 3/16" thick 4" blade with a Choil. Yup he especially made it for me like that. It's a Beauty. Also very rare (R. I. P.). Infact I just put a Casstrom # 3 Dangler Extension Caribiner on the sheath and I love it even more. I also put a Danger Extention Caribiner on my Cold Steel SISU. Alot of negative reviews especially about the price. Well, I could put it up against a O1 Bushcraft knife. Yeah, It's my Rolls Roys Mora. Even though I can't afford a Bugatti, I still don't knock the car because it's one of the best made. Sure a Mora are good and get the job done, But I'd rather drive a Vet than a Focus, No offense Ford Country you make great cars. But you know what I mean. It's amazing what a Dangler does for me, The same with Choils. No offense to Essee Country you make great knives. But, Yeah, That's why I love my Rodent 4, and yeah, I support a Home Grown.,,. p
They needs RB6 for me.
That would be epic
I was impressed with this blade it's awesome on the pine I use for whittle/feathersticking. Great review.
Thanks!
Aaron, this is one of the few reviews of this knife that I have seen where the blade didn't chip or roll. I'm wondering if this is a newer revision of the RB3 with a better heat treat. The same thing happened with a lot of the first runs of Cold Steel Finn Wolf knives. Either way, this was a great review. Thanks!!!
No idea, thanks though!
Can you get a rb3 in a Sabre grind
I wish!
you have reviewed the tops Scandi Trekker before this? I have been looking at both these knives for a while. how do they compare?
If I had to choose the Esee every time
+gideonstactical excellent. thanks
Great video. Thanks review and your thoughts. Compared to the Mora, you said that it can do everything that the RB3 can and vice versa. Are you batoning with your companion as well? Since it comes with a note saying not to baton with it, do you happen to know if the ESEE warranty still applies if you do you us to baton?
have you seen the new ax called Klax. Saw it on Facebook. Looks cool but probably to light for a real ax.
+Dustin Lofts Ya, I think it is a gimmick
I bought this knife yesterday. Went backpacking with it last night. ONLY problem I have with this knife is the non coated blade. I got rained on a small bit and the leather sheath got wet. I hadn't even used my knife yet and I pulled it out of the sheath maybe 30 min later and it was COVERED with rust. Not just dark spots , full on rust. And the leather sheath didn't dry off (and still isn't dry) so every time I put my knife in the sheath it comes out with rust. Kind of annoying considering I love the knife itself. I too would love a plastic sheath option.
Trent Armstrong no offense but you knew it was carbon steel, why didn’t you oil it?! It’s not the knife’s fault that people don’t know how to take care of their tools. Unfortunately it’s common, I work in a knife shop and a lot of young people and even adults get that scared expression on their face when I tell them “it’s carbon steel, it will rust if you don’t take care of it “ they almost jump back- “It’ll rust?! What do you mean it will rust?” “What do I do to keep it from rusting?” As if rust is some demon, and these kids nowadays are utterly incapable of thinking for themselves it seems. When I tell them to oil it, they ask “what kind of oil” or “I don’t want it if it will rust!” Yeah, once a spot of rust appears the knife is falling apart and useless. Sad, that people don’t know how to take care of such basic things as your own tools.
"blade of the JG3 on the handle of the RB3"
You familiar with the new ESEE-3HM (or the 4HM)? It sounds like it could be what you're looking for.
+bravocompany1010 We will see, I will be reviewing both when they come out.
Would love it to have a bit longer of a blade length! The price is rough too, considering that mora is releasing a full tang knife for around that price range, and that one is a most for you to review!! Cheers from Portugal
I love my carbon garberg!!!
Great vid! Quick question, what would you like to see ESEE do that they haven't before?
+Addison Bryant I would love to see an ESEE8. 8.5" blade with a choil, 3/16" thick, Junglas handle and sheath style. Weight around a pound. Boom, game over!
+gideonstactical nice!
Will esee replace it if it was damaged in wood use
This is a nice looking blade with a nice review, i was REALLY interested in the DC-6 but damn I guess BHK doesn't like having a knife company that actually have blades in stock.
love the review bro! it's awesome to see your perspective on how you like your set up. I do carry a sub 4 inch fix blade simply for hunting and fishing tasks. Our trout here in pa are not that big so a 4 inch blade is a little much. Plus I like the added security of a fix blade. Awesome review, love the channel, you're a boss bro!
+jake rodey Thanks so much Jake, really appreciate the support and I am glad the videos help!
what do you think about the knife steel?
What do you think of the 4Hm
I see nothing wrong with this knife , the smaller blade is fine. I own a LT Wright Next gen flat grind with 3 inch blade and it works fine. It depends what a person likes in a knife in blade size and ergonomics . I think the LT Wright Genesis would be more of what you are looking for with a 4.25 inch blade and available in Scandi or flat grind.
As nice as Esee and other big name knives are, it's hard to beat a Mora.
I have some big name knives but i have to admit i use my mora knives 90% of the time👍
You remind me of my ex always wanting an extra inch. Anyways she's gone and here I am stuck with a 3 inch knife. All joking aside I had to order one from the US here into Canada and it cost a fortune but it's worth every penny.
Rust issues?
Aaron, as always I apreciate your perspective, Have you checked out the Esee 4 HM? I have been eyeballing it as well as the RB3. Size on these smaller knives is less of an issue for me as I pack the Junglass and the BHK Scout Platoon. I would really enjoy the RB3 I think but the pragmatist in me wins the argument every time..........is the RB3 5 times the knife that the Mora HD is? Clearly thats ans easy and resounding NO. There is a lot of love on youtube for the Mora, yet I think it's very underapreciated, the value and performance of the Mora HD just makes it a real Gollum/Smeagal type disagreement anytime you you start ponder a 4" knife in the $100 range. And honestly.........its 3.5 inches of 1095 and a bit of micarta, this really ought to be in the $60 range when you consider other production knives of similar materials where you get more knife....i.e. BK16, Tops Bob, . Im not saying it isnt worth it but its hard to justify when you've got $500 in knives already hanging on your belt.
hi Gideonstactical absolutely love your channel.😊 I was wonder if you are going to do a review on the Bramkimo from TOPS knives 2016 range ?
tops will make a four inch blade soon ??😁
Great review!!! Thanks for taking the time!
Can you review the esee pr4?
I like the small knife ,It would fit with my other knives ..
Then you would love this baby!
Thanks for this review. This knife seems awesome and I love Scandi grind knives. I hope someday I will be able to afford a knife of such quality. Thanks man. 👍🏻
No problem thanks for watching!
yoou really need to try the JG3 also. It's great, nm I found it
How well does this blade compare to the LT Wright GNS
+Matt Urioste No idea, never used one.
+gideonstactical you need to try a genesis, best scandi I've used so far, and 4-4.25" blade A2 steel
Great review, agree with you about the blade length, and also like Mora knives as they are an excellent value.
Good vid 👍🏻, I too wish the RB3 was made Ina 4" it would be more useful ! I too have the JG3 and I wet formed the sheath and it came out great the sheath now retains the knife perfect ! Thanks for the review 👍🏻✌🏻️
Solid vid. Great review. Esee RB3 looks to be a great Camp-Lore EDC. Thx for the vid informative 👍
i guess large hands need large blades ;D i would defenitly pick a rb3 up for the us. price but here in germany it costs 210€! wich is far aways from good or evil... picked a bark river gunny insteed and im happy with that since i also own a high quality scandi knife (EnZo trapper 95 O1 steel)
iv really liked what u did with this vid im not saying this cuz im and esee guy witch i am but its almost insalting comparing and esee and a kora knife any bushcraft/survival knife needs to be full tang
"Again, your mileage may vary"??? Ain't hat Nutnfancy's trademark phrase? What are we going to see next? Nutn' saying that he has "large size hands"???
Great review Aaron, as always. Hope everything's coming along with Baby Gideonstactical.
Haha, he is one of the originals, but he doesn't have a monopoly on every term lol! Hence why I use "theory of use, " instead of "philosophy of use." Baby is coming soon!
+Jacob Ardoin Of course it has, I was just joking around.
Lol, you're savvy gentleman, sir.
+Javier Dibilio haha of course!
How do you sharpen this specific knife?
Just like any other.
and how do you sharpen any other, and please don't say i'm doing a video on it can you just tell me?
+Boy Scout if you sharpen it just like any other you will most likely add a secondary bevel to the true scandi grind. Scandi grinds often end up with a lower degree secondary bevel because unless you know exact angle of primary bevel which is very wide and very hard to get exact free hand then you end up with variations on the edge anyway. it is a case of learn it over time or add a secondary bevel OR use a guided system to keep the true scandi grind at the exact degree it was originaĺly profiled at or you choose to reprofile it at.
whats a good guidance system?
+EarlyMist if you own such a knife it is worth learning to sharpen it true....to its original angle. not being lax and adding a secondary bevel and thinking it is sharp. it is like a V shape in totality compared to a U shape with a tiny V at the sharp edge. kind of hard to explain. Like a convex edge it is one of the reasons it hasn't gained mainstream traction...it is a bit more involved and you can't just 'sharpen it like any other knife' to its original state.
i find this tempting but "never baton with this" etc...no way. I know oldskool says never baton but I have had no problems with bk16, bk9, Ontario SP series, esee 4, various folders even etc.
point being I would never buy a knife 4 inches plus I couldn't baton with because hiking lightweight (not ultralight) dictates I need a knife that serves the purpose of getting to dry wood along with my lightweight saw (Silky 210). Not being able to baton or voiding warranty by doing so makes me need to carry my bk9, bk16 or other alternatives which boots my lightweight system to the curb.
+EarlyMist i
...if my esee could do all that but not baton I would just use my mora which is so light and capable for everything the new esee can do but also not baton and use my bigger knives for the rest of it...but defeats the purpose of my lightweight system. sorry...no.
In Canada, this very average hunk of 1095 goes for almost $200 on Amazon.ca. Seriously, why would I drop that kinda dough on a knife that’s nothing special when I can get a razor sharp 12C27 Mora for $20, (of which I have many, lol). This is ridiculous.
RB3 is the perfect fire starter knife
I need a RB4 to
sweet neck knife bro
Right lol
Good review.
agreed on the mora
+KALZONE850 Nice
Uncoated 1095?
This is a 100 Dollar knife, and with that size, it´s not something you´d do chopping or heavy batoning with. So why not make it from VG10?
As it stands, it´s just too expensive.
check out the ESEE 3HMsame handle as the RB3 but the blade of the ESEE 3 (FFG)www.gpknives.com/esee-3hm-black-plain-edge-rounded-handle-knife-leather-sheath.html
The reason i dont buy the esee rb3 is because of the uncoated blade which always makes me worry about rust. I heard that olive oil will do the job of reasure that the blade wont rust whenever i come back after a camping weekebd but yet... Wish more would use stainless...
Say Heah Aaron, Check out the Rodent 4, It became one of my Fav. Bush Craft Knives. Infact I now teamed it with my Rodent 9 in a Piggyback, which I Baldric Carry. ,, .
great knife
Such spendy knives, I know we hear it all the time but dang you can buy a Schrade Schf 55 for 39$ and add LMF industry scales to it or just keep it stock.
Also we have Condors wide variety of knives that usually run $60 and under for scandi blades and very nice sheaths. BUT buying USA made products does give ya a sense of prideful ownership ;)
There is no comparison between an Esee blade and a Condor. Esee is far better. Condor is serviceable but not in Esee's league.
Doug Lloyd Okay its been a year since this comment. Ive been using all kinds of knives but mainly my Mora Garberg which only cost $56 but runs for $75, I also have had a condor Bushlore for over a year and it works great no issues got it for $27...I'm not saying the Esee ain't a nice knife, yes its polished and comes nice and neat but $100 for 3inch piece of 1095???
Cold steel Master Hunter cpm3v $100, Verustalika Pukko $65 shipped 1095hc, Camulis Bushcrafter $65 USA 1095 leather sheath, Enzo Trapper $95 01 toolsteel leather dangler.
If you don't want the knife you can always send it to me. I love that knife but can't afford it.
*Mora Black*
Aaron, you know by now PAPA DUKES loves all knives ! Depending on what I'm doing, where or how long I'm doing it, will determine what size blade I'll carry and use. Over time (long) I've found 4" to be the best length to carry in the woods, be it a knife blade or handgun barrel. Now at other times I'll use shorter blades so you can get up close and personal. The larger blades get carried when I want to blaze through wood ! What I'm trying to convey is that we must get out of the "one tool option". It's much more fun buying good knives like this anyway...you'll find a need later !...PAPA DUKES
Very true!
Too small for my 2 x hands
I agree...while 3.5" is plenty for my lovely wife, I'd want this knife to have more blade length before I'd purchase it as an outdoors user. Did I make this entire comment only to sneak in a juvenile privates joke?....yes I did, but I found this to be a great review as always nonetheless!
but i like it.it will do it .
👍🏼
Cudeman 148 is better and cheaper.
food prep? who needs food? not this guy
I think in every single video he says "large sized hands", I have not seen this with any other knife reviewers and it gets pretty old and is just weird...
I do say it in every video. When it comes to knives, guns, packs or whatever size is important. Example I always tell people in my pack reviews, "I am 6ft 2in. 220lbs." So when I complain that the belt strap on a pack is too high on my waist, someone who is 5ft 11in would know. This pack is too small for him but would fit me much better. Same with knives if you have XL size hands and you can see I have no room left on a knife handle you will know this is going to be too small a knife for me.
+gideonstactical 6ft 2in=188cm 220lbs=100kg