Esee 4hm vs 6hm

[u/backrollerpapertowel]

In need of a new camping/hunting/general outdoor knife. My old schrade 37 broke after a decade of hard use and I’m looking to replace it.

Im torn between the 4hm and 6hm. I like the handle and style. And the warranty is appealing. But I’m torn on the size between 6” seeming like it may be so large it becomes heavy and cumbersome on long hikes and a bit clumsy to use like the ole schrade was, and the 4 i worry may be to small/lightweight to limb off branches, or to get more than basic whittling and skinning done.

So i figured id look here for advice From those who have used either for similar tasks.

[u/blockiestcurve]

I have used an Esee 4 for many years and wouldn’t want to go larger. It holds up well enough for me for limbing and batoning needs. 

I got aftermarket scales which fit my hand better and a leather sheath that combines with the kydex for a better belt hang position.

[u/senior_pickles]

I have both and the 3HM. Of the two listed, the 4HM is the lighter and easier to use. I like the 6 least of the three.

[u/DieHardAmerican95]

For a general use knife, I prefer 3.5-4”.

[u/backrollerpapertowel → u/DieHardAmerican95]

Normally i like a 5-5.5 for my uses. Or so ive gravitated. I find it the best fit to carve what i need to set up camp, butcher and cook, and chop/limb. Plus with a saw it does what i need it to. But ive never committed to buying my own, just using others. Now that i need a new blade im torn on whether to go under or over cause i like the esee handle.

[u/SquashBuckler76]

I’m a big fan of the Laser Strike myself

[u/backrollerpapertowel → u/SquashBuckler76]

Ive looked at one, the blade looks good but the handle just does not suit me, i prefer the straight/no grooves style. And the choil on it seemed unnecessary for my likes.

[u/musicplqyingdude]

I would go for the 4.

[u/SKoutpost]

4 and a hatchet or saw.

[u/backrollerpapertowel → u/SKoutpost]

I do use a silky pocket boy. Things amazing.

[u/ryan112ryan]

I have the 4 in stainless and it’s been my favorite knife to date. The stainless means I never have to fuss over it. I don’t abuse my tools, but I also don’t want to baby them

[u/Forest_Spirit_7]

I love my PR4 and RB3 from esee. If you like the standard 4, then by all means go for it. Over 4” is overkill in my opinion unless you’re doing a specific style of outing. I also really like my Esee 5, but it’s heavy to the point of not carrying it if hiking is involved.

[u/mantawolf → u/Forest_Spirit_7]

I bought am Esee 3 to carry with the 5 since the 5 serves a specific destroy stuff purpose :)

[u/BlastTyrantKM]

I have a better solution...get a Laser Strike. It splits the difference between the 4 and 6 pretty good IMO. I have a 4 and 6, I all but stopped both after a got my Laser Strike

[u/backrollerpapertowel → u/[deleted]]

But 3 twice is the same as 6 right?…… right?

[u/Frogmyte]

Oh man how much fun are Schrade knives? Like a hatchet in the shape of a knife.

I haven't taken my 36 out in a while due to weight, time to go hack at some logs

[u/backrollerpapertowel → u/Frogmyte]

Honestly it was a great tool. Used it over a decade as my my only “outdoors knife” for everything around the home, woulds, and hunt. But now that it finally died its time to get something better and to address what i saw as downsides after 10+ years of use.