Ka-Bar Bk 16 vs Esee 4 - Dayhiking Peace of Mind 

I chose the BK16 over the ESEE 4 when I was looking for a knife of that size. I didn't need the ESEE upgrades for the extra price. The BK16 gets a little slippery when wet but I wrapped the handle with tennis handle tape and it took care of that. This has been a great all-around knife for me. If I need tougher work I have a BK9 that chops thru about anything I need. I haven't had any trouble with rusting. I take very good care of my knives. An occasional sharpening on a strop keeps it sharp. I do a lot of hiking in Colorado and couldn't ask for a better knife. I carried a Ka Bar for three tours in Vietnam and still buy Ka Bars when I need a reliable knife.

I absolutely love my BK 16. It is a great small-medium sized belt knife for general camp chores. I removed the coating and I have had no issues with rust or pitting. I wipe it down with olive oil so it can be used safely for food prep. I had a kydex sheath made by Azwelke but the polyester sheath that it came with was actually pretty well made and functional. People seem to be overly concerned with corrosion on carbon steel blades. As long as the knife is not stored wet and the user wipes it down with a light coat of oil periodically there won't be any rust problems. I own many knives and the vast majority are carbon steel. I keep a rag with a small amount of WD-40 on it in a ziplock baggie in my pack and wipe my blades at the end of the day and they stay in excellent condition. Many of them were passed down to me by my father and are more than 30 years old. Unless you will be using the knife in a saltwater marine environment carbon steel will perform very well as long as you don't mind taking 20-30 seconds to wipe it at the end of the day.

Nice review :) Love from Denmark!

I like the sheath for this knife. It's the same as my BK17 . Great blade. Stands up to everything I have put it through.

Dude, your knives look brand new!

Hands down, the Becker is a great knife (I bought scales and kydex sheath). One of my most comfortable in handers! I now have to buy extended scales for my ESEE-4, then it too can be a favourite!

I own both knives. And you can now get micarta handles for the 16. I agree about the sheath on the 16 it's big, bulky, and doesn't lend well to EDC. The esee sheath I received wasn't the same as the kydex you received. Where your sheath is thin and easy to carry mine isn't much different than the 16. It is plastic, but it's injection moulded. And still quite large. As far as the blades go either one is ok to carry and I can perform all required tasks with both knives.

Either one is a good choice. I wonder if the chromium and vanadium in the Becker's 1095 Cro-Van makes it tougher. Some say Beckers are treated to be a bit harder, thus better edge retention. I don't like a choil on a larger knife. It's a good way to slice a finger when cold or slippery or tired. I have large hands. Becker's have nicely shaped handles, although I roughed mine up with a tool, then sandpaper to make it grippier. The sheaths might make the difference, but aftermarket sheaths are plentiful. The extra pocket on the Becker is nice to have. 3 in One oil works pretty well on 1095 steel rust prevention. It hangs around better than WD-40.

I like the Becker's Sheath. I put a Leatherman in the front pocket.

Great vid brother. Thumbs up. Cheers from Med Hat

Great video Subbed!

The BK16 is an excellent knife! I did get the micarta scales, and they are a great addition. I'd like to find a leather sheath for it, and haven't been able to find one that I like yet. I also own some Esee knives, and I like them too, but for this comparison I have to agree that the BK16 is the better knife. Thank you Mr. Becker!

Falkniven F1 or S1, you can't go wrong with either one. It blows everything out of the water presented in this video. I have all the knives presented in this video and they all have their merit but I'd go with the Falkniven hands down.

Good review, and I prefer Beckers as well.

Great video. Thanks. I bought the Esee 4 with the new grippy G10 contoured handle scales that have a very nice with the palm swell from The Knife Connection for $100 and a awsome quality leather sheath for $38 made by JRE & free shipping.Industries. I am very happy with the knife and the G10 neon green & black scales. Fast delivery also.

I own 7 Esee's, 3 Beckers. Both companies have great knives. I use my Becker's for "beaters", and my Esee's for all around work.

Nice review.

Excellent comparison vid! I happen to own both and find I use the Esee 4 more since I upgraded the handle scales to the TKC g10 scales. They add a lot of the ergos that are missing with the standard ones. Knife connection also offers the blade without the scales so you can upgrade straight away to the contoured g10 without paying for both.

I own both; the same BK16 as you have but I have the ESEE4 with G10 scales and it comes with a plastic sheath not Kydex. I take my ESEE4 hiking over the BK16 because it cuts better and cleaner and feels better in the hand. Plus the sheath size as you have mentioned. Don't get me wrong, I like the BK16 but I prefer the ESEE4 and I love the finger choil on the ESEE which allows me to choke up on the knife on finer tasks. Thanks for the review, it was enjoyable to watch.

The warranty on ESEE is not as all free as people think. ESEE asks you to send in your damaged knife through a premium and track-able service which will cost you around $50 to $70 dollars. I had to send my ESEE-6 and it cost me $63 dollars with UPS from Canada to US. So with the knife costing around 100 dollars i guess you get a second knife at 30%-40% off depending on your "premium" shipping cost. So NOT completely free as ESEE claims. I mean i do understand that you have to pay for shipping and thats fine, but to request the most expensive shipping method is a deterrence method that ESEE is using to keeping the warranties at bay.

I have both. 1095 cro van is better than plain 1095. Esse HRC(temperd hardness) is too soft. Beckers are better than Esses. Especially the new bk18 harpoon.

I made handles for my BK16 out of phenolic board. It is more durable that micarta or G10 and looks like wood. I also own the Esse 4 an it is now my edc knife. The BK16 is in my camping bag. They are both my favorite knives I would recommend these to any one.

ESSE is my favorite for sure. The Izula II , and Xancudo are my EDC Fixed Blade Knives. The Esse 3 S35VN is my Hunting Knife . ESSE 4 is if I could only own 1 . I can't wait to get Esse 4 S35VN . Right now my go too S.S. is SOG Field Knife BG42. My father in law gave it to me years ago . It's a super solid and robust knife . He bought them 20 years ago .

the esee warranty only covers the blade, not the handle or sheath. also, kabar knoves are 1095 cro-van, which is an upgrade over regular 1095

I like my Becker over my Esee. You can put the Micarta scales and make a Kydex sheath for about the same price. The KaBar Micarta scales are made close to the Grivory design.

I own both of these knives (and many more) and I mainly agree with your comparison but I have to stress that the ESEE 4 has by far the worst handle scales of any knives that I own. The scales are 1-too short, 2-too flat and 3-too thin. So if you want to go with the ESEE 4 it is almost mandatory to order the custom G10 handles as well. The BK-16 is far superior in that regard imo (and it's a lot cheaper to begin with).

I personally have experience with both and love both knives!!!

For backpacking I like my Eskabar in D2 better than either of those two knives. A lot cheaper too. I picked up the additional two scale pack with black and orange scales. I'm using the orange now so I don't loose it.

I bought an ESEE 4HM as my first ESEE knife. I'm a fan of stainless but the 1095 in the 4HM is great too. I paid 104.95 + taxes for mine. I don't like choils and the 4HM allows you to get right up on the blade because of the broomstick handle. It has a lot of curvature to it, so there are some scenarios where I would like to have a knife with a straighter blade and handle. I like the BK16 but know that I will have to spend money to get a leather sheath and upgrade the scales and that has kept me from buying one $105 got me the ESEE with micarta scales and a simple leather sheath. Really happy. My next knife will be a kephart style, either an OKC Blackbird or ESEE PR4.

Own them both, like them both. I like the thinner blade on the 16, and the handle, but the ESEE is a tank I have no fear of prying with, or really using hard. Really, both blades are great. The Becker is the better buy, but the ESEE is one tough SOB.

The wife & I both have the BK-16. I have the ESEE-5 (Which I Love) & several Mora Kniv's! But my favorite fixed blase is the Spyderco Bushcraft-UK.

Esee4 is perfect for backpacking. It’s designed for general purpose. It’s good at everything due to the thickness. I’m happy I have mine. I even have a brand new 4 without a sheath in the bag. izula2 and 3 is perfect. If 5 wasn’t so expensive I’d buy one.

I have multiples of each, to say one blows the other out of the water is totally opinion, as in use I like both very much. But there are differences, my bk is great for slicing, carving, whittling but esee I like for kindling making and heavier wood work. Esee thicker blade holds it back to the bk a little in the finer cutting tasks, both take a heck amount of abuse and shrug it off. I feel the bk is smoother and more comfortable in long use, but the esee handle seems to give me more power in the task. So I have no favorite and see and use the strength in each

Ontario rat series are the same knife as the Esse. Same steal and the same handles and they are $40 cheaper. Esse started the rat series when they worked for Ontario for those that didn't know

I own both and like both of them. I would recommend the Knife Connection G10 scales for the BK 16 and you will probably buy a better sheath. But for under $150 with upgrades, you will have an incredible fixed knife. I also got the G10 TKC scales for the ESEE 4 ( the regular scales - not the extended ) but did not care for them. I went back to the micarta and did a Black RIT hot dye job on them. They look great now. You cant go wrong either way. I think the BK 16 with upgrades might be slightly better but the ESEE 4 finger choil make fine work a little easier. You win no matter which one you choose.

I own both, and I hate to say it, but I like the 16 much better. The ESEE stays in the safe these days. I prefer the thinner blade of the 16, and the handle shape. I have already added the micarta scales to the 16, which price wise, now puts it in the ballpark of the ESEE 4. And the sheath on the 16 sucks compared to the ESEE sheath, and that will be next. But to me, it's worth it. The 16 just feels right, and I honestly cannot tell any difference between the two steels. Both hold an edge well, and sharpen easily. The ESSE coating is much better than the Becker coating, but I stripped the 16, so it's no issue. Both are great knives though.

Right?

Love the ESEE 4, that and the TOPS BOB are my goto medium fixed blades. Ill toss it out there for the bushcrafters that the TOPS BOB dangler sheath works perfectly with the ESEE 4 and is a really functional and durable unit, well worth the asking price. I may have to look into that 16, looks like a nice unit

I would prefer the Esee 6 and Mora knife as a combo, over a Bk16 or Esee4.

I would like to have the Becker but, I just bought the Esee 4, 5, and 6. I know, I went crazy. The Esee's are beasts. I don't think one can break these things.

The problem with the esee 4 is that it was originally a longer version of the Rat 3 which was the first knife they made with Ontario. The shorter handle works well with the 3s blade thickness and length but with the 4 it's just a bit out of proportion.....not too bad but missed the mark a bit. Also the esee heat treat is Rowans proprietary method of differentially heat treating the blade...so the edge is hard but further up the blade it becomes softer....Tops used to have a similar heat treatment...which would make sense as rowen started out being a Tops subcontractor....as far as aI understand

These are two good knives, but to me it comes down to this: The Becker's weaknesses can be fixed easier than the Esee's. Also, both have good steel & heat treats, but Becker's 1095 Cro-Van is a little better steel than the regular 1095 for the Esee. By adding a little more chrome and vanadium the Becker's steel has a slight lead. The Esee handle is small and flat, it would take a major effort to upgrade the handle to something more comfortable. In addition, the huge choil is a waste of blade space. I've never seen enough difference "choking up" in blade control to matter worth a damn as long as there is good jimping on top of the blade. The Becker handle is a much better shape, but the zytel handles are too slick. However, there are micarta handle scales for the Becker available for about $30. Add in another $30 for a decent Kydex sheath for the BK16 and you've got a slight price jump over the Esee but you have a more comfortable knife with a better blade. The Esees are great simple knives, but the Becker is just a little better.

Love the look of the esee but thag handle is short.

I like my BK16 but it took a lot of work to make it usable. First the blade coating is terrible and has to be stripped off, its way to grippy and grabs whatever you are slicing. The blade finish requires additional smoothing after the coating is removed. I didn't like the nylon sheath and had to make a kydex sheath. Once these modifications were made the knife performs quit well. I got mine for $70 bucks but after spending almost all day stripping, polishing and making a sheath, I think It would have been more cost efficient to buy a Bark River Gunny. Now that all the work is behind me I've got a great knife that will last a lifetime but if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't.

grizzly out doors for custom kydex sheaths

I own one Becker and 3 Esee's, so I have a small sample to work from. However it seems to me that the Becker is kind of a poor man's Esee. Mine did not come sharp out of the box, whereas all my Esee's did. They started sharp and got screaming sharp with just a few minutes on the SharpMaker. The Becker did not come sharp, and still isn't as sharp as the Esee's were straight out of the box. The edge is clearly quite obtuse. So, did I just get a bad example, or is the finish just not as good?

I love my BK16. No experience with any ESEEs but I'd love to eventually change that. Beckers are great knives and I've heard a lot about how good ESEEs are. I don't think you can go wrong with either. But the ergonomic handles on the BK16 gives it an edge over the ESEE4 in my opinion.

very good knives..

With the same steel i prefer the esee because it dont have big hole under the scale

I prefer the Esee 4 between these two. I partner it with an RTAK II when in the woods or camping. I just need to make a Kydex sheath for my Esee 4. When I got mine, it came with a plastic sheath. Still better than the sheath with the 16, but I prefer Kydex.

Overall, the Becker knives win against their ESEE counterparts. For each blade length, the Beckers are the same (sometimes better) blade quality as the ESEE knives. The trade off is the price difference. Just pick the size, save your money, and buy a Becker. I own six different BKs for the total price of about 3-4 ESEE blades.

the steel is better on the Becker.

All good knives come down to preference.

Where did you buy the ESEE-4, to have it supplied with an actual Kydex sheath? I understand that they come from the factory with the plastic sheath, such as the one on your ESEE-6.

Bk16 🤜🤛

Tops

I love my ESEE 7, but the BK16 MOLLE sheath rocks.

Esee warranty only applies to carbon steel models. Does not apply to the stainless steel models.

Esee 4 is the best knife out there by far. Best warranty and the folks that make Esee spend a lot of time in the jungles perfecting their knives.

Both decent knives and a reasonable review, right? Right? You're telling us about the knives,right? I have to take your word for what you have to tell us. STOP saying RIGHT all the time!!! Just my two cents worth.

I usually don't watch videos that have Esee knives because I believe they are junk. I gave my 4 and 5 away since my cheap ass schrade schf56l and schf36 out performed them for about 1/5 the price. Batonning with an Esee vibrates excessively and hurts your hand and the handles have a lot of hot spots.

how does the becker handle feel?

ESSE 4 is my choice - life guaranty is a BIG difference ..you pay once and forever

For peace of mind & if you know you are going to do a lot of wood work why wouldn't you bring the right tool for the job: an axe or hatchet? Not sure why folks don't make their lives easier in the woods with the proper/best equipment? Remember Ray Mears' 12 Woodlores? Here is number's 2, 3, & 4: "2. If you're roughing it, you're doing something wrong: Any fool can be uncomfortable, you gain no points for carrying a heavy backpack, or for any deeds of self imposed endurance. While you may train for an expedition by roughing it, if there is a way of making yourself more comfortable, without the effort becoming a disadvantage, do so. In emergency situations in particular, just a small amount of hardship can prove to be fatal once your level of morale has dropped. 3. Always give 100% effort the first time: Whether shelter building, firelighting, or whatever, if you don't set about it in the right way the first time you are wasting your energy and will simply have to start from scratch again. 4. Aim to achieve maximum efficiency for the minimum effort: To work you need energy; for energy you need food. In the outdoors finding food is work. When you gather your firewood for your fire do you carry large armfuls to the log pile or do you only fill your hands?" In sum, *don't use a knife when a hatchet/axe will save you time and energy.* Looking cool or tough is stupid in the outback. Just my opinion but it is a wise thing to do.

would the esee 4 handle be comfortable for someone with small hands

I get my esee 4's for $104 American. That blows the k bar out of the water. The quality of the esee sheaths, knives, coating, and warranty are unbeatable. I like k bars but in my opinion the esee is better.

eese 4 all the way

sorry brother but bk is not 1095 its a little different ps im just to dam picky lol

I have them both and love them both. The Esee is a little more refined.

Ez a kettő kell nekem

Esee4 period

I started with Beckers and have since left them behind for Esee 1st, I love the no BS Warranty. 2nd, not all 1095 is the same and not all heat treatment are the same and the consenus is that Esees are of a higher quality. Reliabilty is king...Ive seen broken Beckers tough as they are. I cant recall a broken Esee that wasnt broken on purpose. Ergos I think the Beckers are better. That doesnt indicate that I dislikes Esee ergos. My hand does not hurt after hard use and I have found no hotspots on average. The slimmer form factor of the Esee knives and sheaths make them handier to pack and conceal. I love Beckers I think they rock and as a former jarhead I love Kabar but they are ultimately less expensive blades aspring to be compared to their betters. Kabar Beckers are to Esee what Schrade is to Kabar Beckers.

Micarta IMHO is overrated also kydex, Becker is giving you an awesome product for 80$.....Esse and other companies love that people are willing to dish out 50$ more for a piece of folded plastic. The scale thing is just a full on gimick playing off of peoples "idea" of what a real knife must be like. Becker gives ya extra scales which is cool, and depending on your taste the Becker for me rules, and is it just me or are micarta scales seriously over priced? I plan on making my own kydex it looks pretty easy and fun.....micarta not so much;) way to messy but ya know good and well these companies arnt paying to much for their overpriced scales. Heck you can buy micarta blocks on eBay for 10-20$ and just sand them down yourself. .....I guess ya can tell Esse isn't my cup of tea esp their infatuation with flatgrinds.

That's a belt clip not a teklok

Right? Right? Right? Right? Right? Right? Right? Right? Right? Right? Right? Right? He said it 12 times in 8 minutes and 58 seconds.

And then after 5 minutes of chitchat.., we can catch a glimp for the first time of the complete knives👎

in my opinion the Rowen heat treat is harder than KA-BAR

Esee is Very, Very best

Esee warranty is so overrated..!

Good video. I thought the ESEE was a better buy because of the kydex sheath and micarta scales. If you get the Becker, you will want those upgrades which will make it way more expensive. The Becker steel is a CV version of 1095 steel and has a finer grain and higher HRC than the Rowen/ESEE standard 1095. That detail might make a difference to some but not me. A knife in this size class might as well be a folder (RAT 1) or a Mora. I get way better results from a Swiss Army Victorinox Camper than the Becker or ESEE. If I had to baton, I'll use a Mora or small hatchet, which costs about $10-$15 USD. Survival is 99% mental. Gear can make it easier but there is no substitute for knowledge. An experienced woodsman will make different gear choices than someone just beginning to learn. Hobbits unite!

You say Uh and um WAY to much work on that.

With the bk16 in play the esse 4 is over priced

SMH 1. Injection modeled plastic NOT kydex 2. That is NOT a TEK-LOK 3. Nylon not polyester 4. The knives do not look like you have used them nearly enough to have any authority to speak on them.

Esee4 and then buy the G10 tkc handle scales.

hey guys just wanted to throw somthing out if u wanna find the best price on nearly any knife look up "smokey mouten knife works " got my esee 4 (best knife ever) for $86 American after tax spread the word

Lol, "bk 16 has a more comfortable handle for the HUMAN hand"

BK hater

Too much nervous energy (talking too fast, and jerky hand movements)- not cool.

Right?