Anyone use an ESEE - 3 for Field Dressing Deer?

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  • clfergus

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    I have some extra money laying around and have always wanted an esee 3. I was thinking about possibly using it as a field dressing knife. Was wondering if anyone had experience with using the knife for this and if it worked well for the size.
     

    cerebus85

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    i used mine on a very large deer this year and it worked great. its blade was manipulated pretty nimbly in my hand. youd be fine.
     

    chubbs

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    I used an Esee 3 for 1 deer season. It did fine. But, i ended up passing it along to a friend because of that finger choil. It killed the feel of the knife for me. So definetly handle one before buying.
     
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    Bradsknives

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    I used an Esee 3 for 1 deer season. It did fine. But, i ended up pass it along to friend because of that finger choil. It killed the feel of the knife for me. So definetly handle one before buying.

    Take a look at the ESEE 3HM model. You get the same 3" blade that is on the standard model, but the handle is more rounded (bushcraft style)....a totally different feel.
     

    clfergus

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    That handle looks more suited for field dressing and hunting application. I will have to check that out. I have never really had a nice knife, aside from my BUCK knives which are great. Though I would try my hand at something around the 85.00 mark. The esee 3 seems popular and a good fit for general hunting and field dressing. Never had a 1095 carbon blade before. Do you have to oil it every week?

    Any other suggestions for a field dressing knife around 85.00?
     

    jsx1043

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    Take a look at the ESEE 3HM model. You get the same 3" blade that is on the standard model, but the handle is more rounded (bushcraft style)....a totally different feel.

    So, now you had to go and spend my money. I have a BK14 (EsKaBar) that I've stripped the blade on and made into a decent rough service field knife. I never have liked the handle profile, but I do like their steel and warranty.
     

    Expatriated

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    ESEE 3 with the new HM handle is probably going to be perfect for you. Full disclosure: I work for ESEE ;). Fuller disclosure: Just about any knife will field dress a deer so you dont need to buy another knife if you already have one. But we wont be mad if you do ;)

    At ESEE/Expat Knives, we like other knife conpanies too. Check out Smith & Sons for some good quality stuff too. A bit of old school look to them and they hold up to serious abuse. (I cut a hole in the roof of a car large enough to crawl through with one of their knives. ).

    If you do go with ESEE, we always like to recommend knife lady here in Indiana.
     

    clfergus

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    ESEE 3 with the new HM handle is probably going to be perfect for you. Full disclosure: I work for ESEE ;). Fuller disclosure: Just about any knife will field dress a deer so you dont need to buy another knife if you already have one. But we wont be mad if you do ;)

    At ESEE/Expat Knives, we like other knife conpanies too. Check out Smith & Sons for some good quality stuff too. A bit of old school look to them and they hold up to serious abuse. (I cut a hole in the roof of a car large enough to crawl through with one of their knives. ).

    If you do go with ESEE, we always like to recommend knife lady here in Indiana.

    Thanks for the reply....I am on the fence now. I saw a couple of youtube videos of the IZULA II and it looks like a nice little knife for field dressing. Having a real hard time making up my mind. I am debating picking up the Izula II for the field dressing chore and to keep in my hunting bag and maybe a 3HM later down the road to keep in my oh no honey the power grid just went down bag.

    In that scenario would the regular 3 be a better option than the 3HM? Or maybe buy a 3HM and use it for everything?

    I have my mind set on a new ESEE and in real life I know I will use a field dressing knife. The other might sit around more than it is used but I have OCD and in my mind I need a good knife in my prep list.
     

    Expatriated

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    Well, you could always get both. ESEE's have pretty good resale potential if you didn't like it.

    The 3 or the 3HM is a preference thing. Personally, I like rounded handles. Some people like flat handled knives. I've just always preferred the rounded handle. Like on my Randall knives. Provides a better grip in my opinion.

    You could easily dress a deer with an Izula II. It's also probably a bit smaller and lighter.

    Those two are so close, it boils down to personal preference.
     

    AtTheMurph

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    I prefer a thinner blade that the esee 3. I started just using the paring knife from the kitchen. But my paring knife is high end and I keep them really, really sharp on a couple of whetstones.
     

    clfergus

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    That Esee 3hm is for sure on my list of knives to get but I think I am moving away from it as a deer knife and back toward a camping and survival knife. It would do the trick though no question.

    I am really starting to like the looks of the Knives of Alaska Trekker series, especially the Elk Hunter. Not versed in what D2 Steel is but its a pretty good looking blade that has great reviews.

    View attachment 56742

    This knife is beautiful....KOA legacy but a hefty 200.00 price.

    View attachment 56743
     

    Expatriated

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    My Silver Stag knives knives are D2. I dont mind D2 but some people complain about it because it is harder to sharpen than 1095.

    I also like thin knives for most tasks, outside of heavy chopping. My Strider phase is long gone :).
     
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