I am trying to decide between a 3 HM or 4 HM. I have a 6 that I really like for a camp knife, but I want a smaller/lighter knife for hiking and hunting/game processing. I am leaning toward the 3 but would like to get the opinions of people who have handled and used both knives. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
The 3HM is thinner and slices better. It also is smaller and lighter. For small detailed work, IMHO the 3HM is going to work better than the larger blades.
It depends on what you will use it for. I have almost all the ESEE knives and the "4" is my "go to" out of all of them for everyday use. Unless you are in an office setting, I prefer the "4" as it is better for defense, has a longer cutting edge and unless I plan on skinning, I like the "4" the best.
I have a 3 and got it instead of the 4 because I also have a 5" blade [not ESEE ]. Since you have a 6 I would go with the 3. It does a great job skinning and other chores the 6 is too big for and the 4 will not add to your requirement except 1" length.
I have both hm versions. If most of your hiking you will have the 6 as the main knife go with the three. I have used both for game and the three is more versitile with small and large game. Plus it is a better edc and cutting knife. If you are looking for one knife to slog through the woods with that is not a 6 the four is great.
I appreciate the input so far, but I'm still torn. If I'm car camping or on an ATV I'd probably have the 6 and a 3 or 4, but hunting and backpacking I just like to carry one fixed blade and a SAK, and this is the main reason I want a smaller fixed blade. So knowing it would usually be paired with a SAK I'm starting to think maybe I'd be better off with the 4...