Looking to get a Esee 3 or 4. The issue is choosing which handle to go with also knife size. I have medium hands I’m wondering which handle is the most comfortable? The hm intrigued me as I like the lines and a classic shape but is it more lighter duty rather than a super heavy grip. The 3D looks like it should fill the hand nice but may be a little more bulky under the shirt so less concealable. The classic looks fine just maybe some hotspots but also it is the standard for a reason I like the hand positions possible. I will be using for more edc tasks as I live in the city, looking to use it for meal prep and carving hot dog sticks and outdoors tasks when needed. I do have a izula 2 which is great just looking for a little bigger as well but also seeing that the 3 isn’t much bigger in a sense of cutting ability and the 4 might be too big for edc (as im parinoid that some people may see a scary blade…)Thanks for any insights. Sorry if this is on here already (please refer post if possible). I am also under no delusion that the izula 2 is probably the best all around city edc of them and I don’t need a new knife at all lol.
Hello, I have a limited collection but want to provide some feedback as it is pretty quiet. I have big hands. Not scientific but easily fill XL gloves. So we may have quite different experiences. I do have a 3 HM. It is quite comfortable for me. However, I do not feel comfortable choking up - there isn’t really a choil- pretty straight into the blade. I had imagined using it to field dress deer but that didn’t feel safe. I find it great for food prep etc. I find the blade to have quite a lot more cutting area than my izula. Note it is also thinner blade stock than the 4. Can be pro or con. This seems like a good option for your described use. I have held a 4 with new 3d micarta. I expected to love it. Not so. For me, the handle gets narrow at the pinky end. Trying to squeeze hard for good grip felt uncomfortable down the forearm. I might be unique in this…. The 4 would be a pretty big edc in my book. Having provided input on your direct question, I’d also mention the AGK is my favorite. It IS what I use on deer as the handle locks in and blade profile is perfect for that task. However I wouldn’t think working on a cutting board would be enjoyable.
I dont have a 3. My first question on this forum was very similar. I was skeptical of the handles shapeand size but I now have a 4 with the 3d handles a pr4 with whatever that handle material is a izula with g10 scales and the 5 with the tan micarta? And I love them all. Gonna give you the same advice I got and say you'll be happy with any of them
I wear XL sized gloves and find the regular 3 and 4 handles to be short and uncomfortable for me. The HMs are a blessing. I have used them in bloody and slimy conditions and have no worries about the grip, it is solid. However since you have medium hands, I think that a regular 3 would be good, very slim, conceals easily, has enough blade for everything and with the guard it can be used for more stabby things.
I have xxl hands and the stock 3 caused hand cramps with extended use. The izzy 2 did not. The 4 worked better for me with the tkc extended scales. The 3HM is great - and is less jeavy duty than the 4, but is a better slicer than the izzy or 4. Otoh, now that there's a 4 in S35vn, that might tip the scales in its favor.
Thank you all for your responses and pictures of size comparisons. I came to the conclusion that the izula 2 is the Esee for me at this time. If I did things again I think I might have went with the 3hm just for that larger cutting area and traditional look and feel. The other models I was looking at don’t really offer much different (in my opinion) than the izula 2 other than larger size. I did decide to go with a different knife all together in the end the fallkniven f1. Mostly to try out new things and it’s a different blade and style. thanks again and will probably end up with a Esee 3hm or 4hm in the future.
