Knives: ESEE-3 vs Benchmade Hidden Canyon

[STAxel]

I'm trying to decide between the ESEE-3 (s35v) and the Benchmade Hidden Canyon. Main purpose will be for field dressing game (antelope/deer/elk). I know both brands have great reputations. Just curious to hear everyone's personal with either or.

 

[displacedtexan]

I like ESSE knives a lot, I've got several.

But I dislike the 3, too heavy for its size. Feels clunky to me.

I love my Hidden Canyon though.

 

[TheBootBowhunting]

For your purposes, it’s a no contest. The benchmade. The esee 3 is awkward. Any smaller than the esee 4 and I might as well have an izula 2.

 

[MikeDeltaFoxtrot]

I'd choose Bark River over either one.

 

[displacedtexan]

I'd choose Bark River over either one.

I have one Bark River... It's a nice knife, but I think pretty underwhelming for the money I paid.

Enough so that I'll never buy another. And with the warped scales and loose sheath, I can't sell it.

It's very pretty on the shelf though.

 

[mmac]

I would suggest the saddle mountain skinner, they sell the old ones with s30v for 130 online and the new ones are with s45v I think and closer to 200.

 

[MikeDeltaFoxtrot]

I have one Bark River... It's a nice knife, but I think pretty underwhelming for the money I paid.

Enough so that I'll never buy another. And with the warped scales and loose sheath, I can't sell it.

It's very pretty on the shelf though.

Sorry to hear of your negative experience. Mine have been great.

Also, I have both an ESEE-4 and and ESEE-6. They are solid but kind of homely. I have had a number of Benchmade knives over the years, but I quit buying them when they had the scandal that they were cutting up guns for the local PD. Nothing wrong with the knives though.

Bark River has a lifetime guarantee on both knife and sheath. Send your back and get it fixed. If nothing else, you can then sell it.

Bark River Warranty

 

[displacedtexan]

Sorry to hear of your negative experience. Mine have been great.

Also, I have both an ESEE-4 and and ESEE-6. They are solid but kind of homely. I have had a number of Benchmade knives over the years, but I quit buying them when they had the scandal that they were cutting up guns for the local PD. Nothing wrong with the knives though.

Bark River has a lifetime guarantee on both knife and sheath. Send your back and get it fixed. If nothing else, you can then sell it.

Bark River Warranty

I need to...

I like it a lot.

I definitely agree with you on the looks of the ESSE knives, and I think it's worse the bigger they get.

 

[Flaboy]

I have the previous model of the hidden canyon hunter in s30v and it’s been great. I believe the newer model comes in s90v.

 

[dcopher]

Check out Montana Knife Company knives. They are sometimes hard to get, but I would not trade my Blackfoot 2.0 or Stonewall Skinner for any other knife I have tried so far. They would be the last 2 knives I got rid of.

 

[SoCalDeer]

I have the newer hidden canyon with s90v steel. I’ve read that some find the handle too small but my hands (medium) fit just fine.

 

[Trees91]

Esee 3hm or any hm models. More neutral handle shape and not as "tactical" looking.

 

[Agross]

I would suggest the saddle mountain skinner, they sell the old ones with s30v for 130 online and the new ones are with s45v I think and closer to 200.

Where did you find them for $130?

 

[Trees91]

Also not a bad deal..

Benchmade Altitude Midway USA

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019815280?pid=198432

www.rokslide.com

 

[htlt_surfboards]

Ive been using a hidden canyon since 2015 and haven't ever felt the need to look for a different knife. I don't think you would be disappointed with it for your intended use.