Ka-bar BK 2 vs. ESEE 5 Knife Comparison

[@jimlahey5623]

wow, this episode is history! almost 10 years and both knives have laaarge fan base.

[@James-ke5sx]

Years ago I chose BK as the company I would buy all my knives from. Half the price, better shape handles and a sheath to carry a stone. BTW I always slide a knife into a sheath on the back edge sothe sharp edge doesn't get dull. Notice how Samurai insert their swords. Edge facing up and slide in along the spine keeping knife edge sharp.

[@SlinginDillys]

I've always wondered why they did it like that.

[@SourLymes]

Well that was definitely the wrong choice.

[@James-ke5sx]

@@SourLymes Ya, the USA military has junk knives.

[@James-ke5sx]

I just needed a bunch of budget friendly, decent quality knives to pack in a few emergency kits. I don't need something like Bark River for a knife I'm probably never going to use in my entire life. Unless there's an emergency.

[@randymicallef3545]

Love my Esee 5. I've had it now for a couple of years and have beat the hell out of the thing. Back when I bought it, Esee didn't offer the non-coated version of the blade and after using it for a few months of heavy use, the coating started to wear and it also created some friction when doing fine tasks. Easy enough fix, stripped the blade with some Fast Orange and then gave it a unique patina using some good old yellow mustard.

[@samthomas3613]

Love your reviews. Just wanted to say thanks. Because of your review I purchased the BK2. Couldn't be happier with my purchase.

[@Feuerspray31]

How are you liking the stock handle on that BK2? Is it better than it looks?

[@SurvivalSpec]

@@Feuerspray31 stock handle is good, I put a cross hatch series of grooves in the handle and it grips amazing

[@schlomoshekelstein5060]

So, I've owned, or rather own well over 75-80 knives. Kinda of a hobby. I've used a lot of them outdoors for extended periods. And I don't mean pussy-footing around during a sunny afternoon making a quasi review, but I actually depended on them for a few weeks in Alaskan wilderness while hunting. The ESEE 5, is by far the best knife I've used in the wilderness. I do what Green Berets do, and follow the rule of 3 when it comes to wilderness and knives, I carry with me a: Multitool (Leatherman), ESEE 5, and FOX Kukri. It's all I need, along with one sharpening stone and a little honing oil.

[@derultnerlp9319]

Bro has 80 knifes and calls it a hobby. My friend that aint a hobby, thats an addiction 😅

[@thecrazyfilipino]

@@derultnerlp9319I have hundreds, at this point I’m going to die from knife poisoning.

[@1453nikolas]

😂😂​@@derultnerlp9319

[@scudonepercenter]

Bought myself a BK2. Keep these videos coming! Thank you!

[@James-ke5sx]

I've watched this video multiple times just to get an expert review. Since my last comment four months ago I bought an Esee5 3D green and a Becker BK2. I agree the Becker has a better handle to hold at length. The hollow handle might put more beef forward. However I got the old glass filled plastic sheath because I keep it in my emergency evacuation bag and I wanted something very slim. If I slide it out of the sheath on the back edge of the knife it won't dull the blade . The Esee is a real beauty, but it won't be seeing any hard use. Two other things I like about the Becker is because it has a large handle it's easier to use with heavy duty winter gloves and if you lose it in the snow it's easier to find. Cheers from Canada

[@jwclayton2937]

Because of you I purchased the Esee 5, Esee 6, and the Esee junglas. I already have the bk2,bk7, and the bk9. Keep rolling these videos out man

[@The-GreenHornet]

If I was going to buy just one knife for basic batoning and fire starting, BUT wanted a knife to possibly protect me from a predator situation. What knife should I buy?

[@JohnLocke1776]

Damn. You looking to sell the Esse 5 or BK2?

[@pmaster375]

I got the BK22 with the upgraded sheath and also bought the micarta scales. Absolutely love it! Great video!

[@johnbates8964]

I got my BK last year and it came with the glass/nylon sheath, as long as one takes a little care in extracting / insertion the edge won't dull.

[@Wayfarer45]

BK 2 all the way, it just hasn't let me down in any application, its split moose pelvis like the bone is barely there, chops well, holds a good edge, and just all around a general work horse of a knife, and at the price point as well, its very hard to pass up, I recommend it, my only tiff is with the hard sheath it comes with, you might want to shell out a few extra bucks for a nylon sheath or anything that will take the blade, NOT the fault of the blade, just the default sheath

[@jeremydarkcountrysteckman9496]

I retired mine for the offgrid alpha dog

[@molonlabe3083]

Give up an American made blade for Chinese junk???@@jeremydarkcountrysteckman9496 why?

[@banshee107]

I own the BK9, BK2 and now the BK19. My BK2 is an absolute workhorse and my favourite. I’m glad you talked about the handle for comfort chopping. I’d like to try the esee though, just to compare.

[@c.r.5106]

I owned both at the same time, I now own only the ESEE 5. Even though they're very similar, the ESEE feels way more nimble and comfortable in my hand. Also, by the time you swap the awful plastic BK scales and buy a sheath that is comparable to the factory ESEE kydex sheath, you've got way more invested in a knife with not as good of a warranty.

[@marksage4654]

As far as "tactical use".... I bet no matter which knife I had... whatever I was sticking it into would be a hurting S.O.B. Both great knives.

[@PapaBearCustomKydex2021]

Agreed!

[@Zach-uq6tp]

I like to modify my knives so I went with the bk2. I put on honduran rosewood handles and polished it to a near mirror finish. Great review of two great knives.

[@Feuerspray31]

I find knife coatings to be extremely difficult to remove. I don't have a grinder so I use paint stripper and sandpaper. What is your method?

[@genin69]

Why would you mirror polish the handles? It's supposed to have grip. A mirror polish does exactly the opposite of provide grip

[@TheBeaver50]

A mirror polish? What would be the purpose ????

[@shelliesman7552]

I believe he might be referring to the blade being polished to a mirror finish.

[@Nightknight159]

I love my ESEE 5! Had it about a year and has gone every where with me, camping, hiking in day hikes, and even on 14ers. I've never been a fan of the BK 2. The ESEE is more expensive sure, but by the time you get some good handles and a good sheath which the ESEE comes with already its the same price.

[@dubon811]

Thanks for the review. I'll take the Kabar.

[@kenneth6847]

The bk2 is a snubnose workhorse. But careful, if it gets away from you that weight keeps it going until gravity tells it to stop. It takes practice doing detail stuff because its just as heavy in the blade as it is in the handle.

[@upthecreekyt]

Sir, I agree with EVERYTHING you said about these knives. I also have both of them. The only thing I've upgraded is the sheath on the BK2 to kydex. I've had mine since they came with that extremely crappy sheath. After I upgrade the sheath for the ESEE, it will be a very close race. I keep the ESEE in my get home bag and the BK2 in my camping/bugout bag. Both are VERY good knives, even as I comment on this 3 year old video. :)

[@VetusVindex]

I also have both and personally say BK 2 rulez :-)

[@JkToyfreak]

One BIG thing to mention (unless i missed it). ESEE NO BS warranty. No comparison. Lifetime Vs Limited lifetime. No matter what or who or when or where. Love that. I own the Candiru, Izula 2 and the 5. Will end up with all of them at some point. However I am going to order me a BK2 to start messing around with some modding. Great vid. Thanks

[@survivalsolutions5345]

A Survival Knife is much more then just a Woods Knife.A Survival Knife is ment to get you out of a bad situation period, rather thats defending your life when attacked, busting your way out of a burning car by shattering the glass, batoning wood or making a bow drill to get a fire going. Now considering a more broader criteria here, I would have to say that the ESEE 5 makes a better "Survival Knife" where the Becker BK 2 makes a better woodsman work knife. This is just my opinion however.Only thing the ESEE 5 lacks is a way to strike a fire steel without using the blade.I wish the guys at ESEE would have put a small notch on the ESEE 5 for striking a firesteel, it would have made it alot better IMHO.

[@farscapegalaxy8346]

Survival Solutions a

[@MovieGuy666]

the bk2 will do the same thing the esee will do in any scenario, you're talking out of your ass.

[@wehrewulf]

Than, not then.

[@callijah61]

I love my bk2 and take it here. Yea out of the box the esee can win but you can upgrade the bk2. . I had a custom leather sheath made with drop waist option, fire steel holder and altoid tin type pocket made plus added micarta scales still cheaper than the esee. I’m partial to leather so was gonna do it anyway. Found the guy who made it on fb. He was very inexpensive with quality. Knife and sheath are still going strong. Yes he’s still there still making sheaths. Honestly with the bk2 I have no fear. If you’re a knife guy or in the woods hunting camping etc you’ve got more than one knife so the bk2 tank can be the workhorse with another knife being the compliment to it. If I’m stranded out in the wilderness I’m gonna want my bk2. Some people name really good knives. I’ve heard them called Jessica, Rachel and even Bertha but I just say my Badass bk2

[@johnnyeas1431]

Where??? I searched everywhere. The cheapest micarta handles i can find for the bk2 are $40 and the cheapest leather sheath I can find for the bk2 is $55. This puts the cost of my bk2 over $200 if you include shipping costs. This is much more then the esee 5 costs. If I would have bought the esee 5 I would have spent only around $160, and that's it. I would have been done. No upgrades needed.

[@kenneth6847]

Yep. There is no one Bk2. Almost everyone mods theirs making them all one-of-a-kind. Its the beauty of it. When you buy the bk2 you’re only half way there.

[@ashmerch2558]

The ole sharpened pry bars ! I like both, but I chose the BK-2. I've found Esee's 1095 to be a little softer Ka-Bar's 1095CV, so the edge is more prone to rolling but just slightly... Like the difference is about 12%-15%, which sounds like alot but I'd bet you'd be hard pressed to realize the difference in the woods. Esee has the best warranty period, has a far superior feeling sheath and nicer factory handle meterial. The BK-2 is half the price or less, has slightly more performance and the best in class handle ergonomics. I definitely agree with 90%-95% of what he's saying in this review, both are great knives if you're looking for a tank of a knife My only caveat is.... IMO, both companies make knives I like more than these. The Becker BK-62 would be my pick for a woods knife around the $100 mark... For a combination tactical/woods knife I'd pick up one of the Esee HM series. The HM 3 (3.625" blade), HM 4 (4.375" blade) and HM 6 (6.0" blade) make great do all knives.... I also love the Esee JG5, does all the bushcraft & processes deer and game animals like a champ. There are no wrong choices here, it's all preference. Some of the best carbon steel knives right there

[@Eric-ew8jt]

I settled with the BK 17 as a back up knife.. Again great review! Cheers from Yellowknife Canada

[@wildman443]

Awesome video.. I've had my bk-2 for almost three years, love it.. I've had the nylon sheath for about a year it's held up really well..

[@gideonstactical]

Awesome!

[@7319dexter]

Helicopter, like almost all aircraft windows are not made of glass. They are plastic. Glass breaker for a pilot is useless

[@LiamSmith-cq6oz]

7319dexter plexiglass

[@frustratedmajority851]

Try breaking through plexiglass without a sharp pummel. Ill wait here

[@mikejeffsteel]

Breaking a helicopter window with a knife is as ridiculous as fighting guerillas with it.

[@Thewatchinglad]

I live in the South American jungle for a while and the indigenous dependen on their every day tools a knife and machete most popular because reability and affordability. Lite and strong and bit flexible they say. So I learn : lite = i got a $12 Morakniv Strong = i got Ka-bar bk7 $50 used Flexibility = i got a $20 tramontina machete from Brazil All set and going strong for 3 years

[@benewgillian6823]

Maybe for a 747 ... : )

[@genegarren833]

I have both the BK-2, and the ESEE-5. I agree with your video. No knife does everything, but both of these will take you a long way out in the bush. ESEE-5 somewhat more tactical, but still works in the bush. BK-2 more for the bush, but passable for tactical. Love that BK-2 handle, and love ESEE-5 sheath. Both heavy and sharp.

[@nemosan6924]

Thanks for a very good side-by-side comparison. Just a comment: I understand the differences in blade geometry, but the difference between the curvature of the tips is a bit overstated. To say the BK2 can't be used to "stab or protect your life" as well as the ESEE5? Might look different but don't forget it's still a very stout, 1/4 in. thick, sharpened 1095 steel blade and point that will penetrate flesh and bone like it isn't there. In that context, I'd be happy to have either one and would expect the full 5 inches of penetration with either blade. Both are awesome.

[@loyalegroup3929]

I have both, and LOVE both. In my humble opinion, both are bomb-proof blades. Like my TOPS Trackers, I've beaten both unmercilessly. In keeping with your assessment, the 5 is definitely more "high speed", right out of the box, if just for the scales and lore (*My 5 has the newer "3D" scales) Despite that, my BK-7, BK-9, and BK-2 all (still) have the Ultramid scales, and I've never felt like they were "substandard". For me, I prefer the 1095 Cro-Van of the Beckers. I know a lot of folks say that they can't tell the difference. But, for a guy who uses an AccuSharp Knife & Tool sharpener, and doesn't turn sharpening into a religious experience, the Beckers always win over many other options. That being typed, I know that anyone could fall in love with either.

[@shelliesman7552]

Very well put. The opinions of someone who owns both is very valuable to me.

[@millieatr]

Both of those knives are beast . I happen to have the esee 5 and really like it

[@tutorialbot6625]

Just got the bk2 a week ago. The knife feels so good to use. Thinkin about getting the esee 5 as well just to get my bk2 a buddy.

[@Eskimo8888]

I Enjoy Seeing You’re Videos On Two Knives That I Own

[@1donnatien]

FYI, if you can stick the BK into wood, you can stick it into a person. It's a tactical knife hands down.

[@genin69]

Absolutely. Both will stab kill easily

[@sliderulelover]

A common mistake I hear from BK-2 reviews is that it weighs 16 oz. It actually weighs 14.7 oz. I have weighed it 3 times on 3 different scales, and they all agree on 14.7 oz.

[@zues287]

The older ones weighed 16 oz. The ones made in the last few years have skeletonized tangs, so a little less metal.

[@jeremywang9148]

@@zues287 they should stick to old method

[@alan30189]

Nice review. You could wrap that lanyard on the ESEE 5 around your hand when chopping to prevent slippage.

[@gideonstactical]

alan30189 Thanks!

[@jr8693]

thanks for making my decision for me guys. I'm gonna pair the bk22 with my Mora 511.

[@BluBarron]

I really wanted to love the Esee line of knives. I bought a few and really gave them a shot as I do with most American blades. My opinion is that they are overpriced. They aren’t bad knives they just aren’t worth the asking price. Take this review for example. He’s comparing these two blades and the Bk2 is a better blade and is almost half the price. I like buying American made but I don’t like being ripped off to do it. Drop the price $50 and you are a good option for anyone in the market for a decent blade and a decent price. It just isn’t the premium blade they want to charge for.

[@groundofbeing9733]

So you want the esee 5 to be $15 more than a Delica. I dont think you have a clue about pricing. You just want cheep stuff.

[@wtpence4731]

Got to love those Ka-bars !

[@jamespisano1164]

Hey. Great review man. You contrasted them well. ESEE5 is the one for me, but I still like the KBar, I just don't do enough bushcrafting and I want a nice bushcraft knif too anyway.

[@MK-gj3yf]

I like Esee 5, once you buy it your done, don't want to go shopping around for more add ons. A kydex sheath for the ka-bar 2 will 45-50, then you need a clip. Buy the time you put it all together you pay about the same.

[@SurvivalSpec]

I have both, I love my ESEE 5 but I’m married for life ❤️ to my modified BK2

[@terrychorn1503]

I don't chop or baton wood with a 5-6 inch knife. That's what my small hatchet is for. I would carry my hatchet with either of these knives. That being the case, it's nice to know that I CAN chop with either one if needed. In my case, the ESEE 5 is the better knife. If I bought a knife for the main purpose of chopping, I'd get a machete and carry a small 4" blade carving/skinning knife. Who in the world buys a 5 inch knife blade and actually PLANS to chop with it?

[@CedricAda]

I love your channel, man. I've just started out doing gear vids and know how time consuming it is as a hobby, especially when you do multiple tests and angles. keep it up!

[@gideonstactical]

RIght on! Thanks bro and good luck on your channel too!

[@cadrat428]

You are wrong, they are not the same steel. Esee = 1095, Becker 1095 Cro-Van. Cro-Van edge retention blows away plain 1095. Have both, used both. Loved you vid:)

[@Wildwestwrangler]

You are correct, but most people doing wood work honestly won't notice a difference. It's only under hard use in abrasive media cuts that the difference becomes apparent.

[@williamwhittick0021]

awsome vid, love the detailed work you put into this and it was so informative. before this i was deciding between the esee 5, gso 5 and others but now i know for sure that the bk22 is for me. thanks again man for the best comparisons and reveiws around.

[@gideonstactical]

will whittick Thanks so much!

[@spectermad9180]

I Have Both Knives I had the Bk2 for 15yrs and i just Got a Esee5 today....now just by holding and looking Closely my Bk2 is Thicker then the Esee5...by a very small Difference..but its there...also it seem Lighter

[@Hoveyish]

Great video! I always check with your channel for a review before I buy anything!

[@gideonstactical]

+Hoveyish Really appreciate that.

[@Mike-id8gu]

Both knives are great options. I own 3 Beckers and 5 Esees. In order to bring my Beckers up to the quality and aesthetics of my Esees straight from their boxes I had to spend more: upgraded handles and upgraded sheath. I'm surprised that after years of "voice of customer' that Becker hasn't responded with an upgraded package? I know they make extra on the Micarta handles sold as an option. Why not design a decent sheath and go toe to toe against Esee?

[@mccglastron1972]

Just getting into this kind of stuff and bought 2 BK10's. Had to decide between Esee 5 & BK10, and figured I go BK10 as it's a lighter version of BK2, but still does all well. One of the issues was Esee costs more, but comes with Micarta Handles. You can buy Micarta or G10 for BK's and then the prices are similar. I've watched on other vids at least 2 other bush craft guys say if you were to skin an animal you don't want Micarta as it's porous and will be a bacteria problem and to go with G10 if you don't like the stock handles. Any experts out their disagree?

[@shelliesman7552]

You do bring up a very valid point. As a hunter, I would have to agree that there will definitely be residual blood and biological matter left behind in Micarta scales. Besides washing, you could use Hydrogen Peroxide to clean the scales, but G10 would be a much more sanitary alternative.

[@spearmint3rw]

Great Video, and good comparison. I apologize if I come off a little too critical, I just want to make sure consumers are informed. There are a few things that you left out that I think ultimately might sway some people to recognize esee-5 as being better than BK2 for anything. One thing you missed really stands out in my mind. Namely, BK2s are no longer true full-tang. They have cut outs in the metal under the handle scales to make it lighter. Ka-Bar started by making them full tang, but in their second generation they skeletonized it. Do some research online and you will see that this is not only true, but that it creates a week point where some people have experienced failure in the knife. A large part in what you need in a knife for survival purposes is not only the metal type, or a perfect handle, its not even a sheath with pouches, it's confidence -- confidence in the blade that you can use it and it won't break, confidence that it will be there for you for the next task, after performing the one you've set it too. You get that in esee-5, hands down. Their return policy is so fantastic not because they want a lot of returns, but because they are so confident in their product they know they won't get that many returns. With that policy, if their knives broke often they would be out of business. That is the major difference between the esee-5 and the BK2. Not the handle ergonomics or point. Those are relatively minor differences. It is that the BK2 has a design flaw that can make it more prone to failure. If someone was looking for Esee quality but cheaper price in a 1095 survival knife, I'd look to the schrade frontier line, although American made steel still inspires me with more confidence than chinese steel.

[@DaAlphaOmega]

I haven't found anything to support your claim that the bk2 handle is skeletonized. I've watched countless And recent bk mod Videos and all of the handles are full tang

[@spearmint3rw]

Sorry about the delayed response, I just saw this. Here are a couple links, if you look hard enough you'll find forums talking about the change between generations -- some forum threads even discuss how to use the spaces in the handle for kit storage! lol but yea its a thing. www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/796667-Stripping-the-Coating-off-of-a-Becker-BK-2 survivormind.wordpress.com/2012/12/27/knife-review-becker-bk2/ www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1104386-BK2-Feedback-after-a-few-months

[@victorvera1494]

Thanks for the great video. Very informative. Just decided to go for the bk2

[@gideonstactical]

Victor Vera Sweet!

[@semco72057]

I have the newer sheath with my BK-2 and it is still flimsy due to the nylon attached to the sheath for attaching the knife to your belt. The BK-2 handle is built to hold your hand and I like that. I am going to keep my knife the way it is unless the company have a better sheath later on for it.

[@jerryarnold2673]

what I think thats great about ALL your vids u leave nothing out and are very honest, if its good or bad, don't stop doing what u r doing . I have a bk2 but after watching this vid I am going to get a esee5, its just a cool knife and it looks like it may save my life someday although it wont be the only knife I carry PEACE

[@Mike82ARP]

Great review! You covered the plus/minus of each. I think I'm going to pick up the ESEE

[@gideonstactical]

Mike Masztal Thanks for the comment!

[@paulie4x1]

I never had any problems with my Grivory Handles, mine never slipped in my hand, and I have 4 set's of Beckers, but the plastic sheath mine came wuth, it was so hard getting the knife out of it sheath, it actually hurt my wrist, so I got a Spec Ops in the small size, the knife fits like a glove.

[@tomjohnson7850]

brilliant review, thanks. Just purchased the bk32 clearcoat

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks Tom!

[@Mr.Bobcat1776]

Esee 5!

[@yuraplus3]

Great review. Very realistic and straight forward, great for real people

[@NovaSupernova]

You wouldn't have to reset with the Esee 5 if you held it properly with regards to a lanyard wrap around your hand.

[@jamespisano1164]

Have you looked at the Victorinox bushcraft fixed blade? It's really neat. Well eesigned and teated.

[@joshuagenovese36]

Great video. Though opinions do vary. I own an Esee 5 and it works great for Bushcraft, prying, chopping and Batoning as well as cutting. Also instead of the handle being a skeletonized handle on the BK2 the Esee 5 is full tang. In my opinion its more durable but what do I know, I'm no expert.lol. anyways, great video

[@enzowarren9832]

The BK2 is also full tang. You must not understand how what full-tang means. Also, the BK2 outperforms the ESEE 5 due to it having superior steel. 1095 Cro-Van beats ESEE’s 1095. Look up DutchBushcraftKnives comparison between the Esee and the Becker.

[@wallytaggart2612]

@@enzowarren9832 the dbk boys are hacks that mislead viewers by using convenient cutaways/edits to achieve the results they want not actual results...watch closely and you will see

[@zues287]

@@enzowarren9832 You must not know what skeletonized means. The BK2 is a great knife, but the ones made in the last few years have skeletonized tangs. They're still technically full tang, but are going to be weaker than a solid full tang. I still love mine, but a buddy of mine did have his snap in half right in the middle of the tang.

[@enzowarren9832]

Corey Rogers what happened to your buddy is probably the result of a faulty heat treatment transition. The area between the blade and the handle is a transition spot, where the hardness of the blade is reduced to a softer handle. This is done to help with stress distribution, but can backfire when the heat treatment is faulty. skeletonized tangs are designed to reduce weight. The BK2’s cutouts are not. They are designed to improve balance, as stated by Ethan Becker himself on BladeForums. The balance of the current BK2 is at 57%, which is within the range of most professional throwing knives. Furthermore, the correctly-heat treated cutout design is statistically not weaker than solid tangs. There are several Ka-Bar company stats that Ethan Becker disclosed which prove this. For one, KaBar sells around 5,000 BK2s per year, on average. They get 2 reports of broken units, on average. That leaves a failure rate of 0.004%, which matches with the estimated faulty heat-treat rate. Second, a direct statistical comparison has been made public by Becker which shows a substantially higher number of older-model solid tang BK9s are breaking when compared to newer-model cutout BK9s. The reason is that the transition zone between the hardened blade and the softer handle doesn’t distribute stress as well as the cutout design. If you’ve taken any architecture classes at university you might remember when they explained buttresses and the overall mechanic of stress-distributing designs. If you compare those lessons with the buttresses that are featured in the Becker cutout handles you’ll see that they are designed to be very strong. To understand this idea better, try crushing an egg vertically, by applying pressure to the top and bottom instead of the sides. You won’t be able to, without applying pressure to the sides. This is a good example of stress-distributing architectural design. The same concept applies here.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

@@enzowarren9832 funny how he didn't come back after you totally crushed his argument!!! LMAO

[@Ericjohnston-e6i]

I like them both very well made and very good quality

[@sanfranciscobay]

Good review. I liked you defining which one is better and why

[@pinkbrisingr78]

Great comparison vid man. I'll stick with my ESEE 6! A little rattle in the sheath doesn't bother me much! Keep up the awesome reviews! I agree with you Travis KnifeLover, 3/16's is plenty thick on a knife OF THIS QUALITY under 7.5 inches made from 1095HC steel...I collect and sell knives and research the hell out of em as one of my hobbies!

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks, and I would totally agree with you.

[@charlessparks6383]

Great video. Love your channel. Ive had this question for some time now. What do people mean by calling a knife (or any item) "tactical"? Honestly not trying to troll or anything of the sort. To me the term "tactical" is becoming another loosely used word. Though i could be wrong and if i am i ask you to help me understand. Thank you.

[@Logic686]

BK2 hands down I have beat the shit out of that knife an it just keeps going. I do lots of living out in the woods, hunting, trapping. This knife hands down will do almost everything you need. From processing kindling, building a shelter, cutting poles, to digging holes. an slices a hell of a lot better once that secondary bevel is taken out an let just with the Scandi. But for fine task I carry a mora 2000 Mostly for trap sticks, an food processing. Nice to see some one positive of the BK. Great video man keep it up.

[@vladpopovici7506]

isn't the bk2 too short?

[@James-ke5sx]

I recently got two Esee's. Junglas and a #6. Nice quality but the Becker is a better deal. I am in Canada and they want $100 extra just to get the 'molly back/pouch' for the Esee. In the end it's 3 times more in price. Also I got the old BK2 which I prefer because sometimes I don't want to carry a whole bunch of stuff just the sheath and if I need the pouch and Molly I can use the one from my BK 10.

[@James-ke5sx]

I should say I meant the Becker is a better deal price wise but the Esee is a class upgrade. It's going to take me awhile before I have the nerve to beat these knives into a piece of old wood. I think I'll just sit back and look at them for a bit.

[@affinity3281]

BK 2 is much better with Micarta scales and a Tek-Lok for the sheath. The grivory handles are just so cheap feeling and looking. After modifications you're spending close to the amount of an ESEE 5. I bought an Izula 2 over a BK-11/14/24 for my small knife. I love the feel and look of the Izula. Now to decide between the BK-17 ( clip point ) or the ESEE-4.

[@crankypest2617]

This review helped a lot make up my mind which one to get. Thanks.

[@VagueMemory]

Have both the BK2 and BK7. Wish I had purchased the ESEE 5P over the BK2 but am going to buy the ESEE next.

[@garygearhart6769]

my BK2 was 100 bucks, got new handles for 38, then custom leather beast holder for 48 and I really like the bk2. the esse is near 160 to start. both are good knives so it's up to what a guy is doing with them, sticking with my BK2, ALSO GOT A ESSE 4 ON THE WAY LOL

[@DutchK75]

Esee 6 or BK10 is better than either the Esee 5 or BK2. Better cutting performance. 3/16's is plenty thick on a knife under 7.5 inches.

[@gideonstactical]

I would totally agree that is why I use my ESEE 6 twice as often as either on these blades.

[@bryanbaker5942]

Love my ESEE 5. Buy one you won't be disappointed.

[@RollsRoyce1954]

Bk 2 modified polished mirror finish micarda handle scales makes perfection for a budget blade....Own a couple Esee 5's, sold them both in the past couple years......Thanks for sharing your thoughts and suggestions with me, I appreciate it sir.

[@johnnyeas1431]

You sold both your esee 5's. I understand that if you needed the money. But their value will only increase with time.

[@paulie4x1]

I chose the BK 2, because of the type of Steel, the BK-2 is made out of 1095 CroVan, ordinarily the 1095 in my opinion is not as good as the 1095 CroVan, but, Esse Deferentially Temper their 1095, and the result is super, I just wish that Becker's did the same, but I'm not knocking Ka-Bar, they do have a real good tempering, and have been making great knives for a long time, but, Deferentially Tempering the blade is an awesome way to do it, I really enjoyed this video, and I'm not trying to put a monkey wrench into the video, but for Deferentially Tempering a blade, one of my go to knives, is my Swamp Rat Ratmandu, with the Saber Grind, and a Choil, and same with my Rodent 9, it's like having two knives in one, on both of them, except, my Swampies are in 52100, and you can get a higher HRC, 52100 is similar to 5260, but with more carbon, again, sorry if I upset anyone, I think you honest , and do a great job suggesting knives for us, I think it's great, I really enjoyed this video, and I put it in my favorites for future refrence, Thanx.

[@gideonstactical]

paulie 4x Right on, thanks for the comment and info!

[@ricstormwolf]

You talk about the ESEE being tactical. The kydex sheath is pretty damn loud. I personally am going to order the BK2 and send it to UpArmored Knives and Coatings for an awesome upgrade on the knife coating and sheath. They have suede lined sheaths. They're quiet and it won't dull the blade. I saw that on Sootch's channel.

[@bashfulbrother]

Who does your theme music? That acoustic sounds killer. I have both of these and you really hit the nail on the head about these two. The BK 2 is a much better bush knife, great for work around the camp. The ESEE is a great expedition knife. Love them both. I was also wondering if you have given any thought to putting the ESEE knives up against any of the new Schrade knives? Particularly, the SCHF3N? Would be nice to see how they stack up. Or the BK 2 vs the SCHF36 or 51?

[@truth959]

I like the BK2 handle

[@niqvuk]

can you speak to your tactical experience and explain with specific examples as to why the esee would be a better tactical knife? thanks!

[@tigerpisces5506]

Price point not an issue? $60 more for the great Kdex sheath? I have a nice leather sheath that furs both knives.

[@nuancolar7304]

Blade is the same for both, but BK2 has the better handle for leverage when chopping. Plus, it costs less. I'll take the Becker.

[@jumbybreeze8151]

Thanks. Well done comparison.

[@kjnronin]

Aaron can you do a 3 way comparison with the BK2, Esee 5 and Tops outpost command? That would be AWESOME!

[@gregperez2352]

I have both knives and the esse6... all are good knives( American made)! When chopping with my esse 5 I want my hand at the back of the handle , so I wrap my lanyard around my wrist and grip the back of the handle giving me essentially a longer swing rather than gripping the whole handle also the esse in my opinion hold a better edge in any scenario! With that said I love both knives... the esse 6 is becoming my go to knife! It's really a better all around knife... it'll do anything these 2 will do!

[@johnnyeas1431]

If you had to recommend 1, which would you recommend the bk2 or esee 5? Im asking because I can only afford , but don't know which one to go with

[@gregperez2352]

@johnny eas you can't go wrong with either so whatever your money says... personally I like the esse5 !

[@respawnin9832]

Fantastic review, much appreciated!

[@fgdrfgteryut7yu]

Like the vid G, but it's funny to say a knife that weighs a freakin pound could be a good tactical knife. With that said your right, I own the bk2 and from the minute I picked it up I was hooked. It seems seldom now day's do you buy a product and have your expectations met and rarely exceeded. I don't know if it's because we or I associate weight with quality but for straight up bushcrafting and survival, I can rest easy knowing if my life was on the line the beast that is the bk2 would get me through every time.

[@gideonstactical]

fgdrfgteryut7yu Thank!

[@landonpatterson7468]

Awesome video that helps a lot becuz I'm deciding what to buy for a fixed blade camping/bushcraft knife. What would you recommend between the bk2 and the bk10 crewman Any differences, pros or cons

[@Tooley22lr]

Review a tops black rhino (mini crowbar)

[@Xyrium]

"Don't bring a knife to a gun fight"...everyone has a gun these days, no helicopter pilots were ever going hand to hand with drug cartels who are usually better equipped than most military forces. :) Good stuff as usual though, even though it's an oldie!

[@opensourc]

Bcoz of your review i bought both BK2 n Esee6

[@bibigreen7193]

two great similar knifes. there you go

[@legend995]

My esee finally came thanks to you!! I was going to buy a gerber lmf 2, but seen how the handle broke. I was wondering how often I should apply tuf glide? I can only go camping 4 times a year due to school. So I was wondering if I even need a lube because it will be staying in a drawer most of the time? Thanks, keep up the great videos.

[@gideonstactical]

I would reapply after every time you use it.

[@Clown-World69]

If you use the lanyard when chopping with the esee not the mention the bow drill socket hole for that bush survival aspect then the esee wins overall hands down period!

[@Wildwestwrangler]

rtodd84 bowdrill sockets are gay. Why would you use your knife that way and risk slipping or something else? It's called bushcraft for a reason!!! Now get crafting son!!! lol

[@salrussano1]

I own alot of knives my esse 5 is my main go to its a beast does everything great and I never have to question will this knife break ? will it do the job? trust me I spent a ton of money and time looking for that one knife and the esee5 I think is it that being said my edc is a benchmade lock blade called the summit great knife

[@refaiabdeen5943]

Cheers Mate!

[@markg4561]

Just subscribed. Some good helpful videos and thank you for the good vids and info

[@justintraupel9468]

I love both of these knives, but the bk2 seems sketchy because of those cut outs under the scales. Do you think that is something to worry about?

[@gideonstactical]

No most knives have skeletonized tangs. The ESEE would technically be stronger, but I have beat on my bk2 so hard and no issues.

[@justintraupel9468]

@@gideonstactical thank you for the reply!

[@justintraupel9468]

@@gideonstactical i was having a hard time deciding if i should pull the trigger on the bk2 or save more for the esee

[@justintraupel9468]

@@Leviathan-mj8gi since this post i have bought and beat the hell out of the BK2. I'm loving it, my esee 6 is now collecting dust

[@Edogawa1117]

Cheers for this. Very informative.

[@gideonstactical]

Edogawa1117 Cool thanks!

[@GrasDeRost]

The BK2 is by my opinion the better survival knife. Only its spine has not a perfect 90 degrees angle and that makes the knife impossible to use with a ferro rod right out of the box. A simple modification (for example with a file) can fix the problem.