Esee 4hm vs 6hm for first fixed blade?

Discussion in 'ESEE® Knives and Gear' started by NoDa75, Jul 5, 2021.

  1. NoDa75

    NoDa75 Member

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    Finally getting around to ordering a fixed blade for camping and day hiking. The 4hm looks really nice, but the 6hm looks a bit more useful overall, because of the added weight/chopping ability. But a friend told me that the 6hm might be too spooky to others that I hike with, and would just be overkill. I was thinking to get the 6hm, and then get the 3hm later on to go with it, but I am still very conflicted. The 4hm seems like a really nice size as well. This would be my first fixed blade, and I know many people are very loyal to the 4 or the 6. Opinions?

    thanks
     
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  2. erik

    erik Member

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    both are great, but if you've never had a fixed blade before, it's easier to learn fine motor skills with the 4HM.
     
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  3. Twoody88

    Twoody88 Member

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    Agreed. The 4hm has some heft still, dont be fooled by the specs. That said.. the 6 is not a "scary tactical survival" blade.. its a work horse and rides pretty discrete depending how you carry. Id go for a hm6 with an izula 1 or 2
     
  4. Twoody88

    Twoody88 Member

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    The would 4 make a good all around hiking buddy though
     
  5. Andy the Aussie

    Andy the Aussie Administrator of the Century Staff Member

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    I love the 6 but the 4 will do all you want.
     
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  6. Black5

    Black5 Member

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    Don't worry what other people think is overkill.

    But I vote the 4hm for a first time fixed blade. Then a Junglas2.
     
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  7. Adventurer

    Adventurer Member

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    I would recommend taking a look at the ESEE 4 in stainless steel. A lot of people like 1095 but they take some maintenance oiling/sharpening whereas the stainless model is always just easy to use and tuck away until next time...
     
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  8. TrailEdge

    TrailEdge Member

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    Any 1095 - 4" Esee... Original, HM or PR4. I'd bet you'd carry the 4" on your hip more comfortably than the 6".
     
  9. Bozho

    Bozho Member

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    For hiking I find the 4HM perfect. You can always get the 3HM and 6HM later and will have the perfect trio.
     
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  10. Bushcraft_Dave

    Bushcraft_Dave Member

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    I have most of ESEE knives and the 4hm might be my favorite.
     
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  11. anomad

    anomad Member

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    You won't regret either. But since you said first fixed blade, I say go big. You probably have folding knife that would accomplish most tasks that a 4 inch blade is designed for. Only another knife guy is going to notice the difference between a 4 and 6 hanging off your pack or belt while out hiking.
    I like the Candiru for hiking - LOL. No extra weight.
     
  12. Mannlicher

    Mannlicher Member

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    I would go with an ESEE 3 in S35V, and buy a 12 inch Wetterlings hatchet to carry along.
     
  13. Lostviking

    Lostviking Member

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    Knives are always a trade off. Big knives do big stuff better.
    Small knives do small stuff better.

    If you choose a knife for what you will be doing 10% of the time.
    You will Be unhappy 90% of the time.

    If you choose a knife for what you will be doing 90%
    You will be happy 90% of the time.

    If you are going to be chopping a lot, the 6 makes good sense.
    If you are going to be slicing peppers and onions and spreading peanut butter,
    the 4 may be better suited to your needs.

    The HM6 is a big knife, pictured here with HM3, and 2.5
    [​IMG]

    WIth beer bottle for scale,
    [​IMG]

    Side by side,
    [​IMG]

    It will definitely work for food prep. Just not with the finesse of the smaller blades,
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     

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