Becker BK2 vs ESEE 5 Edge Destruction Test
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ย. 2024
- Want to get a little sick to your stomach? Watch this. The famous Edge to Edge destruction test, now edited down to one brutal, concise and conclusive video.
Years ago I made three videos of this edge-to-edge bashathon to see which knife was indeed tougher. I was totally convinced the ESEE would cut right through the Becker as if it was a butter knife. I was wrong. The Becker did end up with more damage, but I am convinced that is due to the higher edge grind and geometry, not inferior steel or heat treat. If you must know, I no longer own an ESEE 5, but do own a BK-2 and use it all the time. It is overall, a superior knife. Better handle geometry and blade shape. Don't believe me, get one of each and try chopping with each. See which one flies out of your hand first. When it does, leave it where it lands and keep the Becker.
Want to see more videos like this?
/ @knifetimestory
Here is me being a little rough with a Randall Made Knives Model 28 Woodsman:
• Randall Made Model 28 ...
Here is the video where I baton my Randall 5-5.
• Should This Randall Mo...
Great thanks for this video! I’ve watched it many times. Esee wins! I love the ways both knives serve. I’ve already had a ka-bar Becker bk2. I love it. This video gives me the reason I’ll buy an esee 5. I love the harness of esee 5, and I don’t like the hollowed tang of bk2, that’s the weakness of its 2nd and 3rd generation. Thanks again for the video!!!
Fantastic comment! Thank you so much. I pinned it to the top. I would like the guys at ESEE to see your comment. I truly think both knives performed way beyond any expectation I might have had! So glad you enjoy it and are a frequent visitor! Taking the time to comment is huge. Thank you!
I don’t see how this test hurts the reputation of either knife company. When I buy a knife I EDC it for about a year, daily use, light and heavy tasks. I’m about a month and a half into EDCing my BK22. I didn’t think I’d like it as much as I do. The BK2 has not left me disappointed so far.
This video has made me decide to get the ESEE 5 next. I want to see how it performs daily for long term use.
Thank you for showing integrity and this very interesting test of the knives.
Great comment. Funny how I went into this wanting to prove the superiority of the ESEE, but wound up falling in love with the Becker BK2. Let me know what you think of the ESEE 5 when you get it. I’m curious.
@@knifetimestory I will definitely get back to you with that.
You should swap which one that you’re hammering on. The one being hammered on receives more force. And this is the reason for your test results.
Good point. Someday I will buy one more of each and flip who’s on top.
I have never seen a knife video like this before. Impressive test; I am glad you didn't take advantage of the knife makers and have the knives replaced under warranty.
Not too many guys out there are willing to do something so absurd like this. Thank you for the kind words about the warranty issue as well.
I choose the Ka-Bar BK2.
Excellent choice!!! I did as well!!
The bk2 blade is thinner behind the edge, and it's heat treated softer. This is kind of a silly moot test.
You are absolutely right! But it was a hell of a lot of fun to do!
I know this is an old video.. but if I’m not mistaken, didn’t the Esse hold up better than the Becker? But you mentioned in some of your responses that you sold your Esse’s and replaced with Beckers? Did I miss something? Reason I ask is, I am on the fence at the moment between purchasing one of the two knives
Hi,
Thanks for watching!
Yes… You are correct. The ESEE did seem to hold up better. However, I do believe there are a couple of reasons behind that. The biggest reason is the fact that it was a thicker grind. That is why I thought for sure the ESEE would basically cut right through the Becker. but alas, I was wrong. I was so wrong, that I found myself being uncharacteristically incredibly impressed with the Becker. So I bought a new one of each knife. Took them out into the woods and did my thing. I found that the Becker grip was much more conducive to chopping and was more comfortable after extended periods of use. So I wound up selling the ESEE. I have not had an ESEE 5 since. But that does not mean that I do not absolutely love my ESEE 3 and ESEE 6.
So, if you’re looking for something that you can have fun with, modify, and beat the absolute hell out of, I would get the Becker.
I hope that helps.
@@knifetimestory thanks for the quick response! After my comment, I then watched you video 3 more times and then the light turned on after you commented on “ the winner is who ever buys either knife” in other words, they’re both winners! Thanks again for the reply, and I love your videos!!
I can't believe you did that. Interesting test video!
Thank you for watching. Glad you liked it.
That edge vs edge test is a first for me.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Yep…It was a first for me too.
Thank u I have been a kbar guy till now 👍🏻
Glad you like the video! Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment. That was very nice.
What did Ethan Becker say on the phone???
I HAVE TO KNOW lol
First of all, he said I was crazy. But then he said that he respected what I was doing. And he would love to replace the knives that I destroy. Which I politely declined and said it is my folly there for my dime. He also respected that. We had a nice brief chat and a couple of laughs and that was that.
When one immovable force meets another immovable force, the Esee 5 wins.
I would agree that the ESEE won, but Becker certainly gained a dedicated customer in me. I no longer have the five, but I have a few BK2‘s.
I like both, Bk2 may be better on a budget but it is more brittle than the legendary heat treatment of the Esse, also Esse has S35vn options which is a super steel, kabar doesn't offer that, and esses sheaths are superior with their modularity and accessories options.
Thank you so much for watching that and commenting. I have found that I much prefer the BK2 over the ESEE5. The edges thinner, which makes it more versatile, and the way the handle is shaped it so much better chopper. I totally agree with you on the sheath. but with a couple modifications, the Becker sheath is usable. There is a version in S35VN available on one website. It’s an exclusive to that site. I think they are in Germany. It is super expensive.
I ordered the Esee 5. I have the BK2 but I figured it's good to have two of these type of knives. I'm in Canada so things are sometimes hard to get and when you see what you want get it now or snooze you lose. I ordered the one with the Contour handles tan Micarta.
Sounds like you are going to be all set. I don't understand why things are tough to get sometimes in Canada.
I just ordered another BK2. Should be here tomorrow actually. This time I'm keeping the black Grivory handles on it and cutting grooves in it. I may even remove the center handle pillar to help throw the weight towards the blade a little more to aid in chopping. I've done that in the past.
Thanks for watching and your nice comment.
It sure will give many nightmares.Glad you did it👍
Thank you very much for watching. Yes… I’m sure there are some nightmares because of this insane video.
Yeah, I can hear it now, they both will keal..👍😎👍 What a sacrifice, thank you so much for the unnecessary destruction of to fine knives.
It was my sick, twisted, costly pleasure! Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment!
@@knifetimestory I can't believe that this video doesn't have tens of thousands of views with tons of comments.. I know it cost you quite a bit for that video, sometimes it takes a little longer, but your video will gain traction. Thanks again brother for taking the time and coin to make this video. I will share it as much as I can.😎
Virgle Phillips Thank you again. That’s very kind of you to say!
Your a good man not many would destroy to great knives then turndown new ones. I applaud you for that.
I'm also one of those people that sometimes needs a answer even if I don't know the question.
Really I like the rat7 myself I'm a fan of ontario's pricing I think esse are overpriced I'm not one that would send a knife I broke back. The only way I would was if it was messed up when I get it. So that's not warranty that's quality control. I don't see a warranty being worth $50 more. Just my opinion.
Like I say in the video, they both offered to replace them. But I figured my folly, my dime! And, since then I have broken an IZULA and not sent it in for replacement. I was using it in a very stupid way, and purchased a replacement. Just because I was an idiot, does not mean it should cost ESEE!
Why ?
I get that a lot. Because I really sincerely thought one was so superior to the other. And I was wrong. Glad I did it.
both great knives
Yes...well, they were. Now they are both garbage. 😂
lol ... oh man ... perhaps the next test is how you bring the edge back .... or testing conversion to partial serrations :D :D
"can i borrow your knife?"
That would be a funny video, trying to refurbish them. Actually, they both went straight to the landfill, wrapped in multiple paper shopping bags so no trash pickers or anyone would see them and think it would be a smart idea to try and use them. I would not trust either of them after the throttling I gave them.
The bk2 is alot thinner as you get closer to the blade..but the Bk2 is a great knife but it's more for the woods....and the Esee5 with that tip more of a survival knife both would get the job done...well maybe the Bk2 won't be a good staber...but i seen on a video the the Esee5 stabe test could not go though a thick coat...because it was to thick at the point...
Hey brother, no shame in using its warranty. Thats what its there for. Great video.
A warranty is for accidental mishaps and defects in material and workmanship. Not to replace a knife that some knucklehead thought it was a good idea to try and do what I just did. My moral code wouldn’t let me do it.
Carbon V or alloy 50100B which is what Ka-Bar calls 1095 CV clearly for marketing reasons. Of course the Carbon V steel, has nothing to do with 1095, their recipies are very different and I asure you, that Ka-bars steel, is better quality than any 1095 steel out there.Anyone who really knows about knives, can clearly see, that anything shown in this video, not only proves nothing but also changes the opinion of potential buyers. Becker line that Ka-Bar produces, is full of better knife designs, than Esee. Esee knives edge and bevel geometries on their knives, is similar if not worse than those cheap Chinese knives, that you can get for 10 dollars. Actually, in many cases is worse, than those cheap Chinese knives. That's only one of the reasons, that Becker chipped more than the Esee, it's simply because the Esee 5, has way more steel behind the edge, than it should have and that's the worse thing, that a knife like that can have. Why? because it makes it a really bad slicer/cutter and knives are ment to CUT.
Excellent comment. Excellent points. I completely agree. Years ago when I did this video, I was what you would call an ESEE fan boy. I was thoroughly convinced that they were far superior than Becker. But after that test, I bought myself a couple more BK2s and never purchased another ESEE5. The overall design of the BK2 is vastly superior in many ways. It’s a much better chopper, the handle actually wants to stay in your hand. And with a thinner edge, you can make feather sticks and do just about any kind of cutting task you want to do. So basically, this test was costly in a couple ways. The price of the knives I destroyed, and the fact that I then switched camps and now own just about every Becker. I still do have my ESEE3 and IZULA.
Thank you so much for watching and for commenting. I really do appreciate it!
I have both an esee laser strike and a Becker bk16. I love them both but only one is on my flak and goes to the field with me, the bk16. It over all just does everything better and is more comfortable to use.
Well, your comment just made me purchase a BK16 and Green Micarta handles to go with it. Thanks...you just cost me!!! :-)
Okay, I just Googled "Carbon V or alloy 50100B and came up with nothing that was very helpful. I sincerely believe 1095CV is superior to regular 1095, but never knew it was considered Carbon V, or Chrome Vanadium as Case Knives calls it. Please give me a link to more info as I actually lose sleep over this nerdy steel stuff. I love it. Thanks again!!!
You’d have an excellent comment if you didn’t dive head first into a pile of stupid by saying ESEE is worse than a $10 Chinese knife.
But what is the price difference?
Actually the ESEE is considerably more expensive than the Becker. A good part of that is the serious upgrade in handle and sheath and hardware. I sure miss that ESEE 5.
That’s painful to watch, brother...
But good video, anyhow...👍🏻
Painful to watch?!!! T'was painful to do!!! Ha! Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. I do appreciate it.
Would have to like to have seen you swap them out in the vise
You know, I thought about that after it was all said and done. But I really didn’t know that the end result would be any different. It basically is two edges just smashing into each other. But good idea! Thank you very much for watching and taking the time to comment. I do appreciate it.
Thank you for doing this, im guessing this means the Essee would dull quicker due to softer heat treating and the becker would probably stay sharper longer but tip and blade may be more brittle long run?
Firstly, thank you for watching. Well, you ask a great question. It is my experience now after years of abusing both knives, that the Becker holds an edge better. Perhaps its the heat treat, or perhaps it is the CV added to the 1095. Either way, I no longer own a model 5, but do own a couple BK2's. I prefer them because of the handle shape. I do a lot of chopping and the handle shape is much more conducive to that activity. Also I like the roundness of the handle for overall comfort for long periods of use. I love ESEE and use and carry my 3 and IZULA constantly, but for a beastly knife, I choose the BK2.
@@knifetimestory thanks so much for that reply , can you do any detail work with the Becker? I'm looking for a good all around knife for camping , hiking with a bit of bushcraft/survival duty's ? Or any knife you recommend for that
Mattariety If you want to do detail work and general Bushcraft, you may want to look into an ESEE 3 or 4 or something from Bark River like the Gunny. Becker BK2 is for chopping and splitting and prying and field dressing a Buick.
I have a Scandi Gunny in 3V and that is what I generally Bushcraft with.
@@knifetimestory thank you
@@knifetimestory The handle is the downfall of almost every ESEE. I love the Izula II as a neck knife and the Ashley Game knife is absolutely perfect for small game skinning. Long, comfortable handle, perfect blade shape and size for skinning. The only reason it’s not the perfect deer skinner is 1095’s edge retention isn’t great. But survival/camp knives, it’s hard to get past their uncomfortable handles.
Why didn't you take turns which knife went on top?
That is actually a very legitimate question. I wanted the ESEE to be the aggressor. I suppose I could buy two more knives and have them trade places and go at it again. But I think the result would be the same!
I want to buy a survival knife and I am in these two options ESEE 5 or KA BAR BK2. I need a very strong knife for very hard use in the forest (I have money 💸) which of the two would you suggest as the best?
I have two BK2 knives. And Zero ESEE5 knives. If that tells you anything. The BK2 is a much better chopper and slicer and will take an amazing edge and you will find out performs the ESEE in every category.
@@knifetimestory Thank you very much my friend, I send you many blessings from beautiful Greece I am Greek, thank you again for the answer.
@@sniper9556 My pleasure. Thank you for the kind words. Thank you again for watching. I hope you do end up buying a BK2 and enjoy it thoroughly!
@@sniper9556 Γειά σου αδερφέ τι κάνεις? Είδα καταλάθως το σχόλιο σου τελικά πήρες το bk2? Πως σπυ φάνηκε? Έχω το bk10 και απόλυτα ευχαριστημένος..
Your a nut ..
But I appreciate your tactics because I needed to know about the edge strength ...
Thank you for putting it kindly. Some folks are more harsh. Glad you liked it. Thank you for watching and giving me some feedback.
I was thinking about purchasing an Esee 5 and that was what i was actually thinking about so your video was very helpful ...
That it nice of you to say. If you like to chop with your knife, the handle of the BK2 is much more conducive for that. There are a couple videos out that talking about that. That is why I still have one, and sold my ESEE 5. (Not the beat up one!!! Ha!)
Why ???
I often ask myself that same question! I just thought it needed to be done. I was truly convinced that the ESEE would cut right through the BK2. I’m glad I did it. It was costly… But worth it!
Looks like becker hv improved from previous test i saw.
I actually did that about 10 to 12 years ago. But yes, I do feel that their heat treat has actually improved with the newer knives coming out of Kabar.
@@knifetimestory we meeet again.
What is to be proven here?
Pretty much just that Becker knives are way better than I anticipated them to be!
Thank you for watching. And taking the time to comment. I really do appreciate it!
How I wish you’ve given the knives to me instead... 🤯
After that beating, nobody would want those knives. But you could make a better, more educated decision as to what knife you did want to purchase.
@@knifetimestory ... meant “instead” of beating them in the first place. 😬
francis pacis Oh, I see. Now I get it. 👍🏻
Wtf was the point, not real world usage.
You are absolutely correct!!! But it was kinda fun!
I was between the two for quite some time.. they do have a difference i price! Esee is almost double the price of BK2 but when cost is not an issue then decision can be taken after watching this video! Great job dude! All the besf
Thank you so much for watching. The BK2 is actually quite fun to modify. There are lots of handles available, sheets, and accessories. You can really jazz one up and still pay less than you would for an ESEE 5
Brutality
Totally unabashed unnecessary brutality!
So guess I do t understand this..... neither knife is built to be hit with a hammer against another knife. I’m sure the internet would have Rockwell hardness of each blade. But I guess one way to be sure is actually put them to the test lol 🤘🏻🤘🏻
You are absolutely right. But I was such a fanboy of ESEE back then, did I really did think that I could cut through the “inferior“ BK2. As you can see, I was incredibly wrong! And now, I do not own an ESEE 5 but rather a BK2. Thank you very much for watching and taking the time to comment!
90 bucks for 160 bucks in a test that will never happen
Thank you for watching and commenting. Although… I’m not really sure what the heck you just wrote. Would you clear it up?
I always test my knifes like this...
So glad to hear it. It is an expensive way to do it, but it really does give you a good idea as to which is the better knife! Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
Omg thats sickening :(
I know, right!!! Thank you for watching!
That was painful to watch.
Ha ha. I bet. Painful to do too.
What a waste, nothing scientific about it.
I know, right!! But, it was fun and satisfied my curiosity and turned me into a Becker fan.
Your money
@@Nobody13325 Yep. Bought a couple more BK2s after that!! Love them!!!
Holy shit
Thank you!! That is the exact reaction I was hoping for!
This hurt to watch.
Hurt to watch? Hurt to do! 😳. Thank you very much for watching though!👍🏻
Great! Repeat the same action by putting the long metal tube (1 m) on handle and try to bend knife with tube. Then shall measure the angle of bending for each knife, some knives breakes, some- dont.
That's been done. I wanted to do something never done before. Thanks for watching. I appreciate it.
Esee will probably give you a new one under their warranty...
I would not dream of asking them for it. However, they did get wind of this and then offered to give me a new one, as did Ethan Becker. But I politely declined as this was a clear destruction test and it should be on my dime, not theirs. Thank you for watching.
@@knifetimestory to be honest they should cut you a fat check.
You sold more knives than both of their advertising managers in the past year.
@@lazylefthand Thank you. It would be nice if they did. But I’m not holding my breath. Great comment!
Thats painful to watch!
Painful to watch!? Imagine doing it!😳
🤮
I know right! Thank you so much for watching!
I want the esee 5 so dang bad :(
After watching this video, why would you want the ESEE? The Becker has a thinner edge, holds up beautifully, is a much better chopper, and I have found to be way more useful out in real life!
@@knifetimestory Because of their warranty agreement. If I break it they replace it no questions ask no receipt needed.Also I think it looks better.
@@cowboyup6744 I completely understand. Aesthetically it does have a little bit more going for it. However, Becker offers the same warranty basically. And if you’d like to chop things, the handle is much more conducive to doing that. Those are things to just keep in mind.
@@knifetimestory Alright you finally sold me haha. I reckon i'll buy the bk2 :). Thanks for the help mate.
Plus the bk2 is a bit cheaper aswell.
@@cowboyup6744 Ha ha ha. Now, full disclosure… You are not going to like the Grivory handle. But for as much as you save on the knife, you can buy yourself a nice aftermarket handle on eBay. Either Wood or Micarta. I strongly recommend doing that. It will make it “your knife“ and you’ll love it that much more!
As an engineer of supporting a knife in a vice you failed completely 😉😁 I absolutely love both of these knives and I was literally crying when you were doing it 😥
Thanks for watching and commenting. YOU were crying? How do you think I felt? That was painful. :-)
Esee 5 king knife
Yes it is a great knife. But the BK2 really proved itself to me.
Esee5 win!
I'd call it a tie.