I like the ESEE-3 just fine, but the handle on the mud puppy fits my hand a lot better. I have both. The MP is stainless, too, and I like that in a small slicer. But those ESEE blades come nice and sharp and they are good knives, for sure.

It is definitely sharp. Even though it looks like the previous owner attempted sharpening. Not sure if he was trying to convex or if he was sharpening with a mouse pad but it looks rounded.
The MP is a better slicer IMO even with the thicker blade.
I suspect that has to do with the satin vs coated.

WOW way to beat that baby. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Hope that apple didn't hurt the edge.No chips or rolls eh? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Since this thread seems to be OK, I'll chime in. While the HEST isn't for everyone, it's pretty comfortable and is (in my opinion) a top-notch little knife. I also bought four RAT-5s and three RAT-3s -- I know, they're only Ontario RATs, but the D2 blades were closeout-priced. RAT-5s were bigger than I expected; more in the Mutt/RatManDu class although not as thick; they're good slicers and I think are well worth what I paid, although I prefer either the Scrap Yard or Swamp Rat handles.

The RAT-3s and HEST are small enough that I could pocket-EDC them if I wanted to. Those RAT/RC-3 handles aren't full sized for my hands, so for Vic I imagine they're probably a 3-finger grip. Still, the 3s are compact, functional knives. I was concerned that the HEST might be cramped, but because the handle extends all the way to the blade, it fits my hand quite well.

This thread is ok, but we need more comparison type info. That Mud Puppy is a good kitchen slicer if you put a good edge on it. My favorite of all the mudder handled ones is still the Bird Dog. Now that's a slicer. My only complaint with the 154Cm is that it is not the easiest steel to sharpen, but it does take a razor edge and hold it. And of course, it's corrosion resistant, which is a big plus in a food prep or skinning knife. But those easy sharpening 1095 steel knives will never be outdated, IMO. They have worked well for years, and the ESEE ones are very well made.

154 is an absolute PITA to sharpen!!
I've been working on my MP since I got it and it's STILL only mediocre!!!
Though I don't have proper sharpening tools yet.
I think that I'm gonna get a belt sander. For the price and ability to sharpen any size knife I think that it is a bargain. Not to mention razor sharp at the flick of a switch!!!
I was worried about technique but I think that I will be able to learn quickly.

Yeah sorry HD, I'll take the blame for kinda derailing the thread. Sorry aobut that.
But I am buying another Bussekin because of it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Because I'm more a collector than a user, I haven't sharpened any of my 154CM knives. D2 also has a reputation for being rather hard to sharpen. My pocket knife is S30V -- I just run it along a pair of crock-sticks a few times to refresh its edge, and it's good to go.

What exactly is the issue with sharpening the other steels? They both have high "wear resistance" ratings, but they don't seem to have hardness ratings that are higher than other good knives, something in a 57 to 62 range, usually targeting 58 or 59. If I ever do decide to make one a user, perhaps I'll experience the same difficulties, but I'm OK with ceramic sticks for now.

I wish I had the metallurgical knowledge of steel that some have. All I can say is that even steels that are the same "hardness" on the Rockwell scale can be very different in ease of sharpening. I found this out the hard way. ATS-34, D2, 154CM, CPM 154, and a few other steels are just hard as heck for me to sharpen on a stone. Even on a belt sander, they heat up fast and take longer to sharpen than 1095. Swamp Rat's SR101 is harder to sharpen than 1095, but man does it ever take an edge. It is still easier for me to sharpen than 154CM. SR77 is fairly easy to sharpen.

I know I haven't used my Wiener Dog that much but its 154 CM and it doesn't seem too terrible to sharpen. I just use some Arkansas stones and a strop. Then again I dont let it get that dull either. As to ESEE, they do make some very nice blades. I had an RC-5 and it was a beast. I got rid of it as I needed a knife and not a prybar with an edge <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> and then I got a HRLM in tan/sage and I absolutely love it. Not only does it look better but its more comfy in the hand than the ESEE was too. Not to mention......its TAN!

I was sent an RC4 a while back to try out, on that model the handle seemed too small for the blade. My Bandicoot felt much better to me although I have since let that one go and kinda regret it at times. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
I do have a new 4" blade on the way though !!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Do tell!!
What'd ya get?
Is it gonna be a s'prise?