3-4" Fixed blade suggestions

pialia

pialia

Joined
Feb 11, 2012
Messages
494
Hiya

I've pretty much come to the conclusion that the Fällkniven S1 is a bit too large for my needs and a bit too convexed. I'm looking for something more in the F1 region but without the convex grind. I realize it doesn't exactly take a lot learn how to maintain a decent convex edge with a mousepad and some sandpaper, but I think I'm just too comfortable with my current sharpening setup and a bit too lazy to work up the muscle memory for freehand sharpening at present.

So, I'm getting rid of my S1 before it gets banged up and I'm looking for something I can beat the heck out of without noticing it or feeling bad. High carbon or stainless doesn't really matter as I'm confident I can take care of it regardless.

Price range $100-200
Size 3-4" blade
As long as it has good ergos I don't really care what it looks like
Huge plus if it comes with a versatile sheath
Also a plus if it strikes wicked sparks off a ferro rod

Any and all suggestions are welcome

Many thanks,
Pia
 
pialia said:
Hiya

I've pretty much come to the conclusion that the Fällkniven S1 is a bit too large for my needs and a bit too convexed. I'm looking for something more in the F1 region but without the convex grind. I realize it doesn't exactly take a lot learn how to maintain a decent convex edge with a mousepad and some sandpaper, but I think I'm just too comfortable with my current sharpening setup and a bit too lazy to work up the muscle memory for freehand sharpening at present.

So, I'm getting rid of my S1 before it gets banged up and I'm looking for something I can beat the heck out of without noticing it or feeling bad. High carbon or stainless doesn't really matter as I'm confident I can take care of it regardless.

Price range $100-200
Size 3-4" blade
As long as it has good ergos I don't really care what it looks like
Huge plus if it comes with a versatile sheath
Also a plus if it strikes wicked sparks off a ferro rod

Any and all suggestions are welcome

Many thanks,
Pia
Click to expand...

The F1 is not full convex. It has a regular microbevel. All you need to do to sharpen it is swipe it on a stone like the Fallkniven DC4 a couple times. It usually takes me about 2 mintues to sharpen my F1 back to shaving sharp. This is what the manufacturer recommends. I think you can do this.
 
retzius said:
The F1 is not full convex. It has a regular microbevel. All you need to do to sharpen it is swipe it on a stone like the Fallkniven DC4 a couple times. It usually takes me about 2 mintues to sharpen my F1 back to shaving sharp. This is what the manufacturer recommends. I think you can do this.
Click to expand...

I'm sure I can do this. I'm just thinking I'd be better off using a flat grind in the long run. Also, I don't really feel comfortable beating on any Fällkniven knife. I know they're built to be used, but they're still pretty pricey for a beater imho.
 
pialia said:
I don't really feel comfortable beating on any Fällkniven knife. I know they're built to be used, but they're still pretty pricey for a beater imho.
Click to expand...

The F1 excels at being used in the field. That thick laminated VG10 blade doesnt exactly make it a slicer. You wont really understand why the F1 is so great until you really use it hard.

Your logic makes not sense. That would be like buying a Porsche and never driving it faster than 35mph because you are afraid to hurt it.
 
Get the F1. Others to consider are the Bark River Gunny or even the Bravo-1. Convex edges work great and are easily maintained.
 
A little atypical, but I have a Gerber Freeman hunter that is a great fixed blade knife. I have the made in USA, S30V, stag handle version. there is also a wooden handle, lesser stainless steel, import model too.
 
After my first outing with my new ESEE-3 I cannot rate the knife highly enough! Everyone should have one.
 
wetduck said:
Swamp Rat Rodent Solution 3 1/2" blade.
Click to expand...

Where can I read about this blade? I can't find anything on Swamp Rat's website.

The ESEE-3 is pretty much what I've been looking for, it would seem :)

Problem with F1 as I see it is the price, the price of the knife is okay - even though it's more expensive in its country of origin(Sweden) which I find ridiculous - but I'd have to buy a custom sheath because I despise the original ones. That would bring the whole package close to $250.

I'd like to know more about the Solution before I make my decision, though. Is Swamp Rat Knives the only retailer? Is it discontinued?
 
The RS is available http://www.ratknives.com/product.html I absolutley love mine as the handle is large enough to fill my hand and the blade shape is perfect. The only downside is the SR101 steel rust just sitting there thinking about rust. That being said, it takes a great edge and holds it for a very long time. You can get through cleaning 2 deer and still have 90% of the original edge. I highly recommend the RS
 
Anything ESEE is good. If you're really in the 100-200 dollar range, I'd take a look at some Bark River knives, too. They have a great reputation and they're absolutely gorgeous.
 
hey pialia. there are many answers to this question. and all of them are correct, because a knife is very personal. the best one is the one that meets your needs the best and that fits your hand the best....and that you can afford, of course. what would you be using the knife for? you did not mention that in your OP.

there are several custom maker forums that i frequent (e.g. JK Knives, KFU/Backwoods, Fiddleback, Gossman). a couple that would def be in your budget would be JK Knives and KFU/Backwoods. Core Knife Co. also makes an outstanding knife (look for his knives on FS forum). check out FS threads (in fact, i just so happen to have a KFU Bushpik for sale right now...great knife). or, you can contact the makers in the makers' forum and they will work with you. JK and KFU/backwoods are very responsive, as well....great to work with. and, you will get input on your knife...which is pretty awesome.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top