A1 or RC-5/6

KarlMaldensNose

KarlMaldensNose

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Feb 3, 2009
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In light of not getting to spend an obscene amount of money on a Strider PT CC, I'm finally going to sort out my fixed blade needs for camping and Armegeddon. For various reasons, my options are Fallkniven A1 or RC-5/6. I'm leaning toward the A1. I realize that either would serve me well. Nevertheless, I would appreciates y'alls input on the merits of each, or perhaps why you think one actually beats the other hands-down for my purposes.... which are standard things like splitting a bit of kindling (I've got a hatchet for bigger stuff), carving walking sticks, fire sticks/pokers and maybe a tent peg on occasion, cutting rope and utility cord, maybe fillet a fish if my fillet knife wanders off, making shelter in an emergency, fending off black bears... you know, normal camping/hiking chores.

Thanks for your input.
 
I can't speak to the RC 5 or 6 because I don't own one. I am considering getting a Rat Cutlery knife sooner or later based on the high praise they get here on BF. I would like to try one out to form my own opinon.

I do own both the A1 and A2 Fallkniven and have no hesitation recommending the A1 as a top notch knife.

Personally, I like the idea of the stainless blade on the A1 vs. the coated blade on the RC, but again with no experience, I can't really say the coated blade has any real disadvantage.

The RC's are attractively priced, but I find Fallkniven to be great value as well taking into consideration over all quality and high end steels.

Depending on what you plan to do with the knife, give the A2 some consideration as well, I find the extra blade length advantageous when batoning. You get can get a little bigger bite on the log and still have a good length of tip extending to baton on.

The longer blade and extra weight gives a bit of advantage when chopping as well, however the A1 is also very capable in this regard.

If you are looking to carry the knife on long hikes, then the A1 is sized better. A bit lighter and somewhat less likely to hang up on obstacles or be in the way.

The oblivious answer of course is get both the A1 and an RC, just to be certain. :D

Size Comparison A2 - A1 - S1
Fallknsizen-A1-A2-S1.jpg


Kevin
 
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Get the RAT!! I have only my RC-3 to go by, but they make a great product. I would look more to the RC-6 for your tasks/needs. The RC-5 is geared towards E&E, downed pilot sort of stuff . . . .
 
Dag-nabit said:
I do own both the A1 and A2 Fallkniven and have no hesitation recommending the A1 as a top notch knife.

I noticed you had both (hard not to;)), and the S1, which I was also considering. I gotta ask, why all three? Necessity or addiction?

Personally, I like the idea of the stainless blade on the A1 vs. the coated blade on the RC, but again with no experience, I can't really say the coated blade has any real disadvantage.

I was thinking the same thing. It's one thing to easily and properly care for carbon steel at home, but I imagine it's quite another when backpacking.

Depending on what you plan to do with the knife, give the A2 some consideration as well, I find the extra blade length advantageous when batoning. You get can get a little bigger bite on the log and still have a good length of tip extending to baton on.

The longer blade and extra weight gives a bit of advantage when chopping as well, however the A1 is also very capable in this regard.

If you are looking to carry the knife on long hikes, then the A1 is sized better. A bit lighter and somewhat less likely to hang up on obstacles or be in the way.

Yeah, it will have to be carried for many kilometers of hiking and portaging, so with the weight and length savings the A1 would be better.

Size Comparison A2 - A1 - S1
Fallknsizen-A1-A2-S1.jpg


Kevin
Click to expand...

I've been looking for a picture like this for a long time. They sure are pretty. Thanks.
 
I'd recommend the RC-6. It's a little thinner and flat ground which makes it a bit better slicer. Both Rat Cutlery and Fallkniven have a good selection of knives. The Njord is another nice knife, but the price on those has gotten out of hand.
 
No matter how much I find RC's good knives, they are no match for Fällknivens in my opinion. The retention on the A1 is superb (I've just done some serious wood cuttings and the knife stays razorsharp), great balance, reasonably light and easy to handle. Yep, the prices of A1's have gone up sharply, but I think it is still worth that high price. Considering that you live in North America, I would consider a Bark River as well.
 
KarlMaldensNose said:
I've been looking for a picture like this for a long time. They sure are pretty. Thanks.
Click to expand...

These three are part of my addiction. They are all queens. I am a collector as well as a user.

I bought my first Fallkniven about a year ago, and was so impressed with the over all quality, now all my 'use' knives are Fallkniven.

In addition to several in my collection I have the following knives that get used routinely.

P/3G - EDC
PXL - in the wings and will start getting used someday soon
F2 - in my tackle box
U2 - 2 qty in the glove box of our family vehicles
FH9 - in the tool kit of my work truck
A1 - original camping knife
A2 - recent addition as camping knife, wanted something a little larger.
K1 - kitchen knife
K2 - kitchen knife
WM1 VG10 - kitchen knife

I list these only to point out that I put my money, and experience, behind my opinion of Fallkniven product.

Whichever one you decide to go with, I'm sure you will end up with an excellent and capable knife.

Kevin
 
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