All Mar Falcon...

Joined
Nov 1, 2012
Messages
130
Hey Guys,

Been looking for a present for my nephew. He's graduating HS, and heading off to college. I've been looking for a knife he will use and enjoy. I got a bear and son 110 clone in stag bone and NiAg and its nice, but heavy. Got a 1760Dam. The skyline handle is nice for his hands, but Damascus? Worried about rust. So I turned to Al Mar, and have been twinkling on a falcon. It'll fit his hand, not be too heavy, and less prone to rust. The question is: which to get? How is the lightweight compared to the classic? How is the Talon vs. FFG? To stave off comments of other brands, I believe this will be perfect for him in regards to size, and either weight is not too bad, as well as handle shape. Strictly talking falcons. Thoughts?
 
Just got in a Falcon ultralight Talon blade. Wonderful little knife, and incredibly sharp. Great feel in my hand.

Only thing is, it's really quite light. I'm sure it's sturdy as all get out, but it feels more like a gentleman's knife.

If you get the regular Falcon, it's heavier, but no pocket clip.

I would suggest instead the Al Mar Mini Sere. Fits my hand equally well, a little thicker. In general, a better all-around knife.

I compliment you on your interest in Al Mars; they are great, unappreciated knives.
 
I think the sere may be too much for him.

I want him to carry and use it, so I'm stuck on the falcon, but from what you're saying, i may go with the "Classic Talon"
because it may be a better knock around version.

How do you like the Talon? How about Blade length?

Why doesn't Al Mar make the classics in FFG with a Thumbstud?

I've always liked Al Mar's, just never owned one. I feel that they are the successors to the old Mercator Katz knives,
and for me, that means a good pedigree. I know I'll get an Eagle HD one of these days.
 
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I have small hands, so the length of handle and of the blade is just right for me. I generally edc a small Sebenza, by way of reference.

Al Mar knives are all original designs, mostly by Mar himself. He's a very interesting guy, with a rich background, and was a pioneer in American knifemaking. You should look up his story; quite fascinating.
 
Im familiar with Al, just never handled his blades. Or a small sebenza for that matter. :(
I think that I'm going to spring for the falcon talon classic. I figure he doesn't need to broadcast the fact that he l is carrying anyway.
 
Sorry, didn't mean to offend you. Just providing reference points.

Good luck with his knife.
 
Falcon Ultralight FFG plain edge is a great knife. He will never need another. I've used everything. Just get him a Falcon Ultralight non-Talon blade. Super light, very well made, great size/weight ratio.

Why doesn't Al Mar make the classics in FFG with a Thumbstud?

That would be an AWESOME knife.
 
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Falcon Ultralight FFG plain edge is a great knife. He will never need another. I've used everything. Just get him a Falcon Ultralight non-Talon blade. Super light, very well made, great size/weight ratio.

You think so? No liners but... Maybe. I do like the fact that it has a pocket clip.
 
The big deal for me is only the ultralight models have a pocket clip, the classics do not. I have an Eagle ultralight with the talon blade - but I wish it was FFG. It seems very will made, and is extremely light - my wife usually carries it in her back pocket when we go camping or hiking. I was worried at first, because of the light weight, it would be weak or fragile - but don't worry, it's MUCH stronger than it feels. I've had mine for about 4 years of intermittent use, and it's still as smooth and solid as day one.

I know you're strictly talking Falcons (and you have my recommendation), but for a young man going from HS to college, a nice alox SAK may see a little more practical use, especially with the screw driver, can opener & "beverage" opener.... and they're cheap enough to give him one along with the Falcon!
 
I know you're strictly talking Falcons (and you have my recommendation), but for a young man going from HS to college, a nice alox SAK may see a little more practical use, especially with the screw driver, can opener & "beverage" opener.... and they're cheap enough to give him one along with the Falcon!

I was actually thinking of pairing this Falcon with an American Kami spork, but maybe an SAK isn't too bad an idea.
 
the Falcon (FFG) is a great knife. I've had one for 10 years +. Its a great slicer, barely noticeable in my pocket.

Having his knife engraved may be a nice touch too.

Ric
 
the Falcon (FFG) is a great knife. I've had one for 10 years +. Its a great slicer, barely noticeable in my pocket.

Having his knife engraved may be a nice touch too.

Ric

Do you have the FFG with thumbstuds in the classic config? If I could find that I'd order 2. Why doesn't AMK make them? It seems like the talon blade might be a tad delicate in the tip, but people here don't seem to mind. I was thinking about engraving. That's why I've been leaning more towards the classic, for the bolsters. But no pocket clip... Argh! Would a pocket clip from an ultralight fit into the lanyard hole on a classic?
 
Wait... Last question: the classic style, could it be drilled for a clip? Is it sorta-flat-ish near that lanyard hole?

That's a great big maybe.... Anything is possible if you want to do it bad enough. On the lightweight series, the "lanyard hole" is a threaded insert pressed in place to hold the clip. The classic series are fairly rounded at the lanyard hole end. To do it right, you would need to create a flat spot to attach the clip, and drill & tap through the liners for the clip screws. If you do it, post a pic so we can see!
 
That's a great big maybe.... Anything is possible if you want to do it bad enough. On the lightweight series, the "lanyard hole" is a threaded insert pressed in place to hold the clip. The classic series are fairly rounded at the lanyard hole end. To do it right, you would need to create a flat spot to attach the clip, and drill & tap through the liners for the clip screws. If you do it, post a pic so we can see!

Interesting... I'll work on it.
 
The Ultralight is a very nice folder, well made. The Classic is a much smoother knife, the liners (brass) make the difference.
 
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