Alternative to F1?

MVF

MVF

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Sep 2, 2005
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Hi all, I just got a Fallkniven F1 and like everyone whose reviews I read, I really like it. My only problem with it is that for my EDC purposes, it's pretty much overbuilt and heavy. I am not saying there is anything wrong with this knife, and I'm actually impressed enough with it that I'll probably be picking up an S1 shortly.

Anyway, please give me you recommendations on a light fixed blade to take it's place as kind of a suburban EDC- mostly for cutting packages, apples, sandwiches- stuff I don't want gunking up my folders.

What I want-

3 1/2"- 4" blade, preferably no serrations

Compact- the F1 would be perfect if it was thinner stock, so in that size range

At least a nod toward having a guard- areal guard is fine, but no double guard

A decent sheath, with extra points for flexibility in mounting options

A good grip, I can be flexible on materials

So far, the Spyderco Moran drop point looks like a contender (thanks to schmalhaus for the review) but I haven't handled one yet. I'm willing to go from cheap functional to fancy functional on this, and thanks to having just sold a rifle I could even go custom (reasonable) so let fly with what your favorites are, just remember- I'm not looking for a survival knife- light, comfortable and well made rule for this one. Should be fun!

TIA, Mike
 
Blind Horse Knives "Bushbaby".

I have a few of them and really like em'.

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Third down.
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I'm thinking Dozier K7 Slim Outdoorsman. Amazing sheath, great knife, excellent ergos and incredible steel.
 
how about the Fallkniven WM1 in either VG10 or 3G?

i got my WM1-3G at the same time as my S1 and the little blade has become my day to day companion.

it's also started an itch for ~3" fixed blade knives that needs to be scratched again soon, so be warned.
 
1234 said:
A Mora !

1234,,,,,,,:)
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With custom sheath* if fancyness is wished. They really get even more enjoyable workhorses with good sheath.

* = that costs three times the knife. :eek: :D

Also, the mentioned WM from Fäll would make excellent edc, but I loathe the sheath. Also you could consider having sheath made for one or for F1. And have you used F1? I thought it was too thick too, until I used it. The edge becomes quite narrow, and it's blast to sharpen. I get monster edge on this one, and Im not even nearly expert on sharpening.
 
A.L. said:
Also, the mentioned WM from Fäll would make excellent edc, but I loathe the sheath.
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the Fallkniven zytel sheaths aren't much to look at, but they are very functional and do their job quite well, imho.

i can invert my WM1 in the sheath with the snap unfastened and i need to seriously shake the crap out of it for the knife to fall out.

the same can't be said for the S1 sheath however.
 
Go find a Buck 102 and try it out in your hands. You might like the size, weight and price. And Buck's Bos-HT'd 420C outperforms many "better" steels.
 
I have been eyeballing the EDC by JK Knives. Looks like the perfect size for a, well EDC knife. :D
 
You didn't list a price but here are some sub-$50 options:

Buck Woodsman. The ErgoHunter Avid Small Game looks like a good one too.
AG Russell Bird and Trout
Anything from Mora
Marttiini Little Classic
Gerber Gator fixed blade
Small fixed-blade custom from the For Sale by Maker section

Good luck deciding!
 
I would recommend a Grohmann number 1, but is comes with a traditional leather sheath... not very many mounting options.
An ESEE 4 is a little too large... maybe an ESEE 3? Maybe check out the ESEE Izula also. It's a little shorter than 3" but makes a great EDC.
 
Check out the Izula or Izula 2. Perfect size for what you want to do , and easy to carry.
 
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I know you said you didnt want a folder but honestly for an EDC...get a folder...significantly easier to carry...EDC and sheath IMHO dont go well together. I think Pocket Clip and small. I love me Mini-Grips, Mini-Lawman, Barrage...so much easier to carry, smaller, lighter, and practical. But yes they get dirty and are harder to clean.
 
Thanks all! Some really great knives here. I think the WM1 would be a real contender if it just had a bit more blade, I really like the sheath.

I already have some Busses and my experience is that the Micarta (as much as I like it) just makes them heavier than I have in mind for this knife. This knocked some other really nice looking knives out as well.

I was amazed at the values available on the maker's for sale forum- but nothing quite right at the moment. Same with the Moras- the day will come when I'll have to get 3 or 4 of those to check out (how cool to be able to afford more than 1!)- at $10- $14 how can you go wrong.

Yes, the F1 cuts/slices way better than you'd expect for it's thickness, and if I don't find anything that looks like it will work better, I may have a go at making a sheath for it.

So far, I think I'm going to be looking for a chance to handle one of those Spyderco Morans. Thanks everyone for your suggestions!
 
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