Decision on a fixed blade - Sorry for being the millionth person to ask this.

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lambman5

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Nov 25, 2014
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Hi everyone,

I wanted to say thank you to this website and it's members for being so welcoming and helping me learn so much about knives. I apologize in advance, for at the time i'm posting this, there are a number of other threads asking the same question. I wanted to post my own because I want your opinion on the fixed blade knives i've been looking at. Out of the ones I list here, which would you recommend in terms of price in relation to quality, edge retention, steel quality, ease of use, etc.

1. Fallkniven F1
2. ESEE 4
3. Boker Mosier

I'm considering the Fallkniven because of it's steel quality, the ESEE 4 because of it's popularity, and the Mosier because of it's compact nature and I love the wharncliffe blade design. Please let me know your thoughts.

Thanks,
Thomas.
 
You should choose a knife based on what you like and/or suits your intended use, not what's 'popular'.
'Edge retention' and 'ease of use' all depends on what you're using it for. Opening mail? Food prep? Carving feathersticks? Gutting a deer?

For me, the F1 is the best of the three.
 
What exactly do you think you'll be using it for, and what type of environment will you be in? Those can change quite a bit in terms of the recommendations that you'll get.

Without knowing anything about the questions above, and for the types of things that "I" do with knives, I'd go with the ESEE 4. That said, I wouldn't be going with the ESEE 4 if I had other choices (I hear the handles are small), and would choose the Becker BK16 or ESEE LazerStrike over the ESEE 4 (similar sizes, but more useful handle sizes and blade thicknesses). Again, that is for what I do (just general camp chores, and some feathersticking/light batoning for fire prep), so what I like might not be the best for you.
 
The Esee is a hell of a knife.


I've been batoning my 6 through firewood, a minute or two on my strop and it's like a razor again
 
I own all three of the knives listed.

Question #1 - for what purpose are you buying the knife, including what environment ?

The ESEE is a good knife, and I own several of their products. But, in general, I find their handles too 'blocky' feeling for my taste.
The F1 is one of my favorite all around outdoors/survival knives. Good materials, fit & finish, and design.
The Mosier is one of the China made knives that I reluctantly purchased. Some day I will get the custom version, but right now the maker has a very long cue and isn't taking any more orders. The Boker is a substitute till that situation changes. - - - Excellent design. If I have to break down a lot of card board boxes, I often grab it to do the job. Its my heavy duty box cutter. Very easy to get it real sharp & maintain it that way.

So, if your main task was opening mail, breaking down card board boxes etc, etc - - - I'd go for the Mosier. If it was to be an outdoors knife (especially in a wet environment) I'd get the F1. If you wanted carbon steel, go for the ESEE.

P.S. - if the knife was to do heavy outdoors duty in rain or snow, no contest. I'd recommend the F1 with factory Zytel sheath.
 
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The Fallkniven is a great knife and is stainless, thus less maintenance. The Esee is also a great knife but is 1095 carbon steel, thus can rust without chapstick or mineral oil on the blade. The last knife you mentioned is of less use, as far as I am concerned, because of the wharncliffe blade (this is not to say it is a bad knife).
 
My vote is for the Fallkniven. Love all of mine. Also the F1 is available in 3G steel which is phenomenal IMHO. Holds.an edge like no other steel I've encountered
 
F1, great quality for the price you pay, plus stainless and feels great in the hand. I have an ESEE 4, takes some experience to get used to the handle which I found a tad too blockish.
 
Google Tom Ferry Rubicon. There's a site that is selling one for $65!!! I paid $175 for mine and I would still consider it a deal for that. A Midtech made by a Master Smith. Can't go wrong! That said, my current favs are the GSO series by Survive! Nothing has hit the nail on the head more completely for me.
 
TravisH said:
You should choose a knife based on what you like and/or suits your intended use, not what's 'popular'.
Click to expand...

I couldn't agree more.

Of the 3 listed, the F1 would be my choice.

If you replaced "ESEE-4" with "LaserStrike" it would be a much harder decision. The LS isn't much longer than the '4, but has way better balance, ergonomics, and blade shape and is a far superior bushcraft knife.
 
I'd go with the ESEE. It will hold up to anything you throw at it, and they're literally guaranteed for all types of abuse and damage. Also, 1095 is not difficult to maintain, unless you live around a lot of saltwater.
 
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