Did I make a poor decision? (RE: Survival Knives)

the S1 seems like a perfect knife for the job.
I have the A1, and sometimes I think it`s too big, the S1 and the F1 are on my wishlist right now.
 
Bark River makes great fixed blades for less than $200. Also CRK one piece line in a 4 inch blade for $205 or the PS for $185 might be good choices. But if funds are limited I would stick with what you have, its a good knife with a good reputation.;)
 
The S1 is too small. You should get the NMFBM instead!

Nah, just kidding. The S1 is just about perfect for a survival knife. I don't like the swedge but that's just about it. It is tough, capable, and not too hefty to lug around. I do prefer smaller, shorter blades around 3.5-4" for fine work but then you lose the ability to chop and batoning is harder.
 
Wow, thanks for all the advice and support guys! :thumbup:

Y'all are right, I really do need to do some field work with it and see how it works for me, hopefully I'll get that opportunity soon :)
 
With a 5" blade you can drop an 8" diameter tree if you needed to. That knife will be plenty, with a little bit of knowledge and skill, to do anything you could need it for. It is an exceptional knife. As long as you keep the edge maintained and sharp, you would be hard pressed to "NEED" another knife that was bigger. A baton and that size blade will do anything you have in skill and more. Don't second guess it. You made a great purchase.:thumbup:
 
do you like it? if yes, then you didnt make a mistake, if no, then sure, you made a mistake, big deal, either sell it or trade it or just buy something new.
 
IVANKERLEY said:
that Fallkniven S1 looks like a winner :thumbup: Not too big, just right. Its almost unfair to compare the two. Both have their uses and i'm sure excel at them. Bigger isnt always better and sometimes smaller doesnt really work...
save your money up and buy the RAT then you'll have everything covered:D
I Like the Fallkniven :D looks like a nice size to carry
ivan
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I agree. For 90% of what you will need to do, the S1 will be perfect. The only time I've used my big chopping knives is while clearing trails all day at summer camp, and even then a big machete can be preferable (more reach).

They are nice for de-limbing trees, but not as camp knives. The edge is usually way too thick for anything other than chopping.

I still agree with the philosophy that every man should have a really big knife though.
 
Was the Fallkniven S1 able to cut everything that you needed? If so, then it was a fine choice.

This summer I didn't get any chances to really put the knife to the test, so what do you guys think? Would something like an RTAK-II be better, along with carrying maybe an AG Russel Trout knife for smaller stuff? Unfortunately, funds are rather limited for knives for now... I may end up trading my S1 away..
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If you are in financial need and have to sell the S1, the AG Russell Bird and Trout would be a fine low-budget replacement. Or the Buck Woodsman or Pathfinder. Or a Mora. Or...

Good Luck!
 
Outdoors Fanatic said:
Come one, 5'' is a girly knife. At least in the great outdoors...
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In the great outdoors when everything is on my back for a week or two....

I carry a light folding pruning saw to cut wood, and a small 3" folder to cut anything else.
And I hardly ever use the saw, as there is always enough dead wood to be picked up.
 
I wouldn't be so quick to second-guess yourself - especially since you haven't had time to run it through its paces.
 
I think the S1 is a very good choice. But, there is nothing wrong with getting a couple knives. Then you can test them if you choose and see what you like the best for your needs. I find a good sharp pocket knife just as useful as a small bird and trout design blade especially if you carry the larger knife too.

How about a 12" machete instead of the Ontario you gave a link to? Ontario makes a pretty good one. The machete should do most of what you need in the field and you saved yourself $75.

.... I know, it's fun to carry a large bladed knife! Been there. :)
 
S1 is great all rounder - hunting fishing and general purpose. Laminated VG10 too - I like the handle too

My next step would be to the F1 AND machete, or hatchet, or CS special forces shovel ($25), or CS trail hawk ($25)

As people said bigger is harder and heavier to carry ....and at least in OZ gets bigger looks. Carrying a big knife would certainly ensure you had privacy at any public camp ground you chose at night!

The dangler sheath is really comfortable - I initially hated but is now growing on me a lot as a very practial and useful way of carrying a knife - particularly if wearing jacket or carrying a pack or bumbag with lap belt.

Actually my real survival knife is My Ritter mini griptillian - beacuse that is realistically what I am likely to be carrying in any public land. Fixed blades are only for hunting and private lands in most of OZ
 
The S1 is a little too little and a little too big for me, so I go with the A1 and F1.
 
The S1 is a great all purpose knife. Carry a camp axe or hatchet for bigger chores.
 
honestly, if you EVER find yourself in a survival situation, i think you would be overwhelmed with a sharp rock.
that said, it's not the size of the knife, it's how you use it. ;)
 
S1 is a VERY nice knife. No reason to second guess yourself. I would expect it'll be able to do anything a knife should be expected to do.
 
....and for those of us without hundreds of $$$ to spend, take a close look at SOG Northwest Ranger.... a proven, reliable cutter at a reasonable price.
 
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