Recommendation? ESEE 4 S35VN or Fallkniven F1?

Which all-rounder fixed blade?

  • ESEE 4 S35VN

    Votes: 21 44.7%

  • Fallkniven F1 VGWOLF

    Votes: 21 44.7%

  • Ursus Cub Magnacut

    Votes: 5 10.6%
  • Total voters
    47
MolokaiRider said:
Bought two F1 models, gave one to my Father. Just really attractive looking knives, with a great distal taper and convex grind.

He used his once to gut a single deer and it chipped way more than any knife should.

After that, I never even used mine. I just admire it once in a while.

My ESEE knives all perform as expected.
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F1s that have chipped on early use usually don't anymore after the first sharpening. I suspect the edge was probably overheated in production.
I have experienced this with my 3 F1s as well.
 
KenHash said:
F1s that have chipped on early use usually don't anymore after the first sharpening. I suspect the edge was probably overheated in production.
I have experienced this with my 3 F1s as well.
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How old are the knives?

All the reports on chipping I've seen has been from pretty old batches.
 
I was testing out some knives while helping my buddy make maple syrup a while back and I pull out my ESEE 3 and start to split up a rock maple log just to see if it could take the knots. He though I was crazy but the knife was unharmed and I still use it all the time. Thin and slicey doesn't have to mean delicate. I like the ease of stainless and with custom makers there is no reason especially price to limit yourself to production knives. I have a number of very nice customs from $100-$200 that were easy to find and fantastic knives. Get whatever fits your hand , isn't too heavy and that you like the looks of. I for one carry knives I like to look at more than knives that might perform a little better.
 
I am looking for the exact same "do all" light backpacking knife. My first fixed blade. Something that can handle fire prep (harvesting/processing firestarting size material - twigs, vines, featherstick), along with general duty and food prep. Prefer kydex (with a fire steel holder but not required). 3-4" blade, sabre grind, good size protective choil, and a larger handle for my big paws.

The Ursus cub is first on my list, but I am also thinking of the M1 Backpacker, though it may be too small for fire use.
 
wyM1Aguy said:
I am looking for the exact same "do all" light backpacking knife. My first fixed blade. Something that can handle fire prep (harvesting/processing firestarting size material - twigs, vines, featherstick), along with general duty and food prep. Prefer kydex (with a fire steel holder but not required). 3-4" blade, sabre grind, good size protective choil, and a larger handle for my big paws.

The Ursus cub is first on my list, but I am also thinking of the M1 Backpacker, though it may be too small for fire use.
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The L.t wright gns or genesis in sabre might just be for you
 
wyM1Aguy said:
I am looking for the exact same "do all" light backpacking knife. My first fixed blade. Something that can handle fire prep (harvesting/processing firestarting size material - twigs, vines, featherstick), along with general duty and food prep. Prefer kydex (with a fire steel holder but not required). 3-4" blade, sabre grind, good size protective choil, and a larger handle for my big paws.

The Ursus cub is first on my list, but I am also thinking of the M1 Backpacker, though it may be too small for fire use.
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Yes the Ursus Cub would be a great option or the full size Ursus.

The M1 will be a great backup knife though for the finer work.
 
Creaky Bones said:
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3V Master Hunter. Better steel, bigger handle. A little smart shopping and you can pick one up for $120.
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Late to see this,but the Italy made version has thinner tip for better detailed work..
 
I’ve heard that the fallkniven handles are on the small side, so definitely handle one personally before you buy if possible.

The ESEE 4 will have a relatively thick blade. You already have a thick blade in the ESEE 6, so I’d look for a different knife with a shorter and thinner blade ( better slicing capability). Just my opinion, good luck!
 
SkinnyElectrician said:
I’ve heard that the fallkniven handles are on the small side, so definitely handle one personally before you buy if possible.

The ESEE 4 will have a relatively thick blade. You already have a thick blade in the ESEE 6, so I’d look for a different knife with a shorter and thinner blade ( better slicing capability). Just my opinion, good luck!
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OP already bought an ESEE 3, I was just checking up to see how he likes it.
 
EngrSorenson said:
OP, any follow up? Have you made the right choice?
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Funny enough, I actually changed things up this week and was thinking I need to update this post…

So, I went a little crazy and ended up getting F1 too after finding a good deal. Love both, but neither was perfect. As far as the F1, I prefer a smooth transition from handle to spine for more places to adjust my thumb. Also, I love that it came with the new style sheath, but I’m worried the lock is going to prematurely eat away at the handle, since it’s not contacting metal like the F1X. It already seems to be wearing on the handle.

ESEE 3 is almost perfect. But I don’t think I like the choil, and between the reduced handle length and semi-slippery G10, I don’t always feel confident in my grip.

And then I came across the Architect 3.5… it basically feels like a choil-less ESEE with a very ergonomic and secure grip. I liked it so much I sold the ESEE, and then some other knives, to fund a 4.5. Loving both! May try using each for a while to see which I like better in use.

Kept the F1, figure the size is perfect for keeping for emergency, and less redundant than the ESEE was.

Note: I fully own the fact, but not necessarily proud that, I’m not solving any real problems and just finding reasons to buy more knives while I wait for chances to actually use them.

https://imgur.com/a/ABLgUSw
 
I had an epiphany 5-6 years ago and realized I arrived into adult age with very little self sufficiency skills. I immediately sprung into action and started learning about self sufficiency skills, and that quickly brought me into the world of knives and knife care. I carried an ESSE 4 in S35VN for about 2 years. It’s an amazing blade. It can literally do just about everything a knife should be used for. (Joe X YT destruction test thus excluded). I have one complaint and one complaint only. It is a very difficult knife to sharpen, especially for a beginner. You need a lot of patience and time and skill to get a good edge on this blade. I eventually had to trade it. I can’t see myself being able to maintain this “in the field” without bench (workstation) tools and for me that defeats the purpose of carrying a “do it all” “go to” “my life depends on it” knife.

If you’re well advanced in your knife journey, and know for a fact you can walk by a river and sharpen s35vn with a river rock. This is definitely a really strong candidate for the “go to” “do it all” knife you’re looking for.
 
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