Esee 4 stainless vs Fallkniven S1 vs??

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Ford1911

Joined
Jul 29, 2007
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For my next knife I am looking at stainless fixed blades in the 4" minimum to 5" ish range. I think the Esee 4 stainless and Fallkniven S1 are my top 2 atm unless others can recommend something. This will just be for camp stuff.
I like that the Esee is made in the US but I think the VG10 of the Fallkniven is better than the 440c.
Any opinions are apprectiated.
 
That's a tough one. I am partial to ESSE, but Fallkniven is awesome too. You really can't make a bad decision.
 
if D2 is close enough to stainless for you, check out the Ontario TAK1 in D2.
 
I think in that size range you probably have it narrowed down to the 2 best choices. I personally am very excited about the ESEE 4 stainless. Will be curious to know what you decide!
 
Out of the two knives, I own and use the Fällkniven S1.
The Esee 4 in 440C has yet to be availible overhere.

My S1 is made from the BS1, wich means it's a bladeblank.
This also means it has a full exposed tang.
The idea is that you bolt on Your favored scales material and shape the handle contours Your way.

I also made nickelsilver bolsters.
For a sheath I got the standard leatherversion.

Here it is shown with the Fällkniven NL4 Frey, a more upscaled version in stacked leather and full height convex grind.

1323014127-NL4-S1.jpg


The VG-10 steel is laminated between two layers of 420j2 steel.
This gives added strenght and corrosion resistance.
The edge retention is very good and it should be at a Rockwell hardness of 59!

I have used this knife camping in the Swedish Mountains, batoning firewood, cleaning Trouts, cutting walking sticks, preparing food and it does everything excellent!

Regards
Mikael
 
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I just purchased the F1 looking forward to getting it . I got it at the exchange for a good price . I have the ESEE 4 in 1095 . Great knife but I hate that it it rust I keep it oiled to prevent it from rust but that's a pain .
 
Ford1911 said:
For my next knife I am looking at stainless fixed blades in the 4" minimum to 5" ish range.

I think the Esee 4 stainless and Fallkniven S1 are my top 2 atm unless others can recommend something...
Click to expand...



Bark River's Bravo 1 falls right into your size range.

bss_natural_canvas_339_95_600.jpg


And it's available in S35VN (as well as A2 and 3V).





Big Mike
 
Big Mike said:
Bark River's Bravo 1 falls right into your size range.

bss_natural_canvas_339_95_600.jpg


And it's available in S35VN (as well as A2 and 3V).







Big Mike
Click to expand...

That looks nice. Was the s35 a limited run. Only mention a2 on the website. How is Bark River's rep? I am not very familiar with them.
 
Also, I may be considering the Benchmade 162 Bushcrafter along with the Esee and Fallkniven. I like the specs on it, so if anyone has had any hands on with this knife would appreciate your thoughts.
 
GSO-4.1%2520Comparison%2520007.JPG


Survive! Knives GSO-4.1 - available in M390 (soon to be replaced with CPM-20CV) and CPM-3V.

Full review here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...comparison-to-BRKT-Bravo-1-amp-Swamp-Rat-HRLM

[video=youtube;pVsKMAlYAcU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVsKMAlYAcU[/video][/QUOTE]

As another option, check out the maker's section here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/754-For-Sale-Fixed-Blades

Lots to ogle, and if you don't see something that you like you can always contact a maker with the designs and prices that most appeal to you and commission a piece, not as expensive as many often fear :thumbup:



Regarding the reputation of Bark River, there are myriad closed threads and censored YouTube videos regarding the matter. The company, its warranty, and specifically the owner are... dubious. Big Mike (above) is reputed to be a paid shill, though I haven't read confirmation/admission of that. The knives are very pretty, however.

Regarding the Bravo 1 specifically, the review linked above discusses it specifically in comparison to the GSO-4.1 and another knife. But there are LOTS of options out there!
 
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Bark River makes good knives, but they are sometimes thin in the initial edge.

After setting the edge a little bit thicker, they start to perform.

I can recommend them after using at least twenty differrent Bark River models.


Regards
Mikael
 
Ford1911 said:
That looks nice. Was the s35 a limited run. Only mention a2 on the website. How is Bark River's rep? I am not very familiar with them.
Click to expand...


Bark River makes there knives in runs, usually 500 to 1000 at a time.

Though A2 was the original steel used in the Bravo 1, and it's forebear the Gameskeeper.

Bravo-1 runs have also been done in both CPM-3V and CPM-S35VN.

I believe Derrick (OKBohn-KnivesShipFree.Com) has the Stainless Bravo-1's in stock.


And yes I do highly recommend them.





Big Mike
 
thanks to everyone for the info so far. looks like i have a lot of great options. just all the more confusing. :confused:
 
i used both an esee-4 and s1 heavily and prefer the s1 hands down...better edge holding, better handle ergos not to mention the s1's handle material just grips and grips even more when wet! the s1 has no choil too - i use the edge nearest the handle the most (lots of controlled power) for feather sticks.

if esee took out the choil and put a more contoured handles on it (like the-knife-connection's handles) then i'll have a harder time choosing...but right now the s1 is the better knife to me.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
Why spread an unconfirmed rumor? Rumors can tarnish reputations. Discuss the knives, not the participants here.
Click to expand...

I did discuss the knives. But the OP asked about BRKT's reputation, to which I responded directly and noted as relevant that another poster's reputation includes being paid by BRKT, something he has never denied despite ample opportunity (including just now) and propagates himself via advertisements that include pre-production models. *shrug* By definition, a "rumor" MUST be "unconfirmed". The aforementioned instances stand as sufficient confirmation leaving only flat admission or a direct denial and alternate explanation. Without the latter, the reputation, like the criminal record of BRKT's owner, stand unopposed, and both are relevant to the OP's query. Not so?



No de-railment intended. Has the OP dropped onto the maker's section yet? Be careful with your wallet if you do ;)
 
I don't buy/shop/look at fixed blades because I have my S1. Completely satisfied, and will need nothing more when it comes to a fixed blade. (minus a Kukri..)
 
Am I the only one that noticed a while ago that the Cold Steel Pendleton hunters and Master Hunters are sooo similar to the Fallkniven at a fraction of the price. Yeah, I know we all are supposed to hate anything CS, but the Pendletons and Masters are seriously good knives, VG1, similar handles to the Falknivens, and reasonably. I have the standard size and mini Pendletons, and carry both together camping. Great duo.
 
i just bought the survive knives GSO 4.1 in S90v steel and i can't wait to get it in my hands. originally i wanted the m390 version but survive knives sells goes fast, i got it from edge works knife & supply, they still have them in stock with orange g10 and tan micarta. i was lucky enough to get their last camo micata.

i was in the exact same boat a few weeks ago. i was on choosing between entrek knives (bravo 11 and javelina) and fallknivens f1.
entrek's 440c is remarkable. the only down side is the sheath. if you think about it, you get it and have a custom sheath made you're looking at close to $200 range. if you go with fallkniven f1 with a custom sheath its around $170 (you have to worry about their thermorun and kraton handles in the long run) . btw sheaths are just preference, their factory sheaths works just fine.

then i came across with survive knives. the stainless steels that they use is phenomenon. i say that because you rarely see production fixed blade using m390, elmax or s90v. im saying it's a great deal considering you get a great knife with a nice custom kydex from kiah. at around $230.

bark river on the other hand has the best fit and finish on their knives (refer to chiral's comparison review). out of the box you'll get a very sharp knife but if you do your research on them you might not be too impressed. (i highly recommend to do your research).
 
Well, after more research I the Fallkniven seems to have the best track record. Though it not being American Made bugs me. So it may be out.

The Esee 4 Stainless may be a wild goose chase. Seems it has been coming out next year for several years now. I am also a little leary of the 440c, but what do I know. Esee has a good rep of making great knives.

I like everything I see about the Benchmade 162. Reviews seem to be hot and cold with it though. It may be my dark horse.

Going to look into the GSO 4.1 some more. I like what I see so far. It could be a contender.

I think I am going to take a pass on the Bark River.

Thanks to everyone so far for the recommendations!!
 
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