Esee 4 vs fallkniven f1

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Student762

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Please forgive the intrusion. I have been interested in bushcraft for a very long time and have made many ham-fisted attempts at it. I purchased the Gerber Bear Grylls ultimate pro survival knife for $100Au (which is dirt cheap). It holds an awesome edge and performs tasks very well. It is rough and rugged and I really enjoy it. However I am getting more serious about this and I was looking at a more expensive blade such as the Fallkniven f1 or the Esee4 as they seem to be at a similar price point. I was wondering which one you folks would go for or if you have a different suggestion. BTW both of these are worth about double what I currently have.
Thankyou in advance for all replies.
 
First off, if your current blade works well, there's no need to change. That being said, this is knifeland! The F1 and ESEE 4 are quite different:

ESEE4: Carbon Steel
Micarta handle
Full Flat Grind
Short handle

F1: Stainless
Convex (I Believe)
Ample Rubber Grip

They each have their fans. I've messed with both and like both. The ESEE4 may get the nod for toughness IMHO, but the F1 cuts very well, making fine curls and such, and adds rust resistance without a coating (which some don't like). I'm sure more experienced users will be along soon, but both seem truly excellent knives. Many here prefer cheap moras, so again, if your BG knife works well, only change if you want to. You can get bushcrafty with a pairing knife:D My knew favorite knife is a $10 Hultafors GK which I sanded the handle down:) It does it all.
 
I don't know if you realize this, but the ESEE4 is rather larger than the F1. I think the ESEE3 would be a closer comparison. The F1 is fantastic, I like it in all versions. I've also owned all the ESEE knives at one point or another, except the 5. You really can't go wrong with either, it's just a matter of what you're looking for. I prefer the F1, because of the convex grind, the handle (I know, it's rubber, but I like it. Feels comfy.), and the stainless is a nice perk. It will cost you a bit more, and the warranty is not as good as what ESEE offers. Also, the stock sheath for the F1 (zytel) is pretty poor. I upgraded to a kydex sheath by Al Welke and am very happy with it. Just beware, the 3G steel that Fallkniven uses is very hard (if you go that route vs VG10), and sharpening out a nick in the blade takes forever. I love how the 3G performs, but I'm thinking about getting rid of it and going back to the VG10 model, as I like a knife I can touch up in a jiffy, and VG10 is a very nice steel in it's own right, and very compliant in the field.
 
Yeah knives tend to be a bit more expensive in our end of the world. If you plan on dropping a couple hundred on the knife it's a good idea to make sure it fits your needs. What sorts of tasks do you plan on using the knife for? That will really have a big influence on what is the better knife for the job. Have you chosen those two knives for any particular reason? Both the Esee and Fallkniven are well liked and highly respected. Personal preference will be a factor. Also do you need a stainless or coated knife, or can you look after a non-stainless blade? Thatmght also give yyou more options, including some handmade/custom work.
 
I would take the F1 over the ESEE 4 for a single solution outdoor knife mostly because I prefer the blade geometry of the F1. Given your proximity to the coastline having a stainless steel can be advantageous as well. Neither is a bad option and many people are enamored by the ESEE 4. I sold my ESEE 4 as I am generally not fond of coated blades and I have too many knives in the same size range & type that I liked much better. If you want a coated carbon steel blade of this size and type I would recommend the Becker BK16 over the ESEE 4.
 
The ESEE 4 didn't work for me, the handle felt way too short in relation to the blade.
 
Hold both in your hand and imagine carving all day long with the handle on each knife. That should be at least 1/2 of your answer. In my hand the F1 handle gets the nod.
 
I prefer fallknivens to pretty much everything.
Just beware, the 3G steel that Fallkniven uses is very hard (if you go that route vs VG10), and sharpening out a nick in the blade takes forever. I love how the 3G performs, but I'm thinking about getting rid of it and going back to the VG10 model, as I like a knife I can touch up in a jiffy, and VG10 is a very nice steel in it's own right, and very compliant in the field.
Click to expand...
+1
I like 3G but it is a PITA to resharpen. If you do regular edge maintenance it isn't a problem. VG10 on the other hand is much easier to sharpen and in my use it has worked just as good but costed less.
 
Based on my use, I would choose the F1. It is a smaller more nimble knife for cutting. I'm not such a big fan of the rubber Fallkniven handles. I have factory micarta on mine and as a result, it cost a lot more. ESEE knives are good. I view them much like I view the Kabar Becker line and I have generally chosen the Beckers over the ESEE. I have an ESEE 4 and a half dozen Beckers. I just never seem to use the ESEE 4 much and generally pick another to use. This is why I said "based on my use".

I think the ESEE 4 is a tougher knife than the Fallkniven. But I would rather use the BK-10. The BK-16 or -17 are the most used size and about the same size as the F1.
 
I have owned both at the same time. The F1 stayed and the ESEE 4 was sold. I just could not get past the choil which I disliked and the short handle of the ESEE 4. The F1 is a great all around knife. F1 +1.
 
I don't mind a choil and carbon vs stainless is not a problem. I have to buy these knives sight unseen because my nearest dealer lives 400km away from me so going up there would be too difficult to arrange. So sight unseen would you go for the esee or the f1? After this knife I probably won't be buying another knife so I want to get this right. All it will be used for is carving and skinning the odd roo or sheep. Battoning may occur but if so it will be small stuff or the occasional swipe at a 25mm branch.
 
I'm in Perth. Don't overlook the cold steel srk , or a becker knife. Also if you want to know of some great Aussie suppliers , send me a visitor message.
 
I'm partial towards Fällkniven and the F1!

I recently bought a 3G directly from Eric, for another rehandle project with a Sambar Stag Taper.
The theme this time, is inspired by a wonderful Loveless Semi-skinner.
I'm still working on it, but this is where the project is now:

attachment.php


The bolster is just temporary and will be replaced with a smaller one in nickelsilver.
I think the F1 is a knife You can live with for a very long time and later can be changed into a very personal appearance.



Regards
Mikael
 
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Get TOPS B.O.B ;)
Should be somewhat cheaper than both you mentioned and designed by bushcrafty guys, so might be more up to your requirements.
GSO 4.1, Swamp Rat's Rodent 4 or Scrap Yard's 4-11 are also a good choices in 4" blade range. All 3 have a good and comfortable handle, R4 & 4-11 don't come with a sheath but plenty of sheath makers here on BF have them on hand and can knock up a leather or kydex sheath for you.
 
I was talking to the OP not you . CEK is one option. But not the only one . I also recommended urban conquest
 
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