F1 handle a bit small - other options/similar style?

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gdtrfb

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Mar 27, 2003
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I wanted an F1 for some time, but when it arrived a while ago, it just didn't feel right in the hand. Sadly, it is a great knife but sits unused and I dawdled around to long to return it without incurring the restock fee. Can anyone recommend an option or two in the same overall size with a larger handle? How are rat rc-3 and rc-4 handles compared to it? BRKTs? Customs < $200. My preference is for uncoated blades, but I'm open to ideas.

I love my mora clippers feel, but would like something a bit more substantial overall. I'm fine with scani grinds, convex, carbon or stainless, etc.
 
I had the same problem with the F1. And with the RC3, an RC4. A full tang F1 with some more full slabs would be a good option, since you like the shape. The BRKT Bravo1 has a pretty substantial handle too (though just a teensy bit small in circumference for me).

I hate to parrot this response, but when you find that production handles aren't fitting your hands, you'll save a ton of money (definitely in the long run, but usually immediately too!). Any maker here can cook up something with proper dimensions based on your specs.
 
I found the F1 and S1 handle too short also. Great knives but they were sold.
Fallkniven apparently is well aware of the handle length not appealing to many folks but they state the have no plans to ever lengthen it.
Plenty of knife makers here that will give you exactly what you want.
 
Fallkniven A1, or a custom..RAT handles are not ergonomic for big hands at all, but like the others said, a custom is the best way to go..
 
My experience matches closely what Spooky described, I ended up getting an F1 blade and put on a custom handle that follows the basic contours of the B1 (which I thought was almost ideal) Naturally, when you make your own grip you can fine tune the fit and balance almost anyway you want. If you're fussy about how a knife feels in your hand, the end result can be well worth the effort.
 
Either that, or get Ray Laconico to make something for you to your specs. I don't know why, but I think his style would be right up your alley.
 
Check out the custom handled F1s from knivesshipfree. one of the nicest feeling knives I ever handled
 
Never held one, but how does the handle on the Cold Steel Master Hunter compare to the F1 handle?

cs36jsk.jpg
 
You could have something like wood at either side of the handles, wrap it around with some good line and you will have the benefit of a custom handle just for your grip, and an excellent blade...there ARE options ;p
 
TAH said:
Never held one, but how does the handle on the Cold Steel Master Hunter compare to the F1 handle?
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Handle circumference isn't much improved versus the F1. It's less wide, maybe a little thicker but not much. The rubber is pretty uncomfortable and hideous.

Very few production knives are well suited to those with larger hands.
 
Isn't it a shame? The F1 would probably be my all-time favorite production knife if the handle was larger.

I think the solution is to make your own handle (or have someone very skilled at that job do it for you). Since you already have the knife, go ahead and cut that handle off! What the heck... you don't like it.

Easy for me to say. I haven't done it to mine yet..... ;)


Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
desmobob said:
I think the solution is to make your own handle (or have someone very skilled at that job do it for you). Since you already have the knife, go ahead and cut that handle off!
Click to expand...

From what I've read the tang on the Thermorun versions is smaller than the tang on the blanks. You could remove the old handle and make a new one but you'd have to inlet the scales for the tang to be able to make them larger. If you really want to make your own it would undoubtedly be easier in the long run to sell the one you have and buy a F1 blank.
 
BlackHills said:
From what I've read the tang on the Thermorun versions is smaller than the tang on the blanks. You could remove the old handle and make a new one but you'd have to inlet the scales for the tang to be able to make them larger. If you really want to make your own it would undoubtedly be easier in the long run to sell the one you have and buy a F1 blank.
Click to expand...

This is the case. It's a smaller tang, and would require mortising. Much, much easier and cheaper to just sell it.
 
Thanks for the responses. I find the length fine, but the circumference lacking towards my last three fingers as it tapers. I'll probably try to off load it.

how do the knives ship free handles match up. Any profile pics out there?
 
gdtrfb said:
Thanks for the responses. I find the length fine, but the circumference lacking towards my last three fingers as it tapers. I'll probably try to off load it.

how do the knives ship free handles match up. Any profile pics out there?
Click to expand...

If you're brave enough you can buy a blank F1 and make your own handles for it. They run around $100 which is a whole lot less than the ones with the handles already on them.
 
Send your F1 to Greg Haugh of Lonerider Custom grips. He can rehandle it to any shape you want. He made my F1 a real winner. Tell him I sent you and he'll do a rush job.
 
The BRKT Gunny is is a direct parallel. Pretty much the same handle and blade length, convex grind, but with a full tang and quite a full handle.
 
Greg can do 10 orders at once. He just rehandled my buddy's Koster in 3 days. In the hand it feels identical to mine.

The bravos and gunnys are nice too. Get whatever you think will work for you but don't buy until you talk to Greg and see his site.
 
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