F1 or Esee 3?

T

topher89

Joined
Feb 18, 2014
Messages
54
Need a fixed blade recommendation. The knife will be used camping, backpacking and hunting. That means creating kindling, light batoning, processing wood and field dressing deer, grouse, turkeys and trout.

I have narrowed it down to a Fallkniven F1 or an Esee 3.

I am really leaning towards the F1 but am concerned about sharpening. I know they come with a convex edge and I have never sharpened one before. I run a Sharpmaker and really like the system. Could I buy an F1 and use the Sharpmaker to resharpen it?

Thanks!
 
The F1 would be my choice. :thumbup:

I'd go for a Barkniven if I had the funds. ;)




Big Mike
 
F1, unless you have small hands, then the ESEE 3 may feel more comfortable to you.

But, as an aside, here's what I do when I can't decide between two knives: (1) buy both; (2) check 'em out in person - i.e. handle, carry, use; (3) decide which one I want to keep; (4) sell the other one to one of the good folks here on BF. Works every time...!
 
I have both, actually multiple F1's, and they are excellent knives and capable of doing all duties you listed but I would recommend the F1 over the 3. I think the F1 it outshines the 3 in the area of game processing although neither would be my choice for a dedicated game knife. Sharpmakers are great, but I would suggest you study some of the convex sharpening threads in the maintenance sub-forum and give it a try before altering the edge. It is really quite simple and inexpensive to equip yourself with a convex sharpening setup for home base or field use.
 
topher89 said:
I am really leaning towards the F1 but am concerned about sharpening. I know they come with a convex edge and I have never sharpened one before. I run a Sharpmaker and really like the system. Could I buy an F1 and use the Sharpmaker to resharpen it?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Of course You can use a sharpmaker, if that's what keeps Your knives sharp!
But sharpening a convex F1 is a lot easier, than using a sharpening gadget.

All You need is a fine grit wet/dry sanding paper and a piece of leather.
Load the leather with black compound and You are ready to go!

When sharpening, You put the leather on a hard backing and place the wet/dry on the leather.
As You will be freehanding, the edge will maintain the convex bevel automatically.
When the edge is sharp, finish it off on the leather strop.

That's it!


Regards
Mikael
 
wolf-man-12 said:
Just get the ESEE-4 = & problem solved & you will never regret your choice.!**
Click to expand...

ESEE-4 would be a poor choice of tool for processing trout and turkeys, it's far too thick and heavy for precise work with game.

The ESEE-3 is much better suited to these tasks.
 
Great feedback from everyone. Thanks

Sounds like the F1 is the way to go and I need to study up on sharpening convex edges
 
...for camp chores and game processing my pick would be the F1. That's not to say the ESEE is not well made.
 
Most definitely the F1. Except if you're planning to erase the convex edge on a Sharpmaker. Then I'd think why bother to get the superior convex knife? Just get the ESEE-3 with it's V-edge then. "zyhano" on youtube has an awesome review on the F1 including a comparing cut-test with an ESEE.
 
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