F1 or RC3?

[cuphead]

Looking for a go to knife, compact and light.
have been admiring both these knives for a while, and was wondering if anyone had any preferences or recommendations for either one of them?

Thanks.

 

[BarberFobic1992]

i would opt for the F1. i have no expirience with either but i like the convex edge on the F1. but if it was between the F1 and the RC-4, i would say that you are equally knifed with either one.

 

[WILLIAM.M]

I have had both--still have the F1

Get the F1

http://www.putfile.com/album/164194/?action=slideshow

 

[kgd]

I have handled both - the F1's handle bites, IMO, unless you go the custom/mircata route. The blade on it is great though - no doubt about that and the stainless laminate has some unique properties to it. Of course handles mean a lot to me, so given the price point of the basic model's I'd lean towards the RC-3 which also includes a better sheath.

Finally - Fallkniven is a straight up company but it isn't like Rat Cutlery - which is an awesome North American company. Jeff and Mike have said over and over again that they will replace a knife - no questions asked. They always report to the public when a problem blade has made its way through the cracks and how they address it. They maintain a forum here on bladeforums and check and respond to their costumers on all kinds of issues. They even respond favorably to customer suggestions and incorporate them into their products - you only need to look into their post on the RAT-fire kit here in WS&S as another example. These guys are solid and worthy of support.

 

[bearthedog]

I would have to say RC-3 based on my extended use with it over the past year. I have used it in the deserts, mountains, and Peruvian Jungles of South America. In every situation it has served me well. It is a light compact blade made for cutting and slicing. Try making shelter with it and you will see the extent of it's usefulness.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=526418

 

[cuphead]

I'm really diggin the RC3, I own currently the TAK-1 but I think the handle is a little too long to my liking. seems like it also has a slimmer profile then the F1

Those are great pics you posted btw, thank you Bear

 

[ilbruche]

I'd say the F1. The convex edge on the Fallkniven is only rivaled by BRKT knives.

Not to say the RAT isn't good....I just prefer a convex edge over a flat grind.

 

[kgd]

Hey cuphead - KSF does a good job shipping to CDN's (they supply both RC-products and fallknivens) with only a $5 international shipping cost.

 

[matthewdanger]

I prefer the Fallkniven F1 for it's convex edge. The handle is marginal but it just works. The RC-3 is definitely an improvement over the OKC RAT-3 (mostly due to more even grinds and a longer handle) but I still prefer the Fallkniven.

 

[baldtaco-II]

The F1. Someone said of RAT recently that it bears a strong similarity to TOPS. I can skate with that. There are redeeming features but compared a progressive company like Fallkniven that is using bang up to date designs and materials they are yesterday's pizza. Same hackneyed ingredients just put together in a more practical package than most. Good, but not good enough to take on an F1.

 

[bearthedog]

I'd say the F1. The convex edge on the Fallkniven is only rivaled by BRKT knives.

Not to say the RAT isn't good....I just prefer a convex edge over a flat grind.

I hear you on that, that is why I got them a nice convex.

 

[kgd]

The F1. Someone said of RAT recently that it bears a strong similarity to TOPS. I can skate with that. There are redeeming features but compared a progressive company like Fallkniven that is using bang up to date designs and materials they are yesterday's pizza. Same hackneyed ingredients just put together in a more practical package than most. Good, but not good enough to take on an F1.

Very creative super-steel argument there baldtaco......that one belongs with yesterdays pizza too.

 

[baldtaco-II]

Creativity is not a factor. It is true or it is false.

 

[Quapaw]

The F1. Someone said of RAT recently that it bears a strong similarity to TOPS. I can skate with that. There are redeeming features but compared a progressive company like Fallkniven that is using bang up to date designs and materials they are yesterday's pizza. Same hackneyed ingredients just put together in a more practical package than most. Good, but not good enough to take on an F1.

So now VG-10 is super-steel and 1095 is relegated to the scrapheap of history, eh?
If it's newer and cost more it must be better.

I'm sure the F1 is a fine knife. But I would trust my life to my RAT. Can't say that about a Falkniven.

 

[ilbruche]

I hate to see this turn into some sort of lame pissing match.

Both knives are equal as terms of quality...which is excellent.

But they are very different in terms of steel and edge.

Personal preference aside both are good solid knives. Which one you pick will be determined by your needs.

There should be a flow chart for this choice. Do you want stainless or carbon? Does the edge matter? Do the handles work for you?

The OP asked for our preference and recommendations....not trash talking.

 

[Fiddleback]

F1 hands down. It is unfortunate that Rat incorporated a choil onto this knife. Its a small knife, and there is NO reason for a choil on small knives. On a big knife its cool to be able to choke up and do a fine cut or two, but on a small knife you need to be able to hold the hande and do fine cutting. Complete waste of the part of the edge that you need to do tough cuts like notches for bushcraft.

Also, the convex grind of the F1 is superior.

And, Fallkniven didn't bother to waste the most important part of a bushcraft edge with serrations. Serrations only belong on rope cutting knives.

JMHO.

 

[kgd]

Good points and post Ilbruche! I probably should have been more balanced in my first post.

 

[Rockywolf]

I own both. I like flat grinds and convex grinds. I think both sharpen easily. That said both are excellent in the hand, very nimble, and tough as hell. If you flip a coin you won't be disappointed with either and if you are, plenty of willing buyers are around here to scoop it up. :thumbup:

 

[R.A.T.]

I think the F1 is as good of bush knife as there is. I would probably choose it over our own knife if that was my only reason for carrying a knife. It all boils down to what you like and want. Same with choils and serrations. BTW: serrations are an option on our knives, not mandatory. Also, the RC-3's sheath system is much more suited to the guy who wears a MOLLE vest, or for the user who wants to carry concealed. I love the F1. Used one for years in the bush and would bet my life on it. Like I said, I would probably choose it over or knife for a bush knife. They still make it in VG-10? Yet another reason to own the Fallkniven. VG10 steel rocks!

Jeff

 

[kgd]

.....Fallkniven is a straight up company but it isn't like Rat Cutlery - which is an awesome North American company. Jeff and Mike have said over and over again that they will replace a knife - no questions asked. They always report to the public when a problem blade has made its way through the cracks and how they address it. They maintain a forum here on bladeforums and check and respond to their costumers on all kinds of issues. They even respond favorably to customer suggestions and incorporate them into their products - you only need to look into their post on the RAT-fire kit here in WS&S as another example. These guys are solid and worthy of support.

Just like I said earlier,