Fallk. A2 as a chopper?

kgd

kgd

Joined
Feb 28, 2007
Messages
9,786
The Fallkniven A2 approaches a good length for use as a chopper. I was wondering about users' impressions of this knife in this regard - especially in batoning. I am interested because a majority of the choppers tend to be made of high carbon steels e.g. 1095 for toughness and I am not sure how well the laminate 420J/VG10 performs under such conditions (does it chip or roll?)

I've read a few posts about the Thor being used as a chopper with the same steel. I can't recall the A2 being described in this way. I don't have the relative thickness of the Thor and A2 on hand but assume they are similar.

Has anyone for example contrasted chopping performance of an A2 and the ka-bar heavy bowie, the Ontario SP10, a ranger?
 
The A2 is very good knife. The only downside to it is the price. I don't normally use knives for chopping, but axes and saws instead. For the occasional chopping use I prefer to use a cheaper carbon steel knife, like the M.95 Sissipuukko. I have tested the Fällkniven A2 for that stuff, too, and it does work very well. Note that the blade is "only" 20 cm long, so it's not as long as the Ka-Bar heavy bowies and such. As for batoning, the A2 works well for that. It's a bit thick, but it's very durable indeed. The VG-10 laminated isn't easily damaged, and holds an edge well. Even so, if I really had to use a knife for major chopping, I'd prefer something simple and inexpensive, carbon steel.
 
Hey Guys....

I wouldn't have a problem nor would I hesitate to baton my A2 what so ever...

It is a very well made knife and absolutely up to the task.

ttyle

Eric
O/ST
 
Yeah I saw the Noss test - but thanks for the refresh. The 2" additional blade length of the A2 would pretty much take care of Noss' comments about small blade length. An 8" blade length seems kind of a unique size. You usually see the 6-7.5 " and then a jump between 9 -10" for the big choppers.

I guess I am believer on the metal - and like the stainless aspect. What about the length and weight? Does it feel and bite like a real chopper?
 
I just watched Noss's video using that Fallkniven. I'm impressed by that Fallkniven VG-10. I didn't know that VG-10 was such a strong steel. :confused:
I don't know, maybe it's that strong because it's laminated?
 
Grind is a bit too thick and edge is somewhat prone to rolling.

Despite that it is still pretty good, and I guess it must be close to the best stainless chopper/outdoor you can get from industrial production.

I didn't know that VG-10 was such a strong steel.
I don't know, maybe it's that strong because it's laminated?
Click to expand...
Lamination prevents knife from breaking into pieces when chopping or prying and makes the blade a bit more flexible: no "dramatic" breaking.

But lamination doesn't improve edge. Edge is VG-10 at 59 HRC. It may chip or roll. From my experience it seems more prone to rolling than chipping (which in my opinion is better this way).
Despite the fact that it is stainless, so not as durable as many carbon steel, edge is convexed and pretty thick, so it works pretty well.
Despite thickness knife is also pretty sharp.
 
Ravaillac said:
Grind is a bit to thick and edge is somewhat prone to rolling.

Despite that it is still pretty good, and I guess it must be close to the best stainless chopper/outdoor you can get for industrial production.
Click to expand...

Yeah...I'd go for a good carbon steel for a chopper. Noss seems to like the Heavy Bowie from Ka-Bar, made out of 1055, I think.
Ravaillac, thanks for the great response.:thumbup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top