Fallkniven A1 or Ontario RAT 5

C

Cuchuga

Joined
Oct 11, 2007
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These are the two knives I am looking at buying. I want a tough knife that will serve me well, one that can handle abuse. (not prying my fridge up to put a shim under or anything) I am leaning towards the RAT. It will be used in the woods as a knife which I will cut branches down to make a fire/ build a shelter. What do you guys think?
 
I'm going to recommend the RAT 5. I was quite impressed with it, it won't be as svelt as the Fallkniven, but I like the wide, flatter blade with the flat-ground profile. I don't own the A1, but I have the F1, H1 and S1. My only issue is the handle is a tad small on the mid-sized S1 and I wouldn't prefer that on the larger A1 (asuming the handles are the same size). The Micarta on the RAT 5 is done really well and it's just a more comfortable handle for me. Additionally, my preference is for a choil, which the RAT 5 has; you lose a little blade length, but I like the ability to choke up with the choil.

I don't think you will go wrong with either the A1 or RAT 5. If you can get your hands on either before purchase that would help. Let us know what you decide.

ROCK6
 
What's the weather like where you are? And do you mind having to oil your knife?

Those are my considerations as I live in the perpetual damp of NW England. My basic carbon steel blades show rust within 12 hours if I don't oil them. A few of them are good enough knives to put up with that (NWA forum knife springs to mind) but in general it's a pain.

The RAT 5 is phosphate coated, which inhibits rust probably better than most coatings due to the formation of a thin layer of iron phosphate. But the edge is still exposed and the coating will wear with use.

If it's reasonably dry for you though, this might not be a factor at all.

I've just ordered myself an A1, which certainly shouldn't rust. I am concerned however about the handle size as ROCK6 said. I too like a decent size handle, and I'm not sure about a rubber one although in cold weather it's a bonus. Although if it's that cold I would likely be wearing gloves, in which case I would definately want a good sized handle. I've not handled an A1 (or any Fallkniven) yet so I'll have to report back when it arrives.

The A1 certainly has a cracking good reputation.

Edit: Just picked up my A1. No worries about the handle size, it's perfect; just the right size for the knife. The rubber feels fine.
 
I don't own a fallkniven, but from the reputations I've read, I would get one. I do have the complete RAT line of knives. And they are worth every penny. They are tough knives and perform really well. They don't cost much too!

It's up to you: Stainless steel or Carbon steel.

CZ
 
Ranger RD-6:p

I would go with the fallkniven out of the two you mentioned but it really is up to you.
 
ROCK6 said:
My only issue is the handle is a tad small on the mid-sized S1 and I wouldn't prefer that on the larger A1 (asuming the handles are the same size).
ROCK6
Click to expand...

No, they are different in size, AND different in material. WM1, F1 and S1 handles are made from thermorun, while the H1, A1, A2 are from the slighty softer Kraton (to be grippier for the guardless H1, and for the better shock absorption on the big blades, that are potentially used for chopping). The A1 got a nice healthy sized handle IMHO. The convex edge is easy to sharpen, and takes a lot of abuse. The laminated construction makes the knife tougher. The only downside of buying a Fallkniven: one isn't enough :)
 
Fällkniven A1, any day. The A1 is an amazing cutter for a knife that thick and tough. It's stainless, so you won't get it rusting as easy as carbon steel RATs.
 
Fallkniven A1, love that damn knife... And I am not a big knife person. :D

I have handled both and the A1 wins hands down.
 
Cuchuga: I don't have a RAT-5 but I can vouch for the A1. It's a super knife in my book. It's a fantastic cutter a very good chopper for it's size and just about unbreakable. You have to try very hard to accomplish breaking one. The VG-10 cutting edge in the laminated construction is also very easy to sharpen. I'm not one that worries about edge retention as much about how easy it is to sharpen a knife. About half a dozen passes on a fine DMT folding stone about 30 seconds and your back to a near razor sharp edge. I have become a big fan of convex edges they perform fantastic at cutting and chopping.

Let us know what you decide. :)
 
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