Fallkniven A1 overview

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Sheath- the sheath is what it is, but doesn't seem to try hard at looking as awesome as one feels it should for a $200 knife. Its made of a hard polymer called zytel and has a dust finish on the outside. Don't be fooled by its cheap appearance though it definitely feels high quality in hand. The snaps and rivots are of the well made variety that don't fall apart (rare).

A sheath is a very personal piece of kit. It is impossible to make a "one size fits all" for the masses. I can't think of many stock sheathes on knives that I'm crazy about. The zytel sheath is very effective it definitely correlates to the knifes "spartan" function first theme that's hard on the eyes but works.

It may be drab but is very effective considering its water proof, does not hold or retain moisture like leather and it won't freeze your blade stuck or get too clogged with grime to retain or release the knife like kydex.

The sheath is perfect for field use with its low maintenance, lightweight and has a very slim profile. However, the trade offs are obvious. Its ugly, it can rattle when shaken, and the thin nylon webbing belt loop is lame.

I'd definitely prefer another sheath however, the zytel works and can take the same punishment from the elements as the stainless blade which is perfect for the wet weather.

Carry options are only limited by ones imagination. However,the retention strap is needed for tip up carry if attemping to get creative- the zytel retention is decent but not trustworthy upsidedown.

If Fallkniven is reading this review, I would recommend they upgrade the belt loop to something more similar to the Cold Steel S.R.K belt loop which can be taken on and off of belt without taking your belt off as well as doubling the nylon webbing for durability and rigidity. Another feature is being able to remove the belt loop entirely with hardware to attach a Tec-lok.
Another improvement would be the aesthetics. Please dump the radiator fins, they look super cheesy.

But in the end, it works, it a sheath
I want an aftermarket(apocalypse gear) sheath but don't need it.
The beauty of simplicity is making it your own.
 
Here is my complete table top review for the knife
[youtube]_UBPdDQ9ZYI[/youtube]
In the future, I'll go over some sweet bushcraft techniques with the blade.

-Shawn
 
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Great thread. Very nice review. I can honestly say I have yet to find a more well-thought out knife than the A1. For me, nothing suits my needs better than this blade and its VG-10 continues to impress me. The Swedes knew what they were doing when designing this thing.

With some creativity I managed to affix a magazine pouch on to the zytel sheath so now I can carry my firesteel, a multitool, and a tiny light all in one package.

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If you're interested, you can see how I compared the Fallkniven A1 to two other popular knives in this size & category here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1165757-I-love-my-new-ESEE-6-but
 
Thanks Johnny, I have other knives, but if things get reaI I hope I have an A1. The knife is an heirloom quality, use and abuse blade its awesome.
Hey I love that sheath mod. How secure is the pouch on the zytel?
 
DeadboxHero said:
Thanks Johnny, I have other knives, but if things get reaI I hope I have an A1. The knife is an heirloom quality, use and abuse blade its awesome.
Hey I love that sheath mod. How secure is the pouch on the zytel?
Click to expand...
I used a pistol mag pouch from Maxpedition because theirs come with both vertical and horizontal molle straps. I cut the vertical straps off and used the horizontal ones to wrap around the A1's sheath. This isn't enough however, as the mag pouch will slide off if pulled down So, a little bit of extra velcro and a small ziptie or two and now its on there very securely.
 
I've had an A1 for several years now---right after they came out with their new design (current) sheath---fortunately, the price was much lower than these days so no big sweat there---I've always tended towards the 6 1/2" blade size so this just felt right from the get go---just a little thicker than my pervious blades. I tend to use knives mainly as cutting tools---chopping I do with an axe---still it's nice to be able to chop at something if axe is not available (traveling light)---I am not disappointed in any way---it does it's job well. I do wish I liked the sheath better---seems kinda thick and clunky---but it works---haven't added anything to the sheath. I think the current sheath on the newer SRKs is more to my liking (I have an SRK in their laminated stainless, haven't got around to actually using it yet).
Back to the A1---the knife can take a beating and I like that---if I had to pick one knife to bug out with, it would be my A1!
Another aside: around the time I bought the A1, I also bought an A2---price was good back then, really high now! I admire the A2, but honestly haven't used it yet either---interestingly, it came with their older style sheath---I like it better then the current one, but was told the newer material is superior in really cold weather (they should know!). Now just to get up to date, my wife wanted an outdoor knife of smaller size---traded for an S1---another great Fallkniven...
 
Sounds like a sweet collection bro. I've been really curious about the SRK San mai. Perhaps its time to test it out and make a review ;)


I agree man, if it was an disaster situation I'd want My A1 hands down. It totally inspires confidence.
 
Used on my last trip. Probably my favorite outdoor knife of all time.



I was exhausted near what I hoped was the end of a 2mile ascent with a constant elevation gain of 500' wearing a 45lbs pack after a 8mile slog through the rain soaked dense foggy forest.

My hiking partner took off ahead, I told him I'd meet him at the lake. While alone and reaching an uncountable switchbacks up the hill, a female cougar broke the silence of my heavy breath and was heard not more then 50yds away making mating calls.

I had my A1 at my side unsnaped ready to deliver fatal blows to the mountain cat should it be brash enough to tackle me while hiking through.

In the wilderness,far from help, nothing inspires more confidence then an A1.


When I set up camp. I needed a fire to dry my clothing. The A1 was able to baton the water logged standing dead pines to unlock the inner dry core. After this abusive task it was still sharp enough carve feathers needed for the water soaked wood to ignite in a large log cabin layed fire.



Stainless is much preferred.

It was a dry and happy night in the temperate rainforest of the great Pacific Northwest


During the night the cougars calls continued, I kept my A1 close and slept sweetly.

The psychological boost this knife provides can't be measure or explained.

It can only be experienced

This is the knife for adventure.
 
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New upgrade,



VG 10 loves compounds it keeps getting sharper and polishes to a mirror finish. This is way sharper then the factory.

I removed the mirco bevel. This is a quarter inch thick razor blade now. It actually "pops" the hairs off while shaving. However sharpness has its draw backs the edge is now more fragile. Digging holes or hitting rocks will obliterate the edge.
 
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