Fallkniven A1 problem

ridnovir said:
Oleksij,

I would suggest posting your question here: http://www.knifeforums.com/forums/showforum.php?fid/65/
That is Fallkniven's forum and should shame them. Peter is moderator there.

Also, consider having a custom micarta handles done. It would not cost you that much.
Click to expand...

I think Fallkniven's approach is nothing to be ashamed of: not spreading cost of somebody's mistake mishandling the knife over all users, including those who respect and use their knives "as the nature intended". And they do not make any false statements about it and put up all the possible flags: all clear and straightforward as far as I can see. I personally totally support that kind of warranty: that is the only way to keep at least some knives knives, not all sharpened pry bars!
 
I dislike the rubber handles anyway. That would be all the excuse I'd need to put a proper handle on it.

I'd bet the farm that was done by incorrect batonning now I've seen the photos.
I wouldn't expect Fallkniven to warranty that any more than I'd expect them to sort out the tip if I used it as a screwdriver.
 
I don't generally like Krayton anyway. (I do love Res-C on Busse/Scrapyard/Swamprat, but it is a different material, and much tougher, plus they will re-handle if it is damaged). I would find a local maker to re-handle it.

If the Bulgarian friend lives in Bulgaria, I bet he could find a local craftsman to re-handle it.

I would try a stacked leather, or birch handle. For the leather, I could probably make it my self. But I make sheaths, so I have a few tools for working leather.

I lived in BG for 2 years, and wish I had found some local made knives as souvenirs.
 
try jb-weld - i've used it to glue plastic together before and other non-porous materials with success.

as for the rehandling it with micarta suggestions, i'd pass on it. i like the fallkniven's rubber handle - use it in wet weather side by side with a typical micarta handled knife and the advantage in grip will be obvious in my experience.
 
This is how Fallkniven describes the knife:

With this knife a new world standard is being set! Technical design, ergonomics, and economy are brought together within the model A1, representing the leading concept available today. The knife meets and exceeds established international standards for strength, personal security and value. Model A1 is a semi-large all-purpose knife for heavy duty use. The powerful blade is made of extremely hard yet tough laminated VG10 steel and will withstand the stress of hard use. The knife is superb to chop with, but also works very well with daily tasks, thanks to the ergonomic grip. The full tang goes entirely through the handle, so you can strike the end of it without breaking the grip.

I don't think the damage should have occurred in a state of the art 21st century knife designed for hard military use. Fallkniven is just "cheap" and uses kraton, a useful material in low end cold steel knives, but certainly not for a state of the art military knife.

Remember Fallkniven is an illusion to begin with. They have no factory, their production has nothing to do with sweden, all their technology is Japanese, the owner tried to sell the company...nobody would buy it. Why would anyone expect good warranty service from them?
 
It's well-known that the Fallkniven warranty doesn't exactly raise the bar in this industry. Companies such as ESEE and Swamp Rat offer unlimited lifetime warranties, and might be a better choice for people that truly abuse their knives.
 
Last edited:
Anyone who owns a knife with an unconditional no questions asked lifetime warranty is spoiled (myself included, I have several). Generally, no other products have any manufacturers offering any such warranties. Fallkniven would fall right smack in the middle of "normal warranty" in the grand scheme of things I think, but definitely below average for knife manufacturers warranty.
 
I would just cut that piece off if glue didn't work, not a big deal. Kraton over zytel would be a good idea for them. Their main designs are basically modified versions of 1980's Cold Steel designs.
 
JV3 said:
try jb-weld - i've used it to glue plastic together before and other non-porous materials with success.

as for the rehandling it with micarta suggestions, i'd pass on it. i like the fallkniven's rubber handle - use it in wet weather side by side with a typical micarta handled knife and the advantage in grip will be obvious in my experience.
Click to expand...

I have. As I said, I don't like krayton (or thermorun). I have had and used it for about 15+ years. I much prefer a nice micarta, or even patterned G10. From a durability standpoint, and general use.

The Thermorun used by Falkniven is similar, though supposed to be a bit firmer.

Resiprine C is a different story. Great stuff. Harder, more durable than Krayton. But still a great cushioning in hard chopping. Also, it does not absorb fluid (as my krayton handles seem to. They take on a bit of hand oil, and sweat, and feel more slippery to me. They are also much more affected by heat.

As shown, they are also not very impact resistant. Throw on a few times, or over strike with a baton and it will split or tear.

It also cuts pretty easily, as I have found by accident.

If I was to buy a Falkniven, I would rather have the stacked leather handle. Pretty classic look to my eye.


If he does not like Micarta or G10 (super tough), he could have a stacked leather, or even horn/antler/wood, etc handle made.
 
Last edited:
Makes you wonder why they use that handle material on their #1 hard use knife, since it's pretty well known that "As shown, they are also not very impact resistant. Throw one a few times, or over strike with a baton and it will split or tear". Note the firm's copy says you can baton the knife ("strike the end of [the knife] without breaking the grip").

There were ads for fallkniven's sale for a few months in Blade and a brief news mention in one of the publications (IIRC). Internet gossip was the owner was ill, but all this was about 3 years ago and I believe the owner is still in charge.

To me, fallkniven is basically a con using hundreds of years of swedish knife history to sell japanese made blades of a modern (not swedish) design for some pretty stiff prices. The riff they use to sweeten the pot is "magic" steel. Kind of cool they make a living at it, but it's a business that would take even a bigger con to sell.
 
Last edited:
brownshoe said:
Makes you wonder why they use that handle material on their #1 hard use knife, since it's pretty well known that "As shown, they are also not very impact resistant. Throw one a few times, or over strike with a baton and it will split or tear". Note the firm's copy says you can baton the knife ("strike the end of [the knife] without breaking the grip").

There were ads for fallkniven's sale for a few months in Blade and a brief news mention in one of the publications (IIRC). Internet gossip was the owner was ill, but all this was about 3 years ago and I believe the owner is still in charge.

To me, fallkniven is basically a con using hundreds of years of swedish knife history to sell japanese made blades of a modern (not swedish) design for some pretty stiff prices. The riff they use to sweeten the pot is "magic" steel. Kind of cool they make a living at it, but it's a business that would take even a bigger con to sell.
Click to expand...

And what exactly is wrong with Japanese knife making? As far as Im concerned, Japan has an even better legacy of bladesmithing than Sweden, ever hear of the Katana?
 
If you abuse a knife (use in the way it was not designed for): it may break or it may just look like you have abused it. So what is the big deal there? Do you think it still should look like new: or the manufacturer should exchange it? In this particular case the knife did not fail and is still functional: though it could have been different and still not manufacturer's fault. If you want to abuse a knife how it is popular now for some reason: you are most welcome to do that because it is your knife and your money. If you want to do it on manufacturer's expense though: make sure beforehand that the manufacturer in question consents to that. If he does not: that is your own risk and do not blame the manufacturer if anything happens and he refuses to replace the knife.
Again: we are talking about abuses: using the knife in the way it is not designed for and is likely to be damaged.
 
Bigfattyt said:
I don't generally like Krayton anyway. (I do love Res-C on Busse/Scrapyard/Swamprat, but it is a different material, and much tougher, plus they will re-handle if it is damaged). I would find a local maker to re-handle it.

If the Bulgarian friend lives in Bulgaria, I bet he could find a local craftsman to re-handle it.

I would try a stacked leather, or birch handle. For the leather, I could probably make it my self. But I make sheaths, so I have a few tools for working leather.

I lived in BG for 2 years, and wish I had found some local made knives as souvenirs.
Click to expand...
I too love Res-C on Busse/Scrapyard/Swamprat! Have several from them!
Yes my friend live in BG and knife will be re-handled= Blade is useful and there is no reason to not use it.
If you want I will make you contact with some of the best artist in knife making in BG - just email me or PM.
 
MajorLonghorn said:
It's well-known that the Fallkniven warranty doesn't exactly raise the bar in this industry. Companies such as ESEE and Swamp Rat offer unlimited lifetime warranties, and might be a better choice for people that truly abuse their knives.
Click to expand...

YES! I think like this too! Now I have several Scrap Yard and ESEE 6, planing to buy another ESEE.....
 
The Kraton used on the Fallkniven A1 is soft. I agree that the Res C is a lot better.
I've long found it amazing that Fallkniven has remained in business despite their steady price increases (due largely to weakness in the Krona against the Yen I think). Also with competition from ESEE and Becker.
 
When knife guard was broken it was during work in mountains , processing wood. Knife was not abused with malice - it is just happen. My friend have culture how to use knives.
But when some one sell knife (including highly priced products) like " survival-knive" it is suppose to be hard used and take some abuse, right?
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top