Fallkniven A1 questions

G

Gator

Joined
Jun 19, 1999
Messages
80
I'm looking to buy one of these fine-looking knives. I like the A1, especially with the black Teflon coating. It looks cool and should help it resist the elements. The VG-10 stainless looks like a good material. I like the Kraton handle, and will probably go with the Cordura sheath. Any thoughts on this knife's economy, performance, or construction?

Thanks

Gator

------------------
The knife--man's first and last go-anywhere do-anything tool.
 
An excellent knife by any measure. I borrowed one a while ago for general outdoor use and it performed magnificently. Hold's an edge better than any stainless steel I have dealt with, great chopper and cutter/slicer, feels very solid, and very corrosion resistant (the A1 I was using was not coated, and I was using it by the ocean side). Look at these reviews at http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Set/2292/A1review.htm and the recent 7" tests here at bladeforums. I plan on getting one of my own later when they begins shipping with kydex sheaths.
 
Hi all!

Just thought that i share my opinions on the A1 issue too.
First, i do not own any A1, the "experience" i have is from my "tour2" in Bosnia this summer where i got more that a few chanches to check out and here other peoples opinions on various knives, amongst them the Fällkniven series of knives, very common in Swedish army as they are Swedish!! ;-)

I like the feel of the A1 definitely a chopper!and quality is top-notch!nice comfy handle too.
So, what's not so good ?? in my opinion and what i've heard from several users are that the cordura sheath is a bit too "soft" and doesn't hold up to abuse very much, compared to say a sheath for a Gerber BMF, which in my opinion is VERY good, stiff and will not break from heavy use/carrying.

So, after this rambling, i'd like to say that get it with the kydex sheath! this i think(without having seen or used the kydex sheath)a formidable set-up, i will probably get one myself in replacement for my lost(stolen :-( )Gerber BMF.

Nice Christmas gift!
Just my 0.7 cents!
Later and be well!/Jonas aka 2Sharp


------------------
"May all your detonations be expected"



[This message has been edited by 2Sharp (edited 10 December 1999).]
 
An excellent knife. When I first handled one I felt like Crocodile Dundee, (now that's a knife!)The cordura sheath sucks, get one with a kydex sheath
 
The handles on the Fallkniven knives are not Kraton, but something called "Thermorun Elastomer" that is a bit harder than Kraton.

Latest word in the Kydex sheaths is that they're now in North America in the mail to dealers like me.

"Instant gratification ain't fast enough!"


------------------
- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
AKTI Member # SA00001
 
An excellent knife. In fact, the whole series is a high quality line to meet a variety of needs. I'd recommend more than one model
smile.gif
 
Gee, do I get bonus points for proving a moderator wrong? The A-1 handle is Kraton-all other models have Themomum Elastomer(or whatever)handles. If you don't believe me(and why should you)go to www.fallkniven.com and follow the links to the A-1. As far as the sheath, upon finding pictures of all of them, yeah, Kydex does look sturdier, though not as pretty.

Another question: even if I'm only a "weekend warrior," though I'm really a serious camper, is the A-1 big enough for serious survival situatuions? I don't want a machete or some Rambo knife, but it seems to be an inch or two short. Any thoughts?

Gator
 
Though you are sure to get lots of differing views on this, my take on large knives for weekend trips in the outdoors leans slightly against it. On virtually all of my backpacking trips (max. a couple weeks at a time), I have found that a fixed blade under 10" seems most handy. The knives I get the most use out of are my SOG sealpup (for trips near the ocean or on the river) and an OLD fixed BUCK knife. The size is generally good for all food prep. and miscellaneous duties. In addition, I always bring along a multi-tool (e.g., leatherman wave) for anything else that may require more delicate work. A multi-tool and small knife generally suffice for all my "survival" needs. I have also used a kukri when I knew I would be "bushwacking" through areas of heavy vegetation or areas where firewood gathering was allowed. HOWEVER, if I could take only one knife, and I was unsure of the terrain I would be facing, I believe the A1 would be one of my top choice knives to take along. The size and good design make it able to handle any chopping, cutting, slicing, etc...needs (though a smaller knife would be easier to use for kitchen duty, and an ax or kukri better at chopping). Just my take on this.
 
These knives are good!
When you get one, if your like me, you'll end up getting the whole set. Well, I still haven't gotten the S-1 Forest knife yet. Soon though.
wink.gif

Top notch knives for sure!

------------------
So, what IS the speed of dark?

 
Hmm . . . so it seems big enough, eh? Here's another intresting question: are these knives comprable in quality to Busse, which seems to be the latest blade craze? The Busse Basic #9 is bigger, but I like the blade shape on the A-1. The #9 is more of a Bowie, and I like the modified clip point better. Any other thoughts?

Oh, and to put your minds to rest, I have decided to go with the Kydex sheath.

Gator
 
If all you plan on doing is chopping firewood day and night and going hand-to-hand against the occasional bear, the Busse #9 would probably be best
wink.gif
. However, kitchen duties and any finer work would obviously be awkward with the #9. Quality is excellent for both knives (considering different steels and styles). I would have the tendancy to go for the A1 over the Basic #9 (or even #7) because it doesn't feel as bulky or heavy. Plus I generally hate black blade coatings. The Basic #5 is pretty nice, though for backpacking. Not to big or small and it can still actually chop for its size.
 
Oooohh!
Good call Felix!
I have the Basic #5 and feel the same way about it!
And I have a great love for those Fallkniven's! All of'em!
biggrin.gif


------------------
So, what IS the speed of dark?

 
So, how does Fallkniven compare to other brands(production) in general? Am I hearing a consensus that Fallkniven is a good knife for everything except chopping and bear fighting, or is it big enough to have more practical applications in tactical and survival situations?

Gator
 
I don't think ANY particular knife (short of a light-saber) is good for bear fighting (or should I say baiting?). Not a great chopper, but it still can to a degree. Mainly the weight and size of the knife (as well as others with similar dimensions) do not make as good a chopper as say an ax or machete. If I only had the A1 in a survival situation, I'm sure I could get some chopping out of it, only it would be more labored. I would say if you only had one knife for a "survival" scenario, the A1 should be able to serve all your needs (general cutting, skinning, and even chopping to a degree), and it should be fairly low maintenance (esp. compared to a non-stainless steel knife). When you start talking "tactical", I wouldn't say that the A1 or any other knife design is a large enough factor compared to whether you can use it in a "tactical" situation. You can have a big old sword, but if you don't know how to "fight" with it, the guy with a steak knife and the training would win.
In regards to the production quality, the ones I've seen and used is pretty much up there with the best of them.
Would I choose the Fallkniven A1 for a "survival" situation? Sure. I'd also consider the Busse Basic #5 and even a Cold Steel SRK (if not by the ocean side). GEEZ I'm verbose today!

Felix
 
Well, let me put it like this-I don't go camping without a saw and hatchet, usually and axe. I always have my Gator as a back-up, and also caryy a Gerber multi-tool. I've even got a little Magnum LST Jr for whittling. Seems like a lot of Gerber, but let's just say it was a package deal. with all this in mind-is the fallkniven a good choice? It seems like the best at this point.

Gator
 
I'd say the fallkniven would be an excellent choice, if not the best. In then end it up to you to decide. Someone else might prefer a Cold Steel SRK because it is cheaper and just plain tough. New material junkies might prefer the Busse Basic #5. If you want my opinion of whether to get it, it's a definite yes. Cheaper than Busse (probably - we'll see when the kydex models start selling), lower maintenance and better sheath than SRK. If you dislike blade coatings, than getting a satin Fallkniven is an extra incentive. I liked everything on the Busse #5 except the coating. If you always bring an axe, you might consider the A1's smaller cousin, the S1 (not as pretty or tough looking to me, but easier to use in most camping tasks). So go and get the A1, you can't go wrong.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top