Fallkniven A1 vs Esee 5. What would you choose?

B

bruno_go

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May 19, 2015
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Lately I'm in this little dilemma. I know that they both have characteristics, metals and a lot differences but still, I will have to choose only one. The intention is for various uses. Hunting, camping, etc. It should be very reliable and ready for heavy use.
Please take note that the A1 costs $ 50-60 more.
What would you choose? And why?
The A1 worth the $50 plus?
Thanks.
 
I really like both of these companies. You did mention and know that these two knives are different animals. The A1 has a 6.2 inch blade and is probably more comparable to the Esse 6. I own both and have only used the Esee 5 once, it's not known for its cutting ability. The A1 on the other hand, cuts well for it's spine thickness and batons like a dream. Neither excels at chopping. In the field a strop easily maintains the edge of the A1. I have never had any chipping issues with any of my Fallkniven knives. Ironically, my Esse 4 and Junglas have both chipped on me, be it minor. The only negative I can even think of with the Fallkniven is some dislike the factory sheath. I find it serviceable. Hope this helps.
 
I would not go for the Esee 5 if I were you. It is far too over built for any normal use other then cutting out of a plane, prying open doors, or the like. I would go for the Esee 4 or 6 instead(I have a 4 and it is a great knife imo). Awesome sheaths as well. Get the Molle back for the most carry options.

The A1 gets great reviews and is stainless but, I'm not a fan of the plastic grips on a hard use knife and it's sheath isn't great. All three will be fine for most things but, the Esee's are better/tougher if your gonna beat on them and their warranty is one of the best in the business.
 
I wouldn't choose either. Esee 6 would be my choice. Or if you can handle a little smaller blade the SwampRat Ratmandu is in your price range.

The Esee 5 isn't really a knife and Fallkniven doesn't stand behind their product like most companies and not even close to they way Esee or Busse does.
 
Toss up between the 2 knives. The biggest variable and unknown with these 2 knives, and most modern knives, is the operator. Get one that you feel is best compliment to you.
 
+1 Swamp Rat Ratmandu. If you're not interested, go with the A1. If you don't think the price is justifiable, go with an esee 4 or esee 6. Still fantastic knives
 
ESEE 6> Fallkniven A1 > ESEE 5.

Or get a stainless ESEE 4 and really be done. No one really needs to baton larger stuff than the 4 can handle.
 
Fallkniven A1. tough, good corrosion resistance, nice convex edge, no gimick sext blade. No need to worry about blood getting stuck in between the scales when skinning or gutting and would not rust as quick. Enough blade length to do most knife tasks. Only down side would be you cannot strike a flint and make sparks with it, but thats why i have something called a cigarette lighter, heck i can use my shoe lace and a stick to make a bow drill fornfire making. Anyway if you go fallkniven you wont regret it.
 
Another vote for Fallkniven. Only rarely do you hear of unhappy customers. I'd say 90-95% people love their falkys, myself included.
 
Tough call, how do you sharpen your knives? Do you need corrosion resistance? How do you use your knives?

The ESEE will be easier to field sharpen and be a better chopper.

The Fallkniven will baton better and carve wood easiest

I prefer the A1 because its stainless. Has great geometry and I don't mind the extra time needs to sharpen the convexed edge and grind and maintain it with field stroping. But its not everyone's cup of tea. I think the ESEE 5 is a great knife that appeals to a much wider group in the outdoor world.
The Micarta feels better. 1095 sharpens faster, the saber grind with a primary bevel is not hard to figure out how to sharpen. The sheath is more attractive and has better retention. The warranty rocks.

But I still prefer the A1. It's sleeker. Carries and wields like a smaller knife but still has the heft and cutting power I like for a 6inch blade.
The convexing splits wood best and bite in wood better its also more durable geometry.

This is a tough call. They are Completely different knives even though they are in the same category.
Since I use waterstones I like the Fallkniven best because I can reprofile it to fit my needs and maintain it with a field strop and compounds.

If I sharpened with say a Spyderco sharp maker I would prefer the ESEE hands down. Because its less complicated and in the end it's about what you can get sharp.

I'm trying not to be biased but in all honesty, the Fallkniven A1 is my favorite fixed blade.
 
I am biased as I have 5 Fallknivens. I believe they are the best production knives you can get, IF you want stainless.
If not, there are many others to consider including of course Esee.
 
The nice thing about the A1 is that the blade isn't overly tall. Sure, there are some benefits to a taller blade; but, in many cases, it simply adds mass & makes the knife more awkward for finer work.
IMO, the A1 is a more usable knife...at least within the realm of typical knife tasks (if you might need to cut your way out of a downed aircraft, go with the Esee5)
 
IMHO the Fallkniven A1 is definitely the way to go. As soon as you pick it up you'll know. It really is the one knife that you can depend on. I just saw an A1 and its big brother the A2 up for sale today. Check out or pm TommyGun56. He's selling them at some great prices.
 
Why is the esee 6 a better knife than the 5? I have not held either which is why I ask.

I have owned an A1 and used it a lot. It was a tough knife, but aside from corrosion resistance I still think that a good carbon steel will be tougher so I would give the edge to esee no pun intended.
 
Cobalt said:
Why is the esee 6 a better knife than the 5? I have not held either which is why I ask.

I have owned an A1 and used it a lot. It was a tough knife, but aside from corrosion resistance I still think that a good carbon steel will be tougher so I would give the edge to esee no pun intended.
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The 5 is like a sharpened pry bar. Way too beefy/over built for most tasks(1/4" stock vs. 3/16). Way too heavy too. The FFG on the 6 is also better for a broader range of tasks imo.
 
Tachead01 said:
The 5 is like a sharpened pry bar. Way too beefy/over built for most tasks(1/4" stock vs. 3/16). Way too heavy too. The FFG on the 6 is also better for a broader range of tasks imo.
Click to expand...

Ok, that makes sense.
 
I agree on the ESEE 6. The 5 is a heavy sharpened slab of steel. The 6 is a great wilderness tool. The A1 is a better choice than the ESEE 5 as well IMO, but I would go with the ESEE 6 myself.
 
Thank you all for the opinions.
I totally forgot but now Im seriously thinking about the Ratmandu. But I still have a little guess on the Fallkniven A1.

P.s.: Just saying, Im a huge fan of Esee´s. I have one Junglas, one Esee 3 and a Laser Strike that´s why I put the Esee 5 on the options.
 
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