Fallkniven... Decisions, decisions

H

Hinagea

Joined
Nov 13, 2014
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Hey guys,

Been lurking here for a while. Lots of great information here on this forum.


I have run into a conflict. I have been looking for a new fixed blade for a while and have settled on a Fallkniven. Problem is what to pick! The A1 and S1 really have my attention at this point. I have a Benchmade 940-1 as my workhorse folder, and being 3 1/2 inches, the F1 doesn't interest me because I feel it would overlap with it.

Either the A1 or S1 will be my pack knife. It will almost exclusively be a camp knife that I will haul in my pack and will stay in my pack except on the rare occasion I need something bigger than a folder. That being said, I do not intend on taking an axe with me on my trips. So this knife will have to have the ability to chop/baton. I want a knife that excels at the tasks my little folder simply can't do I.E. batoning. But I also am curious how the A1 handles finer tasks for example, skinning a rabbit. Weight/price are not a concern.

Is there any reason I shouldn't buy the A1?
Is there any reason I shouldn't buy the S1?
(Obviously I want both but can't afford both at this time)

Thanks,

Jason
 
I prefer the S1 for an all around user.
That being said, I do not intend on taking an axe with me on my trips. So this knife will have to have the ability to chop/baton. I want a knife that excels at the tasks my little folder simply can't do I.E. batoning.
Click to expand...
The A1 meets your criteria better. It is a thick blade with more heft to chop. They will both work but given that you have the small and delicate covered the A1 will cover the "big knife tasks" better.
 
Thanks for the responses guys,

I was leaning towards the S1 for the weight savings, and having the same ability as the A1 from what I have researched into them. If the A1 works that much better I have no issues with the extra weight because of the weight savings of not having to carry a hatchet around.

Keep 'em coming!
Jason
 
S-1 I have .Not really a chopper and I don't baton.
A-1 has longer , heavier blade and a larger handle for us large hand guys.
 
I'd get the A-1. You have the light blade covered with the Benchmade.

Within certain size parameters, I get the larger blade---it'll do what a smaller one will do. Sometimes the reverse isn't true.
 
Here's how I view the A1 for the original poster:

Bigger = a little more weight to carry, but more blade length for batoning, which can be useful in cold/freezing weather, and more blade weight if chopping.

And the S1:

Smaller = a little less weight in the bag and on the back, but a shorter blade that won't be quite as capable batoning or chopping, and also a shorter handle, which can be harder to use with gloved hands.

Because you want a knife for batoning and chopping should the need arise, get the knife best suited for your stated needs - A1.
 
I have an A1, but I have never even held an S1.

I think that the A1 is very good for batoning. I wouldn't want to use anything shorter. Both the S1 and the A1 have a swedge, so striking the end of the blade will significantly shorten the life of your baton.

I find the A1 to leave a lot to be desired as a chopper, and I would imagine the S1 would be even worse. I have at times considered picking up an A2 to try.

As far as small tasks go I have never dressed an animal with the A1, but I've had no trouble with feather sticks.

Keeping in mind I only have experience with the A1, I'm glad I chose it over the S1. If I had my time back, I would probably have gone for the A2.
 
For your specific purpose I would go with the A1. It's a brilliant piece of equipment and much more suites for batoning and chopping. The S1 doesn't have enough weight behind the blade to perform these tasks (or at least as sufficiently as the A1). I have had the A1 and it made me very sad to get rid of it.
 
As others have said the A1 (6.3 x 0.24 inch blade) beats the S1 (5 x 0.2 inch blade) at batoning. The longer blade gives you more steel to thump on. The thicker blade parts wood better. You won't notice much real world difference either way unless you are batoning rounds with a diameter over 4 inches across. Neither is very good at chopping since they don't have the weight for it.

You say weight isn't a concern. If that truly is the case bring an axe and a saw. Knives in general aren't great for making firewood. Anything heavy enough to chop with is too heavy to put in your backpack. I assume you have a good folding saw? I'd take that 940 and a saw; over a 940 and fällkniven. If weight does matter you'll want to think carefully about which one suits your needs better. You might even reconsider the F1 and think about leaving the 940 at home. The F1 is enough knife in my opinion.

I'd reach for the 940 over any of the survival type fällkniven knives for skinning a rabbit. It's easier to handle a small knife. But then I'd probably reach for a skinning knife over the 940. :)

Welcome to the forums.
 
I had an A1 for a long time, and recently traded it. Was a great knife, on trips I belt carried it, Its a good chopper. If I get another Fallkniven, it will be the Thor just like the looks of it.
 
You might wanna have a look at the PHK model gives u a 5" 3G steel blade that functions phenomenally. Great all around blade shape. Handles typical camp stuff plus skins/guts well too. Holds an edge for longer than anything I've seen.
 
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