Fallkniven F1 and Benchmade 515

G

gus68

Joined
Feb 21, 2010
Messages
32
Hello,

I'm relatively new to the forum but have picked up a lot of good advice. I am interested in a general purpose fixed blade. A friend recommended the Fallkniven F1. I have a couple benchmades rift and 940 which i am very happy with so I was looking at the 515. I was wondering if anyone had a comments for or against. I dont have any personal experience with the VG10 or D2.

My objective was a 4 to 6 inch fixed blade capable of general heavy duty use. Any other suggestions would be welcome as well.

Thanks

Gus
 
The F1 is a very good knife. Comfortable in use, light, sharp and sharpens easily as well.

At 4 inches blade length it is adequate for most wilderness use. It is a very popular blade.

Depending on what you plan on using it for you may be better served with either the S1 or the A1 in Fallknivens lineup. (S1 = 5" blade; A1 + 6 " blade)
 
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Depending on what you plan on using it for you may be better served with either the S1 or the A1 in Fallknivens lineup. (S1 = 5" blade; A1 + 6 " blade)
Click to expand...


Thanks, is there any differences in types of use between the F1, S1 and A1 or is it marketing?
 
I can't speak to the benchmade as I'm unfamiliar with it. I do own and use several Fallkniven knives, including the F1 micarta and they are very good knives.

The F1, S1, and A1 are all considered survival knives, but the S1 and A1 are a bit thicker at the spine. The F1 is full convex grind, the S1 and A1 are flat grind at the top of the blade and the bottom 2/3 or so is convex grind.

The F1 is perhaps a bit more of a well rouned, general purpose knife, suitable for bushcraft, hunting, and batoning.

The S1 and A1 are also good for a variety of tasks, but the longer length and heavier blade makes them a little less agile for skinning, etc. but they are more capable for batoning and chopping. (not saying the F1 isn't capable, just that the longer blade length of the other two is better suited to batoning)

This of course is all subjective depending on individual preference.

Kevin
 
The F1 is a great knife. I haven't had any of benchmades fixed blades although over the years I have owned several of the folders. For a hard use knife I'd probably look more towards the F1. Mine has been my go to woods knife for about the last 9 yrs. I have been thoroughly impressed with my fallkniven and I wouldn't hesitate to suggest any knife in their line-up.

With that said you may also check out swamprat knives Ratmandu. It's only available through them or through a private buyer but swamprat knives are pretty amazing. They only do small batches of knives at a time with decent periods in between so when they're available people jump on them. Currently they are producing Ratmandus and pre-order is still open. You might check out their sub-forum under the manufacturers tab.

The other company that i would highly suggest is ESEE (formery RAT) knives. They also have a subforum and an ESEE 4 , 5 or 6 might interest you. Phenomenal knives with a phenomenal warranty and they are easier to get a hold of then swamprats.

Just some thoughts.
 
The F1 is my favourite general use fixed blade. I actually just chose to keep it over my busse BOSS street which is sold a few days ago because it cuts like no other knife I have known and with about 8 years going into the blade design so it should . It makes a great bushcraft knife but unlike most bushcraft knives it can take a lot of abuse however I warn you... VG10 is no match for stone! I've actually just put in a good few hours of batoning with mine over the past two days. I put her through lots of very old hard wood and she was still hair popping sharp at the end. Had a few very small nicks that I polished out in no time. There is one seller doing a buy it now on the bay currently for $100! That is the cheapest deal you will find for a new VG10 model.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290438043270&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

It runs out in 19 hrs but I'm sure the seller will re-list.
Best of luck,
Gabriel.
 
They can be found for less at the knife that works along with the great service of the southern company with a real mortar and brick store. The F1 including shipping for less than a c note and the BM515 for less than 80.
 
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As always, you guys have provided some great advice. I need to decide between the S1 and F1. I'll be waffling for weeks.... size/ cost/ ease of carry.

I have a DMT aligner for my sharpening, does the convex or partial convex pose any sharpening issues?
 
If you want to retain the full convex edge, then the mousepad/sandpaper method, or a belt sander work well.

Other sharpening methods such as stones or rods will create a micro bevel at the edge, which is OK as well. (Many Fallknivens come from factory with a convex grind and micro bevel edge)

Whatever works best for you to keep 'em sharp. :thumbup:

Kevin
 
F1 is all you would ever need for a bush/survival knife. I had Normark make one of his Concealex sheaths for mine: a perfect combo.
 
I think the BM Rant is a great knife. Full tang, strong and really comfortable handles. I have the old red class Rant and it´s a very good knife. The new ones must be even better. I can´t really see what an F1 can do that The Rant can´t do. Maybe the F1 will hold the edge a little bit longer. I would go for the Rant... even if I am from Sweden.
 
handof cod, I did see these pics and I keep going back....

Slow starter, the descrption of the rant doesnt list it as a full tang, or at least I didnt see it. Interesting, I thought that explained some of the price difference.

Thanks again
 
Buy a Fallkniven blade blank and put your own handles on. Makes it unique.
orangefallkniv2800x600.jpg
 
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