Fallkniven F1 Swedish Military vs BRKT Highland vs Rat Cutlery RC-4

[pitdog]

I'd try and hold them all first !

I was lent a RC4 to try out and although the quality was great I found the handle too small and my hands are only average !
I understand that some of the Barkies suffer from the small handle syndrome as well which can be a problem through prolonged use.

 

[warrigal]

F1, actually S1 for me.
I have both and very much prefer the S1. I would only consider the F1 if size is a real issue the handle length is only less than 1/4 inch less.
I have a R3 and think it great I have played with the R4 and didn't see a great advantage.
I also have a BRKT Aurora but haven't held a Highland.
In another thread here "What makes a good SERE knife" I said I would have S1 as my first choice for a fixed blade. Don't forget it isn't just VG10 steel it is a laminate. VG10 center with 420j either side. I think the quote was this combination is 25% tougher than the same dimensioned straight VG10.
Because of another thread in another forum I have done most the cooking in this house for the last week with either the S1 or the F1. No difference.
Carl

 

[kgd]

All are good knives.

RC-4 and highland are sometimes noted as having small handles. However, on the plus of their handles is that they are made of great materials. The Barkie's is beautiful and the RC's handle has a wonderful grip to it even when wet (something the Barkies polished micarta is sometimes criticised for). The F1's handle is something I never really liked and the major factor that prevented me from getting one. I'd have no hesitation in lusting after one of those custom micarta F1's except they have a cost factor to them. Barkies have a pile of handle styles that vary in cost. RC-4 has 3 handle/coating options to it. The F1 can be had in kraton or a much more expensive micarta.

The F1 has the stainless steel factor which a lot of people like and the laminate is supposed to have a toughness that is right up there with carbon steels. The F1 and the Barkie share a lack of choil if you hate choils. Personally, I find I use the choil often on my RC-4 so I like it as a feature.

The F1 and barkie come uncoated, the F1 can be had in either configuration. Choice there is good, what you decide is personal. I like uncoated blades and on my RC-4 I eventually stripped the coating.

All three blades have great sheaths. I love the kydex sheath on the RC-4, but also love the Sharpshooter sheaths that come with the Barkies. I know that the F1 comes with different options for sheaths so this isn't much of a factor.

I guess in the end its just really which little features you like the most. They all differ in subtle ways. Personally, I don't think you will go wrong any way between those choices.

 

[go2ndAmend]

I don't have any experience with the others, but my F1 has served me very well. I use it exclusively for 2 weeks every year while pack-in hunting. Does everything from food preparation to quartering an elk and has never let me down.

 

[ROCK6]

I’ll chime in real quickly. I don’t have the Highland anymore but I do have a Bravo-1 and I have a couple of F1’s and an RC-4.

BRKT Bravo-1: I love the handle; quite comfortable. The performance of A2 steel is excellent and it’s a pretty thick blade at 3/16, but the convex grind really makes is a heck of a cutter.

RAT RC4: The handle is flat, but I still like the feel of it. It carries well on my gear; the MOLLE sheath system is really nice. The flat grind is a great slicer and easy to maintain.

F-1: I have two. My older one is not convexed and is solid VG10. My newer one is laminated and I had Micarta scales put on which makes it look great as well as feel great. I don’t care much for the rubber handles…they’re durable enough, just not comfortable for me.

You really can’t go wrong with any of these knives. My Bravo-1 is my go-to knife when backpacking/camping; my RC4 was on my IOTV for this deployment (but replaced by the smaller HEST) and I keep my older F1 in my “get-home” bag back home. My Bravo-1 gets the most use, but I wouldn’t feel under-knifed with any of them.

ROCK6

 

[Col. Cornelius]

I have the RAT RC-4 and love it!!

I like and use the choil area.

I have big hands and the handle feels real good in my hands. I'm always suprised when I read reports that people would prefer a larger handle on this model.

The canvas micarta scales on the Desert Tan RC-4 are incredible for grip, especially when wet. It almost has to experienced to believe how good it is when wet. WOW, I was suprised.

My wife was confused when I dipped my canvas micarta RC-4 into a cup of water to test this. She was shocked when I held it out and asked her to try it too!