Fallkniven F1 vs Rat Cutlery RC-4

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woodentsick

Joined
Apr 27, 2009
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Hey guys,

I'm looking for a small woods knife that's strong, comfortable, high quality, grippy, made of a strong steel, good at light chopping and carving and batoning, and good at food prep.

I've narrowed it down to the Fallkniven F1 and the RAT RC-4.

Factors to consider are the steel and handle material (and how good it is at everything I just mentioned). The sheath doesn't matter.

Thanks!!

p.s. Please guys don't suggest any other knife models, let's stick to these 2
 
I posted a thread about a week ago asking for recommendations on a woods knife. My list included these two, as well as two others. However, I was open to other suggestions. For my listed uses, a Mora was the knife most frequently suggested. Some of the responses may provide you with some insight. In my research, I found that, out of these two, the Rat's steel is going to be tougher as far as resisting chipping goes. Although the F1's laminated steel is still pretty tough. 1095 is easier to sharpen in the field, but vg10 will hold its edge longer. The stainless will obviously be more corrosion resistant, but the RC-4 has a pretty decent coating on it. The micarta handles on the RAT are probably a little tougher than the F1's handle, but both will provide good grip. I've never heard anything bad about Fallkniven's warranty and customer service but, as previously stated, RAT's is supposed to be outstanding. The RC-4 is a little bigger, and has an exposed tang (which may be a consideration if using the knife in cold weather). The RC-4 has a full flat standard v-grind, while the F1's edge is convexed. Just a few differences to consider. Both knives will most likely serve you well. I hope this was helpful.:thumbup:
 
Fallkniven F1. Hands down. 2 reasons. Full convex, and no choil.
 
F1 for sure, but be clear that if you want to chop with it you'll be disappointed. The excellence is in the ability to shrug off everything and providing a good degree off toughness, whilst retaining brilliance as a cutting instrument. Even light chopping is really not its thing though. You'd have greater success chisel cutting with it by driving down on the spine with your free hand. The RC4 might do a little better at chopping but that would be minimal as it is the forte of neither one. On that, I think if you allowed any minimal gains you might get trying to chop with the RC4 to sway you you'd be making a mistake. If there is something about the RC4 that swings it for you over the F1 don't let chopping be it.
 
ok so the RC4 has a V blade and the F1 is convex.. I know how to sharpen the convex with the many kits that you can make and etc for field use. Can you use the same method sharpening the V blade on the RC4 or should you use the stiffer DMT type fold out type sharpeners?
 
ok so the RC4 has a V blade and the F1 is convex.. I know how to sharpen the convex with the many kits that you can make and etc for field use. Can you use the same method sharpening the V blade on the RC4 or should you use the stiffer DMT type fold out type sharpeners?
Click to expand...

You can sharpen a V edge just the same as a convex edge, and slowly over time it will take on a more typical convex shape.

As to the original question: In my experience, both are excellent knives. The Fallkniven have smaller handles, but I still find them very comfortable. Also available in a couple of different steels, and if you want, you can get the blade in full tang and put handle scales on it.
 
I love my rats but if I had to choose I'd definitely take the F1. Better steel, stout for it's size great fit and finish. Very sharp convex edge from the shop. I find that the RC-4 handle is just a little short. I don't know what it is but it just feels a little small, and my hands are not the biggest. The F1 as someone stated earlier has no choil, which on a blade that small you don't really need.
 
I own several Fallknivens including the F1. It's an outstanding knife. - - I ordered a RC-4 which should arrive tomorrow. Other than being a knifeknut and liking to try various tools, I bought the RC-4 because of the versatility of the carrying options that I could get right out of the box. (I know that you mentioned that the sheath wasn't important to you though) I got the Kydex sheath with Molle attachments, Tek Lok, and the Molle back. With this set up I can easily attach my knife sheath to pack, pack belt, my regular belt, neck carry, etc. The Molle back offers very secure carry when I'm backcountry bowhunting. Of course, with the custom makers out there you can order a sheath that will do these things; I liked being able to order all of it at the same time as getting the knife and for a very reasonable cost. - The steel is basic stuff, but is said to take a good edge and is easy to maintain in the field. The knife I ordered has bright orange handles for better visibility (been-there-done-that in terms of dropping gear in the mountains at dusk never to be found again). - - - In any case, if you get an F1 you won't be disappointed. Its one of my favorites. I look forward to seeing & trying out my new RC-4. Regards, - - -
 
+1 on Rat Cutlery. I think it's the bigger bang for the buck and you can't beat its warranty and customer service. Check out the Rat Cutlery subforum here
 
Someone was kind enough to lend me an RC4 and I found the handle too small for my hands ( My hands are only medium ) so I'd be sure to try and hold one of these before you buy !!!!

Maybe try an Ontario TAK 1, I think of these as the predecessor to the RC4, IMO although similar they feel much better !!!

knives008.jpg


Only $79.88 as well !!!

http://newgraham.com/store/product/3539/TAK-1-PE-ONT-8602/
 
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I have large hands and love my F1. I have recommended the RC4 to several friends though. Honestly my gut tells me you'd do well with either.
With that said I won't give up my F1 for just about anything. I have done some light chopping with it and it held up great. Never tried to take down a fell size tree but it certainly worked for branches and wrist sized saplings. Obviously given the availability I'd choose my Chopweiler for this task however.
 
Just found this pic of the TAK compared with the RC4, the other knife is a SWKW Bandicoot which also has a handle that is borderline big enough.

PA240020.jpg
 
I would go with the RC 4 because I like the steel much better. However, I am also a bit biased. Although Fallknivens are also great quality. So you can't really go wrong with either of them.
 
I think you'd be happy with either knife as well.

I'd say try to handle both and choose the one that is more comfortable in your hand. :)
 
I'm tired of responding to this question :D

Well I say that because it gets asked so often it is uncanny. Uncanny, because they are both great survival knives at great prices and hence are always being put up against each other. That in itself should tell you that either is a good choice.

For me - RC4. The mircata handles and kydex sheath are just superior to the options that come with the F1. Other folks get swayed with the steel or lack of choil - I get swayed by the handle and sheath....
 
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