Fallkniven F1 vs. RAT RC3

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ipm

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Feb 26, 2009
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Has anyone compared or used both the the Fallkniven F1 and the RAT RC3?

If so, what are your thoughts on the F1 vs. the RC3?

Is the RC4 a better comparison to the F1 than the RC3?
 
I had both the F1 and the RC4 at different times and I would say they were pretty close in blade length. I preferred the RAT, handle fit my hand great and the F1 seemed too thick behind the edge, it was a tough blade but not as good a slicer.
The RAT had a blade coating I didn't like a lot, but I have removed coatings before.
I really doubt you can go wrong with either, both are highly louded, but at that price range I would get a Bark River, once I got my first I haven't looked back.
 
The RC-4 is definitely a better comparison than the 3. I've got an F1, and an RC-4, and I'd be hard-pressed to pick a favorite.

I slightly prefer the handle of the F-1, but the RC-4 comes with an amazing sheath.

In terms of performance, I'd feel comfortable relying on either in a survival situation.
 
CubistHamster said:
The RC-4 is definitely a better comparison than the 3. I've got an F1, and an RC-4, and I'd be hard-pressed to pick a favorite.

I slightly prefer the handle of the F-1, but the RC-4 comes with an amazing sheath.

In terms of performance, I'd feel comfortable relying on either in a survival situation.
Click to expand...


Two really fine knives. I agree, it's tough to pick a favorite between them.
 
I don't think one is better than the other but the RAT's may take more abuse and their warranty backs that up.
 
I don't have an RC4, but do have an RC3.
I like the RC3 but I love the F1. This is after much use of both.
The convex grind of the F1 is really hard to beat.
 
I have the F1 with Black Micarta and an RC-4 and think they are a good comparison for size.

Both are great knives as far as performance and capability go but personally I never use the RC-4 because I don't like the block like feel of the handle slabs. This is a personal preference and not intended to dismiss the overall quality and capability of the RC-4.

The RAT's 1095 steel holds an edge pretty well, but the Fallkniven's VG10 holds an edge better. I don't find the VG10 hard to sharpen, but due to it's abrasion resistance it does take longer to refresh the edge than the 1095.

I really don't like coated blades, but I will give RAT credit for having a tough coating that seems to hold up well under hard use. So the F1 wins my approval here as well for it's non-coated, corrosion resistant stainless blade.

Since my RC-4 hangs on a peg on the wall, while my F1 gets used regularly, It is pretty oblivious that in my opinion the F1 is an all round better knife.

If you can afford the extra, get the F1 in micarta for superior handle comfort. Although the standard Thermorun handles are grippy and also work well.

If you go with the RC-3 or RC-4 you will get a great knife, very capable, and very solid. However IMO if you opt for the F1 you will get a better knife.

Kevin
 
It comes down to the one you like the best both are incredible and RAT has a insane warranty. The F1 is more corrosive resistant tho if you are by the ocean like me alot so that maybe a decididing factor but the 1095 if taken care of on the RAT will be fine too
 
I wasn't fond of the Japaneese made F1's, although that VG10 steel has some decent merits. I love my RC-5, so, by extension, I would think the RC-3/4 would be good, too - and my likely choice, especially if the entry level 'Thermo-whatever' gripped/kydex sheath version is considered. Upgrade to Micarta/leather, and I'd say visit Derek at 'knivesshipfree.com' for their custom Falknivens. They are actually handled by Bark River - and sport their favorite, aka 'Sharpshooter', leather sheaths - at the cheaper F1 Micarta prices.

Of course, there are loads of fine regular Bark River knives in that price range, too - check them out while you are at KSF, too. I buy the cheaper G10 or Micarta handle Bark River knives... the one beautiful bocote wood handled Barkie I have screams, "Did you wash those hands first?" and "No, not outside... it's raining!". Yeah, they are great knives... bordering on art!

Stainz
 
i have an F1. its bascialy my favorite knife except posbily for my small sebenza 21.

different purpose? apples and oranges? true, but i like them both. :)

i want to try the RC3/4 to see what the different steel is like in the flat grind, basically. i also want to see how the RC holds up. it could change my mind on coated blades, who knows.

i have seen some posts on youtube that agree with the comment that the 'square scales' are not great on the RC3/4 and that say that Bark River Bravos are better in that respect.

no one seems to complain bout the RC blade it self though. while its no VG10, it can't be too bad.
 
A couple of points. Falkniven is a Swedish company, but the knife doesn't use 'Swedish steel' - it isn't even made in Sweden. Not to be picky, but just what great accomplishments are credited to the Swedish Air Force since 1995? Seriously, this is like the Swiss Army Knife... what feats are attributed to the Swiss Army? Guarding the Pope? Hmmm, one of them got shot not that many years ago...

Now the knife... great laminated VG-10 or 3G steel in a decent 3.8 x .18 drop point-ish blade. Thermorun... rubber-like? 'Broad, protruding tang'? Full tang? Not the one I saw. Zytel sheath? Take the blade - have Bark River handle it in a hunk of Micarta - or your favorite stabilized wood - put it in a Sharpshooter leather sheath - now you have a custom knife - and for about what the Micarta factory F1 runs. That I'd like... but me, I'd rather have the two RC-4s I could buy - and a decent dinner, as well for the same price. It's just my opinion.

I purposely have bought a Japaneese VG-10 bladed knife - a beautiful Kershaw 1993-2 Gentleman Folder - fine pocket knife. I'll likely buy a Mcusta one day. Serious pocket knives - folders - will remain, like my fixed blades, American made. Nationalist pride? Maybe. Most likely just because I feel they are a better product, IMHO. I love 1095 - A-2 - D-2 - S30V, too.

You asked...

Stainz
 
Stainz said:
A couple of points. Falkniven is a Swedish company, but the knife doesn't use 'Swedish steel' - it isn't even made in Sweden. Not to be picky, but just what great accomplishments are credited to the Swedish Air Force since 1995? Seriously, this is like the Swiss Army Knife... what feats are attributed to the Swiss Army? Guarding the Pope? Hmmm, one of them got shot not that many years ago...

Now the knife... great laminated VG-10 or 3G steel in a decent 3.8 x .18 drop point-ish blade. Thermorun... rubber-like? 'Broad, protruding tang'? Full tang? Not the one I saw. Zytel sheath? Take the blade - have Bark River handle it in a hunk of Micarta - or your favorite stabilized wood - put it in a Sharpshooter leather sheath - now you have a custom knife - and for about what the Micarta factory F1 runs. That I'd like... but me, I'd rather have the two RC-4s I could buy - and a decent dinner, as well for the same price. It's just my opinion.

I purposely have bought a Japaneese VG-10 bladed knife - a beautiful Kershaw 1993-2 Gentleman Folder - fine pocket knife. I'll likely buy a Mcusta one day. Serious pocket knives - folders - will remain, like my fixed blades, American made. Nationalist pride? Maybe. Most likely just because I feel they are a better product, IMHO. I love 1095 - A-2 - D-2 - S30V, too.

You asked...

Stainz
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply. :thumbup:

The only thing I'd really want to note is that the 3 F1's I have (2 laminated VG-10 & 1 3G) all do have a full tang,
which protrudes a useful length out of the rear of the handle.
 
I have the RC-3, RC-4 and F1. All are great knives.

The RATs have an unbeatable warranty so if you're going to beat up on your knife that's something to consider. Not that they can't take it but the peace of mind is nice. 1095 is tough, holds an edge, and is easy to keep sharp. They are very nicely balanced and come with great sheaths/carry options. The carbon steel needs a little bit of care to prevent rust but nothing major. The RC knives do have a thinner profile so while some people find them less comfortable I think they are better for EDC than knives with thicker, more contoured handles.

The F1's offer several options. The standard F1 is great but I'm not a big fan of the rubber handle material. You can get the custom ones from KSF but they will cost a good deal more. I owned one of these and while the handle was exponentially more comfortable, they are made from blanks and are full tang. I am generally a fan of full tang knives but I though this made it a little heavy in the handle. The F1 I have now is one of the standard knives with the rubber cut off and a custom G10 handle worked on around the smaller tang of the factory knife. The blade has also been reground to thin behind the edge a little. To me this configuration is ideal. Much better balance IMHO. I believe Fallkniven offers a two year warranty but the VG-10 laminate they use is corrosion resistant and very tough stuff.

Since the Bravo-1 was mentioned I'll just go ahead and say this is my favorite 'one' knife. It is the one I would keep were I forced to give up all my others. Super comfortable handle and also comes with a no questions asked warranty.

The Barkie and the Fallkniven are convexed while the RATs are flat ground with a beveled edge. All of them come very very sharp but keep that in mind :)

All in all whichever knife you choose won't let you down.
 
The F1 wins hands down! Aside from that, The RAT Cutlery line of knives are fantastic!:thumbup:

Regards,
3G
 
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