Fallkniven F1?

EDDAKA

EDDAKA

Joined
Oct 24, 2009
Messages
408
Hey guys,

Wondering what the consensus on this blade is. I'm about to buy one, but I saw a forum where there were literally two pages of people saying it was a cheap overpriced knife.

I kinda like the convexed edge (easy to sharpen.) steel is decent I guess, and I think it looks good.

How does it compare to things like the rat knives (or even BRKT?)
 
i think you've got it backwards, convex edges can be harder to sharpen and require a learning curve. either you use sandpaper and a mouse pad or th trickier way of doing it on stones, but the fallniven f1 is an excellent knife. I don't know where you saw the forum, it takes heavy abuse and use. I would rate it better then the rat knives but rat knives are very good plus an amazing warranty if you break it you get a new one, no matter what. rat has some new models coming out in the new year, wait and see
 
I would also like to know which forum as I find it hard to believe that 2 pages of people calling it a cheap overpriced knife. I do know it isn't perfect, but it is almost universally praised as a quality piece.

Doc
 
EDDAKA said:
I saw a forum where there were literally two pages of people saying it was a cheap overpriced knife. How does it compare to things like the rat knives (or even BRKT?)
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FYI, you can search the BladeForums site by using this custom google search link:
http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=011197018607028182644%3Aqfobr3dlcra

The first hit I read when using that link and searching "Fallkniven F1" was on your exact topic - F1 v. Rat cutlery.

I'm aware lots of people have preferences for one v. another but I don't think I've ever read a forum where there were two full pages of negative comment about an F1 :confused: - that negative opinion would be contrary to my opinion and I suspect it would be contrary to the opinion of many BF members. I own both an F1 and a RAT cutlery Izula. They are both good manufacturers, you will not be disappointed by the quality/finish/ergonomics of either of these knives.

Also remember - most knives that cost more than a Mora are overpriced in some people's opinions... :D
 
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Fallkniven blade are almost universally excellent, so I'm not sure where your getting your info. The F1 is an excellent, all purpose camp knife especially if you are going to use it with food prep (stainless).

The RC knives are also outstanding and slightly less expensive. They only come with carbon steel blades for the time being, but that's usually not a concern if you care for it properly.
 
Fallkniven knives are great! They are not cheap knives. The F1 is one of my favorite knives. I would put Fallkniven in the same class as Bark River and RAT Cutlery. Between those three is it what works best for you. I have more than one knife from all three makers and they are all great.
 
EDDAKA, the F1 is an excellent knife. I've been using one with a full cover leather sheath for a while and like it a lot.

There are only two things I don't really like about it, the blade is a bit too thick (although it works well thanks to the full convex grind) and the handle is almost too narrow for my big paws.
 
The F1 is a great knife. The stainless qualities are a bonus as well. For a compact comfortable blade you will not be disappointed. I think the time it took to design this blade really shows.


That said, you might be able to get a custom for a few dollars more that would satisfy even more of your personal criteria for a knife.


If you look in the FT/FS section you won't see many F1's. They are that good.

J.
 
EDDAKA said:
Hey guys,

Wondering what the consensus on this blade is. I'm about to buy one, but I saw a forum where there were literally two pages of people saying it was a cheap overpriced knife.

I kinda like the convexed edge (easy to sharpen.) steel is decent I guess, and I think it looks good.

How does it compare to things like the rat knives (or even BRKT?)
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Bit of history ;)

Development of the Fällkniven model F1 started in 1987 as a result of a very tough, and extensive, specification from the Swedish air force, as it had to be useful for lots of different tasks, and suitable for the sub arctic Swedish climate. After several years of thorough development the air force placed an order for it in 1994, for first delivery in 1995.
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The F1 made in Japan with VG10 is from 1998
(With the spyderco moran the first to use this steel)
This knife is a real classic and for years it (and still) is the reference knife for outdoor use.
Of course now we are several years later and more options from other companies are available, which won't say the design of the F1 is suddenly less good.

In July 2000 the US Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division, started testing of this knife, in December 2000 it and the S1, both with black teflon coating, were approved for use by USN and USMC aircrew use.
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I believe it was the first company who introduced the convex grind to the mean stream.
Around 2002 Bark River knives started to become a success story, but where not nearly as well known as these days.

Rat knives are more basic.
Simple good carbon steel, thick blade, micarta handles and a coating, classic grind
But good heat threat, good price and very good warranty
 
Have both the ceramic black coated and plain satin versions. Other than the black coating being severly scratched up (to be expected) I have absolutely nothing but praise. At all times my BOB has 2 Fallknivens.
 
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I have 2 F1's. I've been using them for 10 years+ They're first class knives.
 
Great knife; in fact I don't know a better knife at that size.
I have a couple of the standard ones in laminated VG-10 and one in SGPS.

They're incredibly sturdy, tough, and really well made.
Also, they come from the factory with a razor sharp edge.

The convex edge is a cinch to keep very sharp as long as it's maintained regularly.
 
Looks Like I'll be picking one up shortly.

How well do the handles stand up? Are they like g10?

Thanks,
-Richard
 
The F1 is my favorite knife for day hikes and camping.

It is reasonably light, well built, has a great Zytel sheath (I prefer this, although the leather is good too), and very comfortable in use.

I find the handles to be very comfortable and extremely durable. The handles are somewhat slim in profile, although it was designed as a pilots knife where cockpit space is limited , so this is expected.

Convex sharpening is very very easy with sandpaper and a mouse pad. It is really forgiving and does not require the finesse and angle holding ability of sharpening a standard v grind.

Have fun.
 
EDDAKA said:
Looks Like I'll be picking one up shortly.

How well do the handles stand up? Are they like g10?

Thanks,
-Richard
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They are made of thermorun, slightly harder than Kraton (what they also use on the bigger knives A1, A2...).
Something very different than G10
 
Overpriced will always be a relative term. Technically, almost every knife over $10 is overpriced since you can cut stuff very satisfactorily with a Mora.

Cheap? Not hardly. The F1 (and the S1 I also own) are extremely high quality knives.
 
Neo said:
They are made of thermorun, slightly harder than Kraton (what they also use on the bigger knives A1, A2...).
Something very different than G10
Click to expand...

I meant feel wise. I didn't describe myself correctly, lol. I guess it feels more rubbery than plasticy?

Either way seems I'll be picking one up soon.
 
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