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Fallkniven S1: a good choice?
- Thread starter Mies
- Start date
I have the S1 and it is my #1 choice for the outdoors at this time. I'm not too hot on the false swedge but besides that I really like it.
VG-10 is one of my favorite steels and takes a great edge.
The S1 is also thick and tough enough to take the batoning abuse, etc. although I much rather my Busse (ASH-1 is roughly the same length, but thicker) if I'm gonna be batoning all day.
The S1 is not exceptionally heavy but works for light chopping just fine and fits comfortably in a small daypack, or in the kydex dangler sheath it came with (be aware the new ones do not come in a kydex dangler) on a belt.
The smaller F1 (4" blade) is a really popular knife around here and on the WSS sub-forum but I like to have a bit more blade length. The Rat Cutlery knives are also a good choice, and a bit cheaper too.
VG-10 is one of my favorite steels and takes a great edge.
The S1 is also thick and tough enough to take the batoning abuse, etc. although I much rather my Busse (ASH-1 is roughly the same length, but thicker) if I'm gonna be batoning all day.
The S1 is not exceptionally heavy but works for light chopping just fine and fits comfortably in a small daypack, or in the kydex dangler sheath it came with (be aware the new ones do not come in a kydex dangler) on a belt.
The smaller F1 (4" blade) is a really popular knife around here and on the WSS sub-forum but I like to have a bit more blade length. The Rat Cutlery knives are also a good choice, and a bit cheaper too.
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2006
- Messages
- 83
The S1 would be an excellent choice. If you plan to do much chopping then I'd recommend the Fallkniven A1.
Definitely
I have both the S1 and A1 and prefer the A1's handle. Whether the S1's handle is "too small" for you is something only you can decide.
If there's anything negative about the steel used in Fallkniven S1 and A1 knives, I haven't found it. I'm very impressed by laminated VG-10.
I don't like the S1. For small tasks, the F1 is better, and for large ones, the A1 is a lot better. If you want a small knife for more precision type tasks, get an F1. If you intend to do some chopping or batoning larger pieces of wood, get an A1.
I like the laminated VG10 steel on the basic Fällknivens. Easy to sharpen, good edge-holding and resistant to corrosion. It is somewhat brittle, though - avoid edge impact with rocks and such.
I find the Fällknivens to be quality knives. Be aware, though, that they are for use, and so the fit and finish isn't always stellar - handles may have scratches, the grinds may be somewhat uneven (esp. at the tip) and the lamination lines a bit wavy, but that shouldn't affect performance. The warranty is on the short side, so it's best to give them a decent field test soonish to find out any possible defects - those should be very rare.
I like the laminated VG10 steel on the basic Fällknivens. Easy to sharpen, good edge-holding and resistant to corrosion. It is somewhat brittle, though - avoid edge impact with rocks and such.
I find the Fällknivens to be quality knives. Be aware, though, that they are for use, and so the fit and finish isn't always stellar - handles may have scratches, the grinds may be somewhat uneven (esp. at the tip) and the lamination lines a bit wavy, but that shouldn't affect performance. The warranty is on the short side, so it's best to give them a decent field test soonish to find out any possible defects - those should be very rare.
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2007
- Messages
- 911
Mies, as you seem to have already read, the handle can be small. It's short and thin both laterally and vertically, if that makes sense. meaning to say it's small in every direction possible 
... It was for me at least.
The convex edge works okay for chopping but is no a match for many other bushcraft knives in more delicate tasks such as whittling. And for chopping really, it's too small.
But other than that I liked it actually. Shame really I had to sell it.
... It was for me at least.The convex edge works okay for chopping but is no a match for many other bushcraft knives in more delicate tasks such as whittling. And for chopping really, it's too small.
But other than that I liked it actually. Shame really I had to sell it.
I was in the shop this afternoon and hand tested the model F1, the S1 and the A1.
Very impressed with these blades. The handles of these models were all different in size, and that does not make that much sense to me.
The F1 handle was too small for me and the S1 handle was ok, although a bit thin.
Since I will not split wood I found the A1 blade a bit bigger than necessary.
So I took the S1 home, what a nice blade
Thank you for all the information about the Fallkniven Model S1 and other models.
Very impressed with these blades. The handles of these models were all different in size, and that does not make that much sense to me.
The F1 handle was too small for me and the S1 handle was ok, although a bit thin.
Since I will not split wood I found the A1 blade a bit bigger than necessary.
So I took the S1 home, what a nice blade
Thank you for all the information about the Fallkniven Model S1 and other models.
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I have the F1, S1, A1, and A2.
I do think the handle on the S1 is small, but only relative to the blade size.
The handle on the F1 is small as well, however, it feels better due to the F1's smaller blade.
The blade size of the S1 is ideal for most chores and it would be a good choice in my opinion. If you think you may have an issue with a smaller handle you could step up to the A1.
I do think the handle on the S1 is small, but only relative to the blade size.
The handle on the F1 is small as well, however, it feels better due to the F1's smaller blade.
The blade size of the S1 is ideal for most chores and it would be a good choice in my opinion. If you think you may have an issue with a smaller handle you could step up to the A1.
For my next trip i will pack a SAK and the Fallkniven S1. If I'm splitting wood I can always bring my Becker BK7 along.
The fit and finish on the S1 I have here is perfect.