Fallkniven S1 Pro or NL4

M

Morton Henderson

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Oct 4, 2015
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I currently have a Fallkniven F1 that I keep in my car and always have nearby in-case I should need it. This time around though, I want a slightly bigger blade that will still carry easily while being able to perform yard tasks, go camping, handle larger tasks, and just have a wider range of use. I don't mind paying a bit more for higher quality and design so I'm looking at either the S1 Pro or the NL4. The S1 Pro appeals to me for the upgraded edge steel, the smooth finger guard, and the functional simplicity. I like the NL4 for the leather handle, the uniqueness, and the blend of old world looks with modern materials. For what it's worth, I was considering a full flat ground Battle Horse Highlander, but had to keep reminding myself that I live and function in a humid Gulf coast environment. I'd really like to know your thoughts about the two Fallknivens since I'm right between the two and getting both isn't an option. Thanks.
 
I never could understand the cost of the northern lights series, and the leather stacked handles are slicker than thermorun in wet weather. Without owning either, I'd go S1 pro.
 
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There is something amazing about the feel of the stacked leather that just feels right and looks incredible when it darkens a little. The pro is gonna have the upgraded steel I believe lam cos but to me their vg10 is perfect all around. I have to go with the frej
 
Morton,

I own, and use the NL-4


and a standard S-1,


I use and carry both depending on my mood. I find Fallniven's Laminated VG-10 to be outstanding steel. Low maintenance, stays sharp, and I can get and keep the convex edge sharp.

I just perchased the F-1 Pro, i also have a well used F-1. I don't have much field time yet with the Pro model. But I have used it some. It is a nice setup with the box and the stone. But you pay for that. It remains to be seen whether the Laminated COS is worth the upgrade. So far I like the Pro F-1. It is a little more robust. I have used it some for breaking down wood and feather sticking. And sliced walnuts and other kitchen chores as well.

I believe you will find all the Pro models to be slightly more Robust (thicker) than their previous counterparts. Certainly a good thing in a dedicated survival knife. Perhaps not as desirable in a camp/utility/all-round knife.

There is a good review of the S-1 Pro up in the review section by Dead Box Hero.

Since you mentioned camping. And you already have the F-1. I am going to throw out one more option for you to consider. The PHK, Professional Hunter's Knife. It would give you a lot of what you seek. And most likely work better for you in many situations, like camping.

Hope this helps. Feel free to ask questions if need be.
 
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I've had, and still have several Fallknivens including the NL series which are undeniably beautiful. The leather is a matter of personal preference.
I believe that the S1 Pro, because of it's blade, is heavier than both the original S1 and the NL4. May mean nothing to some, but may
be important to people who carry lots equipment and gear. On the other hand, if you hunt and fish, a synthetic handle and sheath offers far less worries than leather. This includes shoving a bloody blade back into the sheath to wash it all out later. Can't go wrong with whatever model you choose as I still consider Fallkniven to be the best production knives around.
 
When talking flatout robust functionality, go for the S1 Pro.
If You are more into natural materials, go for the NL4.

I have the F1 Pro and the NL4 + a fulltang S1 with custom wood handle and the PHK in custom Stag.
The NL4 is full height grind and a better slicer than the saber ground models, yet robust enough for tough work.
The stacked leather handle isn't slippery at all, when it has been used for a while.

The Cobalt steel is an upgrade over VG-10, but the VG-10 is already very good!
Handle ergonomics are better with my F1 Pro over the NL4, but the difference is neglible IMO.
What to choose is up to personal preference, but both models will give decades of great pleasure to use.


Regards
Mikael
 
Thanks for the input, everyone...and for the great pictures, Lost Viking. Unfortunately though, I still haven't made a completely clear choice. I'm leaning just a tad toward the S1 Pro at the moment, mainly because the NL4 looks almost too nice to use with any form of careless abandon. However, that thinking could change in the next minute. Darn...this is a tough decision.
 
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Both knives will take heavy workloads and beg for more, but of course the S1 Pro will take more of abusive use due to the thicker dimensions.
The NL4 is the more elegant of the two, but it's still a very solid build.
NL4 splitting firewood.jpg
attachment.php


Regards
Mikael
 
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You just had to show me another picture! Man, that's a beauty. A couple of questions: did you force-darken the leather? Also, did you polish the aluminum butt cap? It looks great.
 
Mine looks the same I treated it with some leather conditioner for protection but it will darken naturally w the oils from your hands and time very quickly. As for the butt I took a fine grit sanding sponge to it (very easy ) and got it to shine the same ! I put a beating on my nl4 and not worried once about it ,it is a great tool and meant to be used ! As for the pro they should get rid of that silly case and drop the price accordingly
 
I believe that exposure to sunlight advances the darkening. I had an NL5 in it's box in the closet. I also had an NL1 Thor that I had out on display. Both knives were purchased about the same time, and neither were ever carried or used. The Idun's handle remained the same pale color, while the Thor's handle became distinctly darker over the course of about a year. With use outdoors I am sure it would have become much darker.
 
Morton Henderson said:
You just had to show me another picture! Man, that's a beauty. A couple of questions: did you force-darken the leather? Also, did you polish the aluminum butt cap? It looks great.
Click to expand...

:D:thumbup:

No I didn't force-darken the leather, just regular use and handsweat,
I did polish the pommel.
I also did some custom work on the handle & guard.
The guard is now centered on the tang and the handle is turned upside down.
This is because I wanted it to look like the bigger NL's.
The upside down handle is because the handle is wider on the downside and my hand is more comfortable with the widest part at the spine.
I also made a new leathersheath of more conventional style.


Regards
Mikael
 
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