Fallkniven S1 vs Ontario Blackbird SK-5

M

MattBlade

Joined
Mar 14, 2012
Messages
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Hi, I would like a knife blade about 5 inch and narrowed it down to these two. What do you guys think? Can the SK-5 be used for pounding? I like the warranty and the sheath on the Ontario better than Fallkniven's. How does the VG-10 compare to the 154CM?
 
Go for the S1. Fallkniven knives are of extreme good quality. Have the A1 and it is just a beautiful beast. I promise you will not be dissapointed.
 
Of those two I'd take the S1 any day, but I'd buy a Scrapyard 511 over both without a second thought.
 
I would go with the Blackbird SK-5, and here is why. 1) Good warranty. Ontario stands behind their products. 2) Fallkniven S1 hides the tang in a rubber handle, but it pokes out at the butt of the handle.You cannot see the sides of the tang though, and the rubber handle cannot be removed.The Blackbird SK-5 uses Micarta scales with a exposed tang that can be removed; No brainer. 3) VG-10 is a good stainless, but 154cm is tougher and will sharpen easier in the field. VG-10 has better corrosion resistance however, and it will have better edge retention. 154cm is as tough as S30V, and both of these knives are almost as tough as 1095, yet their corrosion resistance is so much better.VG-10 is great stainless though, and it makes a good steel for a pocket folder.Here is a steel chart for anyone that wishes to dispute my claims on the steel. http://bladereviews.com/knife-faqs/knife-steel/

P.S Blackbird SK-5 WILL strike a firesteel VERY well with its 90 degree spine, in fact it will shower sparks.
 
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MattBlade said:
Hi, I would like a knife blade about 5 inch and narrowed it down to these two. What do you guys think? Can the SK-5 be used for pounding? I like the warranty and the sheath on the Ontario better than Fallkniven's. How does the VG-10 compare to the 154CM?
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154cm makes a better bushcraft knife because its tougher, easier to sharpen in the field. VG-10 holds a better edge, and its got better corrosion resistance.154cm has good corrosion resistance though. If your gonna be pounding on this knife, go with the 154cm. Here is a chart so you can compare steels and make a educated choice and select whats right for you, enjoy! http://bladereviews.com/knife-faqs/knife-steel/
 
Never handled a Blackbird but it looks like a nice knife.
The Blade is thinner than the S1 so it should be a slicing machine but I do remember reading about a few broken blades.
I think it would be a great companion knife along with a chopper, machete or hatchet.

I've had the S1 for a few years and like it very much. For me, it is more of a stand alone blade.
It is very stout but with a fine edge so it does perform well.
I don't recall ever hearing about a broken S1, that laminated VG-10 takes a pounding.
 
I have the Ontario Blackbird and while I like it I consider it a slicer, or useful camp knife but not a chopper or prying type knife. It has pretty good edge holding, sharpens easy, takes good edges and everything but chopping wood and prying isn't really what it is intended for.

Joe
 
Survival Solutions said:
I would go with the Blackbird SK-5, and here is why. 1) Good warranty. Ontario stands behind their products. 2) Fallkniven S1 hides the tang in a rubber handle, but it pokes out at the butt of the handle.You cannot see the sides of the tang though, and the rubber handle cannot be removed.The Blackbird SK-5 uses Micarta scales with a exposed tang that can be removed; No brainer. 3) VG-10 is a good stainless, but 154cm is tougher and will sharpen easier in the field. VG-10 has better corrosion resistance however, and it will have better edge retention. 154cm is as tough as S30V, and both of these knives are almost as tough as 1095, yet their corrosion resistance is so much better.VG-10 is great stainless though, and it makes a good steel for a pocket folder.Here is a steel chart for anyone that wishes to dispute my claims on the steel. http://bladereviews.com/knife-faqs/knife-steel/

P.S Blackbird SK-5 WILL strike a firesteel VERY well with its 90 degree spine, in fact it will shower sparks.
Click to expand...

To be honest, I'm scratching my head as to how the link to that knife steel "chart" is remotely valid. 8Cr13MoV has the same "ease of sharpening" as S30V? How is that chart even scaled?
 
Cynic2701 said:
To be honest, I'm scratching my head as to how the link to that knife steel "chart" is remotely valid. 8Cr13MoV has the same "ease of sharpening" as S30V? How is that chart even scaled?
Click to expand...

8cr13mov is a softer steel then S30V, and a softer steel is usually able to be given a edge easier, but they also dull quicker as well. As he said in the chart though, its hard to judge steels based on the knife after its made due to the "Heat Treatment". As alot of you knife guys know, even a poor heat treat can bring a super steel to its knees, and a great heat treat can make a cheap steel pretty good. This chart is aimed at evaluating the steel itself before any work or heat treating is done.
 
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