Fallkniven U2 update please

J

joeyabs81

Joined
Jun 8, 2004
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I know there were some past threads regarding the Fallkniven U2 folder, but I am considering th purchase of one, and would like to know even more about the knife. For instance: edge holding over the past several months, corrosion resistance of the blade, blade play(if any), and overall fit and finish. Perhaps comparisons to the spyderco delica would shed some light on the knife's general attributes. I would appreciate any information concerning this knife. Also, I would like to see even more pics if possible. Thanks!
 
I too have been interested in the U2. The price seems decent, perhaps a wee bit high where I have looked. Differences I can see readily are that the Delica is a one hand opener while the U2 is more of a traditional fingernail nick lockback. Both knives are lockbacks. The FRN handle Delica is VG10 steel. The U2 is some type of new-style proprietary powder steel. I like the Scandinavian knives and think this one would be a good choice for a beginner one.

Do you own any other Fallkniven products, especially the fixed blades? I would be interested in your opinion of them in terms of quality, edge durability, possible sharpness, etc. I have considered also the no handle fixed blades that Fallkniven produces for user finishing. This is a neat idea that I wish more manufacturers and blade makers would follow.
 
I have been using a U2 for a few days. The cutting ability is high due to the thin stock, high flat grind and very thin edge (~0.007"). I have used the knife in the kitchen on onions with no rush to wipe it off and there is no corrosion on the blade in the same time which will discolor several steels readily. The steel is spec'ed hard (61-62,62,64 HRC) depending on where you read it, and the alloy content high so edge holding for light cutting should be good in general.

The lockup is *tight*, with a loud snap. Easily handles spine whacks (light and moderate, fast and heavy), and can't be readily white knuckled except in odd grips. It opens readily with a nail nick, both sides.

I should be able to do some edge holding work in a week or so, and be a little more informative on ergonomics, security etc. .

Bowzer, the possible sharpness of VG-10 is high, as in above shaving, cutting hair above the skin. As for edge durability, depends on the knife as the geometry varies significantly. The H1's for example have a very thin edge (~0.005") so you would not want to smack them off something hard. The older A1 and S1 models I used were much thicker edged and thus more durable, however they reprofiled them since I used them and I am not sure on the current geometries. Fallkniven has a forum on Knifeforums so you might want to ask there, a lot of posts there - same goes for questions on the U2.

-Cliff
 
The spine on the U2 is 0.095", the Calpyso Jr. is slightly thicker at 0.115". The Calypso Jr. is however much wider, mainly due to the SpyderHump for the opening hole.

While the knives appear to be of similar size, handling wise they are very differnt. The Calypso Jr.'s effective handle length is 10.5 cm, while its 8.5 cm on the U2.

This doesn't sound like a large difference, but its about 25% and makes the Calypso Jr. full handled, meaning it can extend across the hand and outside it in a hammer grip, thus vastly increasing comfort on heavy cutting.

On the other hand the U2 being smaller and more narrow, works better in pinch style grips.

The blade designs are fairly similar, while appearing to be different. Both have the point inline with the center of the blade, the U2 has more curve until the tip for skinning, etc., while the Calypso Jr. has the thumb ramp for better point control and ease of poking.

The cutout in the lockback release on the Calypso Jr. is also very nice for reducing accidental white knuckle releases, and makes disengaging the lock somewhat easier as well.

In terms of NIB sharpness, the U2 shaved well, but was not very aggressive. Fallkniven has been hit or miss with this on the last three knives I have seen. One H1 was highly polished but still has decent bite (half as much force to slice 3/8" hemp on a 2" draw as required for a straight push), however another H1 and this U2 has no aggression on a slice on the hemp.

The U2 doesn't have a clip either, so rides deep in the pocket. If you wear jeans its fits perfectly in the watch pocket. It also works well as a neck knife if you rig up some kind of laynard, and while a bit big can work as a keychain knife as well.

-Cliff
 
Cliff Stamp said:
The spine on the U2 is 0.095", the Calpyso Jr. is slightly thicker at 0.115". The Calypso Jr. is however much wider, mainly due to the SpyderHump for the opening hole.

While the knives appear to be of similar size, handling wise they are very differnt. The Calypso Jr.'s effective handle length is 10.5 cm, while its 8.5 cm on the U2.

This doesn't sound like a large difference, but its about 25% and makes the Calypso Jr. full handled, meaning it can extend across the hand and outside it in a hammer grip, thus vastly increasing comfort on heavy cutting.

On the other hand the U2 being smaller and more narrow, works better in pinch style grips.

The blade designs are fairly similar, while appearing to be different. Both have the point inline with the center of the blade, the U2 has more curve until the tip for skinning, etc., while the Calypso Jr. has the thumb ramp for better point control and ease of poking.

The cutout in the lockback release on the Calypso Jr. is also very nice for reducing accidental white knuckle releases, and makes disengaging the lock somewhat easier as well.

In terms of NIB sharpness, the U2 shaved well, but was not very aggressive. Fallkniven has been hit or miss with this on the last three knives I have seen. One H1 was highly polished but still has decent bite (half as much force to slice 3/8" hemp on a 2" draw as required for a straight push), however another H1 and this U2 has no aggression on a slice on the hemp.

The U2 doesn't have a clip either, so rides deep in the pocket. If you wear jeans its fits perfectly in the watch pocket. It also works well as a neck knife if you rig up some kind of laynard, and while a bit big can work as a keychain knife as well.

-Cliff
Click to expand...

Thanks Cliff. If I may be so bold as to ask two more questions:

Which knife do you prefer, and which is the better slicer?
-Kevin
 
I can't compare the cutting performance directly because the Calypso Jr. I have is on loan from my brother and its fully serrated. Given the very close geometries (full flat grind, thin and acute edges) I would expect the cutting performance to be very similar and the advantage falling towards the one with the better sharpening.

The U2 should have an advantage in edge holding, how significant this is I'll check out by comparing it to the Temperance in VG-10, on cardboard, woods and so on. It will also be of interest to note if there are any fragility issues due to the higher hardness and alloy content.

Which one would I prefer. Well the Calypso Jr has :

1) clip
2) one handed
3) bigger handle (more leverage)
4) really nice point control with complementary choil/thumb ramp
5) slightly gripper handle

The U2 has :

1) no clip (ergonomic advantage)
2) small handle so easier for precision work
3) harder steel for edge with more carbides thus possible edge retention advantage
4) looks less like a weapon (yes there are people who think the Calypso Jr. is too "tactical" looking)

Right now the U2 is working very well as an EDC, it doesn't get any odd looks at work, and can zip open a bag of paper for the printer with no odd looks.

If I was carrying just one folder, I would want something a bit bigger to allow extended heavy cutting with more comfort and the Calypso Jr. does that readily, but as a smaller, more people friendly, precision knife the U2 is working quite well. It is essentially an updated gentlemens folder with a modern high-tech stainless steel. So I would not say it competes directly with the Spyderco because its more of a tradition design (no clip, two handed opener), so is geared towards a different viewpoint.

-Cliff
 
Here's a ?

Could you make 2 small holes for a Spyderco wire clip then drill a hole and put a screw in to hold on the clip? Problem partly solved.
 
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