Fallkniven v other rubber handled products....

Marion David Poff

Marion David Poff

Joined
Oct 8, 1998
Messages
5,403
Good Day,

I am not a fan of rubber handles.

But, I have been looking at the Fallkniven line with some interest.

What is the rubber of their handles like? Say, compared to the Spyderco Moran inserts of the handle of Sissipuuko, two knives with which I have some experience.
 
As I recall, both Fallkniven line and the Spyderco Moran use Kraton. There are differant grades of kraton (ie some are a little harder or softer than others), but these two should be very similar since they are made in the same factory (the VG-10 steel and heat treatment are the same also).
 
Fallkniven uses something called "Thermorun Elastomer" for the handles on its F1, and most other fixed blades, while I believe the H model or Hunter handle is Kraton. (Sorry, I don't know what they use for handles on their kitchen line of knives.) Thermorun is firmer than Kraton, but not as hard as the old hard rubber handles on an antique Colt. It gives an excellent grip and is probably a bit more durable than Kraton but not as grippy under extreme conditions (cold, wet, covered with critter innards, etc.) It's good stuff, tho.
 
I bought an F1 and A1 a few years ago, both great knives. I sold the A1 because the handle was too short for me, but I still carry the F1 daily in a Concealex sheath from Eric at On/Scene Tactical.

IMHO, the F1 is the best buy in a small fixed blade knife for everyday use or wilderness/survival chores. Outstanding piece of hardware :) .

Regards,
Clay
 
I received a Fallkniven WM1 yesterday with the Thurmorun handle. Obviously I can't speak a whole lot about the material since I've only had it one day. It is harder than I expected, not squishy at all. It has a fairly smooth texture but provides a good amount of grip. I like the knife but I'm not sure if I wouldn't spend the extra money to get the micarta scales next time but it was my first experience with Fallkniven and didn't want to dump to much money into an unknown quantity. It appears that the material will scratch rather easily degrading the appearance but I bought it as a user so I can live with that. I'm a big fan of convex blades and overall I'm happy with the knife (the HUGE cord that it came with has to go however!). :)
 
Hey Guys..

I have an entire set of Fallknivens,,and I like the handles on them...

They haven't given me any problems yet..

They are a little tore up here and there from making sheaths,, but no problem what so ever..

The FI is also my favorite Fallkniven and is used quite often...

MSP..

I can't believe after being on the forums for so long,,longer than me I suspect,,and see all of the favorable replies about Fallkniven,,that you don't own any yourself...

And you call yourself a Knife Knutt... :)

Whats the matter with you boy!!:)

Go get an FI,, you'll like it..

ttyle

Eric...
 
for made2cut and WM1:

I have both versions of the WM1, and I have to say that the Micarta hanlded one is BEAUTIFUL, but the "rubber" handled one is the real user. I enjoy owning them both, but I always use the latter for actual work, because of the more secure and comfortable grip.


Great knives, all of them (I have also used an A1 and a H1, and I can only say good things about them).
 
The Fallkniven S1, F1, and WM1 feel just fine in the hand. Its thermorun elastomer is essentially rubber. But is much firmer and less tacky than other similar handled blades such as Cold Steel. The molded checkered pattern on the S1 and the F1 provide a secure grip and has not given my hands any sting even after extended use.

The F1 is a fine choice for a sensibly priced no frills hard using blade in its size category. As a side here, I find the convex grind, especially on these relatively thick stock blades, will perform tenfold better if they are reangled on a Spyderco Sharpmaker with the diamond sleeves at the 20% setting. This will allow for a true edge bevel that will cut and slice like no other similarly priced production blade anywhere. The F1 is my favorite and most used in the shop. I do not recall any other production blade that can cut as well as the F1 with this modified edge angle. Period. (To quote Freddie Perrin!) :)

Nakano
 
The checkered grips on the A1, S1 etc., are very similar to the grips on the Cold Steel Trailmaster, Recon Scout etc. . I did find that the Fallkniven ones were more durable and better bonded to the tang, however the Cold Steel blades were heavier and did see a lot more high impact use which is harder on the handles. The Fallkniven grips are more ergonomic as they are actually shaped and have subtle difference depending on the intended use of the knife. However, I'd vastly prefer something like Micarta as it is much more durable in regards to getting cut, tore, worn, burnt, etc. .

-Cliff
 
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