Fehrman Knives - First Strike vs. Final Judgment

[Suicycoprowler]

I am a little intrigued by Fehrman Knives. I've been looking into them lately and I noticed there seems to be more of a following here in W&SS.

Specifically, I am looking for comparisons between the 7.5" First Strike and the 9.5" Final Judgment. Is there anyone here who has both knives? I am interested in how they compare when engaging in general outdoor/camping use, such as chopping, batoning, prying, digging, and slicing. Does the extra 2 inches of CPM-3V make the Final Judgment much more heavy? Does that provide noticeably more chopping power? Are there things that the First Strike performs better at than the Final Judgment?

Here are the pictures, as posted at the Fehrman site:

First Strike

Final Judgment

Additionally, I'd be interested in hearing any pros and cons regarding the Fehrman Knives line of knives.

 

[jll346]

He makes an outstanding knife.:thumbup:

 

[foxyrick]

For anyone reading this thread in the GB+U, it's not here because there's anything wrong with Eric Fehrman or his superb knives. It was moved here because the thread went off-topic and some 'heated discussions' started between the members. Nothing to do with Eric's service or his knives whatsoever.

Back to the thread...

Sorry that I don't have an FJ, but I can say that the FS is a terrific knife. It feels lighter to me that I expected, certainly lighter than similar length Busses which I tend to compare Fehrman's to quality-wise.

The rubber liner in the handle does seem to work as advertised; reducing shock during chopping and especially batoning. The FS chops quite nicely for its length in soft and hard wood. It's fueled a good few fires for me.

Edge holding is great. I convexed mine (took a while - no belt grinder here) and although it loses hair-popping sharpness quickly in hard wood (like most knives) it then holds a perfectly usable edge almost for ever.

Slicing is good. Although the blade is thick, the full-height grind gives a reasonable edge profile.

I haven't used it for digging (and never will unless I have to) or prying, but heavy batoning through knotty wood didn't bother the knife and it seems very strong.

The only reserve that I have is a purely personal one: the grip just doesn't quite fit my hand perfectly. I find my magnum fusion handled Busses more fitting. That said, the Fehrman has a very good handle finish with no hot spots (unlike Busses) and feels very comfortable in that regard. Also, I do have abnormal hands; more like a small ape's!

I really wish the grip fit me 100% instead of only 90%. It would easily equal my Busses if it did.

Overall, a very, very nice knife. Fit and finish spot-on, good steel obviously well treated, excellent design and people with normal hands can't go wrong with it.

Rick.

 

[ROCK6]

Rick gave a real good run down. I own a Last Chance, First Strike and Extreme Judgement (same size as the FJ, just a pronounced recurve). I think the extra two inches are worth the larger size; it really does make a difference in chopping if that is one of your requirements. The handle is the type where some people like it or they don't. If it fits, than Fehrmans are a top choice for you. I've had no issues chopping and battoning with either. My Last Chance and EJ get used the most. The First Strike is a good blade, but I've found I carry shorter blades more often and if I want a chopper, I want something with a 9+ inch blade. With the right techniques, you can make them perform small-knife tasks, but my preference is to have a folder or smaller fixed blade for those and leave the chopper to what it does best. For a "one knife" concept the First Strike would be a good choice, but I've found that carrying anything over a ~5-6" fixed-bladed knife is too cumbersome unless you have a dedicated baldric or other over-the-shoulder carrying system...or, most often, they are put in the pack or strapped to the side.

ROCK6

 

[baldtaco-II]

I like the look of some of their designs, but: This may be of no relevance to you whatsoever. It may make them more attractive to you. The below turned me off quicker than finding half a dog turd in a pork pie. I'm not going to say anything else about it because some people may bruise easily. All I know is that I'd feel sickened if I discovered that after I made a purchase. Others may feel similarly, I dunno -

http://www.fehrmanknives.com/faith.htm

 

[foxyrick]

I really don't think it matters. Everyone has their beliefs, religious and otherwise. Most of the time you'll have no idea what they are. Fehrman has a page on his website telling you his - so what? No-one's forced to read it or agree with it, and it's not as if he's saying anything extreme. Just normal Christianity-type stuff.

I'm more interested in his precision-engineered knives. If anything, if he wants to make his knives of such quality to honour his god of choice, that's better for us who want to buy them!

 

[Suicycoprowler]

Thanks for the replies. :thumbup: Lots of good information. I am interested in more testimonials or comparisons if anyone would have one.

As far as Fehrman's profession of faith, that doesn't bother me a bit. From what I've researched in older BFC threads, Eric Fehrman has an excellent reputation for being a good person to work with.

 

[baldtaco-II]

As I understand it his reputation as a knife maker is second to none.

 

[R.H.Clark]

I have the 10" Hood Hunter.I purchased it because I like big blades of this type.I wanted something a little faster with a better point than the FJ.I think it is a fine knife of this type made from a great steel.If however I wanted to be more practical I would have bought the Peace Maker and carried a machete or hatchet for chopping.The PM will be my next purchase.

The faith statement didn't bother me at all.In fact it caused me to choose Fehrman over the other tough knife maker who talks a lot about being drunk.No need to turn this into a faith discussion.Let the quality stand alone for any blade.

 

[bearcut]

I like the look of some of their designs, but: This may be of no relevance to you whatsoever. It may make them more attractive to you. The below turned me off quicker than finding half a dog turd in a pork pie. I'm not going to say anything else about it because some people may bruise easily. All I know is that I'd feel sickened if I discovered that after I made a purchase. Others may feel similarly, I dunno -

http://www.fehrmanknives.com/faith.htm

The other competitor in this class of knives has a belief system also, and couple of mottos: 'I'm a hog!" and, "Let's Drink!"
I'm not going to say anything else about it because some people may bruise easily.

 

[baldtaco-II]

The other competitor in this class of knives has a belief system also, and couple of mottos: 'I'm a hog!" and, "Let's Drink!"
I'm not going to say anything else about it because some people may bruise easily.

bearcut, hola

I suspected that very strongly amigo. I'm loathed to get into this, and as I said at the top I won't make any further comment on Fehrman in relation to it here. I think it is sufficient to note that I don't discriminate between any religions. If someone wants to use it as a selling point to market their knives, well then it cuts both ways. That I know of others like me who are quite particular as to whether some clans, faiths, political parties, terrorist outfits, and other affiliations might be being supported by our money is sufficient motive for me to flag it up. In an ideal world there wouldn't be a need to be so guarded and we would just be able to judge a product on merit, in the real world that isn't sufficient for me.

I don't like any of it no matter the maker. It disappoints me. Anyway, enough from me now.

 

[foxyrick]

Oink oink... ouch! lol...

Getting back to what really matters... the knives...

Well, the sheaths, anyway. That was my only disappointment with the FS. The kydex sheath was not very good. Thin, flimsy, and nowhere near the quality of the knife. It was a shame to put the knife in it. So much so that I've only just remembered it.

On the other hand, the leather sheaths look very good but I've not handled one.

I bought my FS pre-loved so got what I was given. Fortunately, that included a much better kydex sheath made by its previous owner. I keep the thinner one fixed inside a pack so that I can keep the knife there without messing about with the better belt sheath.

Just something to keep in mind when purchasing.

 

[Suicycoprowler]

Well, the sheaths, anyway. That was my only disappointment with the FS. The kydex sheath was not very good. Thin, flimsy, and nowhere near the quality of the knife. It was a shame to put the knife in it. So much so that I've only just remembered it.

On the other hand, the leather sheaths look very good but I've not handled one.

Thanks for the heads-up regarding their in-house kydex. Does anyone here have a review of Fehrman's leather sheaths?

 

[gunknifenut]

I have to chime in..the First Strike is a great blade..I love the handle and the edge..the geometry...overall..a fantastic knife. I did however often think that for a knife of this width..and design. a litle more length would be great. honestly, it didnt chop all that well. it was light. I would bet my ass on the knife being one of the toughest knives on the planet...but as a chopper..give me the BK9. Gene

 

[sodak]

I like the look of some of their designs, but: This may be of no relevance to you whatsoever. It may make them more attractive to you. The below turned me off quicker than finding half a dog turd in a pork pie. I'm not going to say anything else about it because some people may bruise easily. All I know is that I'd feel sickened if I discovered that after I made a purchase. Others may feel similarly, I dunno -

http://www.fehrmanknives.com/faith.htm

No, just the opposite. I don't know what would cause you to be sickened... I don't know why you feel compelled to bring this up either. Don't like it, then move along.

I have several Fehrman's, and they are fantastic knives.

 

[crossada]

Thanks for the heads-up regarding their in-house kydex. Does anyone here have a review of Fehrman's leather sheaths?

rather bulky imo. has large plastic d-ring type things sticking out the sides for some kind of tie down purposes. i got a on-scene tactical for my hood hunter and it isn't much larger than the blade:thumbup:

 

[Leatherface]

No, just the opposite. I don't know what would cause you to be sickened... I don't know why you feel compelled to bring this up either. Don't like it, then move along.

I agree completely...bringing this crap up is B.S. IMHO and has nothing to do with the quality of his knives...

 

[gunknifenut]

I like the look of some of their designs, but: This may be of no relevance to you whatsoever. It may make them more attractive to you. The below turned me off quicker than finding half a dog turd in a pork pie. I'm not going to say anything else about it because some people may bruise easily. All I know is that I'd feel sickened if I discovered that after I made a purchase. Others may feel similarly, I dunno -

http://www.fehrmanknives.com/faith.htm

OLD NEWS...
Gene

 

[gunknifenut]

I like the look of some of their designs, but: This may be of no relevance to you whatsoever. It may make them more attractive to you. The below turned me off quicker than finding half a dog turd in a pork pie. I'm not going to say anything else about it because some people may bruise easily. All I know is that I'd feel sickened if I discovered that after I made a purchase. Others may feel similarly, I dunno -

http://www.fehrmanknives.com/faith.htm

I just thought of this..maybe you get sick ...because you are the spawn of the devil..?? just sayin.........
OH..just so ya'll know..I am DRUNK while stickin up for Fehrman...I like them both..so there.

 

[ROCK6]

Baldtaco is entitled to his opinion and he may have come across a little too divisive, but I don't think he meant to tarnish the Ferhman's or their knives...he's a quality member here; but you're right gunknifenut, this probably does belong in the Whine and Cheese. We all love the outdoors and regardless of our religion, race, creed or gender; let's just focus on the knives and not the religions of others. Damn! I sound like a moderator Where's Brian when you need him

ROCK6