Grip comfort of Fallkniven Vs. Spyderco FB's

L

larrytwohig

Joined
Dec 6, 2002
Messages
395
Right now I have a Perrin FB, but for me the grip is a tad too small, and as a result feels slightly insecure... I was thinking of picking up a Fallkniven F1, or a Spyderco Temperance, but since I have not handled either of these knives, I was wondering what those of you who have, thought. I have medium sized hands, and my fingers are fairly long. Any input on black coating Vs Satin coating on Fallkniven is also welcome? How bout the WM1 neck knife?
 
I find the Spyderco fixed blades to be a little "slick" in my hands. The Fallkniven's do not suffer this phonomena. I can't really say the Fallkniven's feel larger in my hands though. Overall, the Fallknivens are a great field knife for most users.
 
I have pretty large hands, size X-large glove and find that the Spyderco Temperance fits great in my hand. I have a Perrin too and find the handle comfortable as well. However, the Temperance handle is a bit bigger and may be more comfortable for you.

The Temperance is a great knife for utility or SD IWB carry. I did a review of it about a week or so ago that you can search for.
 
I have a F1 in satin finish. The handle fits my hand, average size I guess. No problem with the material becoming slick. I use mine for skinning deer, no problems.




dave
 
hmmm... stuff to think about. Thanks for the comments... keep 'em comin, please :) I'll check out the recent review on the temperance! But I think right now, as long as the handle swell is decent on the Fallkniven F1, I'm leaning towards that instead.
 
If you are going to carry the knife around IWB, the sheath that comes with the Fallkniven is not adequate. It's made of leather and is made to be worn on a belt. The Spydercos are kydex or kydex like material with a lot of carry options.
 
I've got an F1 and WM1. I got my F1 first and when my WM1 arrived I was very surprised at how small the handle was and how thin it was. It's a great little knife but if it's gonna get any sort of prolonged use I'd go for the F1 because it's far superior grip-wise. I've got no opinions on the other knives you mentioned as I don't own them.
 
Right now I have a Perrin FB, but for me the grip is a tad too small, and as a result feels slightly insecure...
... I have medium sized hands, and my fingers are fairly long
Click to expand...
Seems I understand what you are talking about. The same complaint from my side. Perrin handle is excellent for the grip suitable for some kind of knife-fencing. However for heavy cutting in hammer grip I would like forefinger choil to be at least 5 mm shallower.
Fällkniven’s have more conventional grip, they are less risky to buy without pre-handling.

F1 vs. FB Temperance, hmm... Temperance has more complex, I would dare to say – more ergonomic handle and as result more comfortable grip. On the other hand if it wouldn’t match your hand – the ergonomics turns to you with its opposite side, in this case F1 simpler handle could serve you better. Some comparison – try to handle a mach-grade sport pistol with the handle highly tuned to someone else’s hand what doesn’t match your palm and for comparison – a handle of a broom. What would be more comfortable to handle?
Of course it is way exaggerated, with the knives is not so tragic, I just used this to illustrate what I have in my mind.
Additionally – Fällkniven handles are made of checkered Thermoun Elastomer what is somewhat less slippery than Temperance handle made of FRN (Fiber Reinforced Resin).
IMO you definitely should handle both before buying. Or to take a risk and buy the knife you like better in absentia ;)

Fällkniven black teflon coating provides non-glare surface and high rust resistance. On the other hand it is prone to get scratches and the knife blade on heavy use becomes pretty ugly. In fact if you are not going to use your knife in very aggressive environment you can go with satin finish without any problems. VG-10 stainless steel is enough rust resistant for normal conditions.

WM-1 is great little knife, a small bit too big for comfortable and discreet carry around the neck in urban environment but just right for open neck carry going outdoors. Very sturdy blade, IMO it could be somewhat thinner, say 3 mm I could consider as more than enough for its size.
I would advise to handle it before buying also. If Perrin handle seems too thin for you the WM-1 handle might be also.
 
Originally posted by larrytwohig
But I think right now, as long as the handle swell is decent on the Fallkniven F1, I'm leaning towards that instead.
Click to expand...
I had an F1 for awhile, but I didn't care for the finger swell. A lot of people must like this style of handle, because many manufacturers produce them. A slight swell on the finger side is OK, but it is way too pronounced on the F1 for my taste. The knife actually fit my hand better when held edge up and spine down, that's how bad it was for me. My hand is thin, with long fingers. I like a handle that is thick and fairly straight, like Becker Knife & Tool, or is curved down to fill the palm.

The size, steel, and convex edge were great. But it just didn't fit me.
 
could somebody please post a pic of the F1 handle, taken from above... having trouble visualizing the handle "swell" and a pic is worth a thousand words! Thanks in advance!!
 
nice pic, but does anybody have one taken from the top view of the handle, so that I can visualize the cross section? thanks
 
One consideration between those two lines is the full tang vs. partial. I have never seen a Spyderco FB actually break so I can't say whether or not they actually do. I have shot an Xray of my Moran FB while I was bored at work. The tang goes back into the handle about an inch and a half and then stops. On the Fallkniven knives, the tang continues through. Both are of VG-10 and will take an absolutely wicked edge.
Enjoy your hunt for a new toy/ tool.
Doc
 
that's it, I must order the Fallkniven F1!! I try to control the knife voices, but they're so loud! After researching ALL the threads on the F1 here on the forums, I also went ahead and ordered a kool concealex sheath from Eric at OnScene Tactical... he scrounged up a couple pieces of CF pattern kydex, so I can't wait to see the finished product! Any last input on teflon Vs satin finish??
 
OK, here are some photos, all from top to bottom: Fällkniven S1, F1 and WM1
Knives:
s1_f1_wm1.jpg

Handles, side view:
handles_1.jpg

Handles, view from the knife spine:
handles_2.jpg
 
got my F1 today... not quite as paper-shaving sharp as the perrin spyderco, but sharp enough, and a lot more solid! awesome. thanks for the assistance to all those who replied!
 
If you don't like the shaeth that it came with ERic at On Scene Tactical can make you a great multi carry kydex sheath.


f1kydex.jpg
f1sheath.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top