Helle Knives vs. F1

A note about the F1's smallish handle. I too have large hands, and the handle seems a little small at first in my hands. But it locks in for an excellent grip, plus it works exceptionaly well with gloves or mitt's on in winter.

The knife was after all designed for use in arctic conditions.
 
Every time I read about the superiority of the so-called "Scandi" grind vs. convex for carving wood, I recall that my wife's grandfather's knives had convex edges. I have five of them. Their edges are the natural consequence of free-hand sharpening.

He was a professional wood-carver for Pullman Car. Co. and specialized in intricate inlay work. However, he also carved elaborate furniture for executive Pullman cars used by the extremely wealthy in the "Gilded Age." Pullman recruited him from Germany. We are lucky enough to have a table he carved and his work chest.

Poor dear. How little did he know, at the top of his craft, that he was sharpening his knives all wrong. What could he have done had he only known?

^____^
 
hiwa said:
I haven't handled a Helle but my F1 is a great bush knife. Helles' have a rat-tail tang if not mistaken , so maybe there is a possibilitiy of breakage during rough use like battoning . I have never seen or read about a Fallkniven blade actually breaking during use ( ie; point, tang or handle breaking)

Helles are good knives from what I see, but I'd buy the F1 first. It just seems more robust for a bush/survival knife.
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My Helle(Firecat I think is the model) is a fulltang & came scary sharp ! No I don't think it is a "do all" knife but is a great general duty knife. The helle is a very well made/highquality type knife. I have not handled an F1 so no comment on it
 
Thanks for all of the great advice!
I'm thinking I"m leaning toward just getting the F1 for now, but a Helle might not be far in the future!

Thanks again and Happy New Year!
 
Fallkniven makes great knives indeed. If you have the money for one im sure you will love it. I would definitely recommend the leather sheath over the plastic, or better yet, id contact one of the fine leather benders found here on bladeforums and have them fix you up with something nice.


On the other hand, the Helle Eggen is one hell of a knife for 60 bucks. A good friend of mine owns one and I absolutely love it. The ergonomics are what really make it shine. It fit my hand perfectly. I got to use it when we were preparing our fire. It takes a great edge and the scandi really makes sharpening easy. If you decide to go with this knife you might want to invest in some nice stones. I like the sheath 10x more on this knife than either one that comes with the f1. Its nice and tight and the blade doesn't move unless you want it too.

At 60 dollars vs. 110 dollars id say the Helle is slightly more knife for the money. Thats just my opinion though, both knives are great and im sure that youll love either.
 
Just for thought, the Enzo Trapper combines attributes of both. It has a more robust blade and full tang with a scandi grind.

I have an Eggen, and I wouldn't have any qualms about staking my survival on it. You do have to be mindful of it's limitations. It's a cutting tool, and not meant for batoning or prying. With proper use a stick tang scandi can last a lifetime and be handed down to the next generation.
 
Thomas Linton said:
Every time I read about the superiority of the so-called "Scandi" grind vs. convex for carving wood, I recall that my wife's grandfather's knives had convex edges. I have five of them. Their edges are the natural consequence of free-hand sharpening.

He was a professional wood-carver for Pullman Car. Co. and specialized in intricate inlay work. However, he also carved elaborate furniture for executive Pullman cars used by the extremely wealthy in the "Gilded Age." Pullman recruited him from Germany. We are lucky enough to have a table he carved and his work chest.

Poor dear. How little did he know, at the top of his craft, that he was sharpening his knives all wrong. What could he have done had he only known?

^____^
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Can you take pictures of the Table and chest..that would be very cool to see! Also the "improperly" sharpened knives.. Yes, Convex happens...;)
 
The F1 will be heavier and a little sturdier. Helle's laminated blades will bend before they break. Both will cut anything you need if you treat them as cutting tools.
 
Timblade said:
Thanks for all of the great advice!
I'm thinking I"m leaning toward just getting the F1 for now, but a Helle might not be far in the future!

Thanks again and Happy New Year!
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That's the spirit... get one of each! :thumbup:

I have an F1 and a Helle Harding. The F1 is one of my all-time favorite knives, despite the handle being small for my large hands.

The Harding is a beautiful knife that always draws compliments, but a closer look shows a poor bolster-to-blade fit that makes it look a little weak there. The full-tang F1 is obviously far more rugged.

The Harding has the wonderful feel of a natural (wood) handle. As with the F1, the blade steel and edge are fantastic.

I think you'd be very pleased with either of these knives, and even more pleased to have both! :D

Happy New Year to you too,
desmobob
 
In terms of the sheath. The F1 sheath although it isn't very luxurious. It is very light and compact. And I have found that when I am choosing which knife to bring on the next hike. I often go by weight. So even similarly sized knives for me the F1 wins. Although I prefer a scandi grind for lighter edc type tasks.
 
Hi!

I have a fallkniven S1 and probably about 10 Helle knives.

The knives from helle is superior when it comes to woodswork, whittling and so. If thats mainly what you will use the knife for, go on. If you want a more versatile knife that handles most tasks good, get a fallkniven.
 
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