Knife Recommendation Fallkniven A1 or ESSE 6?

T

THEMAKKER13

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Mar 4, 2011
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I was thinking of purchasing my first quality knife, and I was particularly looking at the Fallkniven A1 and ESSE 6 clip point serrated blade, and I was wondering if anyone had an opinion which was the better knife for general bushcraft.Thanks
 
I apologize if my question was elementary or not what this forum is about, but I'm 14 years old, and I've done research over the internet but was looking for some information. Any additional help would be appreciated.
 
It might help for you to watch my video review on the A1 that I posted on youtube. I don't know if I can successfully embed the video, but here is the URL:

[youtube]1YwzalAV_fI[/youtube]

I have never reviewed the ESEE 6, but I did review the ESEE 5. URL here:

[youtube]7SWwl2hTO1M[/youtube]

I also reviewed the Bushman which is a similar size and I was very impressed with it's quality after some modification. That video is currently uploading.
 
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Welcome to Bladeforums Themakker13 - you'll find plenty of help here. I have the Fallkniven A1 and I can tell you it is a beast of a knife, easy to maintain, tough as nails and has laminated Japanese steel (VG10).

The ESEE-6 is also a great blade from all reports, it's American made if that's important to you and comes with one of the best warrantees in the business (you break it they replace it). It's made from 1095 which is also great but not stainless so you'll need to make sure you keep it dry and oil it occasionally.

In terms of general bushcraft though I'd recommend a 4" blade rather than a 6". You can use ESEE4 or Fallkniven F1 if those are the two companies that interest you.

If you are looking at fooling around in the woods, making camp fires, tent stakes, and general utility stuff you'll normally have little need for anything larger than 5". I use a Bark River Aurora (4.5") and it's more than enough knife for those tasks.

Here's the aurora and some spoon carving:

IMG_0090.jpg
 
you can't really compare esee 5 to esee 6 though. there completely different. esee 5 is much thicker and heavier than the 6 despite being an inch shorter.
 
THEMAKKER13 said:
Ok thanks, I had previously been on your website and saw the reviews. Who makes the Bushman?
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Cold Steel makes the bushman. It is an inexpensive knife in the 7" blade range. I agree with HandofGod above. If you are looking for general woodwork and bushcraft type stuff than 4" is ideal. Personally, I suggest that everyone start with a Mora #1 or a Marttiini 571. They are inexpensive and great quality knives. Plus, their grind is great for learning!

Don't drop $90 plus on a knife unless you are already proficient with something reliable at a cheaper price. I made the same mistake when I was your age and thought that buying a $700 guitar would make me play better. It doesn't haha.
 
JimSocks said:
you can't really compare esee 5 to esee 6 though. there completely different. esee 5 is much thicker and heavier than the 6 despite being an inch shorter.
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That's true, but the A1 is .24" thick, the ESEE 5 is .25" thick and the ESEE 6 is .188"

The A1 and ESEE 6 aren't exactly in the same group either.
 
BushCraftKnifeReview said:
Don't drop $90 plus on a knife unless you are already proficient with something reliable at a cheaper price. I made the same mistake when I was your age and thought that buying a $700 guitar would make me play better. It doesn't haha.
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I think we've all been there at some stage. I just bought a Fender Stratocaster and realised I need to relearn all of the stuff I'd forgotten over the last ten years.

I forgot to mention, don't get serrations. I have never found a use for them and it's a good way to turn a 6" blade into 3". Serrations are typically used for cutting webbing, rope and cordage.
 
I have both these knives. I consider both of these to be good hard use camp knives that can handle chopping, batoning and general kitchen/food prep.

The RC6 is a better slicer (thinner) while the A1 gets my vote for ergonomics and corrosion resistance. The leather sheath for the A1 is very good.

You can't go wrong with either pick although I have been a big fan of Fallkniven for many years and I would lean towards the A1 if you have the money.
 
Both are great knives...but I think it really boils down to if you care about it being stainless or not.

I am a big ESEE fan so I would personally opt for the 6, just because I simply love the feel of it in my hand. I've handled the A1 and it was nice, but the ESEE felt simply amazing in my hand (I have big hands).

Truth be told, you can't go wrong either way... but if you have the opportunity to feel and handle both before you make your decision I would really encourage that. Get the one that feels best to you.
 
Welcome to the forums.

In my opinion, both the A1 and the ESEE are good knives. For me I prefer the Fallkniven. I just don't care for the ergos on the ESEE knives.

I have a couple of Fallknivens and all of them are high quality pieces and have performed well above what I would expect. The A1 is a fantastic woods knife and will do most anything you ask of it. It has excellent steel and ergos. It just "feels" right to me. It's what I would pick. Good luck choosing.
 
There are a number of quality knives that fall within the range described by these two knives: 3/16 -> 1/4" thick; 5-6" long; ; stainless -> not stainless.

Not all of them are even new.

Here's a consideration, and my no means an insignificant one for a hand tool: which knife feels good in your hand after long periods of work with the knife? Not one person here can answer that question for you - at least not without information of some relevant experience on your part.
 
I agree with the sentiments about not getting a serrated edge,I've had these types of combo edge knives and it seems like you dont get the best of either edge.Also 1095 may be a little easier to sharpen and may not chip as easy(not always true) ,however vg10 may take a finer longer lasting edge for slicing food.all the above depends on good heat treat-but both are awesome knives.
 
Ok thanks. The ESSE 4 definitely looked like a nice knife with the shorter blade length you guys talked about. So would I be correct in saying that the laminated vg10 steel would hold a better edge but the 1095 is easier to sharpen, tougher, but more prone to rusting?
 
Ok thanks. The ESSE 4 seems like a nice knife with a smaller blade length like you guys said. Would I be correct in saying that the laminated vg10 holds a better edge and is less rust prone but the 1095 is easier to sharpen, tougher, but rusts more?
 
Makker, the clip point will impede you for bushcrafting purposes.
Serrations are your call (I'm not a serrations guy personally). If you see yourself spending a lot of time with cordage to cut, serrations may be helpful.
Either blade will work great. It comes down to money. I have little experience with Falkniven, but from what I understand, they are top notch.
 
THEMAKKER13 said:
Would I be correct in saying that the laminated vg10 holds a better edge and is less rust prone but the 1095 is easier to sharpen, tougher, but rusts more?
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The VG-10 convex edge will hold a much better edge and for much longer from my experience with a A1 and ESEE 4/Izula.

VG 10 is also very rust resistant, I have never oiled mine and there is no visible rust or a dulling of the edge. 1095 will rust if left wet or in a high humidity environment. Again just my experience but my Izula will lose a razor edge overnight in 80-90% humidity if I don't oil the blade.

1095 is easier to sharpen and in my experience easier to get razor sharp.

As for which one is 'tougher' I think that depends on what you mean by tough. The fallkniven held up much better on the destruction tests but will chip if you hit stones. 1095 is more likely to roll if you hit stones.

All of this is entirely my personal experience. I am not a pro, nor do I claim to be one.
 
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