master hunter comparable to f1?

N

newknife

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Jul 6, 2008
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Would the cold steel master hunter be comparable to the fallkniven f1? It cost less which is appealing but what would be the major advantages or disadvantages of one over the other?


Thanks...
 
VG-1 vs VG-10; slightly different handle shapes + blade sizes.

IMO, the Fällkniven is better (but more $$)

My experience with the Master Hunter was an older aus-8 version, but Cold Steel's knives haven't exactly gone up in quality since then....
 
Never owned a Fallkniven but have owned a ton of CS. Matter of fact I use the first year issue of the Master Hunter in 01. BEST hunting knife I have ever owned bar none and I have owned a ton. Never used the AUS8a or the VG1, but have owned a Hatamoto in VG1 and not a bad thing to say about that knife either. I currently own a AUS8a Hatamoto. The older carbon steel Master Hunters I would have to say are the way to go if it was me looking for one and then I would put it up against any other commercially made hunter for a using knife. keepem sharp
 
Welcome to the forums!

If you purchase the Fallkniven F1 you puchase a knife from a respected company with a great customer service. I own several Fallknivens (19), and am very satisfied with them. You always get a good quality knife from them.

If you purchase a Cold Steel Master Hunter you get a knife from a not so respected company, with a hit-and-run quality control. I do not own the Master Hunter, but I have some other Cold Steels. The quality is not always there. So maybe you have a good one - maybe you don't.

Kind regards,

Jos
 
Don't own one, but Fallkniven has a deserved rep for making quality knives and between it and the current version of the MH I'd go with the F1. That being said, I own an older Master Hunter in Carbon V and it is an excellent knife that has served me well- problem is they are getting a bit harder to find. If you can find an older Master Hunter in Carbon V it is definitely worth considering.
 
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What about the S1? Does anyone here own one of those? Are you able to get it as sharp as an F1? Is the blade too thick? Seems much beefier... curious how that affects the performance over the F1.
 
I've got an S1 as well. The blade is not too thick, it's every bit as sharp as the F1.

Kind regards,

Jos
 
That may work for me then. I like the F1 and everything I've read gives it great reviews but I would like something with a little longer blade. So maybe the S1 would be a better option.

Is there anything else comparable to the S1 in the same price range that is similar...that would be worth considering?


thanks....
 
I would rank my MH in Carbon V above the F1 in VG 10. It really is an excellent knife. The newer ones in VG1 would probably rank slightly below the F1, but that's a guess based on what I know about VG1.
 
newknife said:
Is there anything else comparable to the S1 in the same price range that is similar...that would be worth considering?
Click to expand...

In my experience Bark River is comparable to Fallkniven in price/quality. Check out the Bravo-1.

Kind regards,

Jos
 
F1's are noted for having smallish handles....something to consider.

i have had my CS hunter in carbon V for about 18yrs. it has served me well.

used to own 2 bark rivers. sold both of them. the handles were too slippery.
 
Any other knives anyone would suggest that would fit what I'm looking for? I'm looking for a fixed blade, at least 4in, under $100, that can take a beating when using it on wood. Something that will sharpen easy and I won't have to worry about.

I was thinking about just buying an inexpensive mora, and may still, but still think maybe I should spend a little and get something I like more. Thing is.. I don't know much about knives and am not too familiar with whats out there that would fit what I want.

Suggestions?
 
I really like USA-made knives - even simple mundane Bucks. The rubber-like handled 'Made in Japan' Falknivens are nice, if you like that sort of thing, just not my style. Besides, if I want real quality, I have a mix of Bark Rivers... too slick with their Micarta or G10? Rough up the handles - even slightly - it helps. Me, I can't stop handling them - they are, even in their least expensive form, techno-works-of-art. Compare the cheapest B R 'Fox River' to the F1...

Stainz
 
Scandi grinds are always a good bet if you're not a sharpening guru, and Moras would be a cheap, and very functional way to go in that direction. You might also look at some customs. Many makers that post here are making the very knives you seek. For example, I've been drooling over Stomper's 4" hiker, and Kephart models. Both seem pretty close to what you're describing, at slightly over $100. And don't rule out the Bark Rivers. They are fine knives, made with exceptional steel. The owner, Mike Stewart, is a great guy to deal with. Don't be scared off by the slippery handles. I took an SOS pad to my Fox River handles for about 5 minutes, then lightly sanded with some 80 grit. Now they're just right, they just don't look as nice and shiny as before. But the grip is much improved. All that being said, the F1 is a fine piece. I sold mine, and still regret it. Hope some of this helps.
 
raindog101 said:
Scandi grinds are always a good bet if you're not a sharpening guru, and Moras would be a cheap, and very functional way to go in that direction. You might also look at some customs. Many makers that post here are making the very knives you seek. For example, I've been drooling over Stomper's 4" hiker, and Kephart models. Both seem pretty close to what you're describing, at slightly over $100. And don't rule out the Bark Rivers. They are fine knives, made with exceptional steel. The owner, Mike Stewart, is a great guy to deal with. Don't be scared off by the slippery handles. I took an SOS pad to my Fox River handles for about 5 minutes, then lightly sanded with some 80 grit. Now they're just right, they just don't look as nice and shiny as before. But the grip is much improved. All that being said, the F1 is a fine piece. I sold mine, and still regret it. Hope some of this helps.
Click to expand...

do you have a site for the stomper?
 
I have an F1, an S1, and a Master Hunter in VG1 San Mail.

Of the 3, I like the S1 the best.
The F1 is great, but the handle is somewhat small.
The S1 has a longer handle and a heavier blade.
It's just as sharp as the F1.

The Cold Steel is really nicely made in Japan as are the Fallknivens, but I like VG-10 over VG-1.
 
The Cold Steel Master Hunter in Carbon V is one of the best hunting knives out there. I've used mine for over 15 years, I have nothing but good things to say about it.
 
Bark River Gameskeeper II with 5-3/4", A2 carbon steel blade, convex grind.

Fallkniven S1 with 5-1/8", VG-10 stainless steel blade, convex grind.

Both: :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
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