Mid-sized Utility; Entrek or Fallkniven?

T

thanos

Joined
Jan 25, 2007
Messages
13
Basically what the title says - Entrek Elk or Fallkniven A1...?

Well abit of background. I do a fair bit of camping, hiking and the like and am bascially looking to move up alittle and get myself a new fixed utility blade. I currently carry a SOG Tech Bowie which has served extremely me well since the blades inception (got the 05 special edition). However I have become intrigued by all the different options in steel types, treatments, blade dynamics, handles etc... and the best way to gain experience is to get your hands on one (and living in Australia; guns, knives and hunting aint too big... unless its for cane toads or rabbits).

After a couple days of research, I've come up with these two and am lookin for opinions and advise or possibly other alternatives.The elk and a1 respectively in a thousand words (both from defenseknife, the shop I'll mosst probably be purchasing from);

yhst-84729437292754_2014_77790587
yhst-84729437292754_2014_38559601


My basic paramters were a blade of 6-7 inches, a tough bastard and fairly easy to sharpen and maintain. Stainless or yes high chromium steel is a requirement due to the nature of my adventures - I am often around (or in) salt water. That is not to say i need cobalt-titanium or h1 (although the Spyderco Rock Salt did make the shortlist - and would be swayed by any favourable testimonials). I also do favour a full tang, bowie-like blade (functional and you cant say no to good aesthetics
smile.gif
) and something in and around that price range.

To me, The fallkniven has the fancier steel, but likewise its all in the heat treatment as I have gathered. Also Entrek's warranty and micarta handles is something I hold as a plus. But in saying this, the fallknivens not there to play second fiddle and I know its a very popular choice for good reason. Any experience or input would be appreciated.

Cheers
 
Easy choice: Fällkniven A1.

That double guard makes actually using the Entrek for cutting very bothersome, as it interferes with a whole lot of grips. Fällkniven has their heat treat right, that isn't a problem. Their laminated VG-10 is very corrosion resistant, and a better steel than Entrek's 440C.
 
Had an Elk. Tough built knife, but very thick edge. Could not cut very well. Have an A1. Another very tough built knife that cuts extremely well. Ray makes good knives, but my vote goes to Fallkniven. The A1 also has much better weight/balance. The Elk is too heavy a knife.
 
Elen said:
Easy choice: Fällkniven A1...
Click to expand...

:thumbup: I don't have an A1 but I own an F1 and I have used an S1. The A1 is just their bigger brother. Tough as nails and definitely better overall value. I don't mind the Kraton handle not being pretty, but some do.
Mikel
 
I recently picked up a Fallkniven S1 - and now I see what all the fuss is about!!! Excellent edge, excellent steel, excellent fit & finish... Balance and handling are also exceptional. I happen to favor the rubber handles so no complaints there & sizing & thickness are all good. So to me, the S1 is pretty much the perfect knife :)

Going up to a 6+" blade, I don't think you could go wrong with the A1. You can probably match the cutting ability with one of Bark River's offerings but you may or may not find their larger blades in stainless. Of the two blades you are considering, the A1 would be my choice :thumbup::thumbup:
 
Fallkniven will always get my vote over Entrek. They simply make better knives.
 
+1 on the Fallkniven. Great knives and a better sheath than the Entrek's.
 
There's a reason I own 4 Fallkniven knives.2 of them being A1's.They're perfect for wet conditions and damp climates.I live along the eastern coast of Canada and I do a lot of hiking in or near salty coastal swamps.Fallknivens haven't let me down yet.
 
Fallkniven. No question. I own two; the TK1 and NL3. I like Entrek, but they're not in this league.
 
Thanks for replies; I'm pretty sold now. I know vg-10 quite well, I own a laminated damascus, Hattori chef knife and cant say i've been disappointed by its cutting performance (though it has chipped on occasion, but then again it was samurai forged).

Out of curiosity though, the new sheath for the A1, how good is it? How is it if you want it to ride lower on the belt down the thigh (and potentially strap it to the leg, i do this to the kydex sheath from SOG when I go scuba diving - not quite a drop leg, just a knife extender from john willis then blackhawk legstraps)?

Cheers
 
The new sheath isn't bad.I prefer a spec-ops sheath myself.I find other than the retention strap the sheath doesn't hold the knife at all.It just sits in the sheath and does rattle around some.The older kydex are better.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top