On the fence between RC-3 or Falkniven F1

MEJ

MEJ

Joined
Jul 24, 2011
Messages
1,283
I don't know which one to get because if i get the F1 im getting better steel with a nice rubber handle that might get torn up. It looks like an awesome knife and i really like how it looks. The rat offers a compatible sheath sturdy handles and decent steel with a unbeatable warranty. I would hate to break the F1 so i feel like i wouldn't be able to use it very well but the rc3 i could beat the crap out of with-ought conscience. Any thoughts are appreciated.
 
Do not get me wrong , I love VG10 , 1095 ain't no slouch though and I'm sure RAT does it correctly. There are advantages though in going with stainless in an outdoors knife over something like 1095 and that is of course, corrosion resistance. ( Even though the RAT is coated ).
I have a Fallkniven S1 and in my opinion after much usage it is one of the best designed field knives , ever. The rubber handle will take many years of beatings and
the VG10 is beefy and strong. Both are priced somewhat in the same ballpark and once again , IMO that price is just a tad steep for 1095.
So , I can only give you my thoughts based upon what makes me want a knife , that is , value and quality.

Tostig
 
So how long of you actually had it... many years? No but i heard that VG-10 is prone to chipping?
 
The RC-3 (actually called the ESEE-3 now) is worth easily twice the money that it costs. One of my favorite fixed blades. Period. Extremely comfortable, USA made, no-nonsense functional design, tough as nails, and an unconditional lifetime guarantee. The sheath is one of the best factory-produced sheaths I've seen from any maker, as well. What's not to like? :D:thumbup:
 
For stuff like camping chores probably batoning wood and as a safety knife when i go hiking or snowboarding.
 
For batoning I'd go with the ESSE-4 or 5, the three is a little on the small side. For a trail knife the 3 would be good. As far as snowboarding I'm not so sure since I don't snowboard, but I'd lean towards the F-1 for the rust resistance and fully covered handles.
 
Well i would pair it with a bigger knife... though sometimes i might only pack the F1, so can i baton alright?
 
I think you'll be happy with either one, and, lets be honest here, you know you're gonna end up buying both of them eventually anyways. Pick the one you want now, and get the other later. If you're feeling like you won't use the F1 though, I'd absolutely go with the ESEE-3. I'm planning on picking one of those up myself. I always prefer my user knives to the ones that are lovely, but just sit around unused.
 
I would think doing alot of batoning with the F-1 would cause blisters do to the handle material, and it would probably chip before the ESSE if you end up going through a knot because of the VG-10. These are just opinions, I don't own either, someone with first hand knowledge of both would be the best judge.

And Crimson is right, If your a knife nut, you'll end up with both!
 
MEJ said:
So how long of you actually had it... many years? No but i heard that VG-10 is prone to chipping?
Click to expand...

My fiance bought it for me two Valentine's ago. Since then it has been on every camping ,hunting , shooting, outdoors type activity I have went on not to mention a lot of use around the yard. I have thrown it at wood pallets and stumps, batoned and chopped and have not had any serious chipping. There may have been uber micro chips but I never noticed them.

Tostig
 
I have both knives.

The F1 is a great knife. The handle is ergonomic AND tough. Dont waste time worrying about the Thermoruns durability...its tough enough, trust me. The laminated blade is very strong and wide enough to handle batoning and prying wood.

The RC-3 is a good knife too, but the handle is a bit short and narrow for my liking and i hate the pointy little glassbreaker thing at the bottom of the tang. Plus im not that big of a fan of 1095, cause i find it rusts easily in my part of the world. The coating is very hardwearing though and does a good job of protecting the blade. The lifetime warranty is not important to me, as i dont subject any of my knives to tasks that might break them.

Both comes with functional sheaths.

If i could only keep one, id would be the F1.
 
Alright thanxs for your input but i went ahead and ordered the F1... it seems to be a unanimously respected knife.
 
Also, if you're interested, I was just told that we can expect a BRKT Bravo-Necker 2 with a 3.5" blade coming soon... Might be a good alternative.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top