Opinions please for NL Odin

[cbach8tw]

I read on another thread that it is good to come to this forum since users of knives in the wilderness respond pretty regularly. I just got a Fallkniven Odin for trading some of my old knives, I would like to know if anyone uses the Odin in the wild or even the Njord ( any of the Northern Lights Series) and what do you think? :thumbup:

 

[Fjell]

I never owned one, but I've handled/used one of a friend of mine. Steel and performance is excellent.
However I totally dislike the stacked leather handle. That's certainly a no-no for me.

 

[cbach8tw]

Thanks, I was also concerned about the leather-washer handle rotting. Most descriptions on knife sites state it is made from ox hide, which is very resistant to the elements. I also own a S1 Forest knife with a rubber handle, have not used it yet.

 

[Fjell]

Thanks, I was also concerned about the leather-washer handle rotting. Most descriptions on knife sites state it is made from ox hide, which is very resistant to the elements. I also own a S1 Forest knife with a rubber handle, have not used it yet.

I don't know how long such a handle will last, I didn't even thought about it.
It are the ergonomics I dislike. I've handled the Fallkniven A2 wiht Kraton handles. Those kraton handles provide a very good grip and did feel comfortable.

 

[Stickman]

cbach, I have one and actually chose it because of the stacked leather handle. The NL5 that I have has the most symmetrical grind of the few FK's that I have, indicating to me that the craftsman took extra care. In the field it performs as well as any other of my Fallknivens. I think you'll have to use it yourself and see how you like it, but I wouldn't worry about the handle.

 

[David E]

Yeah, those leather stacked handles don't last long at all.

Look at the Marble's knives from the 1900's.....those are starting to show some serious wear.....

The USMC KaBar's and others from WW-II don't hold up, either. My Dad's has a wear spot on the leather stacked handle......already !!!

Dang.....

(if properly taken care of, they'll last a good long time)

.

 

[cbach8tw]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate your opinions. I also know I won't be using the Leather handled Odin near water. I agree if you take care of your equipment, it will take care of you and not have as many troubles. What do you use to keep a leather handle nice? Neets foot or other leather oil? Maybe linseed oil?

 

[ZombaiO]

I have a KA-BAR USMC and the leather handle is very tough!I lubricate it with Balistoil some times.If it doesn't stays in a very wet environment for e long time,there's no problem,i think!

 

[Elen]

All the Fällknivens are good knives for wilderness use. Even the Northern Lights series make good users, in spite of being made pretty. The materials have been selected with care - the steel is resistant to the elements, and the leather used on the handles takes a pounding. A Kraton/Thermorun handle will scratch up and get ugly much faster, and they look uglier to start with. No reason to worry about the handle unless you're swimming with your knife. In that case, I'd want something else.

The NL5 that I have has the most symmetrical grind of the few FK's that I have, indicating to me that the craftsman took extra care. In the field it performs as well as any other of my Fallknivens. I think you'll have to use it yourself and see how you like it, but I wouldn't worry about the handle.

Agreed. The NL Fällknivens have much better grinds than the regular line, although they shouldn't (usually) affect performance. I've not seen an unevenly ground tip, for example, on any of the NLs I have seen, while they are very common on all the regular Fällknivens.

I will admit, though, that the NLs are overpriced if you're only looking for performance and not good looks. The regular line has far better bang for the buck.

 

[Mark J]

Yet another handle opinion here. I wasn't worried about the durability, but the grip never really felt secure. It was almost like they polished the handles too much. Other than that, the knife was awesome - great fit and finish, nice blade, etc. Just my hang up I guess.

- Mark

 

[Elen]

The grip does take a little getting used to. It is easier, though, for those who have used leather or wood handled knives before, as is common around here in Scandinavia.

 

[cbach8tw]

to Mark J, I have heard that over time, the leather handles will get a dark patina and get better with time. Thanks everyone for the info. Just got to find something large enough to use my Odin on. Hey, I do not consider myself a mall ninja, just someone who likes knives. I guess that is why all of us are here at this site.

 

[Haggler]

Yeah, those leather stacked handles don't last long at all.

Look at the Marble's knives from the 1900's.....those are starting to show some serious wear.....

The USMC KaBar's and others from WW-II don't hold up, either. My Dad's has a wear spot on the leather stacked handle......already !!!

Dang.....

(if properly taken care of, they'll last a good long time)

.

Your sarcasm is top quality too! !
I've got a 1911 Marbles Canoe Ideal 7" blade and although the leather sheath disintegrated the leather stacked handle is in excellent condition and as long as the knife is looked after I'm sure it'll be around long after I've gone and turned to dust!