Ratmandu (SR-101) VS. Fallkniven F1 (VG-10)

B

Beckerhead83

Joined
Nov 1, 2011
Messages
558
Now I'm looking to get a smaller bush craft knife. I already have the bigger knives BK-7, Junglas,
and now want to get a smaller knife. I have heard great things about both knives but need a lil advice on which steel will be better for me. I really don't care about stainless, warentee, price ect. just want to know which steel is better for what i'm looking to do with it. thanks
 
Last edited:
I use, really really use a F1 daily. Have done so for three years. Great knife that I have learned to make do any task I need a knife for.


Never held a Ratmandu. Just looked at the specs, photos, reviews online.

For "Bushcraft" use I think both will fill the role very well, as long as you do your part. Tough call, since I don't think one will outshine the other in the real world.

If you want a 5" blade get the Ratmandu.

If you want a 4" blade get the F1.
 
The Fallkniven S1 works great as a 5" blade as well. Like dayhiker, I have never used a Ratmandu. I like full convex edge bevels for ease of field sharpening and VG10 is fairly easy to maintain. No doubt that SR101 would be tougher steel though.
 
yea im thinking about the ratmandu not only the steel is seeming better from people i talk to but it looks great too. never been keen on the fallkniven handles
 
Beckerhead83 said:
yea im thinking about the ratmandu not only the steel is seeming better from people i talk to but it looks great too. never been keen on the fallkniven handles
Click to expand...

Then there you go......you aren't gonna die out in the woods 'cause you picked it over an F1.
 
If you want an all around knife, both RMD and F1 will serve you well.. But keep in mind both have a thicker edge by design - more suitable for "survival" do it all.
Unless you intend to thin it out, I'd go with a thinner convex or a scandi edge for dedicated bushcraft work (especially wood carving).
Since you got the heavy duty tools already, I'd start with a Mora and work my way up from there.

As far as handle comfort goes, RMD id def. a better choice over the standard F1.
 
Swamprats SR101 is amazing steel, takes a great edge and hold it forever !
 
It depends on what your intended useage is, for light more mundane task I would prefer the F1 however for more "hard use" I would for certain pick the Ratmandue with that being said both are excellent knives from legendary companys and you really can't go wrong with either.
 
I have the RMD, and its great:thumbup: !
But...For bushcraft You should get the F1,IMO... :)
Because(again, for me.) as the F1 has a smaller and a little thinner blade it should do some bushcrafting chores better than the ratmandu(although the RMD is a very very tough knife) without losing toughness, but as it has a laminated blade IT WILL chip out if you hit the ground.
One other advantage of the F1, is that is has a Stainless laminated VG-10 steel blade and the RMD's SR101 rusts almost by looking at it;).
To sum up, for a bushcrafting knife get the Fallkniven F1. And please don't get me wrong, I LOVE my RMD, its tough as hell, it holds an edge unbelievably, bla bla bla...:D
 
Been using my Ratmandu for bushcraft as well as everything else,and I haven't had any problems.I make hiking sticks for the boys(BoyScouts) which requires alot of whittling,and the knife handles it very well! The F1 is on my list of knives to get,but I like the handle on the Rat,so I got it first.
 
The F1, is my choice, I have owned and used both for years, the RMD sits and does nothing anymore
 
Really different knives, especially sizewize. My RMD is currently my absolute favorite knife, but if I'm wanting a smaller knife for something, it's the F1- also one of my favorites.

As usual, the only right answer is get them both, you really can't go wrong.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top