RC4 or F1

S

soapboxpreacher

Joined
Apr 3, 2010
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I have had an RC4 in the past, really like the sheath but it seems many really like the f1 alot, the convex grind and stainless...not to mention the thicker blade make it undeniably an excellent knife paired with the right sheath I think it is the best in its length. What do you guys think?
 
I prefer the F1...I've had a SR4 but could not get myself to like that huge choil....just a personal thing.
 
I went through a similar process and decided on the F1. It's a very impressive knife. I can't say whether it is "better," but I can tell you I stopped thinking I needed an RC4. The F1 is a really excellent knife.
 
I reviewed both of them while hiking and using them. Both videos are on youtube, they are linked in my signature.

I prefer the f1. It cuts better for my use, sharp and thick spine, good for firesteel and batonning, stainless laminated steel, has existed for quite some time with good references and a more comfortable handle (again, for me).
The rc-4's handle can probably handle more abuse though.

as for 'the warranty is great' (esee)... yeah, so what. It's not about what happens when you break the knife, it's what you can do with the knife...

does not mean I do not like the rc-4. It's just that I like the f1 better.
 
I've never had the F1 so I can't really tell you which I like best but I do like my RC-4. I chose it over the F1 mainly because it has a flat grind and I like that.

I'm always hearing how great convex grinds are and I mean maybe it is better for certain things (no I've never tried one) but I've never had a problem with a flat ground knife that would make me want to switch to a convex grind and have to change up my sharpening technique and tools. I also hear about how cheap it is to sharpen convex knives but is it really that much cheaper, if at all? I can buy a DC4 sharpening stone (funnily enough from Fallkniven) that takes care of pretty much all my sharpening for around $20 and it'll last for a long time. How many pieces of sandpaper do you go through in the same time (assuming you use the whole sandpaper/mousemat system)? It can't be that much cheaper.

I also like the choil on the RC-4, would I care if it was gone and the blade went straight to the edge of the handle? No, that would be fine by me, but the fact that it's there doesn't really bother me either, I can put my finger around it and it makes the knife more controllable just like it's supposed to.

I don't mind carbon steel instead of stainless either, sure it'll rust more easily but so what, I keep it oiled or I just take the rust off with some steel wool. Yes that's more of a hassle than stainless steel but it's also supposedly a tougher steel that might not chip as much as VG-10 or whatever the steel is that's in the F1.

The blade thickness of the RC-4 is also good by me, I don't need my blade to be really thick if it's only 4 1/2" long, a knife that size isn't going to be chopping down many trees or battoning huge logs so I can manage just fine with the thickness of my RC-4.

The warranty really doesn't concern me, I assume ESEE's warranty is better but that didn't influence my decision at all. Ya it would be nice to get a free replacement if my knife ever broke but I don't buy a knife because I can get another one if it breaks, I buy a knife because it's a good knife that should last me a life time.

These are just my opinions, I'm not saying the RC-4 is better than the F1, I'm just saying which knife I bought and why I chose it/like it, and like I said I've never used an F1 so my point about the VG-10 chipping is just from what I've heard from people who use it, I can't say if that's true or not.
 
The RC-4 is a way better value, especially with its far superior basic sheath and upgrade options. The rest comes down to preferences. I don't like the rubbery handle of the F1. I also don't prefer stainless steel field knives, due to their decreased lateral strength in like thicknesses, but the more flexible laminate construction of the F1 mitigates that dislike for me somewhat.

The RC-6 beats the hell out of both though.:D
 
I may be overlooking something, but the price on the RC-4 looks like it's within a couple of bucks of the VG-10/Kydex F1?

Boats said:
The RC-4 is a way better value, especially with its far superior basic sheath and upgrade options. The rest comes down to preferences. I don't like the rubbery handle of the F1. I also don't prefer stainless steel field knives, due to their decreased lateral strength in like thicknesses, but the more flexible laminate construction of the F1 mitigates that dislike for me somewhat.

The RC-6 beats the hell out of both though.:D
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I have both.

The RC4 is a great knife. The sheath system is tremendous. I convexed the edge on my RC4 and it cuts as well as the F1. The handle on the F1 is more comfortable than the RC4's handle (to me anyway). The choil is a minus in my opinion. especialy when skinning an animal, seems to get hung up on things.

F1 is a great knife as well. Surprisingly to me the stainless it uses not only takes an excellent edge, but holds it well, and is easy to resharpen in the field. The handle is much more ergonomic and it is much more durable than most kraton handles. Whatever Fallkniven uses it is a much harder more durable rubber material. It also insulates against cold (realy nice in winter).

Stainless vrsus carbon is a non issue to me as I take care of my equipment. If I were around satwater it;d be the F1 hands down.

Both great knives but for an overall pick I'd go with the F1 for funtionality and useability. If the warranty were a big factor then Rat cutlery would win hands down.
 
Boats said:
The RC-4 is a way better value, especially with its far superior basic sheath and upgrade options. The rest comes down to preferences. I don't like the rubbery handle of the F1. I also don't prefer stainless steel field knives, due to their decreased lateral strength in like thicknesses, but the more flexible laminate construction of the F1 mitigates that dislike for me somewhat.

The RC-6 beats the hell out of both though.:D
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Just so we're clear, the handle on the F1 is not soft like Kraton. It's a much firmer material, closer to a hard plastic. Don't let the convex grind of the F1 scare you, it's a lot simpler to sharpen than you think. Both are great knives. I prefer the F1.
 
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F1 for me. I like the appearance of the RC4 much more, but it felt terrible in hand for me. The super thin, square slabbed handle was just uncomfortable.
 
As much as I like ESEE knives the F1 fit my hand better. Ended up selling my ESEE4. Now my Ratmandu on the other hand...For now (and possibly for good) it's taking the place of my F1.
 
I have both also, but the Esee4 is my favorite. Reasons for me are : Flat grind , carbon steel , micarta grip ,kydex sheath , and unsurpassed warranty.:thumbup:
(plus ,it fits my smaller hands well ! )
 
glee said:
Just so we're clear, the handle on the F1 is not soft like Kraton. It's a much firmer material, closer to a hard plastic. Don't let the convex grind of the F1 scare you, it's a lot simpler to sharpen than you think. Both are great knives. I prefer the F1.
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Yep, I misspoke there. I have an F1 banging around somewhere, and the handle, while a thermoplastic, softened with repeated exposure to high concentrations of DEET, so mine is/was/will be again, a little tacky.

That just doesn't happen to canvas micarta.

Since I have moved on from stainless knives except as folders, it's been awhile since I've actually dug through the safe for the Fallkniven.

Convex grinds don't scare me by the way, I usually go into the field with a puukko of one type or other. I have ESEE products for my bug out and vehicle emergency bags because they are bombproof knives for the money.
 
samhain73 said:
F1 for me. I like the appearance of the RC4 much more, but it felt terrible in hand for me. The super thin, square slabbed handle was just uncomfortable.
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This is exactly the main issue I have with the RC4 ...uncomfortable and just doesnt fit in the hand right.

Im waiting for my F1 to arrive this week!
 
JNewell said:
I may be overlooking something, but the price on the RC-4 looks like it's within a couple of bucks of the VG-10/Kydex F1?
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It ain't kydex for the F1, it's Zytel, and it's cheap compared to the basic sheath system on the ESEE four inch model, which is well done kydex with tek-lok fasteners. Add a MOLLE compatible backer for it for about $20.00 and you'd have to go to a custom sheath maker for the F1 to match the ESEE sheath for equivalent mounting versatility.
 
WOW!!! Overwhelming support for the F1. I have to say having an A1, I think Fallkniven might be one of if not my favorite mainstream manufacturer. I had/have (trade processing) an rc5. Edge is beautiful, fit and finish awesome!! Sheath really good. But when I pitted the A1 against the RC5 the RC5 left with its tail between its leg!!! The handle was not designed well for chopping the blade is too thick for bushcraft, and a non-stainless option is just not ideal for my water centered adventures!! yeah I know the A1 is longer, has a different grind. But the weighting and handle also made a tremendous difference. The A1 out chopped, sliced, batoned and every other category. But I just cant ignore the ESEE warranty...it is the best out there!!! No one comes close! This is one reason I would like to collect more ESEE!!! Even if the RC4 isnt as good I really like the fact that I cant beat it to death and not think twice about it if I screw it up! My A1 has gotten an Ike turner style beating!! It has taken it better than Tina...and wants more. I really love the lower profile design, weight and handle. I also have a Bark River Bravo 1 (that fits into this category as well) and it is also a beautiful knife but I think it is over done to be honest. More than I need at it size category. I got both an RC4 and a Bark at the sametime..sent the rc4 packing before I had a chance to use it. The sheath on the RC4 was awesome, but the handle...a box...not terrible but a box. I still liked it quite a bit. But the Bravo 1 fit the hand better. It feels like a pry bar. I did try some finer work with it but honest it felt as if the knife had a bigger blade then it did. One thing that did stick in my head was how well I could handle the RC4...the weight for the size blade was quite nice. I didnt like the grind as much or the handle but the choil would offer some precise handling and bushcraft tasks nicely. With that said...and all comparisons aside I have a nice collection that offers a difficult decision for what to grab. The 4" range is my favorite bushcraft size at the moment. I can curve a spoon, tinder, spears, food prep, even baton some light stuff...ok that is a stretch! But in the end I caved and ordered the F1. My love of the A1 is so deep that I cant pass up the F1. If it is half the knife of my A1 it is still better IMHO then the RC4 or even the Bravo 1 (big words on that one!!...but I am sticking to them) I have the perfect knife for this size range!! Dont tell the wife I did an S1 too!!! This knife thing is like CRACK!! I love it. Fun and rewarding. My favorite hobby. Thank good Fantasy Football is starting soon.. For it is a lot cheaper...I guess that depends too!!! HAHA
 
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