RC4 or F1

[soapboxpreacher]

One think I have to say about ESEE. I think about this alot. I think they could easily be the best if they did too things. Improve the handle designs!!! They have almost alway been a sore spot for many. I read countless things about the "Boxy handle". "too big" or "doesnt fit the hand well" all the time. The RC5 is an example! If they would have design the rear part of the handle to hold the butt of the hand better...it would have been a better chopper and not suffered one negatives in the process! Also the grind!!! The Convex just seems to fit more uses as well as function generally better!! I certainly dont see people putting full flats on Fallknivens but I certainly hear about ESEE user putting convex on their RCs! IMHO for more uses the convex is a better grind then the full flat or the saber for a knife used in many of these categories we use them for. If these (IMHO) where improved ESEE would be my top pick...coupled with their already nice sheaths and the best warranty oh and excellent heat treating...these guys would really be even better then they already are!!! Just my JD influenced $0.02!!!

 

[glee]

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.

I think everything softens with high concentrations of DEET. Tacky? That's a feature, not a problem.

Yeah, I like micarta and G10 too. I've thought about getting a Fallkniven blank and doing my own, even down to the DIY denim micarta. Don't think I don't like ESEE, I'm still looking to pick up an RC5.

 

[rayban]

They knew you would hate the handles on the ESEE 4, that is why they put them on with screws so you could take them off easily and slap on handles to your liking

 

[Dag-nabit]

Another vote for the F1 here.

I have and use both the F1 and RC4, but the F1 is the knife I grab most often.

Both are excellent knives, and either one will serve you well. I just find the block like handles on the RC4 less comfortable in my hand than the F1.

Since you already have the RC4, buy the F1 and have fun using both while forming your own opinion. :thumbup:

Kevin

 

[Pilot1]

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.

The ESEE kydex and molded plastic sheaths are top notch, but the zytel of the F1 works fine for me. Slim, compact and light the entire package dissapears when carrying. Its a lot of knife in a little package and one of themost versatile in my collection. I find it more sized near and RC-3 than and RC-4 and it fits nicely between them. However, if I had to choose one knife, it would probably be the F1 over most. Depends on the day you ask me. The F1 is so compact, it can be carried with a Bravo-1 or ESEE-4 as a primary or back-up depending on your mood, or if you can't make up your mind which to take.