Steel for Fallkniven F1?

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Whitlashflash

Joined
Aug 28, 2011
Messages
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I'm looking at getting a Fallkniven F1 next paycheck, but I notice that they are made in two distinct steel types?
3g and vg10?
Which is the better option for camping/skinning game and maybe some carrying at the shop?

also, which sheath do you prefer? Is there any place to get a nice custom made one?
 
Google Fallkniven sheaths , you will find them.

3g holds an edge better than VG10 , not saying that VG10 is bad at all , it's one of my favorites.

Better is a relative term. Personally I find the price premium to not be worth it ( 3G vs VG10 ) , but that is because VG10 works great for me.

Tostig
 
DJJ does awesome custom fallknivens.personally I like the 3G,but the vg-10 is no joke
 
I carry the F2 for field dressing in VG-10. I have to say that I've had it for almost a year now and it's still razor sharp without any touching up at all. It field dresses, fillets fish, cuts meat, chicken, bones, zip ties, and anything else I throw at it. It's not a good skinner because of the blade shape though, but if I had to I'm sure I could skin some tough old boars without issue. The outside laminate layers of the blade are somewhat soft and scratch easily, but it's a user, so I don't care. Their VG-10 seems to be better overall than other VG-10 knives I have in terms of edge retention.
 
You might want to check out knivesshipfree.com. They have some customized F1's, and also have some nice custom leather sheaths available.
 
I don't think the 3G price hike over VG10 is worth it. Fallkniven's VG10 with convexed edge is really one of the best 'stainless steel' options out there for combination of wear resistance and toughness, and of course corrosion resistance. It has a proven track record in every imaginable application and context, from couch warrior to multi-day backpacker to fisherman to spec ops death ninja. 3G is an improvement only in wear resistance that ranges from incremental to 'massive,' 'whole order of difference,' etc., depending on who you ask. (IMHO, those who say 'massive' have lost all sense of perspective; mostly significant for hunters in any case.) Also, the F1 3G steel is a laminate, with 3G core and softer outer steel to improve its toughness and corrosion resistance. The 3G laminate's outer layers are softer than the solid VG10 blade, which means it's a little more prone to scratching. Purely aesthetic and the sort of concern poo-pooed by "hardcore users," but FYI.

Re sheath: there was a recent, very enlightening thread on kydex vs. leather vs. Fallkniven's zytel in freezing temps. I don't have a link to the thread but it featured this video review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LhBfUbPtfs

Of course your mileage may vary depending on your environment. There are several makers of after-market kydex and leather sheaths for Fallknivens. Knivesshipfree.com, which cutter17 recommends, is a good place to start: for leather, both the Ranger sheath and the Bushcrafter B sheath would work well.

The Fallkniven F1 is a great, even near-classic knife at this point. Whatever you decide to pick up, you won't regret it. Enjoy -- and tell us about it!
 
if you want a knife for skinning game go for the fallkniven h1.

If you want a knife for just general bushcraft the f1 will be fine.

I have both of those knives and hands down they are my best knives, The h1 is perfect for skinning and cleaning game and its also great for bushcraft. The f1 can do everything as well but its more suited for general woodsy stuff but can do some skinning if you need it to.

That being said both knives i own are the vg-10 and they work wonders. I've heard the 3g can be great but it is also harder to sharpen from what i hear.
 
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Whitlashflash said:
Thanks guys! I'm pretty much sold on the VG10...
I'm pretty wary when using stainless though... =P
Click to expand...

Ive found that i hate stainless steels myself, but this vg 10 is my favorite steel. I find it extremely easy to sharpen and keeps its edge for ages, not to mention these blades can get pretty scary sharp.
 
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