Which general purpose knife to choose?

Tombo 65

Tombo 65

Joined
Sep 11, 2013
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332
I am looking to purchase a new or used general purpose woods knife for hiking, camping, hunting, ...etc. I have been trying to choose between one of the Fallkniven Northern Lights series, specifically the Idun, Frej, and Njord. I already have a Fallkniven F1 and a Kolt, but would like a larger blade. The leather handle of the Northern lights line appeals to me as well.

Which of the three would you choose, and why?

I'm a big fan of convex edge blades. I really like the F1 and Kolt. I have a Browning Crowell Barker Competition knife that has a similar edge and that is a great play knife, but too large for my general purpose tasks. I have considered the Fallkniven A1 and S1, but I like the broader blade of the Northern Lights series - I'm just undecided on the length and would like to hear other's experiences and opinions to help me decide.

If you have another knife suggestion with similar size/features, I'd love to hear them and see photos, as well as hear why you prefer that knife to one of the ones I mentioned.

By the way, I'm not a big Esee or Becker fan. I dislike coated blades, or blades that are overly thick. I wouldn't call my outings "Bushcraft" in nature, and I'm not much for scandi-grinds either. Just looking for a decent all-around outdoor knife that is larger than the F1.

Thanks
Tombo 65
 
Have you considered custom? I have a few patterns that might work for what you want.
 
Custom is certainly an option. Can you post any pictures of examples of what you would recommend or offer, along with prices. If you would prefer to email me, my email address is tfd@myfairpoint.net.

thanks
 
The Fallkniven F1 is my dream knife, I think it would be a great choice. Unfortunately its hard for me to pony up the cash for one when my Mora does everything I need it to in the woods. I may pick one up eventually but for now the Mora Companion or No 1 follows me into the woods.
 
No experience with the northern lights knives, but if you like the F1, you'd probably like the S1.
 
I had to look up the blade lengths. In case anyone else is wondering.

F1 3.75 inches
Idun 4 inches
Frej 5.12 inches
Njord 5.9 inches

If it were me I would go with the Idun since I think 4 inches is just about the sweet spot. On the other hand if you think the F1 is too small that quarter inch might not do a lot for you. The best way to compare is to either make some to-scale cardboard cut outs or to go handle them in a store.

You might also look at what bark river knives are available. They do convex ground blades in that size but there is a lot of variation in models and colors. My knowledge is out of date. Virtuovice has some very nice videos on youtube looking at that size convex hunting knives in case you are interested.

A few that might be interesting.

Deer hunting knives / my thought
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbIZBvlBllw

My top 3 hunting knives so far and V edge sharpening
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSHRPW3Pma8
 
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I'm finding myself drawn to the Fallkniven Frej. I like the blade length and design. It reminds me of older hunting and outdoorsman knives from the fifties and sixties. I have a Sog NW Ranger, and I really like the blade length on the knife but the blade does not hold an edge long and the sheath is pathetic. The Frej looks like it compares size-wise to the NW Ranger, but is more robust, likely to hold an edge longer, and has a decent sheath.

I've watched several videos of the Fallkniven S1 and A1, and they both look appealing, too, but just a bit too chunky. Has anyone tried an A1 or S1 side-by-side with a Frej, or Njord? The videos I've been seeing on the Northern Lights series are more unpackaging videos while the S1 and A1 are more actual use videos. Maybe people don't want to use a more expensive knife, but it would be great to see an actual use video on the NL stuff as well.

thanks
 
Just stopping by to say that if you're looking for older-ish style knives with convex edges/grinds, take a look at bark river, and blackjack (i'm not familiar enough with their products to know which one, I just know they have some right in line with those requests).

The Kabar MK1 in leather is a tad over 5in of FFG 5/32in 1095, and is pretty similar to what you've been showing interest, without breaking the bank. It does come with a coated blade, but that can be easily removed.

Also, consider taking a look at svord. They're done in L6 steel, and are very much "old time" designs (although their budget line has bright orange poly handles). All svords are convex ground IIRC.
 
TheJeepster said:
I have never owned a Fallkniven but I have owned a few medium size bowies and used them in the outdoors and of the three you have thrown out for us to choose from I like the Njord best as it has some of the features that most well liked medium bowies have. I am impressed that you can afford this knife.
fallkniven-njord-northern-light-series-nl3.jpg


As for me I have to shop in the bargain section. If you do not mind a knife made of simple but very usable 1095 I would get an Ontario 499 as it is the same basic design as the Njord but at a way friendlier price.
knife.jpg


Watch this video. This guy has convexed the edge of a KA-BAR USN and an Ontario 499 and in the end he says it is one of the best knives out there. Skip to about 21:12 and listen to what he says.

WARNING: This man is cleaning a deer of its meat. Do not watch if you are not use to this kind of stuff.
[video=youtube;y18V85GvBng]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y18V85GvBng[/video]
Click to expand...

That video made me hungry.

The coatings can be removed from Beckers ;) check post 163 on this thread http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1104193-Dedicated-BK16-Photo-Thread/page9 Dex is a dealer here and if you send him a pm I'm sure he could hook you up.

but if you want to stay away from that I would recommend Kershaw's Diskin Hunter

61rFcZDIKTL.jpg
 
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