Which of these two?

M

Mugen

Joined
Jun 9, 2005
Messages
98
Hi, I was wondering for a survival "ish" outdoor/camp knife and as well as some utility purposes, which fixed blade would you prefer and why. I kinda want it to act and perform like a Ka-bar. The reason I just don't go out and buy a Ka-bar is frankly, I dont like them. The look, the ergos, it's just not the right knife for me. That and the fact that they are the most widely known/seen blade everywhere. (for a good reason)

So out of these two:

Benchmade Nimravus in M2
Fallkniven F1

I like the look and feel of the nimravus (sold it regretfully, now I kinda want one back :o ) but mabe it's time I try something new like an F1. I've never held one, but i've seen some good reviews. The F1 wasn't a very good looking knife in the beginning but I think it's growing on me. (yes, i'm aware of the saying "function over form") So I'd appreciate it of you could point me in the right direction here. Thanks.
 
IMHO, neither of these will perform like a ka-bar. they're just not big enough. the ka-bar has a larger heavier blade that will work better for chopping/splitting, and heavy use. between these two i would prefer the fallkniven. it has a good basic design, and is a quality tool with a good reputation. i've never really considered the nimravus a camp blade. to me it's design leans more towards the tactical genre. benchmade is of good quality and the knife comes in d2 and 154cm, but for a woods knife i like the fallkniven f1.
 
Well for about $50 you could buy a BK&T Cmobat Utility 7. It is a great knife and I like it more than a K-Bar I own. Another knife I really like is a TOPS fire strike. But the BK&T chops better.
 
To respond to your question, the F-1 is the survival knife of the Swedish Airforce and approved issue to the U.S.A.F. for that purpose. While shorter than other knives that you did not mention, it is 3/16" thick laminated steel (VG-10 core) and will easily baton through wood as large as one would need to build a shelter or a fire. Its spine is made very squared-off for striking sparks from a firesteel (AKA "metal match"). It has a full-length, almost full-width, full thickness tang - a good feature for strength. This construction also allows it to be driven point-first into wood without damaging the knife if such is necessary. It is a very high-quality product that is well thought-of by bushcraft and survival experts.

The Benchmade is also a quality product (It is, after all, a Benchmade.) with ergonomics that feel good to me, but it was not expressly designed for wilderness survival tasks and is not as strongly built, although plenty strong.

I suggest trying to hold an F-1 since you have already experienced the Nimravus.
 
Mugen said:
Hi, I was wondering for a survival "ish" outdoor/camp knife and as well as some utility purposes, which fixed blade would you prefer and why. I kinda want it to act and perform like a Ka-bar. The reason I just don't go out and buy a Ka-bar is frankly, I dont like them. The look, the ergos, it's just not the right knife for me. That and the fact that they are the most widely known/seen blade everywhere. (for a good reason)

So out of these two:

Benchmade Nimravus in M2
Fallkniven F1

I like the look and feel of the nimravus (sold it regretfully, now I kinda want one back :o ) but mabe it's time I try something new like an F1. I've never held one, but i've seen some good reviews. The F1 wasn't a very good looking knife in the beginning but I think it's growing on me. (yes, i'm aware of the saying "function over form") So I'd appreciate it of you could point me in the right direction here. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Seems to me if there is any doubt that you oughta get both, that way you'll stop wonderin about which "one". Knives are like chips, can have just one even if they are el cheapose:)
 
Haha yeah I know what you mean. I will probably get both but not now. I know none of those are made/intended for outdoor use(well mabe the F1) but I want to know what would hold up as close to a Ka-bar.
 
Those seem good knife choices! I'd like to add another knife option: any of the Ontario/RAT line seem very functional users (they have the 7, 3.5 and the new 5 inch models).
 
Well I don't know what exactly you dislike about the Kabars, but I have something similar to them but slightly different. It has the same blade style, but the handle seems a bit different. If you're interested just google for Ontario Spec Plus.
 
Between the two you've selected, I would choose the F1. I'd also take the F1 with it's convexed laminated blade over the Kabar style of knives. The drop point convexed blade along with it's full tang, make the F1 a very strong performer in the outdoors.
 
Mugen,
I have a mini-Nimravus in M2 and 3 Fallkniven F1's.
Of the two you mentioned, the Fallkniven wins hands down. I have been carrying the F1GM for some months now as one of my EDC's. If you can get the F1GM(Green Micarta handle and stainless hilt) you will never want to be without it. I modified one of the regular F1 dangle sheaths to fit the GM model and it works just great for me.

If you want to get closer the the size of a Ka-Bar then consider the S1 instead....a little bit bigger then the F1. If you want to go "Mountain Man" then you can go with the A1 or A2 for clearing forrests with. If you like the puukko style of knife then there is always the H1.

The only one of the above mentioned Fallkniven knives I DON'T have is the S1, so you can see I like the Fallkniven knives. I have some other models too but I think I have said enough for now.

Oh, no, wait, you should really think about getting at least one U2 to slip in the your watch pocket of your jeans. VERY VERY sharp and you won't even know it's there until you want it for small stuff.

Ciao
Ron Cassel
:cool:
 
Kabars are not the benchmark you should be looking at, they are a poor blade for rough work and bend with relative ease and take a set.

Fallkniven is a better starting point and Becker makes better blades than KABAR.

Skam
 
Ok, so it seems the Nimravus has its other uses. I just took a look at the Ontario TAK. Looks Similar to the Fallkniven F1. So now you probably know what my next question is... :foot: A comparison perhaps? Right now the F1 looks like it will be coming home soon. Unless the Tak has some sort of edge over the F1. Thanks for the help so far guys.
 
Of the two you mention, and for the use you mention, I would choose the F1 hands down. As someone posted earlier though, if you want a kabar sized knife, I would heartily recommend the s1 or a1 fallkniven, or, if money is a concern, the becker bk-2 companion is bullet proof (a lot heavier and less refined than the fallknivens but you will never hurt it lol)
 
the Fallkniven wins hands down.
Click to expand...
you should really think about getting at least one U2 to slip in the your watch pocket of your jeans. VERY VERY sharp and you won't even know it's there until you want it for small stuff.
Click to expand...

I second those two points. You can't go wrong with the F1 and the U2.
It's a pefect swedish basic combo.

dantzk.
 
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