Benchmade vs Fallkniven vs Helle

J

jono023

Joined
Feb 2, 2011
Messages
2
Hi all,
Long time reader but first time writer.

I am in the market for a reliable, all purpose camp/bush craft knife.
One that is not too difficult to sharpen in the wild but still retains a reliable edge. It needs to be tough, used for splitting wood, constructing shelters and whittling without the risk of chipping the blade. I would like it to have a non-slip handle, something rubber-like so I can still retain a high level of control even when wet.

My intension is to find a knife that is reliable over a long period of time; basically I am looking for an investment into a knife that will see me through several years of rough treatment.

I initially spoke to and ex-SAS man who recommended the SOG seal pup elite, however the zytel handle concerns me... any comments or concerns about zytel as a handle material?

I have been looking at the Benchmade 510 rant bowie. The handle appears to be acceptable but I would appreciate someone’s opinion on D2 steel, concerning edge retention vs ease of sharpening vs corrosion.

I also have been looking at Fallkniven, specifically the S1. I ahve heard some concerns over the thickness of the knife. 5mm for some is too thick to use for precision work (i.e. in trap making), any recommendations on thickness then? Again corrosion, edge retention and sharpening are also my concerns.

And recently I have come across the Helle knife brands; though I must confess I know nothing of the types of individual knives. My concerns are as stated above. Can someone tell me if any of the Helle knifes are full tang or not?

This will be my first knife and I realise that it will not last forever, however I still would like a knife that will see me through many an adventure in a variety of environments across the world.

I realise this is a topic that is highly contested, there can be no “best” knife brand or type as it is up to the individuals preferences, hand size and intended use. However, any advice concerning these three brands is appreciated.

Cheers.
 
I don't think you could go wrong with any of the knives you mentioned. I have the S1 and find it very good in design, comfort, edge retention and corrosion resistance.

If you have bigger hands like me you might want to consider a RMD from Swamprat as it is very similar to the S1 in size but with a slightly larger handle. I think they still have a few available.
 
Your first paragraph described a Fallkniven pretty well, though I'd think the A1 would be better for wood splitting.
 
jono023 said:
Hi all,
Long time reader but first time writer.

I am in the market for a reliable, all purpose camp/bush craft knife.
One that is not too difficult to sharpen in the wild but still retains a reliable edge. It needs to be tough, used for splitting wood, constructing shelters and whittling without the risk of chipping the blade. I would like it to have a non-slip handle, something rubber-like so I can still retain a high level of control even when wet.

My intension is to find a knife that is reliable over a long period of time; basically I am looking for an investment into a knife that will see me through several years of rough treatment.

I initially spoke to and ex-SAS man who recommended the SOG seal pup elite, however the zytel handle concerns me... any comments or concerns about zytel as a handle material?

I have been looking at the Benchmade 510 rant bowie. The handle appears to be acceptable but I would appreciate someone’s opinion on D2 steel, concerning edge retention vs ease of sharpening vs corrosion.

I also have been looking at Fallkniven, specifically the S1. I ahve heard some concerns over the thickness of the knife. 5mm for some is too thick to use for precision work (i.e. in trap making), any recommendations on thickness then? Again corrosion, edge retention and sharpening are also my concerns.

And recently I have come across the Helle knife brands; though I must confess I know nothing of the types of individual knives. My concerns are as stated above. Can someone tell me if any of the Helle knifes are full tang or not?

This will be my first knife and I realise that it will not last forever, however I still would like a knife that will see me through many an adventure in a variety of environments across the world.

I realise this is a topic that is highly contested, there can be no “best” knife brand or type as it is up to the individuals preferences, hand size and intended use. However, any advice concerning these three brands is appreciated.

Cheers.
Click to expand...

Another vote for Fallkniven.

I own the F1 but I'd take the S1 in a heartbeat too.

The S1 is only .5mm thicker than my F1 and I have encountered zero limitations from the blade thickness. A thinner blade will typically do a better job at slicing and shaving wood but you won't be at any real disadvantage. If you're looking for camping/survival type knife use, you'll be all set with the S1.

Helle makes great knives but I wouldn't baton much with them because of the tang construction. If you plan on always having an axe/hatchet with you for splitting, you've got nothing to worry about in that regard.

I don't know anything about the Benchmade 510 other than seeing it in a couple photos. Personally when I think Benchmade, I think folders.

D2 steel, like all steels, has its ups and downs. It’s been used in many outdoor type fixed blades over the years, many with outstanding results. The edge retention is great but it can be brittle. The real important factor is the heat treat though. Would I trust D2 in hard use? Sure.

ESEE and Becker get plugged in every camp knife thread so you might as well check them out too. Look up the BK2 and ESEE 5 or 6.

Good luck and let us know what you choose!
 
I can only speak to the ones I have so I'll also suggest the F1 and the ESEE 4 or 6. I think the ESEE 5 is too thick for camp duty and that wasn't it's original intended purpose anyway.
If you go with the Fallkniven better act quick because I heard their prices are going up dramatically any time now, if they haven't already.
Also, ESEE will be coming out with a stainless steel version of the ESEE4, something to consider if you're not in too much of a rush to get your knife.
 
I would not recommend Helle for a havy camp work. Helle produce laminated blades about 2.5-2.6 mm thick. In my opinion they would not be tough enough, and not heavy enough for the kind of work. They are quite good in general: very nice shapes and materials, light, would rather bend than break, very sharp and relatively strong thanks to skandi grind - no prob. Good bushkraft blade, but not necessarily a camping one.
So I would probably go for Benchmade - for it simply would fit your needs for less money.
 
Hi guys, thanks for you feedbacks! I have decided to with Fallkniven. I have been down to my local and have help both the f1 and s1... the handles are not as great as I was bexpecting... but they felt worlds better that the SOG :). Now I noticed the f1 has a wonderfully thick blade right across its length, this I assume contributes to a very tough blade. However in hand the blade seems a little smaller than I would like. In trying out the s1 the blade seems just a bit too long for me (I know, I am being really fussy :P). The s1 also has a very thin tip. Because of the thin nature of the tip I was wondering if anyone has experienced problems with it bending or breaking after hard use (such as splitting fire wood)? It seems to me that this is a potential draw back of the blade, but then again I am no expert, so I figured I'd ask if anyone who has had hands on, field test experience with this blade whether you have come across any problems or concerns with the s1's thin tip. If there is a potential problem or concern then I will get my f1 tomorrow. However, if my fears are irrational then I will flip a coin over these two and see which one I will buy :p.

Cheers.
 
I own and use many Fallkniven knives, among others.

As with any knife, they are not for everyone, but they are very high quality knives that will last a lifetime and more if properly used and cared for.

IMO they share a spot on the top shelf among the many other top quality knives available today.

Among my user knives, I have and F1, NL5 and A2, but don't have an S1 user.

The F1 and NL5 are very similar blade wise. I have used both for a variety of camp type chores including batoning, appropriate to the size of the knife, They are both very capable knives.

The A2 is considerably larger than the S1, but has a similar blade design. This Knife, along with my BRKT Bravo 2, are my go to knives for batoning and heavier camp/yard duty. The A2 and S1 share a similar tapered tip. I always try to leave a sufficient amount of blade protruding when batoning, but it is almost impossible not to strike near the tip on occasion. I have had no issues with tip strength or breakage.

Without knowing specifically how, and what, you are going to use your knife for, it is difficult to really recommend one over the other. Both are very capable knives that will serve you well.

The F1 is probably the most frequently purchased "first" Fallkniven due to it's well rounded abilities, but those who own the S1 often speak very highly of it as well.

Go with your gut, and buy the one that seems to be the best fit for your needs.

Kevin
 
Last edited:
I have a Fallkniven F1 and S1, both are outstanding knives, the F1 is my constant outdoor companion, unless I'm camping or waaaaay back in the boonies when I carry the S1. Other than kitchen and fillet knives, I seldom use any other fixed blade. That's the highest recommendation I can give. Both are available as blank blades, if you would like to make a custom handle and/or save a few bucks.

If you get either knife be sure to check out some of the custom sheaths from these guys: http://www.jreindustries.com/fallkniven.htm I sprung for the pricier ones that cost dang near what the knives did and have no regrets. There are a a bunch of others that offer great sheaths for these knives as well, I just don't have a link handy.

The other knives you mentioned I know nothing about.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top