Fallkniven F1 CoS, F1X, or Pro?

[sektr]

Recently lost my trusty ESEE 4 in a move, and it's time to add a new fixed blade of similar size to the collection. I've always wanted an F1, but there's so many variations on the market now I'm torn. Wanted to get some opinions from you folks.

The knife's going to be an all-rounder, used for day-to-day chores, camping, hunting, some bushcraft, etc. Because of that, I'm leaning towards the slightly thicker Pro or X models for some additional durability. What are everyone's thoughts here on the pros and cons of the various models? Is the Pro or X considered to be a step up in every way from the standard F1 in CoS?

Also had a couple other questions:

1. I've heard the Pro models had issues with loose bolsters in the past, but that newer models are now welded together. Is that true, so no longer a concern?
2. I've heard complaints about the X models' handles not being flush with the tang, and from pictures online it's hard to tell. What's the verdict there?

Thanks folks!

 

[RIP Dequincy Jynxie]

tldr;

• an f1 would likely be a nice step up from an esee 4.
• an a1 would probably be overkill.
• an f1pro would be awesome if you have money burning a whole in your pocket, or want the nicest newest thing.
• an a1pro is probably overkill for general purpose edc stuff

I've always wanted an F1

The nice thing about F1s is that you can get pretty good deals on them, especially the standard/old models.

I'm leaning towards the slightly thicker Pro or X models for some additional durability.

From what I've seen, the x models biggest benefit is the improved sheath.

1. I've heard the Pro models had issues with loose bolsters in the past, but that newer models are now welded together. Is that true, so no longer a concern?

I believe the guard issue is long fixed on pro models. no problems with my a1pro.

2. I've heard complaints about the X models' handles not being flush with the tang, and from pictures online it's hard to tell. What's the verdict there?

the x model handle scales do look like they're more uncomfortable than either the standard or pro models, but if you're working in really wet or oily conditions then this would be a plus.


general thoughts:

the standard f1 model (3g) is probably the most practical, especially if you're going to use it as general purpose EDC. if you want to spend the money, the f1pro (CoS) should do just as well.

the 3g is a very good steel, a bit more brittle and harder to sharpen than the newer CoS from what I read, but keeps a great edge; CoS is supposed to be the best balance from what I read

the a1, and more so a1pro, is a great jack-of-all-trades, master of none knife. while they do cut real well for their size, especially the a1pro, I wouldn't use mine for anything but instances where a THICK blade actually makes sense.

I'm biased to slicier blades though

EDIT: for something in between the a1 and f1, you might want to look into the s line

 

[Gilbert G]

I had an F1Pro and loved it. The heft and design are confidence inspiring. The sheath did jiggle a small amount but didn't bother me. Such a solid knife and also had zero experience with sharpening convex grinds and yet the knife sharpened up quite well with the included stone. Absolutely have nothing but praise for it and only reason sold is because went with the next step, the NL5.

 

[KenHash]

tldr;
the standard f1 model (3g) is probably the most practical, especially if you're going to use it as general purpose EDC. if you want to spend the money, the f1pro (CoS) should do just as well.

The Standard F1 model is the laminate (ie Sanmai) with a VG10 core and 420j2 sides. This is probably the most widely owned and used version of the F1 as it has been in production the longest.
The 3G model is a laminate that uses SG2 (aka R2 powder steel) with VG2 sides. Hence "3G".
Performance, as well as cost, of CoS falls essentially between the two.

https://fallkniven.se/en/product-information/steel/

 

[d762nato]

I have the A1Pro and the A1X, and I'll have to say the pro handle feels so nice and comfy with it's full handle. The X series is probably going to be a little tougher than the pro but only because of the handle. The handle's on the X series are rougher and harder on the hand.

I've come to the conclusion that the Pro would be better without gloves and the X series better with gloves. If your going to be beating on it a lot I'd go with the X series as you can beat on the handles if need be or butt and not worry about tearing up the handle like on the pro model. If it were me I'd go F1 Pro for comfort and F1X for being the toughest of the two, but I'm sure the F1 Pro is plenty tough as well as long as your not beating on the handle.