Fallkniven F1 or alternative

Karoi

Karoi

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Sep 7, 2014
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I'm very interested in getting the F1 to complement my BK9. It'll be used mostly for camping and some bushcraft.

The VG10 will be a good steel since I live on the coast. What's making me a little hesitant is that rather thick spine and handle geometry.
I really like the BK16 handle, blade thickness and gimping but not too keen on getting another carbon steel knife.

Can anyone recommend an alternative +/- 4 inch blade which has similar or almost as good rust resistance from another manufacturer?


Thanks!
 
You could get a Survive! Knives GSO 3.5 or 4.1 in CPM-20CV. The Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 (S30V) might be a little easier to find and be slightly cheaper though. Personally I'm a fan of the F1. It has a thick blade, but the convex grind helps out with slicing. Also I think it will be hard to beat the stainless properties of the 420 that the VG10 is sandwiched between. The handle could be better, but it's not bad imho. There is also the Mora if you want a cheap sort of sacrificial blade.
 
If You want thin and stainless, one of the newest Mora models will certainly work.

However, the F1 is way more knife, than the competition and the handle isn't bad!
I have a F1 handle right here on my desk, as I have rehandled my F1 in stag.
Holding it in my hand, I can't feel anything wrong with the original design.

io1mAM.jpg


The reason for the rehandle, is that I like natural materials way more.
I also use my F1 real hard and I have good use for the DC4 sharpening stone + the leatherhone.


Regards
Mikael
 
I have an F1 and really like it for an all around woods knife. I don't think it is too thick, but I know some do. It is sold as a "survival knife", and so is thicker to be able to pry, and to avoid breaking when you need it the most. One lives in my flight bag, so that should tell you something. That all being said, I like my Bark River Gunny in A2 a bit better for an all around woods carry knife, and for Bushcraft. While the A2 is not very rust resistant (I keep a little mineral oil on mine if around water, or humidity) they do offer versions in 3V (more rust resistant) and stainless S35VN, and Elmax.

http://www.knivesshipfree.com/gunny-s35vn/?sort=alphaasc
 
^^ Yup. Bark river in s35vn. Look the the bravo 1 as well. Knives Ship Free . com has the best selection of BR knives.
 
Personally, I'd get the F1. It's actually a damn good knife and would make a true "combination" carry instead of 1 x 2.

If you don't, my alternate recommendation to you for bush is a 4-6" leuku from one of the better Nordic makers like J. Martinni. OR, if you really want what is IMO the best bush combo there is, pair a leuku with a puukko in a gang sheath.
 
I'd the A1 if i was you. Bought one around a month ago and could not be happier with it. It is going to be my winter woods knife replacing the BK9. I would have been unhappy with the size of either the F1 or S1. The A1 is a perfect sized all around knife. I haven't tested in the woods yet though so maybe i'll be eating my words later but i highly doubt it. Feels very good in the hand, balanced,good slicer. Does anyone use the A1 or F1 for wood processing much like felling tree's or batoning? And how does the edge hold up compared to 1095? Was going to start a thread on this bought since OP and i both have the BK9 he's looking to get and i have a Fallkniven figured would just ask here so we both could get info on this. Does VG10 hold a edge just as long as 1095? Cause my experiance with 1095 it keeps edge retension for weeks of chopping on wood material. Any one beat on their Fallkniven's much with good results?
 
Ulf!

Yes I have beaten my 1095 Bark River Golok at Rc 58 side by side with my Fällkniven NL1 Tor and NL2 Odin at Rc 59.
They all have about the same edge geometry.
None of the knives got dull by use, but small particles in the wood affects the edges and I have also managed to hit stones with the tips of the Golok and NL2.
It seems like VG-10 is the winner here, as it has less dept of the damaged area.

I feel that VG-10 is a very competent steel also for tougher work!
And it's stainless.
The laminate adds both to corrosion resistance and increased tougness, so what's not to like!


Regards
Mikael
 
Mikael W said:
Ulf!

Yes I have beaten my 1095 Bark River Golok at Rc 58 side by side with my Fällkniven NL1 Tor and NL2 Odin at Rc 59.
They all have about the same edge geometry.
None of the knives got dull by use, but small particles in the wood affects the edges and I have also managed to hit stones with the tips of the Golok and NL2.
It seems like VG-10 is the winner here, as it has less dept of the damaged area.

I feel that VG-10 is a very competent steel also for tougher work!
And it's stainless.
The laminate adds both to corrosion resistance and increased tougness, so what's not to like!


Regards
Mikael
Click to expand...

Great to know Mikael.:thumbup: I can't wait to test the A1 in the woods. I'm fairly sure i could cut down large tree's as well as baton just wanted to make sure from others that had use with theirs before putting some good abuse on it. Will report back a couple weeks from now with the results and pics. Or probably just start a new thread instead of cluttering this one up. Hope you decide to get a Fallkniven one way or the other OP. You won't regret it.
 
Ulf Krogstad said:
Great to know Mikael.:thumbup: I can't wait to test the A1 in the woods. I'm fairly sure i could cut down large tree's as well as baton just wanted to make sure from others that had use with theirs before putting some good abuse on it. Will report back a couple weeks from now with the results and pics. Or probably just start a new thread instead of cluttering this one up. Hope you decide to get a Fallkniven one way or the other OP. You won't regret it.
Click to expand...


Ulf, I think the A1 is the wrong tool for large tree's!
You will get very tired in Your arm if You try on anything larger than 3" diameter tree's!

I have used the NL2 on up to 5" tree's, but that's about max for that size (8" blade).
Over 5" diameter, I prefer an ax, but I don't use that thick wood when going Outdoors.


Regards
Mikael
 
I think it will probably work pretty well. Yeah will take more effort than my BK9 for sure but guarntee will be done fairly easy. I chopped down this 8" thick tree with the Benchmade 275. Took me about 20 minutes but got it down. Not practical at all but just wanted to see how the Adamas would hold up to something like that and it performed flawlessly. I mostly wnated the A1 as a stainless winter/wet weather/river knife that is capable of using for almost anything and think it will hold up to almost anything can throw at it. Maybe i'm wrong. Your definately right about other knives being more suitable for tree work or just using an axe/saw. I'm fairly sure can cut down a 8 in tree with the a1 in at least 3 minutes with little affort and be able to baton with it but i'll see. Will report back after trying.

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:eek: Ok Ulf, I guess You must be the brother of the Hulk!

You will find the A1 a far better chopper than the BM 275!:D


Regards
Mikael
 
The laminated VG10 is great! Tough, holds an edge. I've been happy with the couple fallknivens I've owned. I liked the S1 the most. It was a great size IMO.
 
That Gunny in Elmax would be sweet! As was said earlier the GSO line from SURVIVE! offers great options for stainless.
 
Mikael W said:
:eek: Ok Ulf, I guess You must be the brother of the Hulk!

You will find the A1 a far better chopper than the BM 275!:D


Regards
Mikael
Click to expand...

lol. The 275 has the weight and very solid constuctiveness that makes it great for chopping. Bet it's heavier than the Fallkniven F1 or close to it. Not a super comfortable unnoticeable EDC folder that's for sure.:D
But none the less one of my favorite knives. OP i would also look at Benchmades 183 Contego with s3ov steel. Haven't had one but interested in getting one. Or maybe SYKCO scrapmax 375 with elmax. Have one coming tomarrow i'm hoping i'll like.
 
If you go in the bush with the BK9 , the F1 would make a great companion. I've used that pair myself many times. I prefer the zytel sheath for a low maintenance package. The handle is good and really tough. It is a bit of a thicker knife , but it does everything I need it to. It's a little expensive , but I still like it and don't regret the purchase.

It's a very popular bush knife for a reason. It works , and as a plus it doesn't rust.
 
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