Fallkniven F1 vs. Cold Steel Master Hunter

TAH

TAH

Joined
Jul 3, 2001
Messages
6,135
I've narrowed it down to these two knives and would like to hear some feeback. Here are some questions I'd like to have answered:

1) Overall, how do these two steels compare? Fallkniven's Laminated VG-10 convex edge / CS's VG-1 San Mai III flat grind?
2) Is VG-1 San Mai III three layers of VG-1?
3) Handle comfort? I've held an F1. It's okay, but feels a little small in my hand. Does the Master Hunter have a larger handle?
4) I am only interested in a Zytel sheath. Does one sheath have better retention over the other?

fallkniven%20F1%203G%20ZYTEL%20BLANCO.JPG


COLD%20STEEL%20MASTER%20HUNTER%20SAN%20MAI.JPG


Thanks! :thumbup:
 
wow its crazy how close CS made that knife look like the f1. i have a f1. (its up in the trade section if you're interested.) i like it. it's just too much of a knife for me and my uses if that makes sense. i dont know how long the CS version is out, but i would stick to the fallkniven since people put it to the test already and saw how it can preform in the wilderness.
 
Very tough choice. Both knives are great. You should handle both and go with the one that feels better.

matt1987, I don't think CS made that knife to look like the F1. I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure the Master Hunter was around before the F1.
 
Handle is smaller in the F1 than in the MH. That is the main deciding factor for most guys. Unless you are dying for the 3G steel, then Fallkniven is the only choice.

MH was in the '93 CS catalog. "F1 is the official survival knife for pilots within the Swedish Air Force since 1995."
 
Both my son and I have owned the Master Hunter for years. I'm thinking mine is at least 15 years old, most likely older.
Well constructed, a couple of licks with the steel and it's back in business. No complaints but it is a compromise knife. It is ok for skinning but would be better with more upward curve to the blade. Not very good for boning because the blade is wide and thick. Still, they have been great knives and put through a lot. Non slip handle, nice heft and sized right. If you are not looking for a hunting knife it is a good choice but not sure what they cost anymore.
Never owned a F1 but did just pick up a PHK, to say I am impressed is an under statement.
 
raylaconico said:
Very tough choice. Both knives are great. You should handle both and go with the one that feels better.

matt1987, I don't think CS made that knife to look like the F1. I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure the Master Hunter was around before the F1.
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You are correct. The Master Hunter was around before the F1.
I read somewhere that the folks at Fallkniven were european Cold Steel distributors before Fallkniven was born. So no wonder the F1 resembles the Master Hunter. Why fix something that isnt broke? Or reinventing the wheel?
 
I know that Fallkniven's Lam. VG-10 is VG-10 sandwiched in between 420, but I'm still curious about the VG-1 San Mai III. Is it three layers of VG-1 or is the core different? It doesn't say on CS's website.
 
TAH said:
I know that Fallkniven's Lam. VG-10 is VG-10 sandwiched in between 420, but I'm still curious about the VG-1 San Mai III. Is it three layers of VG-1 or is the core different? It doesn't say on CS's website.
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The whole reason to laminate is to have a harder steel in the middle with tougher steel outside. I don't know what Cold Steel uses but I'm sure it isn't the same steel on all layers.

I think the Falkniven has a finer edge and will probably cut better but the CS has a thicker edge that should be tougher and less likely to chip or roll. I don't think the difference is huge either way. Also the handles are different. Either one will work great and you should just pick the one that you think feels better, both knife and sheath. You should handle them in person and side by side if possible. Go to a knife store in your area that might carry both.
 
TAH said:
I know that Fallkniven's Lam. VG-10 is VG-10 sandwiched in between 420, but I'm still curious about the VG-1 San Mai III. Is it three layers of VG-1 or is the core different? It doesn't say on CS's website.
Click to expand...

I think I read elsewhere that its AUS-8 sandwiched between 420.

I like the F1 and am currently in the market for one. Though the Master Hunter looks similar, I get the jist that many on here hate or love Cold Steel.
Doesn't matter to me, but a lot of searching hasn't led me to any threads yet where a Fallkniven has completely failed. You can, however, find instances of CS products doing so.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=328256
 
I own an F1 and have handled a master hunter, I chose the Fallkniven for many reasons, but mostly because it feels like it is more refined and higher quality. I cannot speak for the plastic sheath, as I bought leather. I would buy the F1 all over again.
 
All my Fallknivens perform extremely well. VG10 and 3G blades take and hold a great edge.

I have no reservations recommending Fallkniven.

I have no experience with the Cold steel knife, so can't comment on a comparison.

Kevin
 
i have two fallknivens, an S1 and a 3G-WM1 and wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.

i don't own nor have i handled the CS in question, however from the bulk of reports i've heard, they are decent blades.

as for those links: of course those idiots busted their knives.
 
sambo. said:
i have two fallknivens, an S1 and a 3G-WM1 and wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.

i don't own nor have i handled the CS in question, however from the bulk of reports i've heard, they are decent blades.

as for those links: of course those idiots busted their knives.
Click to expand...

Just curious why you would say that.

Referencing the video link: I have batoned hard on both my Fallkniven A2 and BRKT Bravo 2 with no problems. He was going pretty hard, but the knife seemed to snap pretty easily.

Kevin
 
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