Fallkniven U2...?

Masteroffajitas

Masteroffajitas

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FK say that this powdered laminate steel has the best edge retention known to steel-kind. Is this true? They are pretty cheap, why don't I hear more of this knife? Where is it made? Any mini review of this knife would be appreciated, I'd like to know more about this knife.
 
I am not sure of the steel, as it is on my to-get list, however if you want a review Cutlerylover has one on youtube.

Unless you meant written review, which I can't help you with at the moment.
 
I believe all Fallkniven knifes are made in Japan.

Fallkniven's marketing aside, the U2 has a very hard blade--RC62. This is probably why the U2 has great edge retention (and is such a small knife.)

Part of the U2's warranty states " the knife is intended for cutting with and is not for twisting, bending, chopping or hitting"

Note the "chopping" reference.

That level of hardness may be brittle/unsuitable in a larger knife that's used for more....strenuous tasks.
 
I have a TK3 in 3G. Kind of like a U2. I really like the knife, the steel takes and holds a great edge. The best? That's hard to say. One of my better pocket knives, and it definitely rates up there, other forumites don't rate it quite so high.
 
I recently did an edge retention test in cardboard and sisal, comparing the following:

Spyderco Para S30V
Buck AG Crosslock S30V
Buck mini-Ritter S30V
Dozier fixed blade, D2
BR North Star A2
Spyderco Military S90V
Queen gunstock D2
Fallkniven U2, SGPS


I carefully controlled for the different blade lengths, marking off the blades so that I was using the same edge length. I sharpened all of them to the same angle and sharpness (except the millie, the S90V would not strop easily on green compound to hairpopping sharp). I cut the same length of cardboard from the same box (extra large shipping box, cutting into thin strips) and cut the sisal rope the same number of times, all from the same coil. I measured sharpness using a crude device to determine the force needed to cut some thread. I was expecting good things from the U2, but in the end I was rather disappointed. The only knife in the bunch that performed worse than the U2 was the Queen. All the others were noticeably better. This was not the result I was expecting. YMMV, but that was my observation. Don't get me wrong, the U2 will do better than most knives on the market today, but in that particular group it wasn't the star by any stretch of the imagination.
 
I have a U2 in the glove box of each of my vehicles for those times when you need a small knife.

I also gave several away at Christmas time as promotional items for my company.

The U2 is a great little knife for it's size and price point. So far I'm really pleased with the edge holding capability, but have never used the knives hard.

The Zytel handle feels a little out of sorts compared to Fallkniven's other knives, but I supect it is tough as nails.

The knife is a true pocket knife, small, light weight, and smooth edges except for the rear of the blade that sticks up above the handle when closed. The blade rear has some sharp square corners, But these corners have never proved bothersome.

The knife is designed for everyday utility tasks, not heavy duty use.

The blade locks up nicely with no discernable play at the pivot.

I didn't get any negative comments from anyone that received one from me at Christmas, and most made comments suggesting they were pleasantly surprised at how capable the knife was.

Used for what it is intended to be used for, this knife will not disappoint.

Kevin
 
Kevin - You are right about the utility of the U2. It sure is handy, and is so light that you hardly notice it.
 
I mainly carry slippies, mostly Queen in D2

The U2 will match anything I use the slippes for.
It is a lighter flatter knife, with a fairly short wide blade.
Will sit in your pocket un-noticed.

The design is minimalistic with plain black handles.
Nail nicks both sides of the blade, which make pinch opening very easy.
Locks solid with a click, with no blade play.

The blade is very sharp and stays sharp.
I have not sharpened it in a long time, and it does not feel like it needs sharpening.
(I have not tested it!)
I have sharpened it to a very fine angle, as the blade is already thin, the final bevel is also thin.

A 'simple' pocket knife with an excellent blade for cutting.
An understated knife.
Well worth the money.
 
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A very nice small size pocketknife by my experience, too. Good for any task I needed to do with a small blade. Really light as well.

There is indeed quite a sharp corner on the blade when closed, because of this I made a little pocket sheath for it from some old leather piece that was around. Carried it at work, so small and light in the pocket that is was pretty much unnoticeable. Not a one-hand knife but my cutting needs weren't too tactical, either. :)

Gave it to friend eventually, little over a year ago. Nothing wrong with the knife but I had other ones to use and she really seemed to like it. Sharpened and stropped it to a fine hair-shaving edge before giving it to the new owner. The last time I asked her the blade was still "frighteningly sharp". That's coming from a non-knife person so apply grains of salt as needed.
 
I've found that the U2 is the easiest to sharpen of my knives - I use a medium arkansas stone. It's probably due to the very, very thin blade, but it sure takes a shaving edge easily and well.

Also, it can't be emphasized enough how lightweight it feels while still exuding quality, and it's a perfectly harmless looking little folder... very people friendly.

I mainly carry the U2 to church or formal functions requiring a suit or thin dress pants. Since it's lightweight there's no bothering with a heavy knife in my pocket and no printing... but when I'm in my jeans, a SAK will do everything it does (except lock).

It's easy to open one-handed if you're used to opening nail-flicks one handed.
 
I can only speak to the U1 but the steel is impressive. Takes and keeps a keen edge, hairpopping and long-lasting, moreso than other knives I own in D2, S30V, etc... It is good stuff.
 
lambertiana said:
I recently did an edge retention test in cardboard and sisal, comparing the following:

Spyderco Para S30V
Buck AG Crosslock S30V
Buck mini-Ritter S30V
Dozier fixed blade, D2
BR North Star A2
Spyderco Military S90V
Queen gunstock D2
Fallkniven U2, SGPS


I carefully controlled for the different blade lengths, marking off the blades so that I was using the same edge length. I sharpened all of them to the same angle and sharpness (except the millie, the S90V would not strop easily on green compound to hairpopping sharp). I cut the same length of cardboard from the same box (extra large shipping box, cutting into thin strips) and cut the sisal rope the same number of times, all from the same coil. I measured sharpness using a crude device to determine the force needed to cut some thread. I was expecting good things from the U2, but in the end I was rather disappointed. The only knife in the bunch that performed worse than the U2 was the Queen. All the others were noticeably better. This was not the result I was expecting. YMMV, but that was my observation. Don't get me wrong, the U2 will do better than most knives on the market today, but in that particular group it wasn't the star by any stretch of the imagination.
Click to expand...

Same with my tests. actually for all Takefu Specials Steels - pretty poor performance:

http://playground.sun.com/~vasya/Manila-Rope-Results.html

Thanks, Vassili.
 
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