Fallkniven F1 Review: The Ideal Tool for Everyday Carry and Outdoor Adventures
With its sleek design and superior craftsmanship, the Fallkniven F1 knife is the perfect everyday carry knife for anyone who demands excellence
When it comes to finding the perfect everyday carry knife, you want something that is reliable, durable, and versatile. That’s where the Fallkniven F1 knife comes in.
This Swedish military survival knife has been the official survival knife of Swedish Air Force pilots since 1995, and for good reason.
With a blade made of laminate VG10 steel with a hardness of 59 HRC, a broad and protruding tang with a black
Thermorun handle, and an all-covering leather sheath for safe storage and transport, the Fallkniven F1 is designed to exceed international standards for strength, personal security capabilities, and value for money.
As an avid outdoorsman who enjoys camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities, I purchased the Fallkniven F1 knife for everyday carry and have been using it for several months.
In this review, I’ll be sharing my personal experience about using this tool, along with its key features, pros and cons, and how it compares to other knives in its class. So, let’s dive into my Fallkniven F1 review and find out if it lives up to its reputation as the ultimate everyday carry knife.
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Key Features of the Fallkniven F1
If there’s one thing that sets the Fallkniven F1 apart from other everyday carry knives, it’s the quality of its key features. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this knife stand out from the rest.
Blade Material and Design
The blade of the Fallkniven F1 is made of laminate VG10 steel with a hardness of 59 HRC. This type of steel is known for its exceptional durability and ability to hold its edge well over time.
The blade is ground with a Scandinavian grind, which means that it is sharpened with a single bevel on one side and a flat grind on the other.
This gives the blade a razor-sharp edge that makes cutting tasks effortless. The blade length is 97 mm (3.8 in.) and the thickness is 4.5 mm (0.18 in.), making it the perfect size for most everyday carry tasks.
Handle Material and Design
The handle of the Fallkniven F1 is made of black Thermorun material, which provides a comfortable and secure grip even when the hands are wet or slippery. The tang is broad and protruding, which gives the knife added strength and durability.
The handle is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the hand, which is especially important when using the knife for extended periods of time. One of the downsides to the handle is that it can become slippery when wet, which may be a concern for some users.
Sheath Quality and Functionality
The Fallkniven F1 comes with an all-covering leather sheath (there is a Zittel option) for safe storage and transport. The sheath is of exceptional quality and has a classic look and feel that complements the knife perfectly.
The sheath is designed to hold the knife securely in place, which means that you don’t have to worry about the knife falling out while you’re on the move.
One minor downside to the sheath is that it can be a bit bulky, which may make it uncomfortable to carry for some users.
The key features of the Fallkniven F1 are exceptional. The blade is made of high-quality steel, the handle is designed for comfort and durability, and the sheath is of exceptional quality.
While there are a few minor drawbacks to the knife, such as the slippery handle and bulky sheath, these are easily mitigated with proper care and maintenance.
All in all, the Fallkniven F1 is a top-notch everyday carry knife that is sure to exceed your expectations.
Fallkniven F1 Review: Pros and Cons
When it comes to any product, it’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages. Here, we will take a look at the pros and cons of the Fallkniven F1 knife for everyday carry.
Pros
Versatile Blade
One of the most significant pros of the Fallkniven F1 is its versatile blade. The VG10 steel holds a sharp edge, making it ideal for slicing and cutting through different materials.
The 3.8-inch blade length is perfect for everyday carry tasks, and the Scandinavian grind makes it easy to sharpen.
Comfortable and Secure Grip
The black Thermorun handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, even when your hands are wet or slippery. The broad and protruding tang helps with the grip, and the handle itself feels good in the hand.
Durable Design
The full-tang design with a hidden tang that protrudes at the back makes the knife strong and durable. The blade’s thickness of 4.5 mm (0.18 in.) adds to its durability, and the overall design surpasses international standards for strength and personal security capabilities.
Quality Sheath
The Fallkniven F1 comes with a quality leather sheath that provides safe storage and transport. The sheath fits the knife securely and is easy to attach to a belt or backpack strap.
Cons
Prone to Rust
One of the most significant cons of the Fallkniven F1 is that the blade is prone to developing small rust spots if not cleaned and dried thoroughly after use in wet conditions.
However, this is easily mitigated with proper care and maintenance.
Slippery Handle
Another minor drawback is that the handle can become slippery when wet, making it slightly less secure to hold. However, the broad and protruding tang helps to mitigate this issue.
Expensive Price Point
Compared to other knives in its class, the Fallkniven F1 is on the pricier side. However, the knife’s quality and durability make it a worthwhile investment for those in need of a reliable everyday carry knife.
Limited Use as a Tactical Knife
While the Fallkniven F1 is a versatile everyday carry knife, it may not be the best option for those looking for a tactical knife. Its design and blade length make it better suited for general use rather than tactical situations.
The Fallkniven F1 has many pros that make it an excellent option for everyday carry, including a versatile blade, comfortable grip, durable design, and quality sheath. However, it also has a few cons, such as its tendency to rust, slippery handle, expensive price point, and limited use as a tactical knife.
Performance and Durability
As an outdoor enthusiast who takes his gear seriously, I’ve put the Fallkniven F1 through its paces over the past few months. I’m happy to report that this knife performs exceptionally well in a variety of tasks and has proven to be quite durable.
The VG10 steel blade is the star of the show here. It’s incredibly sharp out of the box and holds an edge surprisingly well.
I’ve used it for everything from prepping food to batoning wood for a campfire, and it’s handled everything with ease. The blade’s 4.5mm thickness adds a bit of heft to the knife, which is a good thing in my book.
It gives the knife a more substantial feel and helps with the chopping and splitting tasks that I’ve used it for.
As for durability, the Fallkniven F1 is built to last.
The blade has shown no signs of chipping or bending, even after some fairly rough use. The full-tang design provides added strength, and the Thermorun handle has held up well despite some exposure to moisture and other environmental factors.
One of the few areas where the knife falls short is in its resistance to rust.
While the blade is made of high-quality VG10 steel, it is still susceptible to rust if not properly maintained. I’ve noticed some small spots of rust on the blade after using it in wet conditions, so it’s essential to clean and dry the knife thoroughly after each use to prevent any further damage.
This edc tool is a workhorse of a knife that performs exceptionally well in a variety of outdoor and everyday carry tasks. It’s durable enough to handle some serious abuse and holds an edge well, making it a reliable and versatile tool to have in your kit.
Fallkniven F1 Review: Comparing to Other Knives in its Class
As we explore the world of everyday carry knives, it’s important to compare and contrast different models to determine which one suits your needs the best.
See our top edc fixed blade knives choices.
In this section, we will compare the Fallkniven F1 with four other popular knives in its class – the Gerber StrongArm, ESEE 4, Buck 119 Special, and ESEE Izula II.
Fallkniven F1 vs. Gerber Strongarm
First up is the Gerber StrongArm, which is a great alternative to the Fallkniven F1. The StrongArm has a blade length of 4.8 inches and a total length of 9.8 inches, making it slightly larger than the F1.
The blade is made of 420HC steel, which is not quite as durable as the VG10 steel used in the F1.
However, the StrongArm has a full tang design and a diamond-texture rubber handle that provides a secure grip. It also comes with a modular sheath system that allows for various carrying options.
Fallkniven F1 vs. ESEE 4
Next, the ESEE 4 is a popular bushcraft knife that shares many similarities with the F1.
The ESEE 4 has a blade length of 4.5 inches and a total length of 9 inches. It has a full tang design and a 1095 carbon steel blade that is known for its durability and ability to hold an edge.
The handle is made of Micarta, a composite material that provides a comfortable and secure grip even when wet.
The downside of the ESEE 4 is that it is slightly heavier than the F1, weighing in at 8 ounces compared to the F1’s 6 ounces.
Fallkniven F1 vs. Buck 119 Special
Finally, the Buck 119 Special is a classic hunting knife that has been a favorite among outdoors enthusiasts for decades.
The 119 Special has a blade length of 6 inches and a total length of 10.5 inches, making it significantly larger than the F1. The blade is made of 420HC steel, which is not quite as durable as VG10, but still provides decent performance.
The handle is made of phenolic, a synthetic material that provides a comfortable grip. The downside of the Buck 119 Special is that it is heavier than the F1, weighing in at 7.5 ounces.
Fallkniven F1 vs. ESEE Izula II
The ESEE Izula II is an excellent small knife option, while the Fallkniven F1 is a better choice for those looking for a larger, more substantial knife.
With the ESEE Izula II, you get a compact and lightweight option that is perfect for everyday carry. The blade is just 2.63 inches long, and the overall length of the knife is only 6.75 inches. This small size makes it incredibly easy to carry, and it won’t weigh you down in the pocket. The knife features a high-quality 1095 carbon steel blade that is tough, durable, and easy to sharpen. The handle is made of Micarta, which provides an excellent grip even in wet or slippery conditions.
While the ESEE Izula II is an excellent small knife, it does have some limitations. The small size of the knife means that it may not be the best choice for heavy-duty tasks, and it may not be as comfortable to use for extended periods. Additionally, the Micarta handle may not be to everyone’s liking, and some users may prefer a more traditional grip.
With the Fallkniven F1, you get a larger and more substantial option that is ideal for those looking for a more heavy-duty knife. The blade is 3.8 inches long, and the overall length of the knife is 8.3 inches.
Both the ESEE Izula II and the Fallkniven F1 are excellent everyday carry knives that offer unique advantages – they are just in 2 different size categories. (See our ESEE Izula II knife review)
Each of these knives has its own strengths and weaknesses. The Fallkniven F1 stands out for its lightweight and versatile design, as well as its durable VG10 steel blade.
The Gerber StrongArm provides a larger blade and a modular sheath system. The ESEE 4 offers a durable carbon steel blade and a comfortable Micarta handle.
A classic hunting knife, the Buck 119 Special provides a larger blade for heavy-duty tasks. The ESEE Izula II is an excellent choice for those looking for a small and lightweight knife. It’s up to you to decide which one fits your needs the best.
The Fallkniven stands out among its competitors as a reliable and versatile everyday carry knife that is well-suited for outdoor activities. While other knives like the Gerber StrongArm, ESEE 4, Buck 119 Special and ESEE Izula II have their own strengths, the F1’s lightweight design and durable VG10 steel blade make it a top contender in its class.
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Final Thoughts on the Fallkniven F1 as an Everyday Carry Option
After several months of extensive use, it’s clear that the Fallkniven F1 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile everyday carry knife.
Its lightweight design, durable VG10 steel blade, and comfortable Thermorun handle make it a joy to use for a wide range of tasks.
While there are a few minor drawbacks, such as the handle becoming slippery when wet and the blade being prone to rust if not cleaned properly, these can easily be taken care of with proper care and maintenance.
When compared to other popular knives in its class, such as the Gerber StrongArm, ESEE 4, and Buck 119 Special, the Fallkniven F1 stands out with its superior blade material and design, as well as its comfortable grip.
Overall, I highly recommend the Fallkniven F1 as an everyday carry knife for anyone who wants a reliable and versatile tool for their outdoor activities and daily tasks. With its excellent performance and durability, it’s sure to be a reliable companion for years to come.
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