Fallkniven F1 vs. RAT?

[boricua9mm]

Fallkniven F1 vs. RAT? NEITHER!

I'm looking for a new camp knife. Blades from 4.5" to 5" seem to work best for my needs. I am leaning towards the Fallkniven F1, mainly because I don't see a RAT Cutlery knife available without the coated blade, which I have grown to despise. I am in Tampa Bay, Florida, so it will likely be exposed to both fresh & salt water...

Is there any reason I should be leaning towards the RAT offerings, or is there another quality blade at a similar price point that I should also be considering?

Thanks in advance!

 

[SpookyPistolero]

Given your requirements, there is no reason to go with RAT Cutlery/ESEE over the F1. The F1 will not quite make your length requirements, however. They of course make longer blades in the same relative design.

Of production blade coatings, I have found the ESEE stuff to be the best. But it's still carbon underneath and not great around salt water.

 

[mongo4567]

I really like the Bark River knives. This is a similar sized camp knife http://www.barkriverknifetool.com/knifedetail.asp?kid=17

 

[Todd A]

You can't go wrong with the F1 for a (almost) 4" belt knife. I love mine and their Laminated VG10 is great stuff. I did get some very small chips in the first 1" from the tip. However a couple of passes on a diamond hone took them right out.I followed that with a few passes on some 1000 grit paper at a shallower angle and it seems to have solved that issue.

Like you I just can't get into the R.A.T line. I can live with the coatings as they are easily stripped. I just haven't figured out a quick and easy way to add metal to get rid of that darn choil.

 

[bikerdoc]

I totally endorse the F 1. A fine knive that will serve you well.

 

[boricua9mm]

Thanks for the input guys. I may consider the S1 as well. I didn't realize the F1's blade was actually under 4 inches. That may be a tad small for my uses. I'll be looking at the S1!

 

[Voimakas]

+1 to Bark River Knives

and they're local for me too...:-D

 

[boricua9mm]

You guys are killing me.

I think the race is now between the Fallkniven S1 and the Bark River Bravo-1. So far I'm liking what I see on the Bravo-1. How would these two knives compare? It appears the Fallkniven is made in Japan, and the Bark River here in the US, for whatever that's worth.

 

[Voimakas]

Like I said, they're local (Michigan.) About an hour away. The guy I spoke to (who was driving the vehicle with their URL on it) was a very nice guy.

 

[boricua9mm]

Thanks for the input and suggestions fellas. I wound up going with the Bark River Bravo-1 with the green micarta handles. It's 50% more than I was looking to spend, but I think the thicker blade and handle material will make it worth the difference.

Buy once, cry once...

 

[JHansenAK47]

I think you made the right choice. The bravo 1 has a really nice comfortable handle. Personally, I don't care for the thumb ramp but it isn't hard to grind off.
For me to own a fallkniven, custom handles are mandatory. I hate the factory rubber handles. I usually judge a fallkniven on the handle, because the blades are top notch.

 

[Cycletroll]

Get an A1, it's the same basic design but 5".
You really can't beat Falknivens. The are super durable and razor sharp.

The A1 is 5mm thick and will chop down small trees in a single fell swoop...or chop?

 

[atomd]

You have good taste. I can't imagine choosing between just one Rat, an F1, or a Bark River. They are all just too good. I think the best thing to do is get the other two now for good measure.

 

[Boomm]

I have a fallkniven and that blade is strong as hell and sharp as hell. Definitely one of the better knives I own. I cannot speak for bark rivers

 

[boricua9mm]

Thanks for the suggestion fellas. I am impressed with the Bark River Bravo-1 so far. It received my first attempt at a forced patina. Figured I should share...

 

[atomd]

Lookin good. You're very brave trying anything out for the first time on a nice bark river. I really like their stuff a lot. Which method did you use?

 

[Leadhead]

Lookin' good!
What did you use?

 

[JHansenAK47]

Good patina job. I would do that to some of my knives but it annoys me when parts rub off with use.

 

[boricua9mm]

I experimented with Spicy Mustard, BBQ sauce, Ketchup, and Mayo. The Spicy Mustard had the fastest & darkest results, but the others can be good for laying down a background "field." I wound up using several applications of each at 12-15 minutes soak times. I went for the "tiger stripe" look by applying the condiments in bands. Seems I had more of the reaction occurring with the thinner application of condiments. I guess it needs to aerate a bit.

I'm pleased with the results.

 

[Dionysusigma]

That is a fantastically beautiful patina job.

 

[The Highlander]

Impressive to say the least.

 

[boricua9mm]

Thanks fellas. I have been pretty impressed with these Bark Rivers. In keeping with my collecting habits, I already have two more on their way! I've got a Mini Northstar with Blue-Green & Gold Elder Burl wood handles & mosaic pins that should be arriving today. I also have a Colonial Patch with red and black linen micarta on it's way.

I'm thinking the Bravo-1 will be a great camping or "do-it-all" knife for me, but I also wanted something a bit smaller for day hikes. I guess I decided that when I'm a few miles away from civilization and in need of a knife, I want a SOLID fixed blade available, and that my folders & automatics need not apply. We'll see which one I end up carrying, but it will probably be the Colonial Patch. After all, it's kinda hard to use and abuse something that has Elder Burl and Mosaic pins