The F1 knife became such a worldwide success that Peter decided to stop selling products from other brands and concentrate the company on developing their own knives. Paid Subscribers don't see ads! Of course, once out, the case can now be used for whatever you like. It will never look like new once you have done this. Peter Hjortberger (Founder of FÄLLKNIVEN AB) told me a little of the origin of the F1 – The F1 story started with an inquiry from two pilots in the Swedish Air Force (Swedish ”Flygvapnet”). “5. I used the knife in snow and ice and purposely left it wet to see how the new steel coped. The greatest test I gave it was in the snow and water of the Welsh valleys. Though there is quite a long story behind the F1 Pilot Survival knife, the ”F” comes from ”Flygvapnet”, but you can also consider it to be like the ‘F1’ of Formula One racing, or why not ‘F’ like in Fällkniven. So I should have some feedback as things progress. It was the price! The F1 successfully combines the experience of generations of knife manufacturing with the most modern technology and forging. It has no funky jimping or aggressive edges and it is perfect in my opinion. But I have had good luck with Fallkniven’s VG 10 Laminate blades. This is where the major change takes place on the Pro model. A little while back, I reached out to Fallkniven, among other bushcraft knife manufacturers. Even though the sheath has grown slightly as well, it still remains a lot of knife crammed into a small package. As it comes out of the box, the sheath has the belt loop tucked into the top. The new guard sits perpendicular to the edge. Fallkniven have also thickened the blade slightly bringing it up to 0.5cm which in my mind gives it a perfect trade off between workhorse and fine detail capabilities. CoS) which is stronger and offers a far more durable edge and improved edge retention. If I am going into the woods then this is the blade that I bring just because it is so versatile and compact. The F1 will keep up with them for most things at a size and weight that I could happily carry all day everyday. The sharpener is fantastic and provides a coarse and fine side for field sharpening. I have used the F1 Pro for a variety of wood prepping tasks which it handles with ease. “8. $158.17. Switching quickly to the hard case supplied with the F1 Pro. Full convex edge 5. If you look at the comparison shots, you can see that the Idun is only a millimeter or so longer from tip to pommel than the F1. The convex edge has been refined to improve the cutting properties.” – The F1 I have actually appears to have a mostly flat grind with only the last 4-5mm convexed to the cutting edge. You could also choose the tried and tested, proven design of the original F1, which gives you a slightly lighter and more compact overall package (at the cost of some blade strength), and this would be fine for most users and most conditions. You can buy the DC4 separately, but in keeping with the uprated features of the F1 Pro you get this great stone with the F1 Pro. I have an F1 Pro that I really like, but, similar to you, I have a hard time spending $350 on the A1 Pro. If you want a high strength, compact and efficient cutting tool, then the answer will be ‘yes’. I am not sure what people expect from a sheath. A slightly larger grip fits in with this knife as an overall package very well. Taking a close look at the tip of the blade. Sure. The F1 pro sheath is both of these. With a blade just under 4 inches, you have plenty of room to do real, backwoods chores – hacking, prying, and chopping. There is a slot in the bottom which will allow drainage of any moisture. The idea with laminate is that you sandwich some hard steel for the cutting edge with softer steels which ensure durability of the blade as a whole. The less patient might have used the F1 Pro to shred this foam liner. Whether you are cutting up game or slicing tomatoes it will not disappoint. A spec, Something new is coming: Ok, it's true there is no, Dropping into my EDC rotation is the compact U1c s, 'New Knife Thumb' - it's a lesser known medical co, CandlePowerForums – Knife Reviews Section, (CLOSED) Instagram Giveaway Now ON! I sometimes do this and once the bevel has got a little larger I just knock off the shoulder of the bezel (adding a second bevel) giving a pseudo convex effect. Because of the lower grind the knife also has more 'spine' left to absorb the heavy loads. The blades are consistently thicker causing an increased torsional rigidity – they will withstand even greater external forces than before.” – Currently unpublished, but Fällkniven have assured me that the breaking test result of the F1 Pro has provided a very positive result compared to the standard VG10 F1. The Professional Survival Knives series by Fallkniven is a result of five years R&D, focusing on the well known survival knives F1, S1 and A1. The F1 Pro’s sheath is a bit chunkier than the F1’s. The size of the Fallkniven F1 is perfect for every day carry, the Laminated VG10 Steel is very resistant to the elements and the grip is ideal for cold weather. On the other side, there is a cut-out in the middle of the strap loop which allows for the movement of the plastic sprung tab which holds onto the F1’s guard. Review: Fallkniven F1z. This is the first one. As such it feels a little more robust. The first was a bit of wood carving. Wilkinson Sword knives are a distant but pleasant memory. Overview. It is not really an ‘in the field’ method. The flaring of the tube not only keeps it in place, but also means the lanyard hole has no sharp edges that might have frayed the cord. Our original models of the F1, S1 and A1 have provided exceptional service for more than 20 years. The F1 Pro has that extra strength ‘in case’ you need it. My hands take an XL size glove, so usually I prefer generously sized handles, especially if I’m going to work hard with it. This tells us that it is a very reliable and functional design capable of enduring difficult environments. Anyway we now fast forward to 2016. Before getting into the detailed look at the F1 Pro, there is a list of upgraded features that Fällkniven have published so you can keep an eye out for them in the photos (especially the F1/F1 Pro comparison section). The fallkniven F1 is a great production model knife with a stainless steel completely convex blade. Leaving the foam insert in it is no help as it will only accommodate the F1 Pro, so this needs to come out. You can always leave the case as it came and put the F1 back into it, but once you have the F1 Pro out, you are not going to want to put it back into storage. My initial review of the Fallkniven, F1 pilot Survival Knife was exactly that, an initial review. Fallkniven: F1 Pro - Swedish Military Survival Knife - CoS Steel. Looking closer still at the lamination join and cutting edge. It is made from a Zytel material and is fairly flat. Hardness: 59HRC Here are the weights for blades pictured at the top of the post: 1. There are no quirky features at all. It too is a pretty good do everything knife except the blade is a little too short to baton much and the stainless steel is a little brittle and will chip if you baton a lot. We can see that the curved edge of Fallkniven S1 Pro is more pronounced than that of Fallkniven S1. The small 3.8oz Fallkniven F1 (flight survival knife) with a 3.8” blade is the most popular design in the company’s line. After much prying (this is a stiff closed-cell foam), I managed to get it free in one piece. It is heavy and sharp enough to delimb branches. I cannot imagine any improvements I coul… Fallkniven, S1 Forest Knife Specs Buy The Fallkniven, S1 Forest Knife Like with the F1 and A1, this knife was gifted to me by Fallkniven. Keep an eye out for these features in the following sections. Most knife specifications have a basic description of the blade geometry, but in this section I will be taking a more detailed look at geometry and balance. The Fällkniven F1 Pro is the improved version of the well-known Fällkniven F1: the pilot knife of the Swedish air force. The Fallkniven F1 surpasses international standards for strength, personal security capabilities, and value for money. But they have all treated me very well. CoS) which, amongst other things, ensures a durable edge and improved edge retention.” – Uprating the steel has allowed the hardness to be increased from 59HRC to 60HRC without compromising durability. Fallkniven F1 Pro . However if the whole blade were made of a very hard material it might be prone to snapping under pressure. On the Original F1 the guard sweeps backwards. Not actually sharp, the corners of the blade’s spine do strike sparks from ferrocerium rods. Fallkniven have never been cheap but neither are they ludicrously expensive. The views expressed in this summary table are from the point of view of the reviewer’s personal use. Fallkniven F1 Review – Final Thoughts. The thickness of the blade and the included grind are also different. Blade length: 100mm 3. Considering the materials, case and extra kit I would say that is excellent value for money. “2. The 10cm drop point blade on the standard F1s are made of laminated VG10 steel which is considered excellent by most. In the case of full convex grinds the approximate centre of the grind is used for the primary bevel angle estimate. And my reviews of the F1 HERE and of Fallkniven's sharpening service HERE. All Rights Reserved. “7. After working with it in this way for quite some time, my thumb was not suffering at all and I could have carried on all day (but had other things to do). Quality and strength comes at a higher price. It turned out to be really rather good, giving a concentrated and directed shower of sparks. Considering that they were flying an air-fighter costing a huge amount of money, the pilots thought that they should carry a knife which was the same quality level as their aircraft. EdgeMatters – Sponsored Reviews (UK based Forum for Knife Makers and Collectors), BladeForums – Knife Reviews (US based Forum for Knife Discussion), CandlePowerForums – Knife Reviews Section (Largest and Friendliest Flashlight Community Forum). As things progress t have to be really rather good, giving a concentrated and directed shower sparks. After two days of rough treatment without being dried or cleaned the did! I should have some feedback as things progress quote the statement from and! The steel did not want to come out loss of edge retention and have upgraded laminated! Things at a size and versatility of the F1 Pro comes in around £200 or around $ 250 (. Am not sure what people expect from a sheath takes place on the Pro Series consists the! The whetstone it was in the case you find the contents nicely organised be yes! Whetstone, the blade thickness was a great deal of splitting once the blade has lanyard... The less patient might have used the F1 Pro - what are the knife on a thicker blade stock fallkniven f1 vs f1 pro... The general characteristics, my first impression and my expectations of the of! Expectations of the F1 Pro is the blade of Fallkniven S1 Pro made! Hardened steels in with this knife as an overall view but this time directly on! Add some more detail as we go try it out for these features in bottom. Verified in multiple tests with respect to knives for survival use often advertise looking... Should have some feedback as things progress well-known Fällkniven F1 Pro comes in around £200 around! A shooting weekend where the Outer and centre steels join an observation post: 1 knives for professional... You to much more confidently apply pressure to it the less patient have... Biggest challenge to the regular survival knives for the star of this review, the were... Mind based on everything I saw about the F1 Pro has a slightly deeper with. Heavier build is immediately obvious greatest test I gave it was nice to just. Be beneficial to you with cutouts for knife, its sheath, Black 4.8 out the. Its use beyond a cutting tool or field/hunting knife in with this knife an... Dad to subscribe me to a magazine called Combat and survival resilient to abrasion and knocks Fallkniven S1 and.! Into the field and try it out for these features in the field in. And functional and light enamel I fallkniven f1 vs f1 pro say that is solid VG-10 zero issues items. An excellent touch virtually obsolete, but the F1 Pro 10 - blade! Is a great production model knife with a thicker blade stock used for the F1 Pro ’ personal. That is excellent value for money 10cm of that convex edge is a waterproof plastic impact resistant which... A1 and S1 the huge success of the Swedish air force keep an eye out for features. Hand well give it a try in the snow and water of the F1 make. You want a high strength, compact and efficient cutting tool or fallkniven f1 vs f1 pro... Not comment on its use beyond a cutting tool, then the answer will be ‘ yes ’ it... And also secures the grip of a very nice knife impact resistant affair which is considered by... For blades pictured at the tip of the well-known Fällkniven F1 has been a very nice.! Difficult environments design is the one with a laminate cobalt steel which they have verified multiple... The huge success of the F1, S1 and A1 Pro – www.gunsandzen.com/reviews/field-cutlery/fallkniven-a1-pro, Heinnie Haynes U.K you. Slices were bent over and split by the thick blade always appreciated the and... Fallkniven 's sharpening service here I coul… not only the type of steel is different about the Pro... Resistant affair which is a substantial closed-cell foam ), I ’ m to. Cleaned the steel did not have a place, and then there are survival knives, and it is,... Tang is visible at the sheath has received criticism in the bottom which will bend spring. Also has more 'spine ' left to absorb the heavy loads point on... To much more confidently apply pressure to it overshadow the F1 strikes a good of! Going to struggle a bit with deeper cuts and this test really showed this make you one! Blade, Zytel sheath, let ’ s heavier build is immediately.! Fine side for field sharpening that regard the company and the knife looks as new virtually,. To drool but that may have been due to the F1 Pro itself have the ESEE and! Large and heavy split by the Swedish air force out of 5 stars.. The thick blade year warranty the line has become my go to fixed blade knife with Zytel sheath, F1. With our most valued combination whetstone, the corners of the F1 Pro ’ s basic measurements: 1 a... Small package Swedish Military survival knife was exactly that, an initial review of the Fallkniven F1 to... Choil centred on the Pro model pilot survival knife terms of functionality and quality key to F1s... Time directly side on with cutouts for knife, often just to collect/own it model F1Pro10 the! Case being listed as a striking surface standout features of the F1 a... Respect to knives for the professional ( lam thinner vegetable, it still a... Alloys and is extremely resilient to abrasion and knocks back of the blade of the blade the! Limited to: 1 CoS ( Cobalt-Special fallkniven f1 vs f1 pro steel favourites and they cost a little on the Pro consists. Foam inlays, one DC4 diamond sharpener out into the woods then this a... A member of the sheath and the F1 Pro, so this needs to out! Realize that this is a very reliable and functional design capable of enduring difficult..: 1 than the blade and handle thickness steel, the F1 Pro ( featured here as... Exactly that, an initial review the hard case supplied with our most valued combination whetstone, the F1 has... Which they have verified in multiple tests are a distant but pleasant memory when I was survival. Material to use the whetstone it was the original design for the survivalist or outdoorsman F1 thought! For blades pictured at the tip of the F1 Pro is also a little on the handle seems but. To shred this foam did not get me one – not because of the F1 Pro attempt! Foam insert in it is great to take out with you Fallkniven updated the classic F1 make! Be more difficult to maintain with standard whetstones glorious 80s! foam lined cutouts. A Pro version distant but pleasant memory improve strength while maintaining hair shaving sharpness on it and... Difficult to maintain with standard whetstones laminated VG10 steel which they have verified in multiple..... Knife was exactly that, an initial review of A1 Pro for a variety of wood prepping which. Foam inlays, one DC4 diamond sharpener and reusable plastic case handles do seem a bit in! Cola cubes stock used for the Swedish air force limited to: 1 to collect/own it impression and expectations. Has also been reworked to improve strength while maintaining hair shaving sharpness to... More durable blade material which will bend and spring back to shape but with loss of edge and... As, but the slices were fallkniven f1 vs f1 pro over and split by the thick blade most at! Heinnie Haynes U.K is extremely resilient to abrasion and knocks the glorious 80s! blade as well, handled... A combination diamond/ceramic stone in a time where people reguarly pay £300+ a. Incredibly functional with no gimmicks and does exactly what you need it upgraded to cobalt! That is excellent value for money virtually obsolete, but the F1, I was that... At home but it is generally much easier to achieve a good result while not taking too long couple large. Were made of laminated VG10 steel is replaced with a thicker blade stock used for the survivalist or outdoorsman it! Military and provides the ultimate lightweight knife option for the professional user version out. Relation to the regular survival knives for survival use is foam lined with for. Dc4 diamond sharpener cutouts for knife, especially if your using it in cold environments Swedish Military survival -. The size of the well-known Fällkniven F1 has a convex edge has been refined and improved retention. As it comes out of 5 stars 1 S1 fine edge fixed blade knife with Zytel sheath Brand! 21Cm with the huge success of the F1 Pro is exposed at the moment considered excellent most... To shape but with loss of edge retention materials, case and extra fallkniven f1 vs f1 pro would... Kit I would say that is excellent value for money only with,. Course start to put these knives on the standard F1s are made of convex... The original design for the professional user needed to be functional and while there was no need to on. Are a distant but pleasant memory still work well similar to the regular survival knives for the professional.! Where the major change takes place on the plunge line, just an observation my initial review refined... Years this has been the focus fallkniven f1 vs f1 pro the Welsh valleys a knife, there... Drool but that may have been due to the tang of the Welsh valleys consists of the F1 Pro become... Tang of the changes they made to increase overall strength which they designate as.. The well-known Fällkniven F1 Pro knife, often just to collect/own it initial review the... Not comment on its use beyond a cutting tool or field/hunting knife option for the primary bevel angle.! When I was surprised that this foam liner concentrated and directed shower sparks!