So it is that time of year again and for most of us the fixed blades come out in the fall. So show us what you have and is there anything that your thinking of adding this season? We have been taking a look at the Bark River Woodland
Both knives have substantial blades that should handle some serious prying and poking with a slight edge for the A1. A spec that I listed above is one of my own creation that I call "point taper". (I know there's a fancy term but bear with me anyway.) What I'm referring to is how far back from the tip the full thickness of the blade starts to taper to a point (length of the swedge). Logically, the closer to the tip the blade retains a full thickness, the stronger the tip should be. Add the fact the A1 has a little deeper belly, I gotta give this one to the Fallkniven. They have a reputation for having a very strong blade and it's easy to see why.
A spec I'm not qualified to comment on with any great authority is the blade steel. The composition of the Carbon V steel has always been a bit vague to me in that I think there was more then one recipe for Carbon V. The VG10 Laminated blade has an excellent reputation and it appears that rep' is upheld through my experience.
Another critical point is the difference in weight. Both of these are terrific knives and I wouldn't blink an eye grabbing either one and heading off into unknown territory for a week of survival exercises requiring a reliable blade. IF I had the time to pick one over the other.... I'd grab the Fallkniven and the weight would be a big factor. While 2.3 ounces doesn't sound like much, once you start doing some chopping or wood splitting, that extra 2+ ounces makes a huge difference. You have to feel it to believe it.
But the strongest reason influencing me to grab the A1 is the edge retention. Both knives got a thorough workout including running the blades through the gravel splitting wood. By the way, I don't think that's an unrealistic aspect to the test as most knives that are in the field for any extended length of time without proper attention often see some unexpectedly rough use. Both did a great job on edge retention, but the A1 definitely wins. While you could see minor dings in both blades after the workout, the A1 would slice through a sheet of birch bark as smooth as butter. The SRK did a good job, but you could feel blade drag on the burrs. AND, it only took about 10-12 strokes on a piece of cardboard for an improvised strop to bring the A1 back to good as new condition. Unbelievable. Not only did it hold an edge, it was a piece of cake cleaning up the rough spots. I'm not sure I've ever seen a blade this tough be so easy to bring the edge back. I have a 80's vintage Buck 110 that can take an edge, hold it fairly well, but is an absolute bear to sharpen if you let it get too far past 'touch up time'.
While I was testing these two knives out, I thought about how many years I "saved" money by buying less then the best when it came to hunting clothing, boots and knives. (Guns were a different thing!) What a mistake. While $150+ might be a lot of cash for a knife, I'd fully expect either the Cold Steel or theFallkniven to 'outlive' most of us. Fortunately, I figured out the quality thing some years back, but boy do I wish I'd found out about the A1 sooner!!!
On the Fallkniven, ....keep your grip on the handle...period. That blade is sharp!!
Another minor detail I particularly liked about the Cold Steel is the top swedge or false edge. It's bit sharper then the A1's and worked fantastic for fire starting with the Fire steel. If you've ever used a Swedish FireSteel and have struck the starter with a sharpened knife blade, you know you can throw some serioussparks. The problem is, those sparks are extremely hot and can be tough on the finest knife blade. The top of the blade however is another thing. You don't depend on it for a cutting edge and if it gets an incidental knick or ding, no big deal. I think I'll remedy that situation on the Fallkniven with a little judicious file work.
The handles on both knives are pretty equal in my estimation. The Cold steel has some shallow grooves on the top and bottom of the grip that offer minimal additional gripping surface. Not a big deal. One point for the Fallkniven is the full tang that's exposed at the butt. Nice minor detail if you need a lightweight hammer or you're in a situation where you need to open a car window in a hurry.
Both knives have a black coating on them of questionable effectiveness. On the Cold Steel it does a fair job of protecting the carbon blade, but the finish on both blades wears off and on the Cold Steel it chips.
I had used the Cold Steel before and had touched up the edge prior to heading out. The Fallkniven was new out of the box and was literally razor sharp.
Since I gave the Cold Steel a thorough workout previously, I really spent most of my efforts on evaluating the Falkniven. First task at hand was building a fire and splitting a little wood. Take note of the where the blade's heading.
Yup, right into the gravel. Now, while it wasn't a destruction test and I wouldn't normally recommend doing this, I had my camp mate put both knives through a few extreme conditions. We shaved some kindling, did some splitting basically using the knife as a wedge and trimmed a few limbs around the tent, cut a little rope and started on supper.
No....those aren't my hands. At this point the Fallkniven held an edge over the Cold Steel. While both were still in shaving shape, the Fallkniven had the edge.
While both knives held an edge in fantastic fashion, both blades are pretty thick for any delicate work around the kitchen. And of course, that's where the Great Easterns can come in!! You can also see in this picture where the finish has started to wear off after a little wood splitting.
One of the 'specs' I listed above is the ricasso on the blades. That's the unsharpened portion between the hand and the blade. The Cold Steel has a distinct advantage if you're like me and like to move your hand up as close to the 'working' area as possible on small trimming jobs.
A friend and member recently put this n his blog. Its longer than we normally see but it is quite interesting
Cold Steel SRK vs Fallkniven A1
While I'm a huge fan of the Great Easterns and actually use them, I do head out in the woods on occasion and feel a need for a little sturdier 'camp' knife. Earlier this summer I posted my impression of the SRK Carbon V and came away with the impression that it was a great knife and did everything demanded in fine form.
But, always in search of a 'better mouse trap' (or in this case, 'sharper knife') I've been selling the Fallkniven's for quite some time and watched a destruction video on youtube that was pretty amazing. So, it was kind of a natural to take one out on a trip see if the Fallkniven was as great as it appeared. And just as important, how does it compare with the SRK?
So to lay some ground work, the Fallkniven A1 is on the left next to it's leather sheath from the guys at JRE with a sleeve for the Firesteel, and on the right is a Cold Steel SRK with Carbon V blade. While I'm not a huge fan of the 'tactical' style sheaths, the aftermarket JRE leather sheath is terrific. When the Fallkniven is bottomed in the sheath, it's not gonna fall out. Tip it upside down, shake it, try to 'throw' it out of the sheath.....oh yeah, that baby stays put. The other great feature is the sleeve (barely visible behind the knife) for a Swedish Army size FireSteel. Are you listening Dan???... the only add on that would finish the sheath would be a pocket to carry a DMT pocket stone. Otherwise, very nice!
Here's a list of the critical specs on the two knives.
Blind Horse Knives US-Made Blades Find the perfect Christmas gift for under $75 with a BHK Frontier First or Frontier Valley! You can also check out one of our many other hand-made blades all built right here in the USA. Our skilled craftsmen produce a wide variety of sizes and styles so you get exactly what you need. Choose a long-lasting knife you will be proud to pass on to future generations. Custom orders are welcome and in-stock items ship as fast as we can!
Used Eli Jensen custom Prionus fixed blade to open plastic sealed packages when we went shooting and opened beer after done shooting for day/nightprionus
Here is the A.G. Russell Sting with Cocobolo wood and black composite handles. I have received them as samples and testing. The cocobolo handle one will go to a current Navy Seal for testing and review. I will be writing about these in an article for Knives Illustrated some time this spring.
Thanks, Steve for directing me here. Don't know if life is a circle, a straight line or a sine wave, but folders just don't do it for me anymore. So, if life is pretty much a straight line, a folder will never be on my belt again.
Howard and all fixed blade collectors, this is a vintage Kissing Crane, Rattle Snake Skinner. This is a fine old knife from Germany. The sheath has East Germany on it, to the best of my knowledge it wasn't called that for a long time. Our president Ronald Reagan was in office when that era ended, I think. Anyone with some dates would be appreciated.
Thanks for the kind words about my dad's hunting knife. Was away for the weekend doing some target shooting with the regular crew up in Potter Co., PA - and did a little "woods" testing of A.G. Russell's Sandbox Bowie and Cold Steel's San Mai III Trailmaster. Not a review here, but both worked well on the limited "hacking" test. I will say here that although the Kraton handle (Cold Steel) felt good in the hand, I think you need a glove to hack enough small dead trees or branches (1" diam.) for kindling for a campfire.
Agreed, Steve. I only got to work with the knives on magazine reload or target checks so did only limited batoning. Since I was concentrating on small stuff - dead branches of downed trees about an inch thick, I used the knives like a hatchet. I noticed that the Cold Steel Trailmaster with the convex edge didn't like batoning the small stuff - bounced out of the "V" made by the first couple blows in hatchet mode. The Sandbox Bowie, being flat ground with a narrow taper "stuck" a bit better allowing the baton to work. Couldn't devote enough time for a thorough test this weekend.
The June issue of Knives Illustrated which will be out on the stands this coming Wednesday, will have an article about TOPS Knives being evaluated by Navy Seal Eddie. The Article is entitled: SEAL of Approval.
There are a good many choices out there right now, some great prices too. Looking for something to o a particular chore or just feelin the need for a new one?
Thanks, Steve and Robert. I ain't too bright. By the time OIF rolled around the Ek Desert Storm was a bit rare, so I should not have sharpened/used it. There are plenty of RAT-7s around, so I don't feel so bad sharpening/using it; although it seems that Ontario stopped making it in D-2 and went to 1095.
Yes Jan, the adult girls are very pleased with the knives. Handed down each a handgun as well - my civilian carry weapon (Series 70 Colt 1911 .45 Government Model from the 80's, and Ruger Blackhawk (.357) "Cowboy" gun, from 1972. I didn't give up either knives or guns, just upgraded.
In Memoriam
Robert Burris
Wow, they look great Rick, I knew you had some old time blood in you....lol
Jun 22, 2012
Jan Carter
So it is that time of year again and for most of us the fixed blades come out in the fall. So show us what you have and is there anything that your thinking of adding this season? We have been taking a look at the Bark River Woodland
Oct 9, 2012
Jan Carter
Spent some time looking at the Barkie but gotta tell you, this weekend I saw some fixed blades that I really like.
Oct 18, 2012
Jan Carter
Now I am taking a long hard look at the drop point
Oct 18, 2012
Jan Carter
Both knives have substantial blades that should handle some serious prying and poking with a slight edge for the A1. A spec that I listed above is one of my own creation that I call "point taper". (I know there's a fancy term but bear with me anyway.) What I'm referring to is how far back from the tip the full thickness of the blade starts to taper to a point (length of the swedge). Logically, the closer to the tip the blade retains a full thickness, the stronger the tip should be. Add the fact the A1 has a little deeper belly, I gotta give this one to the Fallkniven. They have a reputation for having a very strong blade and it's easy to see why.
A spec I'm not qualified to comment on with any great authority is the blade steel. The composition of the Carbon V steel has always been a bit vague to me in that I think there was more then one recipe for Carbon V. The VG10 Laminated blade has an excellent reputation and it appears that rep' is upheld through my experience.
Another critical point is the difference in weight. Both of these are terrific knives and I wouldn't blink an eye grabbing either one and heading off into unknown territory for a week of survival exercises requiring a reliable blade. IF I had the time to pick one over the other.... I'd grab the Fallkniven and the weight would be a big factor. While 2.3 ounces doesn't sound like much, once you start doing some chopping or wood splitting, that extra 2+ ounces makes a huge difference. You have to feel it to believe it.
But the strongest reason influencing me to grab the A1 is the edge retention. Both knives got a thorough workout including running the blades through the gravel splitting wood. By the way, I don't think that's an unrealistic aspect to the test as most knives that are in the field for any extended length of time without proper attention often see some unexpectedly rough use. Both did a great job on edge retention, but the A1 definitely wins. While you could see minor dings in both blades after the workout, the A1 would slice through a sheet of birch bark as smooth as butter. The SRK did a good job, but you could feel blade drag on the burrs. AND, it only took about 10-12 strokes on a piece of cardboard for an improvised strop to bring the A1 back to good as new condition. Unbelievable. Not only did it hold an edge, it was a piece of cake cleaning up the rough spots. I'm not sure I've ever seen a blade this tough be so easy to bring the edge back. I have a 80's vintage Buck 110 that can take an edge, hold it fairly well, but is an absolute bear to sharpen if you let it get too far past 'touch up time'.
While I was testing these two knives out, I thought about how many years I "saved" money by buying less then the best when it came to hunting clothing, boots and knives. (Guns were a different thing!) What a mistake. While $150+ might be a lot of cash for a knife, I'd fully expect either the Cold Steel or theFallkniven to 'outlive' most of us. Fortunately, I figured out the quality thing some years back, but boy do I wish I'd found out about the A1 sooner!!!
Oct 19, 2012
Jan Carter
On the Fallkniven, ....keep your grip on the handle...period. That blade is sharp!!
Another minor detail I particularly liked about the Cold Steel is the top swedge or false edge. It's bit sharper then the A1's and worked fantastic for fire starting with the Fire steel. If you've ever used a Swedish FireSteel and have struck the starter with a sharpened knife blade, you know you can throw some serioussparks. The problem is, those sparks are extremely hot and can be tough on the finest knife blade. The top of the blade however is another thing. You don't depend on it for a cutting edge and if it gets an incidental knick or ding, no big deal. I think I'll remedy that situation on the Fallkniven with a little judicious file work.
The handles on both knives are pretty equal in my estimation. The Cold steel has some shallow grooves on the top and bottom of the grip that offer minimal additional gripping surface. Not a big deal. One point for the Fallkniven is the full tang that's exposed at the butt. Nice minor detail if you need a lightweight hammer or you're in a situation where you need to open a car window in a hurry.
Oct 19, 2012
Jan Carter
I had used the Cold Steel before and had touched up the edge prior to heading out. The Fallkniven was new out of the box and was literally razor sharp.
Since I gave the Cold Steel a thorough workout previously, I really spent most of my efforts on evaluating the Falkniven. First task at hand was building a fire and splitting a little wood. Take note of the where the blade's heading.
Yup, right into the gravel. Now, while it wasn't a destruction test and I wouldn't normally recommend doing this, I had my camp mate put both knives through a few extreme conditions. We shaved some kindling, did some splitting basically using the knife as a wedge and trimmed a few limbs around the tent, cut a little rope and started on supper.
No....those aren't my hands. At this point the Fallkniven held an edge over the Cold Steel. While both were still in shaving shape, the Fallkniven had the edge.
While both knives held an edge in fantastic fashion, both blades are pretty thick for any delicate work around the kitchen. And of course, that's where the Great Easterns can come in!! You can also see in this picture where the finish has started to wear off after a little wood splitting.
One of the 'specs' I listed above is the ricasso on the blades. That's the unsharpened portion between the hand and the blade. The Cold Steel has a distinct advantage if you're like me and like to move your hand up as close to the 'working' area as possible on small trimming jobs.
Oct 19, 2012
Jan Carter
A friend and member recently put this n his blog. Its longer than we normally see but it is quite interesting
Cold Steel SRK vs Fallkniven A1
But, always in search of a 'better mouse trap' (or in this case, 'sharper knife') I've been selling the Fallkniven's for quite some time and watched a destruction video on youtube that was pretty amazing. So, it was kind of a natural to take one out on a trip see if the Fallkniven was as great as it appeared. And just as important, how does it compare with the SRK?
So to lay some ground work, the Fallkniven A1 is on the left next to it's leather sheath from the guys at JRE with a sleeve for the Firesteel, and on the right is a Cold Steel SRK with Carbon V blade. While I'm not a huge fan of the 'tactical' style sheaths, the aftermarket JRE leather sheath is terrific. When the Fallkniven is bottomed in the sheath, it's not gonna fall out. Tip it upside down, shake it, try to 'throw' it out of the sheath.....oh yeah, that baby stays put. The other great feature is the sleeve (barely visible behind the knife) for a Swedish Army size FireSteel. Are you listening Dan???... the only add on that would finish the sheath would be a pocket to carry a DMT pocket stone. Otherwise, very nice!
Here's a list of the critical specs on the two knives.
Oct 19, 2012
Jan Carter
Oct 20, 2012
Clint Thompson
You could clean a fat chipmunk with this bad boy.
Oct 20, 2012
Jan Carter
Clint,
LOL, maybe even a couple
Oct 22, 2012
Jan Carter
Blade Magazine Holiday Gift Guide
Blind Horse Knives US-Made Blades
Find the perfect Christmas gift for under $75 with a BHK Frontier First or Frontier Valley! You can also check out one of our many other hand-made blades all built right here in the USA. Our skilled craftsmen produce a wide variety of sizes and styles so you get exactly what you need. Choose a long-lasting knife you will be proud to pass on to future generations. Custom orders are welcome and in-stock items ship as fast as we can!
Visit www.blindhorseknives.com
Nov 18, 2012
Jeremi Lett
Used Eli Jensen custom Prionus fixed blade to open plastic sealed packages when we went shooting and opened beer after done shooting for day/nightprionus
Dec 4, 2012
Jan Carter
Hey Jeremi is there a pic of that knife on your page? I couldnt find one and I would love to see it
Dec 21, 2012
Jan Carter
Anyone seen these>
Jan 14, 2013
Clint Thompson
Here is the A.G. Russell Sting with Cocobolo wood and black composite handles. I have received them as samples and testing. The cocobolo handle one will go to a current Navy Seal for testing and review. I will be writing about these in an article for Knives Illustrated some time this spring.
Jan 24, 2013
Jan Carter
They sure look very good! Cant wait to see the review. I like that oyu get multiples and have them both tested in different environments.
Feb 12, 2013
Howard P Reynolds
Thanks, Steve for directing me here. Don't know if life is a circle, a straight line or a sine wave, but folders just don't do it for me anymore. So, if life is pretty much a straight line, a folder will never be on my belt again.
Feb 23, 2013
In Memoriam
Robert Burris
Welcome Howard, you will see alot of members here, the love of knives spills all over the place...LOL+-
Feb 23, 2013
Jan Carter
Welcome Howard!
Feb 24, 2013
Jan Carter
Feb 24, 2013
In Memoriam
Robert Burris
Howard and all fixed blade collectors, this is a vintage Kissing Crane, Rattle Snake Skinner. This is a fine old knife from Germany. The sheath has East Germany on it, to the best of my knowledge it wasn't called that for a long time. Our president Ronald Reagan was in office when that era ended, I think. Anyone with some dates would be appreciated.
Feb 24, 2013
Howard P Reynolds
Thanks, Jan. Nothing like heft, feel and strength of a fixed-blade.
Feb 24, 2013
Featured
Craig Henry
That Kissing Crane is a beauty Robert!
This is my newest fixed blade. I need to get more. I'm looking to get a Buffalo Horn handled Case in the next few months.
Mar 23, 2013
Phil Ladwig
love fixed blades. Been working on my Western collection. Looking forward to going through the forum and checking them all out.
http://www.iknifecollector.com/photo/my-collection-2?context=album&...
Mar 23, 2013
Howard P Reynolds
Craig,
Nice looking Case. Here's an imitation by Weske that was my brother's.
Mar 23, 2013
Howard P Reynolds
Had my Dad's (1913-1968) hunting knife that I think was homemade sitting on my desk so thought I would add it here.
Mar 23, 2013
Howard P Reynolds
Steve,
Thanks for the kind words about my dad's hunting knife. Was away for the weekend doing some target shooting with the regular crew up in Potter Co., PA - and did a little "woods" testing of A.G. Russell's Sandbox Bowie and Cold Steel's San Mai III Trailmaster. Not a review here, but both worked well on the limited "hacking" test. I will say here that although the Kraton handle (Cold Steel) felt good in the hand, I think you need a glove to hack enough small dead trees or branches (1" diam.) for kindling for a campfire.
Apr 8, 2013
Howard P Reynolds
Agreed, Steve. I only got to work with the knives on magazine reload or target checks so did only limited batoning. Since I was concentrating on small stuff - dead branches of downed trees about an inch thick, I used the knives like a hatchet. I noticed that the Cold Steel Trailmaster with the convex edge didn't like batoning the small stuff - bounced out of the "V" made by the first couple blows in hatchet mode. The Sandbox Bowie, being flat ground with a narrow taper "stuck" a bit better allowing the baton to work. Couldn't devote enough time for a thorough test this weekend.
Apr 8, 2013
Clint Thompson
The June issue of Knives Illustrated which will be out on the stands this coming Wednesday, will have an article about TOPS Knives being evaluated by Navy Seal Eddie. The Article is entitled: SEAL of Approval.
(I am posting this within other groups.)
Apr 29, 2013
Jan Carter
There are a good many choices out there right now, some great prices too. Looking for something to o a particular chore or just feelin the need for a new one?
May 4, 2013
Featured
Craig Henry
I need some more fixed blades! I'm still looking to get a Case with Buffalo Horn.
May 4, 2013
Howard P Reynolds
Craig,
I have a couple on pre-order from Survive Knives, so if you are desperate for some more fixed blades, take a look. ( www.surviveknives.com )
May 5, 2013
Howard P Reynolds
Looks to be a fine Queen, Steve. Congratulations!
May 25, 2013
Featured
Craig Henry
Very nice Queen fixed blade!
You gonna whittle that log into a totem pole Hog?
May 26, 2013
Brad T.
A trade with Cesar from Sao Paulo, Corneta "Wotan". 6.5" Blade 11" OAL, 14.2oz
Jun 3, 2013
Featured
Craig Henry
I like the design of that! Nice one Brad!
Jun 3, 2013
Jan Carter
Excellent Brad! A great trade for both of you
Jun 5, 2013
Jan Carter
Jun 5, 2013
Howard P Reynolds
Great looking fixed blade Brad, and some nice ones from Jan as well!
Jun 6, 2013
Jan Carter
Here are the specs on the Colonials
http://www.iknifecollector.com/group/colonial-knife-corp/forum/topi...
and some better pics
Jul 12, 2013
lg&m
My Buck Reaper, I have been giving it a workout and am very happy with it.
Aug 18, 2013
Howard P Reynolds
I am way behind in taking photos of my fixed blades, but came across this pic of a couple "military" knives. Already handed them down to my daughters.
Ontario RAT-7 (D-2 tool steel) - OIF
EK Desert Storm (Bottom). I took the Ek to OIF, but used my Victorinox multi-tool more.
Sep 5, 2013
In Memoriam
Robert Burris
Great knife. Thanks for serving.
Sep 6, 2013
Howard P Reynolds
Thanks, Steve and Robert. I ain't too bright. By the time OIF rolled around the Ek Desert Storm was a bit rare, so I should not have sharpened/used it. There are plenty of RAT-7s around, so I don't feel so bad sharpening/using it; although it seems that Ontario stopped making it in D-2 and went to 1095.
Sep 6, 2013
In Memoriam
Robert Burris
Yes, it could be rare.
Sep 8, 2013
Jan Carter
Howard, I know your daughters are proud and happy to have those
Sep 8, 2013
Clint Thompson
Nice knives Howard. Two of my favorite blades.
Sep 9, 2013
Howard P Reynolds
Yes Jan, the adult girls are very pleased with the knives. Handed down each a handgun as well - my civilian carry weapon (Series 70 Colt 1911 .45 Government Model from the 80's, and Ruger Blackhawk (.357) "Cowboy" gun, from 1972. I didn't give up either knives or guns, just upgraded.
Clint, thanks. They are a couple of good blades.
Sep 9, 2013
Clay Strong
Thanks for the link to Survive Knives, Howard. That GSO-10 is a hoss. Wide 10" , 3/16 thick blade. A real chopper.
Sep 9, 2013