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Hey there, knife nuts. Today, we're diving into a Fallkniven S1 review. Fallkniven, a Swedish company, makes a whole line of fancy yet tough fixed blades. And let me tell you, I can't do a Swedish accent without creating an international incident—although I'm really tempted.
I'm kind of a city slicker nowadays, but don't let that fool you. I grew up in Arkansas and can still appreciate a nice big fixed blade for some future theoretical camping or pretending to do some bushcraft—you know, that very specific style where fires are instantly started with a ferro rod, and creating feather sticks only takes a quick minute or two.
In This Article
- Pros and Cons
- Dimensions and Specs
- Design and Materials
- Handle and Ergonomics
- Sheath
- Comparison
- Video Review
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- The fancy Fallkniven S1 is a tough fixed blade from Sweden.
- It sports a laminated VG10 steel with a convex grind, making it durable for outdoor tasks.
- The handle is comfortable and offers tons of grip, even in forest slime.
- It comes with either a Zytel or leather sheath option, so choose based on your tactical blood-covering needs.
- While it's great for general outdoor use, it's not your go-to for paper-thin slicing.
- It's a bit pricey, but hey, you're paying for that Swedish design and Japanese craftsmanship.
Pros and Cons
| PROS | CONS |
|
|
Dimensions and Specifications
Let's dimension up this Fallkniven S1 review:
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 9.70" |
| Blade Length | 5.10" |
| Weight | 6.70 oz. |
| Blade Thickness | 0.20" |
| Blade Material | VG10 |
| Hardness | 59 RC |
| Blade Style | Clip Point |
| Blade Grind | Convex |
| Finish | Satin |
| Edge Type | Plain |
| Handle Length | 4.60" |
| Handle Thickness | 0.70" |
| Handle Material | Rubber |
| Sheath | Zytel |
| Knife Type | Fixed Blade |
| Country of Origin | Sweden |
| User | Right Hand, Left Hand |
Oh, and it has a glass breaker on the butt–so you can escape your overturned car like on those infomercials. Yeah, it's a stout blade. I think Cedric and Ada have a shirt for that.
Design and Materials
One of the trademarks of the Fallkniven alphabet series is the slightly unusual blade for this type of knife. Many knives in this category have flat or hollow grinds with carbon steel or something fancy like 3V, but the Fallkniven features laminated steel with a convex grind.
This S1 uses what Fallkniven calls "laminated VG10," which uses 420J2 as its secondary steel. Laminated means there are a few layers of steel sandwiched or "enchanted" together because they say it makes it stronger and more corrosion-resistant.
Now, a convex grind like this is best sharpened freehand or with the sandpaper mousepad method to preserve the rounded convex edge. Convex edges are ideal for outdoor general-purpose stuff because they're durable due to more steel behind the edge. They're ideal for breaking up wood, cutting through cardboard in the forest, cleaning kilt animals—whatever.
I will say convex edges are useful, but if you're looking for paper-thin cuts or a super slicer knife, thinner-behind-the-edge knives with thinner blade stock are better if you need chef precision. A sharp S1 cuts and splits versus cuts and slices, if that makes sense.
Handle and Ergonomics
The handle has a full-length tang, not quite full height—just do a Google image search to see what I mean. Fallkniven refers to it as a "broad tang." The handle covering is not removable without cutting it off, but it's a type of TPE called Thermorun, which has rubber and plastic.
It doesn't really have much give to it, so it's hard but still offers a ton of grip. It would be super swell if Fallkniven would make a removable ESEE-style handle, just in case it ever needed replacement after hard use. But they won't. That's what duct tape and paracord are for.
The handle is comfortable, great in forest slime, and fits my hand well. Although I'm not gonna lie, I think I wish I had the A1 now.
Sheath
I got the leather option because I wanted to spend more. I tend to store my knives inside and generally don't play outside when wet, so leather makes sense. Having leather on the inside of the sheath can retain moisture if you put your knife away wet. So, think about the hideous Zytel sheath if you are constantly in wet survival-style situations—or are covered in blood because you're that fucking tactical.
The sheath dangles, just like I like. It's thick, welted leather, so it should last a lifetime or until you show it off at the knife club in a "carried a few times but never used" condition.
Comparisons
I knew you'd ask. Let's wrap up this Fallkniven S1 review by comparing the S1 to a few other knives:
Ka-Bar Dog’s Head Utility Knife
I'll be honest: I like the Dog’s Head’s standard edge a bit better; however, the blade is kind of a ridiculous length. It's also more affordable than the S1.
ESEE 3
Smaller than the S1. I like the micarta handle better than the TPE. One of these days I'm gonna get an uncoated ESEE, but until ESEE offers me a free one (or I find a good deal on one), I'll just wait.
Vangedal Rover
The Rover has a flat grind, which I think is a bit better for slicing. Despite having a wood handle, this one has held up well to abuse and camping and is quite affordable. This might be a better value on a budget.
Video Review
Conclusion
Ok, that's it. I mean, not quite IT. The Fallkniven S1 is an excellent Swedish made by way of Japan knife. Meaning, their knives are made mostly or entirely in Japan. But they think about them in Sweden. Like some Spydercos.
I've used this knife quite a bit to break down all of my Amazon knife packaging and some food, and you know, backyard stuff, too. Long-term testing will reveal if this becomes a favorite knife of mine.
If you're doing some dumb stuff with your knife, like batoning, the A1’s longer blade might be better. I ain't gonna be the one to tell you to get a smaller knife—because that's stupid.
The knife is well-balanced and just feels right, but it is a little expensive in my hand. You know a knife has to be good if people talk for pages about it on the internet.
Thanks for reading this Fallkniven S1 review. Remember, if you're a boring dude or dudette and are just eating and cleaning game, the smaller ESEE 3-sized F1 or this S1 are good choices. Now go forth and pretend you're a bushcraft expert.
