Modification of the F1 Fallkniven knife, since 1995, officially received the status of a tool for survival, was used in the Swedish Air Force. The manufacturer (AB company) claims that the specified sample establishes updated world standards in its segment. Creating this product, designers took into account several parameters, including durability, ergonomics, ease of use and attractive exterior. The main purpose is to provide the greatest possible assistance to the soldiers in critical conditions of survival. In the civilian sphere, the product is positioned for tourism and leisure.
Characteristics of the F1 Fallkniven knife
The main parameters of the tool in question:
- Total length - 210 mm.
- The same indicator of the blade is 97 mm.
- The blade thickness is 4.5 mm.
- Weight - 150/200 (with mikarta) grams.
- Steel type - a three-layer VG-10 laminate with a hardness parameter of 59 units according to the Rockwell line. An analogue of the 3G type (62 units) can also be used.
- Blade configuration - Drop Point.
- The material for the handle is micarta or rubber-plastic composition in black, white, brown.
- Case - sheath made of leather or reinforced plastic.
- The width of the blade at the handle is 30 mm.
- The country of manufacture of the F1 knife is Sweden (AB firm).
Blade
The most important element of the tool is made at a Japanese factory, owned by a family of famous gunsmiths and blacksmiths Hattori (the city of Seki). This moment is positively reflected in user reviews, since the plant has a high reputation around the world in the relevant field.
The design is a three-layer alloy blade of multilayer steel VG-10. Even with the naked eye you can see the dividing lines of materials. The outer layers of 420 mild steel are durable, excellent in resisting corrosion and withstand high loads. The interior is made of a solid counterpart of type 59 HRC and has excellent cutting performance.
An experiment was conducted to produce beautiful knives of the brand in question using laminated powder spraying. Tests showed a good result, in 2009 an experimental batch of 110 copies was made. The tool instantly dispersed among connoisseurs of edged weapons. Continuing to develop this direction, the company continued to produce exclusive knives, the next batch was 1,000 units.
Sharpening Features
The blade of the F1 knife is sharpened in a non-standard lenticular way. As a rule, blades on production models are processed by direct descent from the butt or the blade plane, and the cutting edge acquires the strict outlines of letter V. This is due to the simplicity of sharpening such a configuration and efficiency when used not only by professionals, but also by novice users.
Among the advantages of lenticular processing is noted the supply of maximum effort when cutting, thanks to the specific geometry of the blade. This reduces the load on the cutting part, it remains sharp and durable for a long time, does not undergo deformation. Certain sources claim that they gave this form to Japanese katanas. Among the other advantages of lenticular sharpening is the minimum resistance when cutting material of any hardness and increased efficiency.
Falkniven knife handle
The model F1 tool handle is made of composite material, including plastic and rubber, as standard. Such a handle is designed for operation in complex northern regions, withstands significant temperature differences without problems.
In addition to the base, on some types of pens there are special pads made from multi-colored mikarta. The specified modification refers to the collection and exclusive group, respectively, and its cost is an order of magnitude higher.
Features
The shank of the original Fallkniven F1 passes through the entire handle and focuses on the top (2 mm). In the end part of the handle there is a hole for the lanyard, making it possible to thread a cord of decent thickness. Factory sharpening when checking in the "field" conditions showed an excellent result, shaving hair without problems.
The non-slip and comfortable coating of the handle in combination with solid laminated steel makes the knife versatile, suitable for daily work and special tasks. It follows that the knife F1 is suitable for various types of activities.
Equipment
The complete set of the device in question includes:
- The knife itself.
- Branded cardboard packaging.
- Plastic sheath with a fabric belt loop (or a closed valve analog).
The advantages of a plastic case are comfortable to wear, moisture protection and smaller dimensions. The leather version, in turn, has a large number of suspension options, has a stylish design with firmware.
The valve cover reliably fixes the tool, preventing it from falling out even when turned 180 degrees up. Tactical variations are practical, easily fixed on the belt, allow you to silently get the product into combat readiness.
disadvantages
Pluses of beautiful knives of the Falkniven brand are specified above. Not without design and without cons. These include:
- Difficult sharpening of the lenticular blade.
- Insufficient thickness of the handle made of rubber, slightly increased dimensions would be more pleasant and reliable fit in the hand.
- Overstrain of the arm during prolonged repetitive work.
- The limited versatility of the covers offered.
- A small mass that relates the tool to the average weight category (this is more a nuance than a drawback).
External design
Among the features of the exterior of this device, the presence of an emblem indicating the knife and steel grade is noted. The overall style is closer to minimalism. It is worth noting that the assortment has a modification with a black blade, the surface of which is covered with a special anti-corrosion compound.
Protective spraying includes a CeraCote 8H type composition made on the basis of ceramic dust. In general, the impression of the appearance of the knife is mostly positive. It looks like a tool for cutting all kinds of materials should look like, which is important for survival in critical conditions.
Modifications
Given that Fallkniven F1 is an almost perfect knife in its segment, the manufacturer allowed himself to experiment with a combination of different handles and steel grades. There are several modifications on the market:
- Standard version made of VG-10 laminated steel with a hardness of 59 units.
- Modification F1BK has anti-reflective and moisture-resistant coating of the blade.
- Option F1 / 3G. The blade is made of appropriate steel, quenched to 62 Rockwell units. Sharpened such blades on a diamond stone.
- Collectible knives. They are issued in honor of the anniversary of the manufacturer, are equipped with a logo in the form of two crowns. The series is limited (1000 copies).
- Custom versions with stick material made of bone, horns or synthetic Micarta analogue.