Fallkniven S1 Review: The Ultimate Forest Knife or Overpriced Steel?
When discussing the “Holy Trinity” of survival knives, the conversation inevitably turns to Sweden. While Mora dominates the budget sector, Fallkniven rules the premium space. Today, we are conducting an exhaustive Fallkniven S1 review, the “Forest Knife” that sits comfortably between the pilot-sized F1 and the tank-like A1.
Is the S1 the Goldilocks of the survival world? Or does it suffer from “middle child syndrome”? In the vast landscape of cutlery, from budget-friendly options found in M-Tech knife reviews to high-end tactical folders like the SOG TAC XR, the fixed blade remains the king of the wilderness. Let’s dissect the S1 to see if it deserves a spot on your belt.
Technical Specifications
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Blade Length | 5.1 inches (130 mm) |
| Blade Thickness | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Steel Type | Laminated VG10 (HRC 59) |
| Blade Geometry | Convex Grind |
| Handle Material | Thermorun |
| Weight (Knife Only) | 6.7 oz (190 g) |
| Origin | Made in Japan (Swedish Design) |
The Blade: Laminated VG10 & The Convex Edge
The soul of the Fallkniven S1 is its steel. Unlike the powder metallurgy steels often discussed in our Kershaw Blur S30V review, Fallkniven utilizes a Laminated VG10 construction. This is a sandwich technique: the core is high-carbon VG10 for a razor-sharp edge, while the outer layers are 420J2 stainless steel. This combination provides incredible tensile strength, purportedly 20% stronger than a solid VG10 blade.
But the real magic—and controversy—lies in the geometry. The S1 features a full Convex Grind. Unlike a hollow grind (common in hunting knives) or a flat grind (common in kitchen knives), a convex grind curves down to the edge like an axe. This provides immense support behind the edge, making it structurally superior for chopping and batoning wood.
However, users transitioning from standard factory edges might find sharpening a convex edge challenging. It requires a mousepad and sandpaper technique or a slack-belt grinder, rather than the standard stones you might use for a Smith & Wesson tactical knife.
Ergonomics and Handle Design
The S1 employs a Thermorun handle. This synthetic rubber material is grippy, shock-absorbent, and impervious to weather changes. Whether you are in the freezing Arctic or a humid jungle, Thermorun stays consistent.
The handle is slimmer than the larger A1 model, which allows for better dexterity during fine carving tasks. However, some users with large hands report that the handle feels slightly too thin for prolonged chopping sessions. It lacks the aggressive contouring found in some custom handles, opting instead for a straightforward, utilitarian diamond pattern.
Comparison: S1 vs. The World
Fallkniven S1 vs. Fallkniven F1
The F1 is the official survival knife of the Swedish Air Force pilots. It is smaller (3.8-inch blade) and more compact. If you are looking for an EDC fixed blade or something for a small survival kit, the F1 is superior. However, for processing firewood, batoning logs, and clearing light brush, the S1’s extra inch and thickness give it significantly more leverage and chopping power.
Fallkniven S1 vs. Tactical Options
Comparing the S1 to tactical knives creates an interesting dichotomy. If you look at our SOG TAC XR Review, you see a focus on rapid deployment, locking mechanisms, and self-defense. The S1 is a different beast. It is slower to deploy from a leather or Zytel sheath but offers reliability that no folding knife can match. You cannot baton a log with a SOG TAC XR without risking the lock, but the S1 asks for more.
Fallkniven S1 vs. Budget Alternatives
Is the premium price tag worth it? When you browse Blue Ridge Knives reviews or look at budget imports, you see decent steels like 8Cr13MoV. However, the S1’s laminated steel ensures that even if the knife bends under extreme stress, it is less likely to snap catastrophically compared to cheaper, mono-steel blades. You are paying for that insurance policy in the deep woods.
Field Performance: The Destruction Test
Words can only convey so much. To truly understand the capability of the Fallkniven S1, one must see it in action. It is capable of chopping through hardwoods that would chip lesser blades. The spine is ground at a sharp 90-degree angle, making it an excellent striker for ferrocerium rods—a crucial feature for fire starting.
Above: Watch the incredible resilience of the Fallkniven S1 in this field test.
Pros and Cons Verdict
✅ The Good
- Laminated Steel: Incredibly tough and resistant to snapping.
- Convex Grind: Superior wood processing capability; acts like a wedge.
- Stainless: High corrosion resistance for wet environments.
- Spine: Sharp 90-degree spine for fire steel use.
- Weight: Ideally balanced—light enough to carry, heavy enough to chop.
❌ The Bad
- Price: It is a significant investment compared to carbon steel alternatives.
- Sharpening: Convex edges have a learning curve for maintenance.
- Sheath: The Zytel sheath rattles and feels cheap compared to the knife quality.
- Handle Size: May be too slim for users with XXL hands.
Related Amazon Products
If you are considering the S1, here are the best purchasing options and essential accessories available on Amazon. (Images are for representation).
Fallkniven S1 Forest Knife
The subject of our review. Laminated VG10 steel with a Zytel sheath. The ultimate survival companion.
Check Price on Amazon
Fallkniven F1
The compact brother. Perfect if you find the S1 too large for belt carry. A legend in its own right.
Check Price on Amazon
ESEE 6
The Carbon Steel alternative. Easier to sharpen in the field, but requires oil to prevent rust. Great warranty.
Check Price on Amazon
Fallkniven DC4 Whetstone
Essential for VG10 steel. A pocket-sized combination of diamond and ceramic stone designed for these knives.
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Fallkniven S1 better than the A1?
It depends on the use case. The A1 is a chopper, significantly heavier and thicker (6mm). If you need to build a shelter from scratch, the A1 is better. For general camping, hunting, and food prep, the S1 is much more versatile and less tiring to use.
Does the Laminated VG10 steel chip?
VG10 is a hard steel, and hard steels can chip if they hit rocks or nails. However, the convex grind adds material behind the edge to support it. Micro-chipping can happen, but it is easily sharpened out. The lamination prevents the blade from snapping in half.
Leather sheath vs. Zytel sheath: Which is better?
The Leather sheath looks traditional and is silent, making it great for hunting. However, it retains moisture which can harm the blade long-term. The Zytel sheath is ugly and rattles, but it is safer, drains water instantly, and is virtually indestructible. For survival, choose Zytel.
How do I sharpen the convex edge?
The “mousepad method” is popular: place wet/dry sandpaper over a mousepad and stroke the knife backwards (stropping motion). The soft pad contours the paper to the convex curve. Alternatively, use a leather strop with compound for maintenance.
Conclusion
The Fallkniven S1 is a masterpiece of functional design. It lacks the bells and whistles of modern “tacticool” knives, but it makes up for it with sheer performance. It is a tool designed to keep you alive.
While the handle ergonomics might not suit everyone, and the sheath leaves something to be desired, the blade itself is arguably one of the best mass-produced survival blades on the planet. It bridges the gap between the compact utility of the F1 and the brute force of the A1 perfectly.
If you are looking for more budget-friendly options, don’t forget to check our M-Tech reviews, or for something purely tactical, revisit our SOG TAC XR analysis. But if the wilderness is calling, the S1 is the answer.
