Ferrum Forge Falcon Review
Background and Development
The Falcon represents Ferrum Forge’s successful transition from custom to production knives. In cooperation with WE Knife Co., it brings custom design elements down to a more approachable price.Ferrum Forge’s successful transition from custom to production knives. Developed in collaboration with WE Knife Co., it brings custom design elements to a more accessible price point. Released in 2018, the Falcon aimed to capture Ferrum Forge’s signature aesthetic while maintaining affordability and practical utility.
Specifications
- Blade Length: 3.0 inches
- Overall Length: 7.0 inches
- Blade Steel: Nitro-V
- Handle Material: G10 over titanium liners
- Weight: 2.8 oz
- Lock Type: Liner Lock
- Made in China by WE Knife
- Price: $90-100
Ferrum Forge Falcon Review: Personal Experience
I’ve carried and used the Falcon for six months as my primary EDC knife, putting it through various tasks from office work to weekend projects. The blend of modern materials and practical design has proven particularly interesting in daily use.
Ferrum Forge Falcon Review: Performance Analysis
After six months of consistent carry, the Falcon has revealed itself as a capable everyday tool with some distinctive characteristics. The Nitro-V blade steel, while not exotic, has proven surprisingly capable. During testing, I found edge retention comparable to more expensive steels like VG-10, while being notably easier to maintain. The blade typically maintains its working edge for about two weeks of regular use before requiring attention.
Blade Performance
The flat ground blade, with its compound grind near the tip, demonstrates excellent cutting ability. The geometry strikes an effective balance – thin enough to slice efficiently through materials like cardboard and packaging, yet robust enough to handle light prying tasks without concern. The swedge near the tip adds precision for detail work, something I’ve particularly appreciated when opening mail or breaking down small boxes.
Ergonomics
Where the Falcon truly shines is its thoughtful handle design. The G10 scales over titanium liners provide a secure grip without being overly aggressive. I have not felt any hot spots during extended sessions of cutting, attesting to the developed ergonomics taken from Ferrum Forge custom designs. The choil and thumb ramp develop natural indexing points that enhance the control during both precise and power cuts.
Ferrum Forge Falcon Review: Carry Experience
At 2.8 ounces, the Falcon carries exceptionally well. The deep carry clip, while simple in design, holds the knife securely without being too aggressive on pocket material. The slim profile allows it to share pocket space comfortably with other items, and the G10 texture provides just enough friction to prevent unwanted rotation without being abrasive to pocket material.
Ferrum Forge Falcon Review: Practical Applications
Through daily use, the Falcon has proven particularly versatile. In office environments, its clean design and modest size make it unobtrusive, while its performance ensures it’s never underwhelming. During weekend projects, from breaking down cardboard to light food prep, the blade geometry and ergonomics have consistently impressed. The liner lock, while simple, provides confident lockup without being overly stiff.
Long-Term Testing Insights
Six months of regular carry has revealed several notable characteristics: the action, stiff at first, broke in beautifully after about two weeks of use. The detent remains positive but not overwhelming, allowing smooth deployment without being too light to carry safely. The blade centering has remained perfect, and the lock face shows minimal wear despite hundreds of deployments.
Ferrum Forge Falcon Review: Maintenance Experience
The Nitro-V steel has proven surprisingly low-maintenance. It responds well to stropping and doesn’t require frequent sharpening. When sharpening is needed, the steel is cooperative – taking a keen edge without excessive effort. The open construction allows for easy cleaning, though I’ve noticed the pivot occasionally needs attention after exposure to particularly dusty environments.
Notable Observations
Several aspects became apparent only through extended use:
- G10 texture maintains grip without wearing pocket material
- Pivot remains stable with minimal adjustment needed
- Clip tension has maintained consistency
- Lock face wear is minimal
- Blade finish shows minimal wear despite regular use
Ferrum Forge Falcon Review: Value Proposition
At around $90-100, the Falcon is an interesting market position. The combination of Ferrum Forge design, WE Knife manufacturing quality, and practical materials makes for compelling value. Having used knives across a number of different price points, I think the Falcon punches above its weight, performance-wise, by a considerable margin. The attention to detail in areas like blade geometry and ergonomics reflects its custom knife heritage.
Ferrum Forge Falcon Review: Final Thoughts
Pros:The Falcon excels in several key areas. The ergonomics provide exceptional control and comfort during extended use. The blade geometry offers remarkable cutting performance for its size. The build quality significantly exceeds expectations at this price point, and the weight-to-capability ratio is outstanding. The action, once broken in, rivals much more expensive knives.
Cons:There are some considerations worth noting. The Nitro-V steel, while serviceable, isn’t as corrosion resistant as premium options. The liner lock, though reliable, lacks the sophistication of more advanced locking mechanisms. Some users might find the detent initially stiff, though this improves with use.
Who It’s For
- Users seeking premium design at a mid-range price
- Those who appreciate refined ergonomics
- EDC enthusiasts wanting a capable daily carrier
- People who value subtle, clean design
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Users requiring premium blade steel
- Those preferring overbuilt tactical designs
- People needing a heavy-duty work knife
- Users wanting USA-made products
Impact on the Market
The Falcon represents an important development in the knife industry, demonstrating how collaboration between custom designers and established manufacturers can bring premium design elements to more accessible price points. Its success has influenced other makers to pursue similar partnerships, benefiting consumers through better design at lower prices.
Alternatives and Market Competition
Civivi Elementum ($50-60)
Having carried both knives extensively, the Elementum provides an interesting contrast in approach to budget-friendly EDC.
Comparative Strengths:The Elementum offers D2 or 14C28N steel options at a lower price point. The bearing pivot provides smoother action out of the box compared to the Falcon. During testing, I found the deep carry clip design superior, and the variety of handle materials offers more customization options.
Trade-offs:The Elementum’s blade geometry is less sophisticated than the Falcon’s compound grind. The ergonomics, while good, lack the refinement of the Falcon’s custom-inspired design. Build quality, though solid, doesn’t quite match the Falcon’s precision.
WE Knife Banter ($108)
A direct competitor in terms of price and manufacturing quality.
Comparative Strengths:The Banter features CPM-20CV steel, significantly outperforming the Falcon’s Nitro-V. The ergonomics are excellent for its size, and the build quality is comparable. Through testing, I found the Banter’s action slightly smoother initially.
Trade-offs:The Banter’s broader blade profile carries noticeably larger in pocket. The design is more conventional, lacking the Falcon’s custom knife heritage. Price point is higher for comparable build quality.
Kizer Begleiter 2 ($75)
Another WE-manufactured competitor offering different priorities.
Comparative Strengths:The Begleiter 2 offers 154CM steel and button lock mechanism at a lower price point. The larger blade provides more cutting edge, and the handle offers more real estate for larger hands. Action is consistently smooth on bearings.
Trade-offs:Larger overall package reduces pocket friendliness compared to the Falcon. Design lacks the sophisticated aesthetics of the Ferrum Forge lineage. Blade geometry is more conventional and less specialized.
Market Context
What’s particularly interesting is how the Falcon has influenced the market segment. Its success demonstrated consumer appetite for custom-inspired design at production prices, leading to more collaborations between custom makers and production companies. The knife effectively bridges the gap between budget EDC and premium design.
Price-Performance Analysis
When comparing actual cutting performance and build quality, the Falcon often punches above its price point. While competitors might offer premium steels or bearing pivots, few match the Falcon’s combination of refined design, practical performance, and quality manufacturing at this price point.
Long-term Value
After extended use of both the Falcon and its competitors, its value proposition comes more clearly into focus. The initial cost is higher than some alternatives, but the sophisticated design and solid construction suggest better long-term value. That the knife handles both precise and demanding tasks with aplomb while maintaining fit and finish is indicative of good longevity.
The Falcon offers enough in terms of custom design cues that it’s still relevant to production knife users, albeit amidst fierce competition. Its mixture of practical performance and refined aesthetic, combined with quality manufacturing, has kept the Falcon a benchmark at its price point.