THIS is how you do a knife comparison/review. Two different people, different hand size/shape, technique, etc, taking turns to perform the same tasks. Very nicely done and I appreciate the thoughtful analyses.
Great comparison guys, keep up the good work! PS! We have a couple of new choices coming up for steel- and handle material for the Nord later this year!
Nord vs A1 Test Results 1. Feather stick - tie 2. Baton - A1 3. Chopping - Nord 4. Ferro rod - Nord 5. Quality - A1 called a workhorse knife; the Nord called a big bushcraft knife 6. Comfort - Nord 7. Sheath - A1 better for cleaning with meat prep; Nord better for wearing on a belt 8. Price - A1 price decreasing; Nord price increasing 9. Cutting - Nord Organizing these tests (categories mine), the results are as follows: Performance categories (1-4, 6, 9): Nord (4-1-1); A1 (1-4-1) Subjective categories (5, 7): No clear winner. User case determines the best knife. Value (6) The prices difference is negligible. However the Nord costs more while the price of the A1 has dropped over time. Summary Observations The Nord was the clear winner in respect to performance. The A1 only beat the Nord once in what can be called the performance categories in this video. However, the testers gave the overall win to the A1, which shows that the subjective categories carried more weight for them than performance.
It's funny, for me the Nord is almost too nice to make it practical, leaning toward being a traditional piece of art. A $30 knife and a hatchet is more practical than either. All the same, I really like the Nord. Cheers.
Hej Joe, nice to hear from you and happy to hear you appreciated the review! We think the latest developments around the Helle Nord (sleipner 4mm) and Nordlys are great 😁👍. Keep up the good work!
I tend to use my forest axe for a lot of work that you use your knives for. I use my very reliable ESSE RB3 for feather sticks and fine work. The Helle Nord has me tempted though
If the temptation reaches a high and makes you order the Nord, please have a look at the 4 mm version in Sleipner and maybe the Nordlys is also interesting. We have not tested an Esse knife yet but the RB3 looks like a great knife.
Thank you both for the great video! After shopping around and finally watching your video I decided to go with the Nord. I already have a GT from Helle but thought this knife would be more hardy. And why not add to the small herd? Haha Thanks again! Watching you two always puts me in a good mood! Tusen Tak! Vielen Dank! Thanks
I must say, this is a very nice and fair review and comparison. I did get the Helle Nord Sleipner, but for me as another gentleman on TH-cam pointed out to me, it will be more of an heirloom than workhorse, though I will likely build some character with it, and it may develop further. Cheers.
I have both and know their advantages, but if I had to choose just one, then definitely the Nord. It's a more valuable and beautiful knife, and it feels better in hand.
I guess the sleipner carbon actually. Mostly because it has the 4 mm instead of the 3,7 mm. But we are very happy with the 14c28N blade as well. Fits for us as we are living at the shore. We have not tested the Nord in Sleipner but will be fun to do that one day.
If you can deal with the maintenance of the carbon blade, that would be my preference. Mine is 14c28, the Sleipner was not out when I got mine, but I would have preferred that steel.
I have both, and I like both. That being said, shallow as it is, I prefer the feel and look of the Nord. It has a wooden handle and a more traditional outdoorsman look for a Scandinavian. Both are very good knives for their use, and you can't go wrong if you are looking for a knife of this type. I'd advice anyone to handle the knife, or have the opportunity to return free of charge.
Thanks for your comment! Appreciate the view from someone who has experience with both knives. think we can join your opinion on the more natural feeling of a wooden handle and leather sheath on a knife. And specially the scandinavian feeling. That said, the feeling you get when abusing the A1 is pretty good😁👍.
This looks very impressive, I have seen many reviews on the Fällkniven knives, but I don't understand why they only gave a short warranty. I am impressed with the Helle knives.
Not sure either but in practice it will be the (semi) fabric mistakes that warranty becomes important? Not sure, never had the problem and hope we all got lucky with the best knives. Helle really stepped up their game with the production of the Helle Nordlys and a 4 mm Helle Nord. Saw yesterday they made some really cool handles for DLTtrating. Awesome to observe 😁👍
Thanks for showing! Difficult question, but seen overall might be the A1 the more longlasting option because of the materials. Cheers from Germany! Torsten
A hard decision. But in my option both knives are great. And it doesn’t matter which one you choose. Just buy what you like and you won’t be disappointed 🤘🤘🤘 bzw. Great Video as always
I own both of your presentes knives. The Bushmate had to be exchangers for another as it wouldn't throw a spark and the leather sheet was too loose. The B1, did have an issue with the wood handle shifting a bit. But the B1 is my favorite
Cool! I like the way this was presented. As far as the knives go, I have Fallkniven knives and Helle knives. I like Helle knives for the light weight, scandi grind, and overall appearance. The Fallkniven knives are heavy, have a round convex grind(as opposed to a subtle or more flat convex grind), and are built like a tank. I think that my take is they are built for different purposes.
For traditional use here in Norway, you'd use the knife for gutting fish, dressing game and various light work. I like the old knives for that type of use. Helle is clearly trying to get into the bushcraft market with their full tang knives, but I still think the heart of their company is the lighter more traditional knives.
Helle just came out with a new version of the nord in sleipner steel with a 4mm thick blade. I wonder how it would compare? I have a Nord and I love it because of all the qualities demonstrated here. Great video.
I bought the sleipner version so now I have both versions. I found it noticeably better for batoning. Chopping ability is similar. The grind is slightly more obtuse. I haven’t decided which version I prefer yet.
@@westcoastbushcraftersyou should try it with a string around your hand, attached to the handle. Then it makes a very powerful chopper for its size and low weight.
You two are the greatest 🍻 Thank you both once again for making this video💪🔪 It will make i way easier to choose one or the other.... Keep up your awsome content👌🔪🎉🎊 Skåååål to both of you🍺😁
Hi Jesper! Thanks again for the fun question! We had a great time filming this episode! Glad to hear that we could help you. Still not an easy choice 😂👍 Skål😁🍻🍻🍻
Great review lads - tack! A practical tool vs a finer one. I think in this configuration (large multi-purpose knives), the practicality of the Fk (covex, thickness, Thermorun, plastic sheath) wins out. To me, the finer Scandi/wood/leather/thinner spine of the Helle makes more sense in a smaller knife (Utvaer or Nordlys). You could say the Fk is better everywhere you should use an axe, the Helle is better everywhere you should use a knife!
I notice that the chips really fly when chopping with the Helle Nord. I've had similar experience with my Lon Humphrey scandi kephart, a pile of chips is quick to accumulate when chopping. The A1 might be a better slicer though.
Well Fallkniven has a more premium steel, so I guess there is not much to say about it, but all depends on what the persons preferences are. Great comparison guys, cheers!!!
Yes, great, guys! Chopping, slicing, beautiful, you loaded the knives nicely! I really liked your video! I send greetings, good health and be well🌲🍀🌿🔪👈🖖👍😉
I bought the 14c28n version the other week. I love the knife and steel but was pretty disappointed with the sheath. I had to add a piece of leather inside to the top so it would slide down into the plastic more easily. The sheath is much too thin leather. Oh well. I'll probably have to make my own sheath for it.
Hej! I have not had the exact same problem but can agree it is on the thin side. Unfortunately I have no suggestions for alternatives right now. Maybe we can come up with a custom knife sheath maker that fit your needs 👍
It's also worth mentioning that the Helle is way easier to sharpen than the A1. As for it being a workhorse, check Joe X's torture test on the Fallkniven. It doesn't hold up very well.
A1 is a survival knife, Nord is a bushcraft knife. Both can do both, but there are levels to this. In a survival situation I would like the A1, but the Nord will do just fine. In a bushcraft situation I would prefer the Nord, but the A1 would do just fine. It really depends on the context. I have both, I use both, I like both but for different reasons.
I would choose the A1 since it needs no maintenance at all. You can use both knife and sheath even in salt water and just rinse it off with some fresh water. Get a leather sheath all soaked in salt (or fresh) water and you have a problem. A wooden handle and leather sheath are really pretty to look at but not the most practical.
For me, handle ergonomics is most important, as you never chose a knife that makes your hand hurt after using it for a while, if you have one with a better grip. Steel and beauty of knife is second most important (unles it is som unnamed crap steel of course, but you know what I mean).
@@westcoastbushcrafters I might have to look at it if I ever see it in a store.. Anyway, love your videos. If you want to, you could make videos of you two having a little competition, where you make something bushcrafty, and see how the knives you choose do in those tasks. Like where you have to drill holdes with the tip etc.
That is an excellent point, and what fit for one person ergonomically might be hell for another. No use with top steel and beauty if the knife is not comfortable to use.
I think the Helle Nord is not a workhorse. But it is a discounted LT Wright. And with discount you also get som less favourable specs. If Helle would just use better steel and sharpen the knifes properly. They would double the sales. It's too sloppy of a job, and I can't see they are hitting their market completely either. I would get the Nord anyways, because it's too much of a strerch to source the LT Wright or similar.
We would like to get our hands on the Nord Sleipner. Little bit thicker blade. Can imagine that works very well for this knife. We ordered the Nord the same day when it got released and we have no complaints on the final touches
THIS is how you do a knife comparison/review. Two different people, different hand size/shape, technique, etc, taking turns to perform the same tasks. Very nicely done and I appreciate the thoughtful analyses.
Thank you very much! That is a nice compliment!
Great comparison guys, keep up the good work! PS! We have a couple of new choices coming up for steel- and handle material for the Nord later this year!
Thank you so much😁! We are looking with great interest to the new features for the Nord later this year! Exciting! Thanks for reaching out!
Nord vs A1 Test Results
1. Feather stick - tie
2. Baton - A1
3. Chopping - Nord
4. Ferro rod - Nord
5. Quality - A1 called a workhorse knife; the Nord called a big bushcraft knife
6. Comfort - Nord
7. Sheath - A1 better for cleaning with meat prep; Nord better for wearing on a belt
8. Price - A1 price decreasing; Nord price increasing
9. Cutting - Nord
Organizing these tests (categories mine), the results are as follows:
Performance categories (1-4, 6, 9):
Nord (4-1-1); A1 (1-4-1)
Subjective categories (5, 7):
No clear winner. User case determines the best knife.
Value (6)
The prices difference is negligible. However the Nord costs more while the price of the A1 has dropped over time.
Summary Observations
The Nord was the clear winner in respect to performance. The A1 only beat the Nord once in what can be called the performance categories in this video. However, the testers gave the overall win to the A1, which shows that the subjective categories carried more weight for them than performance.
It's funny, for me the Nord is almost too nice to make it practical, leaning toward being a traditional piece of art. A $30 knife and a hatchet is more practical than either. All the same, I really like the Nord. Cheers.
Great movie and comparison, love it 👍
Awesome to hear that! Thanks a lot!😁🙏
Appreciate the review and look at the knives, Joe from helle
Hej Joe, nice to hear from you and happy to hear you appreciated the review! We think the latest developments around the Helle Nord (sleipner 4mm) and Nordlys are great 😁👍. Keep up the good work!
I tend to use my forest axe for a lot of work that you use your knives for. I use my very reliable ESSE RB3 for feather sticks and fine work.
The Helle Nord has me tempted though
If the temptation reaches a high and makes you order the Nord, please have a look at the 4 mm version in Sleipner and maybe the Nordlys is also interesting.
We have not tested an Esse knife yet but the RB3 looks like a great knife.
Thank you both for the great video! After shopping around and finally watching your video I decided to go with the Nord. I already have a GT from Helle but thought this knife would be more hardy. And why not add to the small herd? Haha
Thanks again! Watching you two always puts me in a good mood! Tusen Tak! Vielen Dank!
Thanks
Thanks a lot for your kind words! Haha hope you will enjoy the small herd a lot. It is an awesome knife! Have a great weekend!!
I must say, this is a very nice and fair review and comparison. I did get the Helle Nord Sleipner, but for me as another gentleman on TH-cam pointed out to me, it will be more of an heirloom than workhorse, though I will likely build some character with it, and it may develop further. Cheers.
Thank you! Truly a great piece of equipment to pass on to next generations😄. Cheers🍻
I have both and know their advantages, but if I had to choose just one, then definitely the Nord. It's a more valuable and beautiful knife, and it feels better in hand.
Indeed the Helle has a better feel in the hand. Thanks for comment!
Would you prefer the 14c28 or the sleipner carbon blade on the helle? The carbon blade is also a little thicker.
I guess the sleipner carbon actually. Mostly because it has the 4 mm instead of the 3,7 mm. But we are very happy with the 14c28N blade as well. Fits for us as we are living at the shore. We have not tested the Nord in Sleipner but will be fun to do that one day.
If you can deal with the maintenance of the carbon blade, that would be my preference. Mine is 14c28, the Sleipner was not out when I got mine, but I would have preferred that steel.
I think Helle is the better knive 👍👍
Haha that’s great 😁! Thanks for checking out
Awesome review! I like how you went with practicality rather then functional art.
Great compliment, thanks a lot😁🙏!
I have both, and I like both. That being said, shallow as it is, I prefer the feel and look of the Nord. It has a wooden handle and a more traditional outdoorsman look for a Scandinavian. Both are very good knives for their use, and you can't go wrong if you are looking for a knife of this type. I'd advice anyone to handle the knife, or have the opportunity to return free of charge.
Thanks for your comment! Appreciate the view from someone who has experience with both knives. think we can join your opinion on the more natural feeling of a wooden handle and leather sheath on a knife. And specially the scandinavian feeling. That said, the feeling you get when abusing the A1 is pretty good😁👍.
@@westcoastbushcrafters The A1 is a great knife. I'm Norwegian, it takes something to praise a Swedish product :p
Hahaha😂👍💪
Great video, guys 👍
We thank you so much😁🙏👍
This looks very impressive, I have seen many reviews on the Fällkniven knives, but I don't understand why they only gave a short warranty. I am impressed with the Helle knives.
Not sure either but in practice it will be the (semi) fabric mistakes that warranty becomes important? Not sure, never had the problem and hope we all got lucky with the best knives.
Helle really stepped up their game with the production of the Helle Nordlys and a 4 mm Helle Nord. Saw yesterday they made some really cool handles for DLTtrating. Awesome to observe 😁👍
Thanks for showing! Difficult question, but seen overall might be the A1 the more longlasting option because of the materials. Cheers from Germany! Torsten
Hi Torsten! Thanks for watching! Yeah it was not the easiest. Hopefully we gave a “semi objective” view. Take care! Cheers🍻
A hard decision. But in my option both knives are great. And it doesn’t matter which one you choose. Just buy what you like and you won’t be disappointed 🤘🤘🤘 bzw. Great Video as always
Thanks a lot! We couldn’t agree more. We did not make it super easy for Jesper we believe 😂👍
Great video ! Keep up making these awesome videos
thanks a lot!!😄👍
Question, what brand of oilskin anorak are you wearing?
I’d get the Fallkniven every time.
Fjällräven no.8 anorak👍
I own both of your presentes knives. The Bushmate had to be exchangers for another as it wouldn't throw a spark and the leather sheet was too loose. The B1, did have an issue with the wood handle shifting a bit. But the B1 is my favorite
Cool that you have tested those out as well. Sheath is a bit loose indeed. B1 is super nice. Have it at work as a carving knife. 👌
Cool! I like the way this was presented. As far as the knives go, I have Fallkniven knives and Helle knives. I like Helle knives for the light weight, scandi grind, and overall appearance. The Fallkniven knives are heavy, have a round convex grind(as opposed to a subtle or more flat convex grind), and are built like a tank. I think that my take is they are built for different purposes.
Glad to hear you liked the presentation!
For traditional use here in Norway, you'd use the knife for gutting fish, dressing game and various light work. I like the old knives for that type of use. Helle is clearly trying to get into the bushcraft market with their full tang knives, but I still think the heart of their company is the lighter more traditional knives.
Helle just came out with a new version of the nord in sleipner steel with a 4mm thick blade. I wonder how it would compare?
I have a Nord and I love it because of all the qualities demonstrated here. Great video.
We are very curious as well😁! Awesome that Helle launched this knife in a new steel. Thanks so much!😁🔥🍻
Yes , I would like to see a comparison of the 2 nords . 14c28n vs sleipner. Cheers
Nice request 👍. Will do our best🤞
I bought the sleipner version so now I have both versions. I found it noticeably better for batoning. Chopping ability is similar. The grind is slightly more obtuse. I haven’t decided which version I prefer yet.
Are you going to review the Helle Nordlys?
Hi! We have not planned nor purchased that knife. We have a couple other knives planned for review for the coming months 👍
Too bad.
@runerennemo6614 we hope to test it in the future. Looks like a promising knife 👍
@@westcoastbushcraftersyou should try it with a string around your hand, attached to the handle. Then it makes a very powerful chopper for its size and low weight.
Nice!! That we will do. Nord performed well there. Can imagine the nordlys will do a great job as well
You two are the greatest 🍻 Thank you both once again for making this video💪🔪 It will make i way easier to choose one or the other....
Keep up your awsome content👌🔪🎉🎊
Skåååål to both of you🍺😁
Hi Jesper!
Thanks again for the fun question! We had a great time filming this episode! Glad to hear that we could help you. Still not an easy choice 😂👍
Skål😁🍻🍻🍻
@@westcoastbushcrafters not at all an easy choice😅🤣
Can imagine!😂 send us a picture when you decided😁👍
@@westcoastbushcrafters or I should buy them both🤔 😅 Of course. I will keep you posted🔪👌
@jespernakskov6206 will be fun to see what it will be😁🥳👍
Great review lads - tack! A practical tool vs a finer one. I think in this configuration (large multi-purpose knives), the practicality of the Fk (covex, thickness, Thermorun, plastic sheath) wins out. To me, the finer Scandi/wood/leather/thinner spine of the Helle makes more sense in a smaller knife (Utvaer or Nordlys). You could say the Fk is better everywhere you should use an axe, the Helle is better everywhere you should use a knife!
Thank you!! Like your formulation regarding the conclusion. It was fun to test those beside one other
I notice that the chips really fly when chopping with the Helle Nord. I've had similar experience with my Lon Humphrey scandi kephart, a pile of chips is quick to accumulate when chopping. The A1 might be a better slicer though.
Scandi grind and chopping works very well. The handle of the Nord helps also. Thanks for watching!
Well Fallkniven has a more premium steel, so I guess there is not much to say about it, but all depends on what the persons preferences are. Great comparison guys, cheers!!!
Thanks so much!🙏 Can’t argue with that 😁👍. Thanks for watching!
Oh, there is much to say about it. It all depends on the context
For me, definitely the Nord. I don't trust VG10 as much as 14C28N, which is significantly tougher.
Interesting point of view😁👍, thanks!
Yes, great, guys! Chopping, slicing, beautiful, you loaded the knives nicely! I really liked your video! I send greetings, good health and be well🌲🍀🌿🔪👈🖖👍😉
Hi! That makes us happy! Thanks so much and good health too you. Take care cheers🍻
@@westcoastbushcrafters I also thank you very much and hope that everything is going well and you are well👍🍀🌲
@afprojektcz thanks so much! All the best!
@@westcoastbushcrafters 🙂👌👍
I bought the 14c28n version the other week. I love the knife and steel but was pretty disappointed with the sheath. I had to add a piece of leather inside to the top so it would slide down into the plastic more easily. The sheath is much too thin leather. Oh well. I'll probably have to make my own sheath for it.
Hej! I have not had the exact same problem but can agree it is on the thin side. Unfortunately I have no suggestions for alternatives right now. Maybe we can come up with a custom knife sheath maker that fit your needs 👍
It's also worth mentioning that the Helle is way easier to sharpen than the A1. As for it being a workhorse, check Joe X's torture test on the Fallkniven. It doesn't hold up very well.
Yes, easy to sharpen hair popping sharp! Do you know if he made an episode about the Helle Nord? Thanks for watching!
@@westcoastbushcrafters No, I don't believe he did. Keep up the good work!
@gunters7668 thank you! Have a nice day!
How many knifes have you seen with a soft plastic handle that last 30+ years?
Good point!!
A1 is a survival knife, Nord is a bushcraft knife. Both can do both, but there are levels to this. In a survival situation I would like the A1, but the Nord will do just fine. In a bushcraft situation I would prefer the Nord, but the A1 would do just fine. It really depends on the context. I have both, I use both, I like both but for different reasons.
Well written😁👍 thanks for watching!
I would choose the A1 since it needs no maintenance at all. You can use both knife and sheath even in salt water and just rinse it off with some fresh water. Get a leather sheath all soaked in salt (or fresh) water and you have a problem. A wooden handle and leather sheath are really pretty to look at but not the most practical.
Good summary of the power of Fällkniven!
For me, handle ergonomics is most important, as you never chose a knife that makes your hand hurt after using it for a while, if you have one with a better grip.
Steel and beauty of knife is second most important (unles it is som unnamed crap steel of course, but you know what I mean).
Hi! The Helle did an excellent job with making the handle for the Nord. Really love it! Cheers😁👍
@@westcoastbushcrafters I might have to look at it if I ever see it in a store..
Anyway, love your videos. If you want to, you could make videos of you two having a little competition, where you make something bushcrafty, and see how the knives you choose do in those tasks. Like where you have to drill holdes with the tip etc.
That is an excellent point, and what fit for one person ergonomically might be hell for another. No use with top steel and beauty if the knife is not comfortable to use.
@@BjørjaBear exactly, it is different for each person 👍
I think the Helle Nord is not a workhorse. But it is a discounted LT Wright. And with discount you also get som less favourable specs. If Helle would just use better steel and sharpen the knifes properly. They would double the sales. It's too sloppy of a job, and I can't see they are hitting their market completely either. I would get the Nord anyways, because it's too much of a strerch to source the LT Wright or similar.
We would like to get our hands on the Nord Sleipner. Little bit thicker blade. Can imagine that works very well for this knife. We ordered the Nord the same day when it got released and we have no complaints on the final touches
Wood handle also wins with me.
Have you seen the version of the Helle Nord in green canvas micarta? Also pretty cool. But wood is awesome!
I think fallkinven is the better knive 👍👍
😁👍 Thanks for watching again!
I’m partial to the Helle because I’m half Norwegian and the Helle is more beautiful than the A1. Plenty strong for my needs. 🎸🔪
It is! A great Norwegian knife😁👍
The amount of money a person can generate in a lifetime. Simply buy both. Treat yourself. Easy fix.🎉
haha we like that solution 👍
And the winner is...
Terävä Skrama 240!🎉😂😈❤️🔥
😂😂👍
A1 for me
🤘
I think the Helle Nord is the better knife 🖤🖤🖤
Thanks for watching! Really great knitting 😁👍
@@westcoastbushcrafters 🖤🖤🖤