Trends come and go while some things remain the same. That applies to this knife model. It has been in the Al Mars range, if not forever, at least for a very long time. In addition, it has not changed in the slightest in terms of appearance, choice of material, or the way it is built during that time.
It thus justifies the name Classic. The full name is nowadays Classic Collection 3.15" Honey Jigged Bone. But the medium size is more popularly called "Falcon" and it is the one that will be examined in more detail here.
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| Al Mar AMK7004 Falcon Classic |
Falcon is the middle brother in the family which also includes little brother Hawk and the giant Eagle. The knives in the Classic series offer a more traditional look than the more modern lightweight variants that are also offered in Al Mar's catalog. Plastic and Titanium are banned. Here you instead get brass frames, steel bolsters, and sides in a jigged bone. The opening is done with a thumb stud and the knives have no clip.
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| Classic lines on an equally classic knife |
A little less traditional for Al Mar is that production is now found in China. Previously, all their knives were manufactured in Seki City, Japan.
The most interesting question for us consumers, however, is whether the quality is maintained. Without being able to compare all older models with the new ones, I can reveal that it is very high.
Twitter version: Falcon, a knife from Al Mar in traditional plumage.
Blade
The keyword for this review is "classic" and it goes for the blade as well. That means that Al Mar has not departed from the blade shape they call "Talon", even if it does not correspond to what the rest of the knife world refers to when it comes to that designation.
But the blade shape is recognizable from the knives I previously reviewed in the lightweight series. It means a slim spear point with a pronounced swedge that extends a little more than half the length of the back. The blade measures 80 mm long with a height of 17.5 mm at its widest. The stock is thin with its two millimeters.
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| Another "talon" from Al Mar. This blade is close to 80 mm long |
Also, the material is old and well-proven. Thus, even in the modern Al Mar Classic knives, Japanese AUS8 steel is found in the blades. It is neither the "latest" nor the hottest steel on the market, but I think it works well for this type of knife. To begin with, it is very stain resistant, which is a good property of a pocket knife and in addition, it is possible to get really sharp. The edge holding may not be the best but fully adequate in relation to what type of knife this is.
The factory edge is worth emphasizing since this Falcon arrived really sharp. The edge is also symmetrical and for the most part completely even in hight except for one side, close to the tip, where the grinder has tilted slightly. This indicates that a human being has been involved somewhere in the process.
Another thing that characterizes this blade is the needle-sharp tip. It is very useful for this type of knife that is aimed at lighter tasks. In addition, it looks very distinct.
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The blade steel is in this context as classic as the model name, it's Japanese AUS8 |
This blade cuts like a small pocket scalpel. Admittedly, the full flat ground older versions are perhaps even better in that area, but the basic conditions are good even in this case. As I said, the stock thickness is only two millimeters and the edge is sharp.
In many reviews, it is written about various knives that they "are not suitable to cut apples with" or something similar. Often said somewhat condescending as an excuse for the existence of sharpened prybars with poor blade geometry. They are made for "hard use", whatever that is.
This does not apply to Al Mar Falcon. It is particularly suitable for both apples and other fruits. Not only that, but it's also great for cutting yarn threads, cutting strings, removing a laundry label, cracking an envelope or two open, opening a cardboard box, cutting tape, peeling off a scab, removing a splinter, carving an improvised flower stick and, not least carve your and your girlfriend's name in the bark of a tree. In short, everything you use a classic pocket knife for.
Handle
The handle is what characterizes the Classic series and distinguishes it from the other knives in the "birds of prey series". This medium size offers a decimeter long handle with a rather long steel bolster. The thickness of the handle ends up just under 10 millimeters and the height is around 18 millimeters.
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| In this version, Falcon offers sides in honey jigged bone |
The handle is riveted and can thereby not be disassembled or adjusted. Or rather, if you need to adjust a knife with riveted sides and a hidden pivot it can be done, but it is more cumbersome than normal.
In this handle, you don't find modern materials such as FRN or titanium like the lightweight series. This knife is more traditionally built. This means that the starting point is a brass frame and on the outside, you find sides made of jigged bone. It is a frequently used material when it comes to traditional folding knife patterns. It is simply put, bone that is treated to be more reminiscent of horn or antler.
Here it is very well done and the between sides and bolsters are, if not perfect, so very good. There are no sharp transitions between materials. The sides are gently curved and swell slightly in relation to the upholstery.
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| The fit is generally good but a small gap can be seen between the lock bar and the frame |
The build quality is consistently good, although not perfect. There is a little light shining through right next to the lock when the knife is held up against a light source. But nothing in the rest of the handle which is good. Likewise, the transition between lock and blade is quite noticeable, especially when compared to my older Japanese-made Falcon UL.
Otherwise, most things have been rounded and polished and the sides, as well as the bolster, are elegantly curved which makes the knife softer and more comfortable in the hand. The material in the bolster is, as I said, steel, and the finish is satin.
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| The reason to why I usually prefer simple handles, all grip works |
And in hand, Falcon does not offer any surprises. This is an excellent handle of the deceptively simple kind. The full length of ten centimeters is at disposal which makes a full four-finger grip possible. Something that is not always the case with, for example, flipper knives where the tab steals space.
The slightly curved handle ends with a softly rounded back end that follows the inner contour of the hand. Because the shape is simple, all grips work. The horn sides also give a feeling of better grip where they meet the fingertips. Otherwise, the handle is freed from all so-called "traction plans". On a pocket knife of this type, it is the right choice.
Opening and Lock
I earlier wrote that no changes have been made to the model during its existence but that was not entirely true. Previously, it was available both as a two-handed opening knife with a nail nick or as now a thumb stud version. The one-handed opening is managed by double-sided thumb studs.
They work great and are well placed for the best function. The studs are easy to reach while not getting in the way when cutting. Thumb studs placed halfway out on blades are otherwise something that really annoys me. Since they protrude a bit outside the bolster, they are also easy to find. The only negative is that the barrel-shaped thumb studs are too sharp. In fact, I gave them a beating with a piece of sandpaper to make them more comfortable. In return, they give a lot of traction, there is no risk of the thumb slipping.
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| Well placed thumb studs that are both easy to find and use |
The opening feels very smooth and is getting more and more so after some breaking in. The motion is only slightly interfered by the lock, which offers a bit of friction since it's a back lock. When the blade locks, it does so with a distinct and rather loud sound that inspires confidence. You get even more confidence from the fact that there is no sideways play on the blade. Up and down, a very small movement can be not seen but sensed if the tip is provoked. Something that is very common on basically all back locks.
Disengaging the lock can be felt a little but not for any real negative reason. The thickness of the lock bar is thin because the blade is and the spring is quite strong. A combination that offers some resistance.
To Carry
Falcon Classic is a true pocket knife and in this case, it means that it lacks a clip. It is most easily worn loose in the pocket or even better in the included leather pouch. If you want to carry it lose, you can attach a lanyard in order to find your knife easier in the murky depth of a pocket.
The knife itself is very modest in terms of dimensions. One decimeter in length, under a centimeter in width with a height of 27 mm. The weight is also low at 84 grams despite heavy materials and traditional construction.
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| Falcon Classic comes with a leather pouch |
One detail that I am not completely fond of in general and not on this knife either is the way in which the back of the blade protrudes when the knife is folded. Especially with a good fit on the lock, it leaves a sharp edge that protrudes. With that said, it can be stated that it is difficult to avoid with this design.
Al Mar has chosen an elegant solution to the problem and that is to include a leather pouch in the package. It not only protects you from the sharp edge but also the knife from all kinds of scratches. The case measures 4 times 11.5 cm and is made of tanned leather. It is simple but well-sewn and fulfills its function. Apparently, it's developing a bit of patina.
To Conclude
It is with great pleasure that I can state that this was one of the models Al Mar chose to keep in the catalog when the brand made a restart. In addition to being something of a hallmark of the brand, it is a furiously elegant knife.
The clean lines and overall looks are not dated but just as the name suggests, classic. This means more concrete harmonious proportions and a choice of material that matches the look. Perhaps flat-ground blades cut better in some materials, but on the other hand, this blade with its swedge and distinct grind lines is much more sympathetic to look at. The eye is attracted by the fact that something is happening.
But it is not just the look that is worth considering.
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| Two good things in life, an espresso, and a Falcon Classic |
Al Mar Falcon is also a pocket knife that is excellent for all those small tasks that appear in everyday life and that require a sharp edge or a thin tip. But it may need to be supplemented with something more sturdy if you are going to use your knife at work or if you know that you are likely to pry with the blade.
I should not have to point out the obvious, but I do it anyway. No, I do not recommend this particular model for general outdoor life either. For that, Al Mar has other models. But I have noticed that sometimes there is a tendency to force knives into situations they are not made for with the argument "a knife is a knife". Yes, of course, and a hammer is a hammer, but there is a certain difference between a long-handled five-kilo sledgehammer and a small ball hammer.
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| Al Mar Falcon, a knife that ages with dignity |
Instead, the Al Mar Falcon Classic is a knife with both style and finesse. A style usually called a "gentleman's knife" in English. A handy little knife that can handle all the daily chores and looks good while doing so.
Specifications:
Length Overall: 182 mm
Length Folded: 102 mm
Weight: 84 g
Blade Length: 80 mm
Blade Thickness: 2 mm
Blade Steel: AUS8
Handle: sides in jigged honey bone with a steel bolster
Lock: back lock
Produced by: Al Mar, made in China
/ J - the falconer
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