I recently received a shiny new Fallkniven F1 (see it here), along with the Zytel Sheath and Leather Dangler Sheath. I posted over on my Instagram about it and my buddy from @OutOfEdenBushcraft responded to me about his sheath mods. His sheath inspired me to modify my Fallkniven F1 Zytel Sheath and I wanted to share about it here.
Fallkniven F1 Sheath Modification
For starters, I knew I wanted to include a LightMyFire Army Firesteel. These are my favorite fire steels on the market, because of how hot the sparks are and how reliable it is in throwing them. The fire steel is contained on the front side of my sheath by a cut-down chapstick container. The repurposed chapstick container is a tad bit larger in diameter than the army fire steel, but it works well as a loop for now.
I opted to keep the striker on the LightMyFire fire steel cord. Because Fallkniven actually advised against using the F1 with a metal match (ie: fire steel). But even before they advised against it, I have always opted for the provided LightMyFire striker, because it saves the spine of my knife for scraping tasks which are vital for creating fine shavings for fire.
Gorilla Tape + Sail Needle + 550 Paracord (and lots of it)
I, of course, needed a way of securing the chapstick container to the sheath, so my fire steel would ride securely without flopping all around. So I turned to my buddy, Mr. Gorilla Tape. I wrapped the chapstick container and sheath several times in Gorilla Tape. Then once again on the far-left and far-right corners of the chapstick container to build up a bit of a wall/lip, so the 550 paracord would not slip off of it. I also went ahead and secured my sail needle to the back of my sheath with the same Gorilla Tape.
After I had my fill of Gorilla Tape I then wrapped paracord all around the sheath, starting from the bottom and leading to the top. After this was all said and done I re-wrapped the center of the sheath + chapstick container (fire steel loop) with gorilla tape, then again with electrical tape so it would be non-reflective.
Why did I choose these modifications?
By adding these materials I am adding a lot of new versatility to my system when I strap the Fallkniven F1 onto my belt:
- Cordage: 550 Paracord is something that I utilize daily in my outdoors life. It is super strong and I can always find a use for it.
- Sail Needle: This is a very tough and heavy duty needle. Which is capable of making a lot of repairs around camp.
- Gorilla Tape: I come from Kentucky and we seem to use duct tape (gorilla tape) to fix just about everything around here, lol. I’ve seen car bumpers held up by it, glasses held together with it, I’ve seen containers made from it…You name it. Duct tape to me is an invaluable tool. And look, it’s even holding this sheath mod together 😉
- Firesteel: I use my fire steel religiously when I’m outdoors. It will work when wet or at any altitude. This is the best bet of “sure-fire” that won’t break or become damaged that I can imagine securing to my knife sheath.
- Whistle + Striker: A less mentioned feature of the LightMyFire fire steels are the built in whistles. This to me is a very worthwhile thing to have when you’re in the backwoods. Your voice may not carry so far, especially if you’re injured. But a high pitched whistle most certainly will.
3 of the 5 “C’s”
The 5 “C’s” of survivability were made popular by Mr. Dave Canterbury of Self Reliance Outfitters. I still remember back and utilize this list as a quick reference to make sure I have everything I need in my kits. Here are the 5 C’s if you’re unfamiliar:
- Cutting Tool: Fallkniven F1 (read my full review of the F1 by clicking here)
- Combustion: LightMyFire Army FireSteel
- Cover
- Container
- Cordage: 550 Paracord
As you can see from the list above, 3 out of my 5 “C’s” are covered in a very lightweight package which is secured to my side. And my cover + container are always close to me, in my pack.
Until Next Time, Folks!
Thanks for clicking over and giving this Fallkniven F1 Modification article a look. I hope you enjoyed it and picked up some worthwhile ideas for your own Fallkniven F1!
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Read Next: Fallkniven F1 Knife Review
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