ADVICE NEEDED - Fallkniven vs. Bark River

B

BravoFrostOne

Joined
Jul 25, 2009
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25
Hi everyone. I think it is about time I actually post something instead of looking for answers in other people's threads for 5 months (to which I have not found my answer to my question and because I am a little bit hesitant to post here). I think this post will be a tad bit long as I have a dilemma between some knives. I will greatly appreciate your inputs through experiences, opinions and constructive criticism you folks have for me.

I am trying to find a good bushcraft/ small survival knife with function and style to compliment my Fallkniven A1 and Ontario RTAK II. I am torn between the Bark River Bravo 1SS CPM 154, the Fallkniven F1, and the "Barkniven" F1. As a knife newbie, I know a few things about Fallkniven's laminated VG-10 with some experience but not about CPM154 and knife steel in a general sense to that fact. I have the mentality to stick with something that is "which knife is better than the other" in terms of steel material and blade thickness.

1. To what I know already about VG-10 that it is laminated with a VG-10 core and I believe 420 steel on the sides sandwiched together for resilience (no problem with my A1). With CPM154, all I know that it is a Powdered steel and getting information that I got from the various threads that CPM154 takes on VG-10 anyday in terms of rust resistance and "anti edge chipping" . Is that really true? And truly which is the better steel here VG-10 or CPM154?

2. In terms of the coolness factor, the Bravo 1 is a "finer" knife to handle in terms of ergonomics and feel than the F1?

3. The F1 takes more shock from batonning from its THR compare to BRKT Micarta?

I hope I gave a base to which some or a lot of you can answer back to. I notice that everyone on this forum is either a Stainless or Carbon steel person and to me I have to say that I am a stainless steel guy as I live on the coast of California and I just prefer rust resistance. Thank you for reading my newbie question(s) and taking the time to answer back.

-Erik
 
In short, you can't go wrong with either of these knives as they are two of the best out there.

1- The Bravo is also available in A2 tool steel if interested

2- The B1 has very good ergonomics, but all depends on your preference

3- I wouldn't assume (at all) that the micarta wouldn't take as much or more punishment than the Fallkniven handle. One advantage of BRKT is that their warranty is excellent and they are accessible.


Check out the sheaths that come with both as this may also help you decide.
 
The choice is between high tech stainless and tool steel. That's decision you will have to make. Coolness is a subjective thing. Something you need to decide for yourself. If you want something for batonning why not consider a hatchet?
 
Bark River's A2 is wonderful stuff. It's tough as nails, takes and holds a great edge, and is super easy to sharpen. And I've found that corrosion is not a problem- at all. Bark River polishes their A2 to a good finish, as long as you wipe the blade down every once in a while, it doesn't want to rust on you. If you happen to get a spot, a couple swipes with Simichrome will erase it instantly.

I've never owned a Fallkniven, I've heard they're nice, but the Bravo-1 is by far the nicest knife I own in that size range. And I own a lot.
 
Personally, I would not go with a stainless steel for a bushcraft knife. Most outdoors knife enthusiasts prefer to go with carbon steels for several key reasons:

1) It keeps a edge well
2) it is tough and wont chip easily
3) It is easy to resharpen (in the field or at home)

Stainless will resist rust but if you know how to dry off your knife after use and throw a bit of oil on it once in a while you carbon blade will outperform hands down.

From the reviews ive seen on the Fallkniven (check out nutnfancy's review on youtube) it chips like a devil under hard work--such as batoning.

I haven seen much reviews on the stainless barkies, but they cost a ton and the A2 (carbon steel) version is cheaper. I have the a2 bravo1 in g10 and I can tell you it is a beast and keeps yelling for more beating. Ive done a ton of batoning with it and it has a few scratches. The edge has only ever flattened on me and I could just strop it back to a razor. The last awesome part about carbon steels is that they develop patina's over time giving the knife real character. Nothing more beautiful than a used knife with a natural patina imo.

I hope this helps, but do check out the wilderness and survival skills forums. Lots of great knife makers and guys that can help you find the perfect bushcraft knife. There are many great knife makers on this forum that will make you a custom knife cheaper than what you would spend on the barkie or fallkniven--they are worth a look.

Good luck!
 
Thanks for the quick responses! I shall consider the A2 over the CPM154. It seems a lot of people are buying the A2 version really quickly from KSP.com. Anyone know where else I can purchase the A2 one?
 
You can find the B1 at knivesshipfree, knifeconnection, DLT trading and Crystal Falls. Their selections are pretty different sometimes.

You also might want to check the exchange here or post a thread in the WTB section - seems like there is always someone selling a B1.

Good luck!
 
Both are great knives. Knivesshipfree has plenty to choose from. Just to throw a monkey wrench in the works, might also consider a Bark River Gunny !!! Peach of a knife......mini version of the Bravo 1.

Doc
 
Thalestin said:
Personally, I would not go with a stainless steel for a bushcraft knife. Most outdoors knife enthusiasts prefer to go with carbon steels...
Click to expand...

I think that is a generalization. Please point me in the direction of a bad review on a Mora. They are stainless.
 
DocGP said:
Both are great knives. Knivesshipfree has plenty to choose from. Just to throw a monkey wrench in the works, might also consider a Bark River Gunny !!! Peach of a knife......mini version of the Bravo 1.

Doc
Click to expand...

Thanks Doc. I looked at Knivesshipfree. They are pretty much sold out with the handles I'm looking at, same with the CPM154 ones too. The gunny seems a bit small for my taste but who knows until I get the Bravo 1. First things first, I need to sell my Benchmade 520.
 
The Fallkniven F1 throws sparks better than anything I have on a firesteel, bar none, including hacksaw blades. VG 10 is a great steel from what I've seen, I've been very happy with mine.
 
I've owned a Bravo-1 (in A2), a 'Barkerized' Fallkniven F1 (the ones on KSF) and an F1 rehandled by Bark River. If I had to choose one knife of the three I'd go with the Bravo-1. Both it and the F1 are great knives but I prefer the handles on the Bravo. The customized F1s from KSF are nice but I find them a little heavy in the handle and they are pretty expensive. The Bravo is balanced perfecty. Plus, the Bravo has a lifetime no BS warranty where Fallknivens is (I think) only two years. Not that you would have problems with either knife but I like to know a company will stand behind their product. The rubber handles on the standard F1's might absorb a little more shock but for what you lose in durability I would opt for a micarta, G10, or wood handle. I have a Fallkniven A2 and had the rubber taken off and G10 put on.

All in all neither the F1 or the Bravo will let you down. I can't speak for the SS Bravo but I've heard good things about them. A little to pricey for me when the carbon steel they use is outstanding as it is. A wipe down with a little mineral oil after use is all it takes to keep the rust away.

Let us know what you decide:)
 
Ive had both. I prefer the Fallkniven F1 for the following reasons:

1. No thumb ramp. The thump ramp on the Bravo 1 is annyoing, I think it is bad ergonomics

2. The handle material on the F1 is very comfortable in ANY temperature. If your knife is going to be a user, this is a big advantage. I have taken my F1 everywhere, literally from Death Valley at +122 to McMurdo Sound, Antarctica at -40 and its is very comfortable with no exposed metal

3. The laminated VG10 is more rust resistant. Again, great if your blade is gonna be a user. I have had the F1 aboard many cruises with salt water spray and no corrosion yet

4. The sheath. I hate how wide the Kydex sheath for the Bravo 1 is. The Zytel sheath for the F1 is very svelt and add nothing to the bulk of the knife.

5. Weight. She F1 weighs less and the is slimmer. Again, huge if you are gonna actually carry the knife and weight/size is an issue.

Just my thoughts.

Ret
 
on_the_edge said:
I think that is a generalization. Please point me in the direction of a bad review on a Mora. They are stainless.
Click to expand...

Yeah, it is a generalization. But i still think a lot of people like a mora in carbon as well. Secondly, a mora tends to be a junk knife for the tackle box, not most peoples prized bushcraft knife (i just use mine as my fishing/let anyone use knife.) This guy is willing to fork out a couple hundred bucks on a knife, and I offered what I consider the best advice for the use of that money for a single bushcrafter. Nothing wrong with the mora at all, but i think they lack character. No doubt about them being a highly effective tool though.

Of course this is just my personal observations and feelings. You are welcome to use your mora and opinal to your hearts content.
 
i've read many reveiws on both companies. both have great products but i see a greater preference by a small margin for the bark river. in fact i was just looking over the b.r. models at knives shipped free last nite.
 
Are you happy with the steel in your A1?
If you are, then get another Falkniven.
Otherwise, get the Barkie.

They are both great knives.

As for carbon steel in bushcaft knives being a better choice, well, I guess all the stainless Mora users for the last 75 years have been wrong. It's a wonder anyone ever survived with one of those things.
 
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i have the the Bravo in a A1 and the Falkniven F1 i love both of them, great knives but different, the Bravo is a good bit bigger and thicker, if the Gunny seems small to you the F1 would also be small, you should also consider the Falkniven S1 i have one and it is much more like the bravo in size and feel. i live in San Francisco and have had no problem with rust with A1 steel. also check out the Bark river Aurora for bushcraft!
very nice!!
 
I too prefer stainless. Nothing against Carbon steel but i live by the coast and after a couple of days unattended (even with oil) carbon steel gets pitted. That's my experience in my 30 years owning knives. Nowadays there are stainless steels as good as carbon steels for most chores. Any choice between the Fallkniven and the SS BRKT is an excellent choice!
 
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