Its a tuff call for sure. The F1 is better priced, but it can be had in a Micarta for a lot more. However it would feel like the BR, someone told me or I read, that BR puts the handles on these? Is that correct?
That's correct. KnivesShipFree has a large selection of them, though the prices are steep. I had a hard time justifying paying over $100 for a pretty handle on a utility knife.
I REALLY didn't like the look of the factory handle on the F1, but after using it I found I quite like it. The handle is also one of the reasons the F1 weighs so much less than the Bravo 1.
If you're so inclined you can also buy a F1 blank (for about the same cost as a stock F1) and put your own handle on it. You'd have to come up with your own sheath, but frankly the F1 sheath (and the new BRKT sheaths) are pretty poor.
For me, the F1 with the factory handle is like a Glock; all utility, no flash, no charm. The Kimber is your pride and joy, but it stays in the safe while the ugly-duckling Glock goes into the field every day.
The F1 is just not one of those knives you lovingly fondle to admire the ergonomics and old world craftsmanship. It is, however, the knife that gets used the most because it works so well without any extra fluff to lug around.
Before any Bravo 1 fans get their panties in a wad, I'm not detracting from the utility of that knife. It's a great knife and much "nicer" than the factory F1. But it's twice the price and (for me) not as useful, or at least not a knife I use as much.
Neither is a bad choice though :thumbup:
