Bark River Bravo 1 SS or RAT RC 4?

R

rrpalma

Joined
Nov 27, 2005
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I already have a RAT RC-6 --- extraordinary knife.

Now I "need" a 4 in fixed blade, and am debating between a RAT RC 4 with 1095 steel and BRKT Bravo 1 SS (the CPM 154 version). Perhaps it's not an apples to apples comparison... but still.. which one would you prefer and why?

Main use is a general purpose camp knife.

Thanks for your comments.
 
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The RC4 is an amazing knife... as good or better than any knife in its class. BUT if you have not handled a Bravo 1 ( I only have the A2 version) then you are missing out. The handle is the best in the business. Although the blade is thicker on the B1 so it is not as a good of slicer it still cuts like a much thinner knife. Blame Mike's convex grind for that. If you want a woods knife the RC might be a little bit better but for a general knife that is bomb proof you cannot go wrong with the B1. I am sure more people will be along to offer other points.
T
 
I have a Bravo-1 in A2 and just recently got the smaller Gunny. Both are great and you can't go wrong with the B-1 or RC-4 for a Bushcraft knife. I also have an RC-5 so can attest to both Bark River and RAT Cutlery's excellent build quality. However, you said it. You are comparing a Stainless Steel knife to a 1095 knife. A better comparison would be the A2 Bravo-1 and the RC-4. In addition the price difference is huge with the SS B-1. If you don't "need" stainless steel either the B-1 or RC-4 would serve you well. If you need stainless also consider the Fallkniven F1 or S1.
 
You're right, not exactly an apples to apples comaparison. The Bravo 1 in A2 would be a better comparison as you know. However, since you've thrown a stainless knife in there you might as well consider the Fallkniven F1 as well.

I own all 3 of these (Bravo 1 in A2) and it would be hard to pick just one. I would have to say that the Bravo 1 is my favorite because I like the A2 steel
and feel of the G10 handles.

If you were to ask me what knife is the better value, I would have to say the RAT RC4 hands down. You get a lot for your money especially considering it includes a high quality Kydex sheath.

I would reconsider buying the Bravo 1 in SS. For about the same money, you could buy a Bravo 1 in A2, and a RAT RC 4 OR ----- a RAT RC 4 and Fallkniven F1, etc....
 
both great knives, hard to compare. i prefer the b1. my three fav knives are the b1,rc-4 and the fallkie f1. all three are so versatile
 
Interestingly enough I just had the opportunity over the wekend to put my Fallniven A2, BRKT Bravo 2, and RAT RC4 through the paces side by side.

Any one of these knives will perform admirably, but my vote goes to the BRKT. It has the best feel in the hand.

Kevin
 
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If you want a bush knife, go with carbon steel...period. Either knife you mentioned in carbon steel is fine. If you are worried about rust in the field, smear the blade with fat.
 
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