Bark River Bravo 1 VS Gunny Hunter VS Aurora

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_Wraith

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A few months ago I purchased a Bark River Bravo EDC in A2, and while it is a great knife I find it too small for general utility chores when hiking or camping. Although the Bravo EDC is too small for my intended uses I love the convex grind and the A2 steel so I would like to keep my options in the Bark River family and in A2. As the title stated I am contemplating whether to get the the Gunny which is one size up from the Bravo EDC in Bark River's Bravo line, the Aurora, or the original Bravo 1. I understand that there has been many comparisons between these knives but i couldn't find the information I was looking for. What I would like to know is how each of these knife's performance compare in a fairly compact, general utility kind of role in a hiking and/or camping environment.

As a side note, I would love to get wooden handles but am concerned about shrinkage and cracking, is this really a big issue?

Thanks.
 
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After a bit more research I am also considering the Bravo 1.25 and the Bravo 1 LT in CPM 3V steel, however I am not convinced whether the 3V is worth the extra cost over the standard A2 tool steel (which I have enjoyed).

Any help will be greatly appreciated.
 
I have the Bravo EDC, and agree that it feels too small. (For a small fixed, I recommend the Mini Fox River.)
I have a Gunny - the blade length is great...the handle, in my hand, is a little small. (Length is fine; needs a little more height and/or thickness)
I don't have a Bravo because, for my use, I felt the blade was overly thick for the length. When the Bravo 1-LT came available, I grabbed one; and I like it a lot.
I also have a recently purchased Fox River LT (3V), and I'm already a big fan. The Fox River was on my list for a long time; I just kept not buying it, for various reasons. I regret that wait now; but, at the same time, I view the LT version as an improvement.
I do have a Bravo 1.25; but I've never used it. (Lame, I know.) I bought it planning on doing an informal comparison with a BK2, and never got around to it.
If you need/want the extra length, and don't mind the thickness, the 1.25 is a reasonable option...though, for the money, I have other preferences in that size range.
The decision of Bravo 1-LT vs Fox River is largely personal preference...they're both great knives that will serve you well.
I've got a picture that I recently took for somebody - showing the Gunny, Bravo 1-LT, and Fox River LT together. (I think I did one that included the Bravo EDC and Mini Fox River, as well.)


*edited to add picture
From bottom up: Mini Fox River, Bravo EDC, Gunny, Fox River LT, Bravo 1-LT


I've got a picture of a Bravo 1.25 and Bravo 1-LT together, too....another minute, please.
 
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Thanks for the reply hhmoore, those pictures would be great. What you mentioned about the Gunny handle being too thin and short (height) is what made me reconsider it. How do you find the 3V steel, I have read that it can be chippy?
 
Here are the three Bravos


I'd read that about Bark River's 3V, and was concerned before I had one. My first BRKT 3V knife was a Bravo 3; and I immediately took it out and did some chopping, a little batoning, and some general cutting. The edge held up great; and I've not had a problem with any of my BRKT 3V knives, since.
 
Thanks for the pics they help a lot. I am starting to lean towards the Bravo 1 LT in CPM 3V.
Any thoughts on the Aurora?
 
hhmoore said:
None at all.
(Okay, that's not exactly true; but my thoughts based on images don't bear mentioning. I've never handled an Aurora, or even seen one in person.)
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No Problems. Aesthetically it is my least favourite out of my options so I might give it a pass. Now to decide between Bravo 1 LT and Fox River LT.
 
Between those two, it really is a matter of personal preference. The Bravo 1-LT is about 3/4" longer overall, and a little heavier. The front of the handle serves as a finger guard, keeping your finger away from the blade. I prefer the shape of the Fox River handle; but my index finger is right up at the plunge line - in some instances, that can impact usability.
Of note, while the specs for both indicate a 4.25" blade, the blade of my Fox River LT is just a hair over 4" in length. (Even measuring from tip of blade to the furthest corner of the the scale at the spine doesn't get it up to 4.25")
 
I like the Bravo's shape better so thats the way I'll go. Still not totally convinced whether 3V is worth the premium price (just converted prices to Australian dollar and the CPM 3V models are starting to push my budget). I am still considering the standard A2 Bravo 1, Gunny and Bravo 1.25. If only they were thinner then the choice would be an easy one :rolleyes:
 
Tough choice, I like them all visually. Haven't held anything from Bark River, other than the Bravo 1 rampless which I loved. Sold it because I hated the sheath (well made, but didn't like the way it was sheathed) and wasn't a big fan of D2 steel. All three are quite different, my vote is get all three. :D
 
I'll be honest, though it may be entirely unhelpful, I'd go for the new ultrathin Kephart in 3V. Dead simple, classic design and with that wickedly thin spine and grind it should slice like a lightsaber. Don't know if I'd be brave enough to baton with it much, but if you're carrying a larger blade as well it seems like an absolutely ideal camp knife.
 
Insipid Moniker said:
I'll be honest, though it may be entirely unhelpful, I'd go for the new ultrathin Kephart in 3V. Dead simple, classic design and with that wickedly thin spine and grind it should slice like a lightsaber. Don't know if I'd be brave enough to baton with it much, but if you're carrying a larger blade as well it seems like an absolutely ideal camp knife.
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I like the look of the Kephart but the handles look a tad short. Battoning also isn't an issue as here in Australia we have plenty of dry firewood lying all over the ground.
 
Mob said:
Tough choice, I like them all visually. Haven't held anything from Bark River, other than the Bravo 1 rampless which I loved. Sold it because I hated the sheath (well made, but didn't like the way it was sheathed) and wasn't a big fan of D2 steel. All three are quite different, my vote is get all three. :D
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Boy would I love all three! But limited funds sadly wont allow that.
 
Bravo 1 in A2 was my first Barkie and whilst I love it, I wouldn't buy it again. I agree with hhmoore re. Gunny handle proportions and think that the LT variants would be ideal. I know everyone loves 3V at the moment but I have struggled with it a bit. I continue to because I love the Ultralite Bushcrafters but A2 is great.

I also have an Aurora but it doesn't see much use despite being a nice knife.

Insipid Moniker's got a point about the new Kephart - I really like thin fixed blades... but that's just me ;)

Cheers,

Ben
 
Peroni1973 said:
Bravo 1 in A2 was my first Barkie and whilst I love it, I wouldn't buy it again. I agree with hhmoore re. Gunny handle proportions and think that the LT variants would be ideal. I know everyone loves 3V at the moment but I have struggled with it a bit. I continue to because I love the Ultralite Bushcrafters but A2 is great.

I also have an Aurora but it doesn't see much use despite being a nice knife.

Insipid Moniker's got a point about the new Kephart - I really like thin fixed blades... but that's just me ;)

Cheers,

Ben
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Thanks Ben, I love thin fixed blades too :thumbup: which is why I am reluctant to get the Standard Bravo 1 even though I like the look of it. What problems have you had with 3V?
 
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For me 3V is everything you hear - strong, durable, very stain resistant for a carbon steel BUT I find it an absolute bear to sharpen. I have to take it to lower grit stones to get an edge on each of my 3V knives.

Please note that this is just my experience, it seems that most people get on fine with 3V but that's my key issue...

Either way, I am sure that you'll enjoy your next Barkie!

Ben
 
Peroni1973 said:
For me 3V is everything you hear - strong, durable, very stain resistant for a carbon steel BUT I find it an absolute bear to sharpen. I have to take it to lower grit stones to get an edge on each of my 3V knives.

Please note that this is just my experience, it seems that most people get on fine with 3V but that's my key issue...

Either way, I am sure that you'll enjoy your next Barkie!

Ben
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Hmm sounds good but I still think I would rather stick with the A2, I think the knife I am looking for is the Bravo 1 LT though. If only they made it in A2 :(
 
As long as you mentioned thin fixed blades - this is one of my newer acquisitions, from one of the makers here. Blade is about 4" scale to tip, AEBL at 60-61. I wouldn't want to use it for rough work, but it's a great slicer.

 
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