Bark River - Bravo Survivor Review

Joined
Oct 5, 2014
Messages
4
Here is the newest addition to my collection of knives ............

The New Bark River Knives Bravo-Survivor
Specifications:
Overall length 12.45"
Blade Length 7.125"
A-2 Tool Steel 58-60 HRC
Thickness .265"
Weight 17.125 ounces
Full exposed tang, contoured handle with lanyard extension
Leather belt carry sheath included



*******

I was in the market for a good chopper and settled on the survivor because I liked the design, the steel (A-2) is tough and it came with nice wood cocobolo handles. There are obviously many other options on the market I could have gone with, but this knife had most of the features I was looking for in a ready-made package.

First impressions:

BIG!!! :D

This is a big, weighty knife that has some very nice blade contours along with a balance point right behind the heel of the blade.(Makes me wonder if the tang is solid to compensate for the blade weight) It has a thick full tang with one circular lanyard loop hole at the butt and another squared lanyard loop hole at the rear tang position.

My initial paper cutting tests were successful. I was able to slice straight and curved lines with ease through regular 20lb weight paper. And also, purely by accident of course, was able to slice across two fingers with ease .... Testing was interrupted briefly, so that I could tend to the cuts. :o

So for a brief summary, the blade is sharp, the lines are symmetric and consistent, the balance is where you would expect, the weight allows for a consistent motion and finally, the fit and finish of the cocobolo handle to the tang was exceptional.

The only issue I experienced (very minor) was with the sheath. Once I unpackaged the knife and wiped the oily residue off the blade, I inserted it into its sheath. The fit was very, very snug across the sheath's width. Lengthwise, there is enough room to accommodate about an inch longer blade. But something I did notice once the knife was fully inserted and withdrawn is that the blade came out with a nasty oily film covering. I'm guessing that its just some residual oils remaining in the leather from the finishing\tanning process.

So IMHO, this is a well made and well constructed knife and I would rank it a 9 out of 10. It would have ranked higher, if it were offered in my favorite S30V steel. But overall, I am happy with my purchase.

Now I have to arrange for some wood chopping time over the weekend.
 
Thats a beast of a knife! hank you for this short review. looking forward for the chopping part! Take care of your fingers :)
 
I think this knife would be the only other Fixed Blade I'd buy other than a Survive Knives GSO series.

Thanks for the review, now just to find one available around me!
 
I know your thread is a little old, but could you comment on how it has performed over time?

How is its slicing ability given that thickness?

And how wide is the blade? I do not see it listed on the website.

Thanks!
 
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