Barkie Bravo 1 questions

gottahaveit27 · Oct 25, 2009

Hey all. I'm thinking of getting my first Bark River (yeah I know, what the hell am I waiting for)? I'm looking at the Bravo 1. I have heard some complaints about the thumb ramp and I'm curious as to everyones thoughts about it? Is it a deal breaker? Does anyone actually really like it? Also they just released a version in the new CPM 154cm. It costs like $70 more than the A2 version and I was wondering if it's worth the extra $? What do you think of the A2? If anyone has any other suggestions for me for another Barkie that they particularly like over the Bravo (in that size range) I'd be interested in hearing them. Thanks!

338375 · Oct 25, 2009

I don't have a B1, but a lot of folks like it...
The thumb ramp seems to be subjective. Some like it, some hate it, some don't really notice it.
I have read more complaints about the thumb ramp on the Gunnys, maybe its because it is a smaller knife.

The A2 has gotten great reviews the way they heat treat it. There have been some hard use comparison tests on their forum between the A2 and other steels, and the A2 held its own very well. For me, I can't see spending the extra money for the 154... I would rather take the extra money and put it towards another BR knife

One thing about the thumb ramp, if you like the knife itself but don't like the ramp, it can always be removed

YMMV

Tim.S · Oct 25, 2009

Concur -- I've got a Bravo 1 and am mixed on the thumb ramp. BRKT will remove the thumb ramp for the cost of shipping if you don't like it. Excellent knife though.

-Tim

razorback1595 · Oct 25, 2009

The thumbramp is a preference, some handle their knife that it will be a problem and some don't.

as for the steel, if you somewhat neglect your knives it's deffinatly money wel spend but if you take time and oil your blade up before storing it away you can choose.
If you go with the A2 you could do a patina on it so it will be less likely to rust

gofastalot · Oct 25, 2009

I have the thumb ramp and it doesn't bother me. I asked a lot of questions on the forums before getting it and about the only real world difference between the two steels is the rust-resistance of the CPM is better than the A2.

gottahaveit27 · Oct 25, 2009

338375 said:
I don't have a B1, but a lot of folks like it...
The thumb ramp seems to be subjective. Some like it, some hate it, some don't really notice it.
I have read more complaints about the thumb ramp on the Gunnys, maybe its because it is a smaller knife.

The A2 has gotten great reviews the way they heat treat it. There have been some hard use comparison tests on their forum between the A2 and other steels, and the A2 held its own very well. For me, I can't see spending the extra money for the 154... I would rather take the extra money and put it towards another BR knife

One thing about the thumb ramp, if you like the knife itself but don't like the ramp, it can always be removed

YMMV

Thanks for the info. Of course the thumb ramp is a personal preference. I'm just curious to see if 90% of people who respond say they don't like it, that might tell me something. I suppose if it really bothers me that much I could have it removed. It would be a bit of a hastle though as I'm not equipped to do it myself.

timogranzotti · Oct 25, 2009

Amazing knife. Have one myself...

If the ramp bothers you, send it in to Bark River and they'll grind it down for ya...:thumbup:

IUKE12 · Oct 25, 2009

The ramp doesn't bother me on the Bravo. I have a Gunny also, I removed the ramp on it because it was not comfortable for me.

ExMachina · Oct 28, 2009

timogranzotti said:
Amazing knife. Have one myself...

If the ramp bothers you, send it in to Bark River and they'll grind it down for ya...:thumbup:

true dat, but others may want to know that they's also charge you $20 plus shipping both ways.

probably going to do mine on my own.

hara-kiri-yogi · Oct 28, 2009

Great, great knife - it's one of my favorites, not just among Bark Rivers but knives in its size range in general. I would highly reccommend one, and i personally would choose the A2 version even if it were the same price as the CPM 154CM. Just my personal preference - i like the toughness of the carbon tool steel. I might feeel different if i lived near the ocean or in a very humid environment, but where i live rust is not really an issue. I hope this helps.

moonwilson · Oct 28, 2009

The thumb ramp doesn't bother me at all. I actually like it. It doesn't get in the way when you choke up on the blade. The Bravo-1 is a great knife- one of my very favorites.

J_Curd · Oct 28, 2009

I liked the Bravo 1, but found it a bit large for my tastes. I traded it for the Gunny and couldn't have been happier. The Gunny has a great sheath, which for fixed blades is just as important to me as the knife itself...if I can't comfortably carry it, the knife is useless. I know you asked about the Bravo, just wanted to make sure you look at the Gunny as well. The A2 from BRKT works great...it will patina, but I like that. I can't say the thumb ramp concerns me at all.

Infi-del · Oct 28, 2009

The bravo 1 is an awesome knife. I just got one this week and love everything about it. IMHO A2 is the way to go, it's just a great steel. needs more rust care than stainless but it's hard as nails and stays that way for a LONG time. I love the thumb ramp. I really wouldn't want the knife without it. I've already used it around the house while working in the woods and clearing brush and all. It's right at home doing hard work. Get it, you won't regret it. Mine hasn't left my side since Monday.