I'm also a fan of convex. Very easy to keep sharp in the field.
When I received the 162. It felt new, yet strangely familiar. Like a reunion with an old friend. It wasn't until I did my sheath search, that it dawned on me. How similar these two knives are.
Yet hey have a lot of differences as well.
The Bravo-1 has served me well. And if the Benchmade proves to be anywhere near close. I'll be a happy camper. I tend to gravitate toward knives in this size class. They are both big enough, and small enough, to do what needs to be done.
As you can see. The handle layout is different. But both utilize three dimensional geometry and both offer up a very ergonomically friendly grip.
The B-1 is one of my favorite handles. And it comes attached to one of my favorite knives.
Depending in how it holds up. The 162 may very well surpass it. But there are a lot of miles to go before we get to that point.
On a different, but equally important note.
I will add. That as my uncertainty in the direction of our world continues to grow. Actually, I'm pretty certain of the direction. I just don't like it. As a student of history. And more specifically, military history. I think we are ripe for tough times.
The low maintenance of the 162's S30V is a comforting aspect.
I own, use, and maintain, many carbon steel knives. It really isn't all that tough. A little more difficult, if you don't come indoors at night. Or spend a considerable amount of time in wet or snowy weather. But manageable, especially if you keep a small sponge soaked in mineral oil in your pack.
But the old saying, "Rust Never Sleeps" is true enough. In difficult times, when energy assets are already over allocated. I see a stainless, rust free, blade as a major plus.
