BK-16 vs SURVIVE! GSO 4.1

Uncle Malice

Uncle Malice

Joined
May 13, 2012
Messages
692
I finally received my much anticipated GSO 4.1 from Guy at SURVIVE! Knives today. What a great little knife! I took a few comparison pics with my BK-16. The knives are quite similar in size and shape, only the GSO 4.1 is not full flat grind. Also, the GSO 4.1 is made from CPM-3V, which I have really grown to like a lot. Sure, it's significantly more expensive than 1095, but I think it's performance is worth the added price. The knife comes with a very designed and made kydex sheath as well (sorry, didn't include a picture of that). It includes green micarta scales with a bowdrill divot. You get your choice of micarta color and with or without a bowdrill divot.

You may all remember this knife from last year when Guy posted pics/video of him using the prototype of this exact knife to rappel down a cliff while anchored to the knife pounded into a tree. Strong stuff.

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The GSO 4.1 is a fine knife. I got to see a few back when I met the guys at Equip to Endure and they were all really fond of them, and justly so. There were some concerns about fit and finish on a few I think semi-recently, but honestly at that price point Guy is letting those go for a steal. Would love to see a saber BK16 go head to head with one, although you won't catch me rappelling from my 16 either way. ;)
 
Sweet looking blade. Was checking those out last week.
 
Yeah, I've been really impressed with the knives. The performance of CPM-3V is definitely more than twice as good as 1095(edge retention) to justify the cost. I have this and the GSO 10 and fit and finish have been excellent. He doesn't hand sand the spine or anything, so there are some laser cutting marks on the spine, just like on the Becker knives when stripped.

I haven't gotten a chance to beat on this one yet, but the GSO 10, I've been beating on for a few months now... and I haven't had to sharpen it yet. I've trimmed hard limbs from my lemon tree, batoned through wood, and done some other stuff around the house. The entire blade is still shaving sharp. It's kind of annoying, since I actually LIKE to sharpen my knives!

Honestly, I'm glad I jumped in on the preorders for all of these knives. I got the GSO 10 for $160 and the GSO 4.1 for 140. Now that I have it, I can safely say that it is worth the retail price of $199... but I probably wouldn't have paid that just due to being unfamiliar with the steel and the blade design.

I am also in on the preorder for the GSO 5.1 which is similar to the BK2, only it's 3/16" not 1/4"... and it had a choil.

I like how easy 1095 is to sharpen... but I can't argue with the retention that I've been seeing from the 3V. Good stuff for sure. Not yet sure which ergos I like more between the BK-16 and 4.1. I'll have to give it some more use.
 
I thought the same thing when I got mine. I posted these in the Outdoor Gear sub-forum a few days ago.

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Mine is in M390 stainless. One of the reasons I chose that steel over 3V was actually because I already had a knife that size in carbon steel, the BK16 :)
I didn't know just how similar they were though until I had them both together.
 
The handles dont thrill me but the blade looks nice.
The handles look too thin and not contoured enough to me.
 
I just got my Bravo 1 back from being modded, it is similar to both the BK and the 4.1 but thicker. Its has no thumb ramp, full height convex, and a drop point. I had them matte my scales as well...waxed seemed slick. I have been interested in both the BK16 with the micarta and the 4.1. Handle looks better on the BK16 but I havent held it yet. I am a little hesitant on the 4.1 over the 16 becuase the BK16 is around 100 bucks with micarta...it is hard to justify the 2x the cost for the 4.1. How do you guys like the handle on the Bk16 vs the 4.1? My bravo handle is shaped nice but even in matte it is a little slick to me. I have an F1 also with rubber which is grippy as hell! Wish Bark could have texturing the micarta to make it a little more rough. I might sell it and get one of these two...just cant decide this is were I ask you guys. Heres a pic of my Bravo...it really is awesome so this will be hard...would even consider trading it. Let me know what you guys think about your new toys. Thanks

 
I would love to have a 4.1 The Bravo 1 looks great also. My 16 has been a great knife and I can't spend the $$ on every knife I want. So until my 16 falls apart (not likely) It will do fine. I do wish I could get a 4.1 someday. Not because I don't trust my 16 but because I am a knife nut. Thanks for the pic's.
 
As an add on to this.

Guy is still upgrading his knives. He is releasing a new GSO 10 with feature changes based on real users feedback.
I think this is going to be interesting to watch. We might need to get Guy to a Gather some time.
 
I am seriously thinking about a 4.1 literally the only reason I havent started putting money aside for one is I can not find the weight of the knife anywhere.

Would you say its very similar to the BK16?

I am trying to find a stainless blade to replace my ESEE 3 as my backpacking knife and the 4.1 fits the bill very well as long as it doesnt weigh anymore than a BK16 does.
 
I like the looks of the 4.1

can anyone comment on the ergos/inhand comfort of it? I know curvy doesnt always equate to ergonomic so I'm curious how it feels after extended use. I know malice said he couldnt yet comment on it in his post. just curious.
 
From what I felt of it, it was fairly comfortable and wouldn't cause any issues with prolonged use. It's a winner, and a definite contender in the realm of ~4" bladed knives. Like others have said though, grind marks are present, so some work is needed if you want a super sharp spine or no marks on it, and with a tougher steel like that it might be a bit more difficult to get done than you would be able to achieve with a softer steel. All in all though, good bang for your buck and a definite brand to watch as things change and grow over that way.
 
DerekH said:
From what I felt of it, it was fairly comfortable and wouldn't cause any issues with prolonged use. It's a winner, and a definite contender in the realm of ~4" bladed knives. Like others have said though, grind marks are present, so some work is needed if you want a super sharp spine or no marks on it, and with a tougher steel like that it might be a bit more difficult to get done than you would be able to achieve with a softer steel. All in all though, good bang for your buck and a definite brand to watch as things change and grow over that way.
Click to expand...

Good to know. Thanks for taking the time to respond. I'm not particularly in the market for one at the minute but i hadn't seen one before and malice's post piqued my curiosity.

I always like to keep companys on my radar that take into account realworld feedback and actively work to improve their product.
 
the 4.1 isn't bad lookin' at all....i think i would prefer it with more "contoured" handles like the bk16.
good lookin blade, none the less!!!!
 
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