BKRT Fox River or RC-4

F

flip888

Joined
Jun 8, 2006
Messages
190
Im finally buying a decent bush craft knife and i cant decide between these 2.
I really like the fact that they use A2 and a convex grind in the fox river but the RC-4 uses 1095 which is a decent steel and they have an amazing warranty.

What do you guys think? 1 of my main concerns is edge holding ability.
 
Just to level the playing field a bit I will say that the warranty of a Bark River is second to none. Someone rather astutely made the observation on this forum that a warranty is rather like the police in that if you need them it is already too late. That amused me. Still, it is worth noting what Mike Stewart has said quite openly of the BRKT warranty. Provided what loused your knife up didn't involve badgers he'll put it right.
 
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They are both excellent knives and come from excellent companies. I'd like to see some comparison shots of the two of these if somebody has one.
 
You probably cant go wrong, either way. I guess it depends more on which one catches your eye the most. The RC has more a "tactical" look, while the Fox River looks more "bushcrafty". The Fox River has more handle options, obviously, which is always nice. However, if you use Maxpedition gear or something similar, the RC is compatible with the MOLLE webbing on the gear. Like I said, either one will serve you well, I'm sure. Just depends on your tastes.

Edit: You mentioned edge-holding ability. A2 is probably a harder steel, and might have the edge (pun intended) there. But, Rowen does an amazing job on heat-treating the 1095, so you probably wouldnt be able to tell much difference. One thing that -is- different are the grinds. BRKT uses a convex grind, while RC uses a full flat grind. I'm just starting to dabble with the convex grind, but so far, I find it really easy to touch-up in the field. It strops easily with a belt or even on your leather boots. That's something to consider, though. Unless, of course, you want to send the RC to Siguy and have him convex it. :D
 
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I have had both, the fox river is my favourite knife, the Rc4 was great as well, but I am not a coated blade fan. Slightly too tactical for me, but it's all relative.
You won't go wrong with either.
 
RC4 hands down. 1095 is way more then just a "decent" steel. I think the RAT guys cant be beat.
 
RC4 is an Excellent knife but so is the Fox river .the RC4 is 1095 and coated,the fox river is A2 and polished
Fox river :
Blade Steel:A-2
Hardness:59-60RC
Thickness:.170
Blade Length:4.25
Overall Length:8.5
Weight:5.8oz

RC4:
Overall length: 9.0"
Blade length: 4.5"
Blade Width: 1.25"
Drop point blade style
Available in plain or partially serrated edge
Maximum thickness: .188"
1095 Carbon Steel, 57 Rc.
Removable lined Micarta handle slabs
Rounded Pommel w/ lanyard hole
Both knives made in the U.S.A :thumbup::D
 
Got with the RC-4 it is a great rock solid knife that you will not be disappointed with. And I personally think it is one of the best field knives I have used for chores on the farm as well as hunting.
 
I own both, unfortunately I'm TDY at Fort Lewis, WA and can't post side-by-side pictures...but you couldn't pick a better knife for the money regardless of the one you decide on.

I really comes down to which grind to you prefer (although you can convex the RC4 if you desire). Not a lot of difference in steel types...both are excellent, but A2 is just an edge ahead, but performance probably wouldn't show it. Do you mind a coated blade? Do you want a specific handle type?

Best option is to just flip a coin and then buy the other one in a few months:D

ROCK6
 
I couldn't choose between the two.

CTWILDERNESS028.jpg


I am partial to a convex as a better cutter, and for bushcraft purposes I prefer no choil; but they are bothe excellent field knives.
 
I'd go with the RC-4. Both knives are wonderful. I can't even tell you why the RC-4. I just like it more.
 
I HAD a RC-3 and it was great, so I'm sure the 4 will be a great knife too. I have a Fox River-another great knife- you won't be disappointed in either, methinks.
 
The Fox River got my money.

The A2 has a slight advantage on edge retention, and the un-coated blade offers less friction in deep cuts.

I also prefer the smoother handle scales for extending cutting tasks, like those often encountered in bushcraft chores.


rfr001ki2.jpg


Mine is one of the new Recurve Fox River’s, it features a very comfy fully contoured handle, a swedge and more drop to the point, and a slightly recurved cutting edge.

I love it. :D
 
i, for once, don't have either of these knives...:o but if i had to pick, i would probably go with the BRKT fox river... for the same reasons that Big Mike stated...:thumbup: though i do love 1095 steel... that and O1 have got to be my favorite's..:D

-The A2 has a slight advantage on edge retention, and the un-coated blade offers less friction in deep cuts.
 
My RC-4 is a hybrid :) After getting it in the mail I sent it right up to Bark River. The crew stripped the black coating off and convex ground it. It's a cutting machine! Not that the original RAT edge is any slouch... I left the original edge and coating on my RC-3 and it's razor sharp as well. I don't own a Fox River but I do own several other Barkies and I can say with certainty that you can't go wrong with either choice. :thumbup: :thumbup:
 
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