Bravo-1 or F1 for size M hands?

F

Flanker

Joined
Oct 28, 2007
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I'm currently torn between the BRKT Bravo-1 and Fallkniven F1. I've handled the F1 at a local store, and it fit my hand really well. But I have no way of getting my hands on a Bravo-1 before I buy. So how is the ergos of the handle for size M hands? Any comparison photos will also be helpfull!

So far I've concluded with the following:
F1: I know it fits my hand well, better price, stainless steel. But doesn't have the visual appeal or nice handle materials that BRKT offers.

Bravo-1: More blade length, better steel, nicer handle materials, better sheath, even tougher than the f1. But I can't handle one before I buy, rust can be an issue, more expensive.

Help???

Edit: So you can get a better perspective of what I like, here are some opinions of the handle ergos on some knives I own...

Rat-3: nice, but a tad too short.
Rat-5: too blocky.
Brkt northstar: a bit short, too straight, but ok
Spyderco caly3: perfect for a folder!
 
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the f1 is one bad ass blade i own one an i love it never owned a a bark river but punch in www.knifetest.com an watch the video on th f1 i think you will like it. Aloha
 
I have an F-1 it is awesome. I also think it is half the price of a Bravo 1.

I would recommend a kydex sheath from survival sheath systems. I just got mine with a teklok it is great.

I am sure the bravo one is a great blade. One thing you mentioned was that the Bravo was a stronger blade. I am not sure of that, simply because I couldn't imagine what someone could do to break an F-1.
 
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I dont have an F-1 (I know, I know. I'll get one soon. I promise), but the B-1 is an excellent blade. My hands are at the low end of large and the handle is a good shape and size for me. It's comfortable and I'm able to control the blade for fine or "heavy" work well.
Also, if you go with a micarta handle, you could sand it if you find it a little large. The micarta is a little shiney, so I sanded mine for reasons of grip.
 
I own both the F1 and the Bravo 1. As much as I love the F1 (and I do love it) it is not in the same league as the Bravo. The price difference between the two really is justified. The difference in the blade thickness and length is subtle, but the slightly larger Bravo has noticibly out performed the Fallkniven each time I've compared them in the wild. :thumbup:

Do you mind having a thumb ramp? I know some people do. As long as this isn't an issue, I'd say save up the extra for the Bravo. The handle is nearly the same size in thickness but about 3/4 of an inch longer than my F1. The extra handle length should not be an issue with hand size and will give you noticibly better control when doing detailed work. The only real difference in handle thickness is when you look down (at the spine) of each of them the Bravo has a more contoured handle with a slight "bulge" in the center about 1/4 inch thicker than the Fallkniven, I actually prefer this (just a little) to the F1 which is much straighter and has no "hips" on it. The difference is subtle.

As far as toughness goes, I can't imagine any sane person could damage either one of these knives. What will you be using yours for? I know a lot is made out of a knive's toughness these days. As a result, I myself have purchased nearly every fixed blade with a reputation for toughness you can imagine. The funny thing is even my Benchmade's (made out of 440C) have been able to baton their way through hard woods with no problem. I'm sure both the Bravo and the F1 are WAY tougher than my Benchmades. Under normal circumstances I'd rather have an axe for chopping, but it's good to know that a knife will hold up to hard use. I guess I now feel that nearly any quality manufactured fixed blade is going to be more than tough enough for anything I'm going to do with them while camping or hiking. If I ever need to cut my way through cinder blocks or hack the doors off of a jeep I'll use my Dumpster Mutt or maybe my Battle Mistress. It's fun to think about, but not very likely to happen for me.

I own more Becker's than I can count as well as a few Busses, Swamprats, Scrapyards, and even a few custom knives. There isn't one small-medium blade I have ever used that I liked better than the Bravo-1. If the price difference and thumb ramp aren't crucial issues for you, then I'd say your only problem is picking out which of the 50 handles you like best. :D Mine is Natural Micarta. Let us know what you decide. They are both great knives.

PS- The Bravo1 has the optional leather sheath with the firesteel loop. This is an amazing sheath, you will love it.
 
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i am also a size M glove and the f-1 works great for me...it's an awesome all around blade... i have yet to get/handle a bravo-1...
 
Rickppoole: Neither the thumbramp or price are factors here. When you factor in the need for a custom sheath for the F1, price difference is negligable between the two. Keep the feedback flowing, especially those of you who have medium sized hands and have handled both knives! Thanks.

Ps: This, for once, will not end up as a "get both" scenario. I can only afford one - the right one!
 
The Bravo comes with a kydex sheath if you choose a synthetic handle (micarta or G-10) and a leather sheath if you choose wood or bone handles.

The leather sheath is better IMHO. The kydex is ok, but my first one isn't as good as my second one (nice to have 2:o:D)

Both knives are probably more than sturdy enough for whatever use you need. Steel is good in both so no huge difference there. A2 will probably take abuse better, but will rust faster (not been an issue for me at all).

Most people like the handle on the Bravo, mine has been handled by quite a few people and all like it.

If it doesn't have to be as thick as the Bravo an Aurora from BRKT would also be a great choice. Another good one is the Canadian special which is also cheaper.

Sverre

PS! Knivesshipfree.com has the F-1 with custom micarta handles and leather sheath for $190. They also sell BRKT. They used to ship to Norway :D
 
The Bravo 1 and F1 are very different, more so than the specs and pictures would indicate.

(I have both knives.)

The Bravo 1 is much more substantial.
It has the feel and heft of a much bigger knife.

The F1 is a great knife, but I definitely prefer with the Bravo 1 over the F1 for camping and bushcraft use.
For hands of any size.
 
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I don't think you can beat the B-1. I have not owned a F1, but I did have an NL5, which I sold because the handle was too small. My hands measure L, but I can't believe the B-1 handle would be too big for an M.
 
I like the Bravo. The handle on the Bravo fits my XL hand better. That is why different handles for different hand sizes. I can choke up on a larger handle but holding a small one is like holding a childs toy with no control.
 
Flanker said:
I'm currently torn between the BRKT Bravo-1 and Fallkniven F1. I've handled the F1 at a local store, and it fit my hand really well. But I have no way of getting my hands on a Bravo-1 before I buy. So how is the ergos of the handle for size M hands?
Click to expand...

What is "M size Hands"?
 
Redscorpion6: It's a way of indicating the size of my hands by what size gloves I wear.

Can somebody with both knives please do a side by side photo that shows the difference in handle thickness and shape?
 
Unfortunatley I traded in my first F1 with the Thermorun handle for one with burlwood handles and mosaic pins. The dimensions should be nearly identical however for purposes of hand size. Both are great knives- tough, nimble, and functional. :thumbup:

I wish I could figure out how to post better pictures! :(

Hope this helps.
 

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Rickppoole: Thanks a million, those pics will help a lot. I'm currently on my cellphone using Opera Mini, so I can't view them in full glory. I'll have a closer look later this evening.

I just have to say, the members on this board are incredably helpfull and friendly! Thanks a lot.
 
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