Bravo-1 ramp no ramp

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JelicoCat

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I have read about both ramp and rampless versions of the bravo-1. Has any one spent time with both versions and could advise on the pro's and cons of the ramp vs rampless.
 
Thumb ramp all the way! It feels much better to me and if you don't like it you can send it back and have them grind it off for ya.
 
Its made for notching. I prefer it for notching sticks etc, gives you nice leverage... but I don't tend to keep my thumb on the spine of a blade to bear down on what I'm cutting.

-Freq
 
Are you able to handle the knife? that would be the most help to you, as a feature on a knife like a thumbramp is a really subjective thing, IMO.

In saying that, I got one with the thumbramp and it works great for me. Do what nevermind said, get it with the thumbramp and then get bark river to grind it off if you dont like it, or do it yourself if you have the tools.
 
Personally, I prefer thumb ramps, but you really should try one out for yourself, as everyone's different.
 
I have a Gunny and a Bravo 2, both with ramps. I find I'm pretty much neutral when I compare them to my rampless knives, don't really have a strong preference one way or the other, but probably have a slight preference for rampless.

When I slide my thumb unconciously forward on the spine of the knife, I think to myself, "oh yeah, that thing is there", then I reposition my hand, and everything is fine. Just feels a bit odd trying to change many, many years of how you work a knife.

The Ramp is there to be used with a fire steel, and, as previously mentioned, to provide thumb support when bearing down on the knife.

Since you can't add a ramp later, I would suggest you try a ramped version to see what you think. You can always remove it yourself, or send it back to BRKT for removal.

Kevin

NOTE:

Here is a copy of a post by Mike Stewart explaining the origins of the Ramped Bravo Series knives.

Quote
Guess it's my turn.

The Ramp on the B-1 was not my idea.

It was the Force Recon Folks.

The size of the Ramp and it's placement were totally mine.

I know what they needed it for and what they didn't need it for and put it right where it needed to be for them to have a key place for bearing down on the most powerful place on that blade for notching or starting a cut.

Let me be perfectly clear on a point.

I never like a ramp to put my Thumb against on the handle side.

I also do not like jimping on a Spine.

I don't like or need either and find both to have more disadvantages than advantages.

Regardless - The B-1 had to have it.

The B-2 needed it too because it was for the same folks.(Remember - Same overall size as a USMC Utility/Fighter)

The Gunny was also for the same folks and needed to ramp for all the same reasons.(A more Compact Version of the Same Knife)

We as civilians that practice the skill of hunting or bushcraft probably don't need the ramp on any of these models.(Not that it hurts it have it there)

There is no way I am going to make them without the ramp.

As we have done for some - we are happy to remove it or let any of you remove it without effecting the Warranty.

That Small Ramp is only in the way if you think you need to lay your finger on the Spine or put your thumb behind it for something.

I don't know what that something is but if it bothers you - either take the ramp off or send it in and we will do it for you.

The B-1,B-2 and Gunny are Great sellers in our overall line.

I think that sometimes we all forget who they are actually for.

It ain't us.

One of the things that makes us kind of unique is that all of us are not afraid to personalize our Gear.

I not only don't mind it - I encourage it.

All of us work better with gear that we haev made our own.

I think that makes us special and is more of a unifying factor than a dividing factor for all of us.

We modify stuff for folks and many times I just don't understand why but we usually do it.

I think that the level of personal touch is not the norm in the world today but for us - it is the norm.

The last thing we need to do here is to argue about it.

Lets all agree that with or without the ramp - These are some pretty interesting knives and way more popular than any of us here ever thought they would be.

That is probably a Good Thing.Unquote
 
I like the ramp, both for the looks and as a firesteel stryker
the thumb goes onthe spine after the ramp, not on the ramp
 
I like the ramp. I took a file to mine though, and rounded the top off a bit to fit smoother in the hand
 
Thanks for all the input. The ramp is there for the knifes original purpose and I'll will keep that in mind. Everything I have heard/read about the Bravo-1 peaks my interest in the knife and it seems to be a nice size as a good all around knife. I appreciate everyone for his/or her advice. I think I will order it with the ramp. Thanks everyone.
 
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The Bravo-1 is a fantastic knife- it is my favorite "all-rounder". I like the ramp- I use it all the time, it works great for me. I say go with the ramp, because without it, the Bravo-1 is not a Bravo-1. It's one of the defining characteristics of the knife. Don't want the ramp? Might as well go with a Kephart or an Aurora.
 
Just wondering, does the ramp get in the way of the batoning? I'm scared of the position of where the ramp is, the baton might crack if i swing it against the ramp.
and also, do you guys know any online dealers that does a good deal for the bravo-1 yet ships internationally?
big.me
 
Knives Ship Free can help you out ...... they just got a batch.

IMO battoning on that part of the blade is bad technique.

I prefer rampless.
 
I've yet to find myself using the ramp, but it hasn't ever gotten in the way either. I was going to get a rampless model but I found a really good deal on my Bravo-1 so I just figured I'd check it out and it's not giving me any problems.
 
i have the b2 and gunny and havnt found the ramp to get in my way at all. i like the fact that if i ever plunge the knife into something tip first im less likely to have my hand slide up onto the blade.for me its also a nice spot to rest a thumb and gain leverage. id say give a try as has been said it can easilly be removed.
 
Just so everyone knows, IT'S NOT A THUMB RAMP!!!!!!!!!
Sorry for yelling...
The 'jimped' part is a actually a fire striker for ferro rods, and the front facing smooth slope is for a more sure grip for the thumb when it is placed beyond the ramp.

As said on the site:
The ramp serves two purposes.
1. The rear part of the ramp is notched to engage the firesteel.
2. The front part of the ramp aids in putting more pressure over the plunge line for notching.
 
The ramp has never been a problem for me. Like others have said, They will grind it off for you later if you find you don't like it. Buy whichever you prefer. By the way they also have spear point and full height gind versions for sale right now. Even more decisions to make your head spin!:D
 
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