BRK&T Aurora, Bravo 1, or something else?

K

Kyp Degal

Joined
Sep 25, 2005
Messages
513
Yes, yes, I know. This is a silly question. But I am torn. I've been getting the craving for a new knife lately, a fixed blade that will be used largely for bushcraft and food preparation. I've decided I want something with a convex ground blade between 4"-5" long, and a nice contoured handle. Not just slab handles—contoured, like most Bark Rivers I've seen.

So I got to looking, and I really like both the Aurora and the Bravo 1. I like the look of the Bravo 1 best, but I am concerned about the thickness. The blade is .215" thick, which equates to right about 7/32 if my math is right. I'm just not at all sure that isn't too thick for a knife of that size (for my preferences, that is), and I need convincing before I drop $175 on it. I'd like to hear some first-hand thoughts on that, if available. How does the knife slice, whittle, etc, especially compared to a thinner blade of similar profile?

Also, how does it compare to the Aurora? I know I've seen a few members here that have both. Does the added thickness of the Bravo 1 adversely affect its cutting power/efficacy? And how does the narrower blade of the Aurora affect slicing and handling overall? I tend to like wider blades, but have been using my little Cold Steel Finn Bear a lot lately, and quite like the narrower blade profile. I'm not sure how I'd like it on a knife with a considerably thicker blade, though. There's enough of a difference between 1/8" and .170" to matter, I feel. I do have a custom in 3/16", but it has a wider blade and a rather thick edge.

Are there any other recommendations in this size and feature range? As far as price, I'd like to stay under say $175 fully loaded. I'd settle for flat ground, but really prefer convex, as I don't have a convex ground blade yet. In the past I've tended to gravitate toward beefy blades, but I'm pulling away from that. I want something that will CUT. Like nobody's business. This knife will be the middle ground between a Ranger RD7 (too big to tote around all day) and a 3.25" folder (BM Vex). It would be my main belt knife. I'd be taking it on the occasional day hike, canoeing, walking through the woods, camping, and using it in the kitchen, where all my knives wind up sooner or later. I need it to be comfortable on my belt (if I go for the Bravo 1, I'll get the leather sheath) but tough enough to baton a bit and stand up to light prying. A good slicer is a must, as is good whittling ability. Doesn't have to be the best at everything, of course. Just good will do, though great is better. :D

Thanks in advance!
 
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If you are worried about the slicing ability of the Bravo-1, I saw a thread on another forum that had translucent tomato slices by the Bravo-1. You could see the outline of the knife on the other side of the slice easily. If that is your limiting factor, I would say it is a moot issue. :D
 
I don't own any of the two you mentioned, but have handled both. The Bravo1 is kick a$$ no nonsence knife, but it is too thick and heavy for my liking. The Aurora would be my choice hands down over the Bravo1. The Bravo does whittle well for its size, but the Aurora being thinner makes it easier. The Aurora will handle harder tasks like batoning also. The heat treat on the BRKT's make for 1 tuff knife. I have alot of knives around the 3/16 thickness, but lately I have been using the hell out of my 1/8 & 3/32 knives.
 
I've been able to play with both the Aurora and Bravo1 lately, and would have to suggest the aurora for you. It really can slice impressively well, and it's got the great barkie convex edge. Very good handle contours. The bravo is at least equally comfortable, but as has been stated can be a little thick for some tasks.
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Bravo:
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Aurora:
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I'd definitely suggest you take a look at the Kephart model from BRKT, too. I kind of shrugged it off when I first saw it, but it's probably my favorite blade right now. It's immensely comfortable despite the fairly non-descript handle, and the edge slices like the devil. It's a great field blade. :thumbup: :thumbup:
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Hope that helps!
 
Curse said:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=579431

Good info there :p

Aurora gets my vote, I prefer the blade shape, the Bravo 1 is better if you need to baton etc, but for everything else the Aurora wins it, IMO.
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I actually read through that whole thread before posting. You're right: lot's of good info, but I am still undecided. :D

TwinBlade said:
If you are worried about the slicing ability of the Bravo-1, I saw a thread on another forum that had translucent tomato slices by the Bravo-1. You could see the outline of the knife on the other side of the slice easily. If that is your limiting factor, I would say it is a moot issue. :D
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Yikes, I like the sound of that! Thanks for the info.

tonym said:
I don't own any of the two you mentioned, but have handled both. The Bravo1 is kick a$$ no nonsence knife, but it is too thick and heavy for my liking. The Aurora would be my choice hands down over the Bravo1. The Bravo does whittle well for its size, but the Aurora being thinner makes it easier. The Aurora will handle harder tasks like batoning also. The heat treat on the BRKT's make for 1 tuff knife. I have alot of knives around the 3/16 thickness, but lately I have been using the hell out of my 1/8 & 3/32 knives.
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Thanks, tonym! Any suggestions based on experience with those thinner blades?

EDIT: Wow! Thank you, Spooky! That is EXACTLY what I was looking for! You are the Man! (Too many exclamation marks...) The Bravo 1 looks insanely thick, but I think I could definitely live with the thickness of the Aurora. It looks like it fit the hand extremely well. A question: do you miss the thumb ramp at all on the Aurora as compared to the Bravo 1? I like my thumb ramps...

The Kephart looks very functional, but it lacks that certain...pizzazz? Plus, I'm not too crazy about spear points. If I could handle it, I might change my mind, but as it is... Oh, and how does that Skookum Bush Tool compare to the Aurora performance-wise? Thanks!
 
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All of my thinner blades are customs; like FiddleBack, Koyote knives, David Farmer, Dp Knives, etc.

Koyote has some Leueku blades in the for sale forums now if they're any left. Fiddleback might be selling some soon as well.

Both have alot of belly to their blades and come with wicked sharp convex grinds.
 
Hmm, I did check out Fiddleback's site, and I liked the look of the EDC model. I might have to drop him a message.

Heads off to look up David Farmer and DP Knives.
 
I have both the Bravo-1 and the Aurora. The Aurora is my current #1 bushcraft knife. The Bravo-1 however has my favorite handle of any knife I have tried so far.
My Bravo-1 will also cut a slice of tomato that you can see through. It slices amazingly well for a thick knife. The B-1 batons through wood like a much larger knife.
In the end it all depends on your primary uses.
If you are cutting up veggies and doing fine work, get the Aurora.
If you want a knife that you can stand up to anything that you can give it and is still a wicked slicer, get the Bravo-1

In the end, if you are like most of us, it is a question of which you get now and which you buy later.
 
I have both the Aurora and the Bravo 1, but I have only used the Aurora. That's because after handling the B1 for a few minutes after getting it in the mail I decided the thickness was excessive. So I will resell the B1. Granted, I might feel differently in a jungle surrounded by enemy troops where failure of my only tool could spell death. But the Aurora is plenty tough in my book. I consider it to be the best full-size, convex ground bushcraft knife available.
 
Sharp Eye said:
I have both the Bravo-1 and the Aurora. The Aurora is my current #1 bushcraft knife. The Bravo-1 however has my favorite handle of any knife I have tried so far.
My Bravo-1 will also cut a slice of tomato that you can see through. It slices amazingly well for a thick knife. The B-1 batons through wood like a much larger knife.
In the end it all depends on your primary uses.
If you are cutting up veggies and doing fine work, get the Aurora.
If you want a knife that you can stand up to anything that you can give it and is still a wicked slicer, get the Bravo-1

In the end, if you are like most of us, it is a question of which you get now and which you buy later.
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HighDesertWalker said:
I have both the Aurora and the Bravo 1, but I have only used the Aurora. That's because after handling the B1 for a few minutes after getting it in the mail I decided the thickness was excessive. So I will resell the B1. Granted, I might feel differently in a jungle surrounded by enemy troops where failure of my only tool could spell death. But the Aurora is plenty tough in my book. I consider it to be the best full-size, convex ground bushcraft knife available.
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I think I am pretty much effectively sold on the Aurora. Based on my intended uses, it does indeed seem to be the best choice out there.

Sharp Eye, I'm poor, I can afford to buy all the blades I want! I'm going to have to hurry up and get that forge set up that I've been meaning to for over a year, so I can start making what I want for myself. :p

Thanks for all the posts! I'm still open to any more suggestions, and since I've now revealed my frugal status, the cheaper the better. :D

Edit: I might just do that, Tony. Thanks for letting me know!
 
Kyp Degal said:
Sharp Eye, I'm poor, I can afford to buy all the blades I want! ... and since I've now revealed my frugal status, the cheaper the better. :D
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Kyp,
For bang-for-the-buck I would check out Bryan Breeden (Sicily02 on this forum) and David Farmer
 
out of those two, i would opt for the aurora, as the point design makes it much better for drilling, and , if you make alot of traps, that is almost essential.
 
Sharp Eye said:
Kyp,
For bang-for-the-buck I would check out Bryan Breeden (Sicily02 on this forum) and David Farmer
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Oh, man... Some of Bryan Breeden's knives look great! The PSKK II really catches my eye, actually. However, I'd be concerned that the handle would be too thin for my hands. I found a great pictorial review by bearthedog, with loads of great pictures, and one comparison shot of the PSKK II and its big brother the Pathfinder leads me to wonder how well the handle would fit in my hand. By the looks of it, it's not much over 1/4" thick. I like a handle to fill my hand.

I may have to send him an email, though, I really like his designs.
 
Brian Breeden is a great maker to work with. He will build a knife to fill your needs and wants. Definately email him.
 
He does curvy handles quite well, and you can ask him to put it on any blade type.
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