BRK&T Gunny.

B

Big Mike

Joined
Aug 30, 2006
Messages
3,653





The Gunny is the long awaited smaller member of the Bravo Series of knives.



Here are the posted Specs:

Overall Length: 8.4 Inches
Blade Length: 3.775 Inches
Blade Steel: A-2 @ 58rc
Blade thickness: .154 Inch
Weight: 5.625 Ounces


Mike Stewart says: “The Gunny is a smaller version of the Bravo-1 that we Developed for the Force Recon Units of the U.S. Marine Corp. This scaled down version is designed to be as rugged and as useful but in a smaller--easier to carry package. The knife easily makes the Crossover from Military use to civilian use and is an excellent choice for a smaller all around hiking & camping knife.”

I feel he has succeeded in meeting his design goals with this fine tool.





Even though the blade thickness has been reduced by almost a third compared to its Bravo-1 and Bravo-2 siblings, this is still a tough hunk of A2 Tool Steel. Its 5/32” (.154”) thickness is more then adequate for any knife in the 4” range, even more so when you consider the added strength in a convex ground blade as compared to a flat or hollow grind.

The blade is a scaled down version of the bigger Bravo’s. The Gunny’s blade works very well and I think it will be well received by its target audience.

We all know how good Bark River’s A2 with Convex Geometry performs, and this blade is no exception.



The blade worked well, and did all I asked of it in the short time I had it.

Even after a week of testing, from food prep, cutting ropes and tarps, whittling, to cross grain batoning the local Ironwood (Hop-Hornbeam), it still sliced paper cleanly.





 





The handle is also a scaled down version of the bigger Bravo’s; fully contoured, slightly shorter in length and smaller from top to bottom.



I measured the contoured handle on the example I had at a few spots.


The length of the finger area is 3-7/8” form self guard to pinky hook.

Width:
.785” at leading edge.
.700” in front of first pin (narrowest).
.910” at palm swell (widest).
.765” behind second pin.
.885” at trailing edge.

Height:
Just over 1” at self guard (not including the thumb ramp).
.775” in front of first pin.
.975” at palm swell.
.805” behind second pin.
.935” at pinky hook.

As you can see by these measurements, this handle has a much more rounded cross-section then the elongated shape of its Bravo Series brethren.



The resulting shape is much rounder then the bigger knives in the series, as the width of the handle approaches the height.

Three of the four people I let use this knife really liked the handle, though the forth, like myself, found it a bit cramped in our large hands.





The contours that work well on the bigger Bravo’s handle slabs are slightly compressed on this smaller handle, and though they seem to work well for the average size hand, I prefer the more stretched out contours of the bigger handles.

I also found the leading edge of this handle a bit too wide; on the bigger Bravo-1 I was content to keep my hand on the handle, on a knife this size I often like to use a pinch grip where my fore-finger and thumb hold the knife at front of the handle.



In my large hand I find I prefer the narrow leading edge and subtle contours of my Fox River Recurve to the more pronounced shapes of the Gunny’s scales.


Photo: Gunny and Fox River.


Photo: Fox River, Gunny and Fox River Recurve.



Photo: Details of Fox River, Gunny and Fox River Recurve handles.
 
No review of this knife would be complete without a discussion of the thumb ramp.

Many opinions have been voiced about the thumb ramps on the larger B-1 and B-2, and most of them also apply here.



I had the chance to spend a day in the woods both this knife and a ramp-less Gunny (thanks to my hiking buddy Tony), I found that for me the ramp-less version is preferred.



The sheath is a very interesting design, and is well made.

I’m not sure how much I would like it in day to day use, the knife rides quite high and the handle is very exposed.

The sur-loc retention system is quite innovative, and seems to solve the problem of loose pouches and hard to deal with retention straps.

It work well enough for me, but I wonder about long term blade retention; only time in the field will convince a skeptic like myself.

Of the five of us that got to evaluate the sheath, one person hated it (preferring a low riding pouch type sheath), three found it to their liking, I’m still undecided (I like the locking system but might need to use the drop loop to get it to ride a bit lower.



In conclusion it seems to me that this knife will be huge, as it is a more PC version of the Bravo-1, and will fit the needs of the Hiking and Camping Crowd.

Its smaller size and high/tight sheath make it a natural for EDC, I think Horizontal Carry and Kydex options will only expand this market.

Is it the best thing since sliced bread?, …I’m sure for many it will be.



Personally, in this size range, I like my Fox River Recurve, Jim Stewart Custom and Stag Blackwater Boot Knife II just a bit more, YMMV.


Photo: Fox River Recurve, Gunny and Jim Stewart Custom.



Photo: Gunny and Blackwater Boot Knife II.




Big Mike

"Scaring the Tree Huggers."

Forest & Stream
 
Mike, nice review. I have long desired a bravo 1, but have so many knives in that size range already. This seems like a bit better choice for me. Thanks buddy!
 
My local dealer does not have the Gunny yet. I just had him put away a mini skinner for me. I had one before but caved in and gave it to my son. Now I need one again. He had three mini's left.
 
Great pics and review Mike! You really covered all the bases there buddy!

I am one of those who love the Gunny handle and blade. Obviously I didn't like the ramp. I also hate the sheath. I know its a strong word, but hey, I won't lie. Mine rides in a Sharpshooter pouch sheath intended for my H1, and it fits perfectly!

So far the rampless Gunny is my favorite BRKT!
 
Big Mike,

Great review. I'm with you on the A-2 and geometry, it works. I don't think that I've met a Barkie I didn't like. On the other side, I think Tony is right about the sheaths, I remember receiving my 1st Barkie (a Rogue) and holding the blade in one hand in awe, while tossing the sheath in the garbage with the other... For me, Bark River flirts with perfection, I hope they invest a little time in their leatherwork at some point, I'd gladly pay the couple extra bucks.... Just my .02
 
Great review!!

The Gunny is my favorite Barkie. Its been a great companion so far.

Heres mine after a week by the coast, w/ no cleaing.. I love A2. I like the sheath, but mine has been living in the Eastr kydex.

000_0003.jpg
 
Great review! I think I would prefer the thumbramp, but that is just personal preference. I am sure that that will be a person-to-person type thing.

The sheath, I don't think I wouldn't like so much. Not so much the looks, but the way you describe how it rides on the person.
 
Awesome pics and review. Those red liners really look great with those scales.

Jeff
 

Photo: Gunny sheath on a belt.



Photo: Fox River in its pouch sheath.


And just for reference.


Photo: Rogue Bowie in the current Sharpshooter sheath.




Big Mike

"Scaring the Tree Huggers."

Forest & Stream
 
Big Mike,

Excellent review!

To review your review the things I love:

#1 pics hosted to where they are not blocked for me;)

#2 pics "in hand" for scale:thumbup:

#3 comparisons to other known knives as a point of reference:thumbup::thumbup:

#4 user pics:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:


I got one of these and I think it's a wonderful size. I always really dug the Northstar, but this one is the same size and scale with a really great sculpted handle.

My only criticisim is the sheath. I don't care for it.
 
great review Mike...:thumbup: i really like these gunny's a lot.. i think i definitely prefer it over the B1...
 
Great review. Having medium sized hands, it sounds like it would be great for me. If my contract wasn't finishing in August with no sign of a new job, I'd pick one up.
 
Nice review. I also appreciate the comparison shots. They always help a bunch. Based on your photos, I think I like the fox river a little better. Then again, I'm not one of those big handed dudes. I'd like to get another Barkie some day but I have too many other priorities at the moment. I'm still into a mode of focusing on procuring more camping gear and on less knives unless through trades.
 
Good review Big Mike, thanks for all the pics and the discussion on the handle. I really want to try out a Gunny. Ahhh, if only money grew on trees...:grumpy:
 
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