BRKT advice

OK, you guys convinced me!!! I got my first BRKT , the Bravo-1, from a fellow member. Couldn't pass it up. I already ordered the leather sheath w/steel loop, fire steel, and matching micro cannadian in a2. I have been beating the tar out of the bravo and taking lots of pics. I will be posting a FULL review next week. The knife feels much bigger than it really is. It fill my hand and has great ergos, possibly the best I have seen. I also ordered an Aurora, one of their bushcraft series. This knife is very thick and I'm really surprised how well it slices!!! I have been carving 18 month indoor seasoned maple and the edge retention is fantastic. The knife was NIB (safe queen) when I got it and it was very sharp (could shave) out of the box. It was equal to both of my Fallkie S1's out of box sharpness but nowhere near the factory sharpness of my Fk-H1 which is by far the sharpest factory convex edge I have ever seen. With that said, the Bravo-1 in A2 takes a finer edge off the strop than either of my Falkies in VG10. Anyway, just wanted to thank you guys for convincing me to take the plunge. I have a Bravo-1, Micro Cannadian, and on friday I will have an Aurora. This is a pic of what my bravo will look like this afternoon when my leather sheath arrives and I put the set together.
http://barkriverknives.com/albums/album216/Bravo_Mikro_with_Sheath.jpg
 
Md congrats on the new blades :thumbup:

I will just add that the edge retention of the A2 on my Barkie Aurora surpassed my expectations by a long shot :D
 
I have been cross-grain battoning a 7-8in maple that needs to come down anyway and although the blade is being pounded into the maple tree with full force with the batton in 20 rep increments (part of my edge retention testing) after 5 sets (100 strikes) it still slices thin receipt paper easily. It also comes back to shaving sharpness with 10 strokes per side on 2000 grit sand paper followed by 10 stroke/side with green compound. After all that pounding, it only took one minute to bring it back to shaving. This knife really impresses me. Comparing it to my CRK 4in aviator in A2, the Bravo has a thicker edge but is a more efficient slicer. The Bravo-1 is also less likely to bind during battoning even though it is much thicker. Damn I love this knife!!!
P.S. if you load a strop with filtz metal polish which is appx 1/2 micron, you can scare yourself with how sharp you can get a convex edge. If you try it, shave some hair off your arm without letting the edge touch your skin. Try it, It works.
 
Md 25v, may I suggest you check out Bark River's own forum at Knifeforums.com It sounds like you have already been bitten by the Barkie bug... you will learn lots over there, and get "enabled" time and time again.

I have lot's of BRKT favorites, but you need to check out the Mini-Canadian, what I like to call "the best little big-knife" in the world. It's bigger brother, the Canadian Special is quite possibly the best all around knife they offer. There are countless others to check out too.
 
I know what you mean, been at the BRKT forum at knifeforums.com all night. I have several custom bushcraft knives and when I ordered the Aurora, it was between it and the Cannuk Special. Decided to get the Aurora first because it is more traditional bushcraft knife but I have already decided to get the Cannuk Special and the Fox River in 2 weeks (next paycheck)
 
I own many (too many) bark rivers. I have both the nebula and the aurora (both good knives). They are both almost identical (both convexed as all BRKT knives). The difference being the aurora is full tang, the nebula hidden tang. Also the aurora is A2, the nebula 12c27. And the nebula has a scandi grind (the auroa is a full grind to spine). They both are good knives for bushcraft etc. I prefer the auroa over the nebula. I also have a north star, which I like the best. The bravo one is nothing more than a sharpened pry bar. I would not recommend it. I routinely test knives out in the smokies while on the trail, backpacking, hiking, etc. See how they would fair if they were really called on to perform.

The bravo-1 was the 1st BRKT knife that I had ever given poor marks too.

I usually test knives on making fuzz sticks for fires, whittling, spliting/batoning (shelter making), etc. etc. etc. The blade on the bravo was just too thick. Even for chopping, the weight of the knife was enough to chop, but the blade was just too short to make any real progress, or be worth the effort. it required too much energy and did not give good results.

I worked in survival in the AF for 8 years active duty and this knife is not one I would have wanted with me. I would have taken the old F/U over this one anyday.
 
Oh, almost forgot, bark rivers heat treat on the 12c27 is pretty good. Now, it will not hold an edge as well as the A2 (obviously), but its is better than the job most (manufacturers) do. It will be more stain resistant. But you would be better off with the aurora (if you really plan on using it fully and extensively). The A2 cant be beaten for edge holding and ease of sharpening. All you need is a decent strop and your set. If your not one to want to care for your knives go with the nebula. But if you want a performance steel, go with the aurora. I did notice the difference in edge holding (quit early), when testing the knives (real world).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top