Hi, I am trying to decide between a bravo 1 and a F1 or S1 for a general purpose fixed blade. I will use this knife for camping, hunting, fishing, and basic utility. Quality is my number one priority because I like the looks of all three knives and I know that they are all good quality. Is there one of these that stands out as an all purpose blade including exposure to water, edge retention, ease of sharpening, etc?
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BRKT Bravo 1 or Falkniven F1
- Thread starter kbaug06
- Start date
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2007
- Messages
- 364
I own all three and their quality are all top notch. But the first thing is what size blade are you after? You have F1 (3.8") Bravo-1 (4.25") S1 (5.1")... pretty big difference in them. The Bravo-1 is the thickest of the bunch at .215", it is also A2 which will rust easier then the others. The F1 is the one I use the most but if you want an all purpose knife your probably better off with a little larger blade. How much exposure to water will it see? If you will be near salt water I would say go for the S1 if not the Bravo-1 would be my pick. The Bravo-1 has a great size blade for an all purpose knife (not to big not to small), the added thickness does not effect its cutting and gives you a little more beef behind the edge.
EDIT: I want to point out that I do not think one is better then the next... But only the fact that they have different blade sizes/steels and uses IMO
EDIT: I want to point out that I do not think one is better then the next... But only the fact that they have different blade sizes/steels and uses IMO
Last edited:
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2007
- Messages
- 364
I agree the VG10 is very strong but vs Mike's heat treated A2.... I don't see it being stronger. Keep in mind the Bravo-1 is .215 and the S1 is .18. Don't get me wrong both can go to hell and back but if I had to bet on which blade has more toughness I am going with the A2 heat treated by Mike :thumbup:
Now that I think about it the F1 would be a little small for what I want so I guess that brings my decision between the S1 and the Bravo1. The knife would not be exposed to salt water and the only water would be for cleaning. It would obviously be exposed to other liquids when skinning animals, cleaning fish, and food prep.
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2007
- Messages
- 364
I prefer the ~4" blades but that is a personal thing. I am going have to stick with the Bravo-1 as your best match. Now there is nothing wrong with a 5"+ blade. I find it harder to do more detailed work at that size. YMMV.... Try and find a local store that stocks both, the grip is very close on the two of them but you should know right away which feels better in your hand.
EDIT: Another + is Mike (Bark River) has a no questions warranty. If it breaks he will replace it... Just don't tell him a badger broke it (Don't ask)
EDIT: Another + is Mike (Bark River) has a no questions warranty. If it breaks he will replace it... Just don't tell him a badger broke it (Don't ask)
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2002
- Messages
- 1,369
All of them would be fine for game and fish as well as prepare dinner. Heck, a cheapy half tang mora can perform those jobs.
In the end, it all depends on which one you like. I've seen ppl skin deers from gerber gator to striders to custom stag handle jobs. Cleaning birds and fish requires a much different knife than furred big game IMO.
Do you prefer the no thrill looks of the S1 or slightly more custom look of the Bravo? Would you mind some up keeping as a trade off for a easily sharpened, tough as nail carbon or do you want a low maintaince of stainless? How much stuff do YOU need to cut in the bush? i know everyone wants a "Hard working, baton a tree down" knife. But that's really just for pride of ownership. Unless you go out in the bush regularly with minimum shelter and untensils, chances are you won't been cutting down the forest with a little belt knife, and on that note, they are all fine choices.
In the end, it all depends on which one you like. I've seen ppl skin deers from gerber gator to striders to custom stag handle jobs. Cleaning birds and fish requires a much different knife than furred big game IMO.
Do you prefer the no thrill looks of the S1 or slightly more custom look of the Bravo? Would you mind some up keeping as a trade off for a easily sharpened, tough as nail carbon or do you want a low maintaince of stainless? How much stuff do YOU need to cut in the bush? i know everyone wants a "Hard working, baton a tree down" knife. But that's really just for pride of ownership. Unless you go out in the bush regularly with minimum shelter and untensils, chances are you won't been cutting down the forest with a little belt knife, and on that note, they are all fine choices.
