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take a look at the Bark River Hudson Bay Camp knife
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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
Could use some help picking out a fixed blade
- Thread starter Thejoyofdriving
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I really dont like that blade shape and the handle appears to be wooden which is a big no no for me
Thank you though- Joined
- Feb 20, 2010
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Is there anyone who owns and has really used both the RC-6 and the A1 that could chime in? That would be really helpful! I want to know about how their handles feel and chopping ability. Thanks!
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I don't own one of these, so I wouldn't be able to give much feedback, but I've been looking at Fehrman Knives lately. They have a great, simple lineup that is tough as nails with a great steel, appear very well made, and look cool as well. If you want to do a lot of chopping, I'd recommend a larger blade, like the Extreme Judgement (9.5"), but a good all purpose survival size would be the Last Chance, Shadow Scout, or First Strike. There aren't a lot of reviews out there, but what I've read looks great and I'll be getting one when I get the ol' bonus check...
not sure if its been mentioned, but maybe look at the BRKT Bravo 2, its got:
Overall Length: 12.260 Inches
Blade Length: 7 Inches
Blade Steel: A-2 @ 58rc
Blade Thickness: .215 Inch
Weight: 14.5 ounces
However its not black coated, and I'm not too sure about BRKT warranty, compared to say ESEE's warranty.
Also, not trying to shoot you down, but aside form aesthetics, what do want black blade coating for - do you actually need it or is it like you said, something that appeals to you.
Also, may I just ask, what exactly do you mean by heavy duty camp tasks, besides chopping wood. I'm kinda getting the impression you want to chop yourself out of a plane, or more likely a tank, and want a blade thats capable of that. Don't get me wrong thats not a bad thing, I want that in a FB too, but i think you should maybe not focus so much on the coating, as it will eventually wear out, and it has limited your choices a bit as well. And if those wear marks are bad for you, a stain finish won't show as much wear from my understanding.
Me personally, I don't mind wear marks on a blade, i like that used look, especially if you put them there yourself.
So yeah not trying to shoot you down in flames, but I think a General survival/camping/backpacking/medium-heavy use knife as you described, can't be/ won't look like a trophy queen as well, one or the other i think, especially with the hard use you described that your are thinking of putting this knife through
just my 2 cents worth
Overall Length: 12.260 Inches
Blade Length: 7 Inches
Blade Steel: A-2 @ 58rc
Blade Thickness: .215 Inch
Weight: 14.5 ounces
However its not black coated, and I'm not too sure about BRKT warranty, compared to say ESEE's warranty.
Also, not trying to shoot you down, but aside form aesthetics, what do want black blade coating for - do you actually need it or is it like you said, something that appeals to you.
Also, may I just ask, what exactly do you mean by heavy duty camp tasks, besides chopping wood. I'm kinda getting the impression you want to chop yourself out of a plane, or more likely a tank, and want a blade thats capable of that. Don't get me wrong thats not a bad thing, I want that in a FB too, but i think you should maybe not focus so much on the coating, as it will eventually wear out, and it has limited your choices a bit as well. And if those wear marks are bad for you, a stain finish won't show as much wear from my understanding.
Me personally, I don't mind wear marks on a blade, i like that used look, especially if you put them there yourself.
So yeah not trying to shoot you down in flames, but I think a General survival/camping/backpacking/medium-heavy use knife as you described, can't be/ won't look like a trophy queen as well, one or the other i think, especially with the hard use you described that your are thinking of putting this knife through
just my 2 cents worth
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Hey I actually like those knives! Never seen them before(i dont think so, maybe someone did show them to me, i have terrible memory.)
Only problem is that their out of my price range
I can just dura coat the blade as another member suggested.
I do really like that knife. If it came with a kydex sheath then I could really justify that price. I would have to get a custom kydex then toss the leather sheath. Too much money at that point. Too bad, I really like that knife.
I want more than a pure chopper. If I wanted a pure chopper I would get a hatchet.
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I think Ive decided on the RC6. I dont think you can beat it for the styling and function. I go back pacing maybe 4-5 times a year and just cant justify spending more than 150 on a fixed blade. However if i can find a way in the future I would get a fehrman or BRKT 
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I looked but did not see a bravo 2
1066vik
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I think Ive decided on the RC6. I dont think you can beat it for the styling and function. I go back pacing maybe 4-5 times a year and just cant justify spending more than 150 on a fixed blade. However if i can find a way in the future I would get a fehrman or BRKT
last night there was an (ESEE)RC-6 on the exchange -- sorry for the confusion about the BRKT.
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Thanks for showing me that. Looks interesting. Same price as a new knife with a sheath which im not sure i like.
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Can anyone comment on how badly 1095 rusts in wet conditions. I plan on using my knife in the rain, snow and possibly over seas in a rain forest. Most likely during multi day backpacking. I dont want to nurse the knife the whole trip to keep it from rusting.
Also would appreciate comments on its edge retention, important since I dont want to have to sharpen the knife in the back country.
Again , really appreciate the help. You guys are awesome!
Also would appreciate comments on its edge retention, important since I dont want to have to sharpen the knife in the back country.
Again , really appreciate the help. You guys are awesome!
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Gosh, you've been struggling with this for a month...
If you leave 1095 in a water soaked leather sheath, or on a picnic table in the rain, or in wet sand or mud, it will probably show signs of rust overnight. Goof up and leave it a few days and it may begin to pit.
Still, 1095 is used to cut bait on the commercial boats and to slice meat in packing plants every day. The USMC Ka-Bar and Camillus Pilots Survival knives were/are 1095 and survived a few wars. A little attention, like wiping it off on your pants leg is usually enough.
Here's a worst case scenario, I found this knife, probably 1095 or worse, in a muddy field in Tennessee covered in rust. After going so far as using Naval Jelly to clean it off what you see now is the left over pitting and additional rust after sitting around for years. It may not look great but it will work just fine.
As far as edge retention, depending how much use it gets, 1095 with a quality makers heat treat should see you through a week especially if you take a piece of sandpaper along and strop it after a heavy use day.
Since the only two knives that have struck a chord with you are the Fehrman and Rat sticking with the lower cost 1095 is probably a good idea.
If you leave 1095 in a water soaked leather sheath, or on a picnic table in the rain, or in wet sand or mud, it will probably show signs of rust overnight. Goof up and leave it a few days and it may begin to pit.
Still, 1095 is used to cut bait on the commercial boats and to slice meat in packing plants every day. The USMC Ka-Bar and Camillus Pilots Survival knives were/are 1095 and survived a few wars. A little attention, like wiping it off on your pants leg is usually enough.
Here's a worst case scenario, I found this knife, probably 1095 or worse, in a muddy field in Tennessee covered in rust. After going so far as using Naval Jelly to clean it off what you see now is the left over pitting and additional rust after sitting around for years. It may not look great but it will work just fine.
As far as edge retention, depending how much use it gets, 1095 with a quality makers heat treat should see you through a week especially if you take a piece of sandpaper along and strop it after a heavy use day.
Since the only two knives that have struck a chord with you are the Fehrman and Rat sticking with the lower cost 1095 is probably a good idea.
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Gosh, you've been struggling with this for a month...
If you leave 1095 in a water soaked leather sheath, or on a picnic table in the rain, or in wet sand or mud, it will probably show signs of rust overnight. Goof up and leave it a few days and it may begin to pit.
Still, 1095 is used to cut bait on the commercial boats and to slice meat in packing plants every day. The USMC Ka-Bar and Camillus Pilots Survival knives were/are 1095 and survived a few wars. A little attention, like wiping it off on your pants leg is usually enough.
Here's a worst case scenario, I found this knife, probably 1095 or worse, in a muddy field in Tennessee covered in rust. After going so far as using Naval Jelly to clean it off what you see now is the left over pitting and additional rust after sitting around for years. It may not look great but it will work just fine.
As far as edge retention, depending how much use it gets, 1095 with a quality makers heat treat should see you through a week especially if you take a piece of sandpaper along and strop it after a heavy use day.
Since the only two knives that have struck a chord with you are the Fehrman and Rat sticking with the lower cost 1095 is probably a good idea.
I do like the bravo 2 BRKT as well.
I am still contemplating the Fallkniven A1 for its mega-stainless blade, greater strength and edge retention.
Problem is I do have a buck night hawk i found at my house. Its a great knife in my opinion, but I want something that can replace it. Tougher, better edge retention, more chopping power etc. Im paying 2x more for a rat, I want it to be a significantly better knife. It looses in the stain resistance dept, a down grade. (in one area)
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Yep, no point spending the $'s if you're not going to be upgrading or getting something different.
Resistance to corrosion is a nice convenience if a blade is going to be exposed to constant moisture or salt water.
Hope you don't mind if I ask a couple of questions.
First, aside from the concern about 1095 staining (patina) and rust is there anything else thats keeping you from the RC-6?
You did your best to make it clear in the original post that the shape and look of the knife was very important to you. That makes sense because its no fun if you wish it was something else before you even pick it up.
. The blade shape is the area which I am most picky about.review.......
Thanks for helping, keep in mind im really picky when it comes to the way a knife looks so patience is appreciated
Here are some shots of knives you liked.
The second question is, putting material and cost aside and going on appearance, which two are the most appealing to you?
Photos can be deceiving so keep in mind that although the A-1 may look longer it is actually slightly shorter than the Tops, RC-6, or your Nighthawk (all 6-1/2 blades).
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I am not a fan of hollow grinds. Also the knife does not appeal to me. Good to know of a new brand ive never seen before. Thanks
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Yep, no point spending the $'s if you're not going to be upgrading or getting something different.
Resistance to corrosion is a nice convenience if a blade is going to be exposed to constant moisture or salt water.
Hope you don't mind if I ask a couple of questions.
First, aside from the concern about 1095 staining (patina) and rust is there anything else that’s keeping you from the RC-6?
You did your best to make it clear in the original post that the shape and look of the knife was very important to you. That makes sense because it’s no fun if you wish it was something else before you even pick it up.
Here are some shots of knives you liked.
The second question is, putting material and cost aside and going on appearance, which two are the most appealing to you?
Photo’s can be deceiving so keep in mind that although the A-1 may look longer it is actually slightly shorter than the Tops, RC-6, or your Nighthawk (all 6-1/2” blades).
2 of those are wrong, i liked a different Fehrman, and a different tops steel eagle. But thats ok, their close
However, If i had to choose the 2 i liked the most looks wise, it would be the RC6 and A1. However, if that bravo II had removable handles I could dura coat it and make it into a sexy knife which looks better than the A1, but thats not possible or worth my time/money. I am worried the RC6 may not do anything better than the good ol night hawk.