Hi, this is my first ever post on this site, and it seems like you guys have a good one! Glad to be part of it. Anyways, I am seriously considering the Entrek Bravo knife. I am looking for a good "do all" knife that I can use hunting and backpacking. I really like the lines of the Entrek, I already have the Bison model they make and I know Ray makes good stuff. One thing I have noticed is that a lot of similar knives are made with carbon steel (ESEE, TOPS,and RAT). From guys that have more expierience, what makes the better blade choice (stainless, or carbon)? I care more about edge retention than ease of sharpening. I would really like a Busse but can't afford it, I'm more around the $150 range. Also I'm looking for a 4-5 in blade. Any recommendations and help is greatly appreciated.
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Entrek Bravo 11?
- Thread starter droptyne
- Start date
I have an Entrek Bravo and recommend it. I have used it for batonning, making feather sticks, opening cans and food prep. I have never had a problem with it as a hard use knife, no chipping etc.
It is the same steel as the Bison, so how have you found that? Tell us about the Bison. I imagine if you like it you will like the Bravo.
Carbon is usually tougher than stainless but Entrek get the best out of 440c and for me it works. I like the ease of maintenance.
chiral.grolim
Universal Kydex Sheath Extension
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2008
- Messages
- 6,422
Well, similar size offerings from other high quality manufacturers (there are also many custom offerings) include ESEE-4, Fallkniven S1, SRKW RatManDu, SYKCO 511 (the last two are inexpensive bussekin, each <$150)...
In lower price ranges there are some respectable Gerbers (Prodigy for one) that are similar size...
I've not owned any Entrek so cannot speak for their steel nor for Fallkniven (which I think are more expensive). Comparing bussekin SR-101 to ESEE 1095 to Gerber 12C27 (rare in Gerbers now), the SR-101 holds the best edge in my experience. However, edge-retention is primarily a factor of edge-geometry and quality heat-treatment, most users (esp. on such a large knife) might not notice a difference in performance when comparing strictly the steels. The difference I noticed might be due to these other factors. And since the carbon blades are coated and none are used on strongly acidic substances with regularity, I haven't experienced a difference in corrosion.
So my conclusion - get the knife you feel most comfortable about or have heard the best things about or prefer the look of, etc. so long as it's from a reputable maker. I'd recommend getting the lightest knife with the best ergonomics - let comfort in hand and ease of use be of primary concern. $0.02 in the jar.
In lower price ranges there are some respectable Gerbers (Prodigy for one) that are similar size...
I've not owned any Entrek so cannot speak for their steel nor for Fallkniven (which I think are more expensive). Comparing bussekin SR-101 to ESEE 1095 to Gerber 12C27 (rare in Gerbers now), the SR-101 holds the best edge in my experience. However, edge-retention is primarily a factor of edge-geometry and quality heat-treatment, most users (esp. on such a large knife) might not notice a difference in performance when comparing strictly the steels. The difference I noticed might be due to these other factors. And since the carbon blades are coated and none are used on strongly acidic substances with regularity, I haven't experienced a difference in corrosion.
So my conclusion - get the knife you feel most comfortable about or have heard the best things about or prefer the look of, etc. so long as it's from a reputable maker. I'd recommend getting the lightest knife with the best ergonomics - let comfort in hand and ease of use be of primary concern. $0.02 in the jar.
Thanks for your input guys. I have Smokey Mtn. Knife Works right down the road, plus a couple of other knife shops here in Knoxville. But SMKW dosen't have the Entrek I want and they don't carry SRKW either, so it's hard to say what feels good to me. I have been spending a lot of time on this page trying to see what people have had to say about their carbon blades, and overall performance from their knives. I'm glad to see that so many of you don't just throw a knife in a case to look at, but rather "put it through the ringer." Not that there is anything wrong with collecting... I used to have a nice stach of Benchmades, SOGs, and Gerbers.
Anyways, I agree the Gerber Prodigy is good knife for the money. I have that and the LMF, and have used both for camp knifes and field dressing deer, but I now keep those knives in my vehicles. Which is why I'm looking for a replacement. I will spend another day or 2 looking around, but I believe that I am going to go with the Entrek. I already have the one and I really think that they do an awesome job puttting it toghether. ( however the sheath leaves something to be desired).
Anyways, I agree the Gerber Prodigy is good knife for the money. I have that and the LMF, and have used both for camp knifes and field dressing deer, but I now keep those knives in my vehicles. Which is why I'm looking for a replacement. I will spend another day or 2 looking around, but I believe that I am going to go with the Entrek. I already have the one and I really think that they do an awesome job puttting it toghether. ( however the sheath leaves something to be desired).
I look forward to your review, I am intrigued by the Bison.
Any news of the review? I am waiting eagerly here!