Fallkniven A1, Bark River Bravo-1, or Swamp Rat

B

beninfl

Joined
Apr 30, 2008
Messages
5
Hi!

I realize this is a pretty subjective question, but I am considering the above 3 knives for a general purpose + take into the woods knife. (Note: Swamp Rat refers to whatever I can get my hands on made by them)

I haven't read any "destruction tests" on the Bark River, and was wondering what the durability was like under "mis-use" and how it compares to the other two.

Which knife would you get?

Cheers!
 
Out of those three I would go with the Bravo 1. The combination of quality, toughness, customer service, size, ease of carry. The Bravo 1 seems to fit best out of those three. Maybe consider the Fallkniven S1, which is a bit closer in size.
 
Hey Ben,

You raise a good point. I would love to see destruct testing done on the Bravo. My concern (probably unfounded) on the Bravo is the skeletonized handle. If it wasn't for that, I probably would have ordered one.

Any destructo-types out there, listening?

So instead, I ordered a Swamp Rat. Mind you, if a destruct test bears out that the Bravo is good to go, then I guess the credit card is going to take another hit.

Doc
 
Swamp Rat Ratmandu would be my choice. But you also cant go wrong with any of your choices.

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I'd be really, really impressed if you broke any of the three knives you listed during 'normal' use & abuse. (Meaning any normal use shy of all out attempts at destruction, like sledgehammering it into concrete or something).

Just pick the one that fits your hand best.
 
Normal hard use in the timber not "staged abuse" and just about any knife would stand up to the duties given it.
Scott
 
I own the Bravo-1 and a Swamprat Ratmandu and if I could only keep one...wow tough and very close call...but it would be the :thumbup: Swamprat RMD...speaking of which :D number 2 (RMD) inbound as we speak...:thumbup:;) WOOT !
 
SpookyPistolero said:
I'd be really, really impressed if you broke any of the three knives you listed during 'normal' use & abuse. (Meaning any normal use shy of all out attempts at destruction, like sledgehammering it into concrete or something).

Just pick the one that fits your hand best.
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I agree; these are pretty much indestructible knives.

Another one you might want to take a look at is the S1 by Fallkniven.
 
Thanks to all. What about maintenance? Do any have the advantage there? As in I can leave it sheathed and forget about it and/or not have to oil it? Obviously the Fallkniven is stainless...
 
I like the Bravo 1. I love mine the convex edge is awesome and easy to keep razor sharp. I am really tempted by a ratmandu though.
 
I'd give the nod to the A1. While many people malign destruction tests, they are useful to see what abuse knives can actually take. Sure you're not going to use your knife to do most of the stuff that noss does, but then again you're not going to use your car to drive into brick walls or take corners at 90mph. Its nice to know that it can if you even had to though.
 
All those knives are top quality. I have some in each brand. Get the one that you like best. No losers there.
 
I've got all 3 knives, as well as other knives from all 3 of these makers. Can't go wrong with anything made by these companies. Pick a knife that suits your needs and it will serve you well.
 
I don't like large choils on knives so I'd go for the Bark River or the Fallkniven.
 
I am a big fan of the SwampRat Ratmandu, choil and all. The other two knives are very close behind.
 
They are actually very different knives. Each one a different size and steel. The only similarity is they are all thick.

For general purposes, aka most day hikes and short camping trips near campsites, I lean towards the smaller knifes in the 4" range. They are just so much more handy and people friendly. In the case of your trio the Bravo-1 would do the trick.

I only tend to use a bigger knife (6") when I'm backcountry for a few days or completely away from other people. If I had to choose between an A1 and a Swamprat, I'd probably go the swamprat route just because I like mircata grips quite a bit and I'm a sucker for high carbon tool steels. However, adding in the cost of a 3rd party sheath makes this quite a bit more expensive than the A1.
 
kgd said:
They are actually very different knives. Each one a different size and steel. The only similarity is they are all thick.

For general purposes, aka most day hikes and short camping trips near campsites, I lean towards the smaller knifes in the 4" range. They are just so much more handy and people friendly. In the case of your trio the Bravo-1 would do the trick.

I only tend to use a bigger knife (6") when I'm backcountry for a few days or completely away from other people. If I had to choose between an A1 and a Swamprat, I'd probably go the swamprat route just because I like mircata grips quite a bit and I'm a sucker for high carbon tool steels. However, adding in the cost of a 3rd party sheath makes this quite a bit more expensive than the A1.
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Good assessment!
 
My vote goes for A1. It cuts really well and is very light. Also it is stainless if this is important for you. If you decide to buy A1 get one with a Kydex sheath as the Zytel sheath does not hold the knife very tight while the Kydex allows you to carry the knife upside down with no problem.
 
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