Fallkniven A1 - VS - BRKT Bravo-1

Blackwind

Blackwind

Joined
Jul 20, 2004
Messages
482
Was talking to a buddy today about a thread on comparing knives and he asked what I have been using and carrying as of late and what I'd compare it to. I bought a A1 fairly recently and have been using it and the closest thing I could think of to compare it to would probably be a Bravo 1. What is everyones feelings on this comparison and if you had to choose between the two.....which and why?

Lately I have been leaning towards a Bravo 1 simply for something that has little to do with the knife itself...but its sheath system. LOL I find it very useful to be able to carry both a smaller knife and fire steel.
 
I haven't got a Bravo-1 yet, but I love BRKT knives; the steel, the aesthetics, the ergonomics - they all speak to me. However, I have just bought a Fallkniven A1. I could have got a Bravo-1 for about the same price.

The main reason is the stainless steel in the A1. My other (non-stainless) barkies rust in the damp weather around here and need continual care for that reason, although not nearly as badly as my O1 steel knives.

I wanted a knife I didn't have to worry about at all. Simple as that really.
 
They are both excellent knives. I feel that the handle of the A1 is more secure in my hand, and the Bravo-1 thumb ramp is too far back for my thumb to ride on comfortably. As for the sheath system, the Bravo sheath is kydex, and they micro sheath is leather. They do nest together (you have to get your own screws to do it right), but the result, while functonal, is not visually appealing at least to me. I plan on having somebody do a kydex version for me sometime soon. Don't get me wrong, I think that the Bravo 1 is one hell of a knife that is pretty much bombproof, but of the two, I think I prefer the A1. As for BRKT knives, I have seven of them, and I like them all....especially the aurora.
 
They're very different knives. The A1 is much larger and more of a Beat on Me type of knife. I wouldn't compare the two too quickly. The Fällkniven F1 is much closer to the Bravo-1 than the A1 is. Personally, I'd go with the Fällknivens, but it's a matter of tastes, really.
 
i am gonna have to vote for the barkie...i have smallish hands and it fits me like a glove...i have beaten the ever loving crap out of mine and all it does is smile back at me...
 
I will be interested in what others have to say about this comparison. Both are great knives. The A1 is much larger than the Bravo-1. You have VG-10 (stainless) vs A2 (carbon). They are very different knives, however their price point is very close. I have knives from both makers and both are excellent knives. You can always have a sheath made to suit your needs or wants. I am sure Normark could make you one with a fire steel loop and one that would carry another knife piggy back.
 
Let me first say that I do not have a Bravo-1. Without taking anything awaay from BRKT or the Bravo-1, there was a time when I really wanted one. Now, however, I find that I don't desire one nearly as much as I once used to desire one. And part of the reason for that is my A1. Part of it is also that I have a BRKT North Star, which IMHO, is arguably the best all-around knife BRKT has made in recent history. But I digress--you wanted to know what I like about the A1.

First, she is virtually indestructable. I believe Fallkniven has published test information showing the A1 to be their strongest knife (from a lateral, bend the blade standpoint). Second, she is stainless, but maintains a superb edge. I am not a stainless fan by any stretch, but this knife holds an edge VERY well. Third, she is bigger than a Bravo-1, but she can do small and fine tasks easily. I have quickly and easily made small wooden spoons and forks with her many times before. She handles like a smaller knife to me. And last, I find her to be very comfortable in hand. I have had NO issues whatsoever with retention, blisters, grip variation, handle coming loose, etc. In a nutshell, simply stated, she is a keeper for me. Of course, YMMV.

Good luck!
 
trailside22 said:
I will be interested in what others have to say about this comparison. Both are great knives. The A1 is much larger than the Bravo-1. You have VG-10 (stainless) vs A2 (carbon). They are very different knives, however their price point is very close. I have knives from both makers and both are excellent knives. You can always have a sheath made to suit your needs or wants. I am sure Normark could make you one with a fire steel loop and one that would carry another knife piggy back.
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Excellent responses all around. Several points I didn't even really consider in the original discussion. I'll have to touch base with Normark on a piggyback sheathe system with a fire steel loop. He strictly deals in Kydex no? I'd probably be interested in a leather creation as well if anyone has a good sheath maker in mind for such an exercise.
 
Check out JRE for a leather sheath. They make great leather at an affordable price and best of all they usually have Fallkniven sheaths ready to ship.
 
trailside22 said:
Check out JRE for a leather sheath. They make great leather at an affordable price and best of all they usually have Fallkniven sheaths ready to ship.
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WoW. :eek:

Those are simply beautiful sheaths! Thank you!!


Heck, even their Bravo 1 sheaths are beautiful!! I love Bladeforums!
 
I don't use my Bravo 1's very much. I agree with OTE that the North Stars are the best all rounders from BRKT. That being said I have a couple Nebulas (and two wet environment recons coming) that are stainless steel, more blade, slightly larger grip and all around great knives. Someday I will have to try a FK.
 
bigbcustom said:
They are both excellent knives. I feel that the handle of the A1 is more secure in my hand, and the Bravo-1 thumb ramp is too far back for my thumb to ride on comfortably.
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I seem to recall a post on KF from Mike Stewart(??) of BRKT saying that the "thumb ramp" on the Bravo-1 was actually a feature designed to help spark your firesteel.
Some folks grind it off so the ergos suit them better.

Both BRKT and Fallkniven are primo quality and I have a couple of each on my Cutlery Acquisition List:D
 
It's true, I was drawn to BRKT because of the Bravo-1, but now I want a North Star just as bad.

Lately I've been drooling over the Fallkniven F1, but I really want a BRKT to. I know I'll get both eventually, but don't know what I want first..
 
Very simply put, this is one of those win/win situations. Whichever one you choose you will end up with a great knife.

They are different knives, however. Just choose the one that fits your intended uses and you'll be ok.
 
SteelIsReal said:
I seem to recall a post on KF from Mike Stewart(??) of BRKT saying that the "thumb ramp" on the Bravo-1 was actually a feature designed to help spark your firesteel...
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Yep, true. It is not actually a thumb ramp in the traditional sense at all. As it has been pointed out, it is in entirely the wring position to be a useful thumb ramp. That particular feature was specifically requested to be added by the Maraines that Mike built the Bravo-1 for. Why? Well to quote Mike Stewart from another forum:

The Ramp is NOT for your thumb.

Your Thumb goes in FRONT of that ramp for tasks like notching.

The Forward surface of that Ramp locks You into perfect placement for adding pressure for a heavy downward push, at the Plunge line.

The Teeth on the inside of the ramp are for the firesteel--Not to Put Your thumb on.

If we meant for You to put your thumb on the rear facing of the ramp--it would have been more forward on the spine.
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