Fallkniven F1 or Bark River Bravo-1

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Sep 8, 2005
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Which one do you think would be better for general camping and hunting the Fallkniven F-1 or the Bark River Bravo-1? Does anyone have any experience with both? I know that both companies make very good knives, but which one do you think would be better for the general purposes listed above. Thanks for your help!
 
I would think that the Bravo-1, being bigger while not too big, would have a little more versatility than the F1.
 
I have no experience with the Bark River, but I have an F-1 that I've been using for many years.I think that the F-1 is an outstanding user. My F-1 is the old style solid VG-10 blade. I hear that the newer laminated blades are even tougher.
 
I know it goes without saying, but you can't go wrong either way. I personally, really like the variations in handles that come on the Bark River. The Bravo in a Micarta is a beautiful and VERY functional, tough knife.

The Bravo would be my choice.
 
I own the Bravo-1, but not Falkniven.....so naturally, I say go with Bark River. The Bravo-1 will be, however, nearly twice the price of the F-1, even with canvas Micarta scales.

For some it doesn;t matter....for me, it does. Support the American worker (Barkie). That's not to say I wouldn;t buy an F-1, I've considered it a few times before finally deciding on another knife. Just that, between these two, I'd say buy American.
 
I do not have a Bravo-1, but I do have more than just one Fällkniven F1. The F1 is fairly inexpensive but still very much a quality knife. And above all it's practical in size, especially for someone accustomed to Scandinavian blades. Based on what I know about the Bravo-1, it's somewhat longer, heavier, and thicker, which necessarily isn't good. It all depends on your preferences, really. Based on what the other guys already said, I believe the Bravo-1 is a quality knife and I'd more than likely like the knife. But would I buy it for double the price of an F1? No, I wouldn't.

I know it goes without saying, but you can't go wrong either way. I personally, really like the variations in handles that come on the Bark River. The Bravo in a Micarta is a beautiful and VERY functional, tough knife.

The Bravo would be my choice.

Did you know you can actually get the F1 with black micarta handles, too, if you'd like? It's the model F1BM.
 
While you can get an F-1 in Micarta, it's price is right there with the Bravo-1, if not slightly more.
While I have considered buying a Falkniven S-1, the "buy american" theme has stopped me so far. I am not very consistant because I have bought over 12 Mora Craftsman knives for cheap users and a couple of 2K's for riding in my hiking packs. Love my Bravo-1.
Ron Athay
 
I have to agree with the price issue. To pay almost twice as much for a Bravo-1 was the breaking point in my decision not too long ago. I now have an F1 in laminated VG10, and I couldn't be happier. It does everything I ask of it, and it only set me back $85 (with zytel sheath). Now that to me is a good bargain...
 
I have experience with the F1, and it's a great knife.
But if I'm in the situation to choose between 2 knives I usually end up buyin both!:D
 
I own the Bravo-1, but not Falkniven.....so naturally, I say go with Bark River. The Bravo-1 will be, however, nearly twice the price of the F-1, even with canvas Micarta scales.

For some it doesn;t matter....for me, it does. Support the American worker (Barkie). That's not to say I wouldn;t buy an F-1, I've considered it a few times before finally deciding on another knife. Just that, between these two, I'd say buy American.

:thumbup: Great post! When choosing between two such great knives I would always look for the American made product. That's why I like to buy customs so often! I would say, based on reviews and pictures, the Bravo 1 is the better choice. But to be honest my 3/16th RD-4 from Ranger Knives could probably out perform them both:D .
 
When choosing between two such great knives I would always look for the American made product.

To be honest I think that's a bit narrow minded. If everybody would act like this then Germans would buy only german knives, the French only french knives etc...
I think it's more fun to get knives from all over the world.
 
If you want comparable blades, try looking at a Fällkniven S1 vs. Bravo 1.

From what I've seen, the Bravo 1 is pretty untested (with regards to age / long term usage) and mostly popular due to brand loyality.
 
To be honest I think that's a bit narrow minded. If everybody would act like this then Germans would buy only german knives, the French only french knives etc...
I think it's more fun to get knives from all over the world.

This has nothing to do with "narrow mindedness". It has to do with quality, price, design, and......place of manufacture.

What IS narrow minded is your viewpoint. Did you think for more than 10 seconds before making that post?
 
I'll give the F1 a thumbsups. :thumbup:

And don't worry where your knife is made both companies are owned by good guys and are both reliable and customer freindly. :)
 
all I can say is that I love my f-1 and if I had to choose one blade to be lost in the bush with...that would be it.
 
Gentlemen, while I certainly see the benefit of shopping at a neighborhood store or buying a locally manufactured product, I think we can speak for that without denigrating other quality products or the people who praise them with as much right as we praise our own.
 
This has nothing to do with "narrow mindedness". It has to do with quality, price, design, and......place of manufacture.

What IS narrow minded is your viewpoint. Did you think for more than 10 seconds before making that post?

If I upset anybody with my statement, I'm sorry. It's just my opinion. If place of manufacture is important to you, I respect that.

Enjoy your knives! (and accept my apologies.)
 
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