Fallkniven or Bark River?

Fat Goat Forge said:
I thought the Bravo 1 was designed using feed back from marine force recon after some blind tests of other bark river models and was specifically targeted towards tactical use?
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The narrative was, the group picked out a few knives from different companies, including a BR Gameskeeper. That ended up their favorite, and they asked for a few changes to it, thereby creating the Bravo 1.

The Gameskeeper is a big, heavy-duty knife and was meant as a general purpose field knife. I don't know what tactical means in this context. But like the Marine's Ka-Bar, which took its design from the Marbles Elite, it is a modified civilian field or camp knife for outdoor tasks, not any specialized purpose in particular.
 
RemyKaze said:
Gotta love it when people say it true rather than go with the crowd.
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Thank you for your kind words. :) I really hesitated to make that post, because I have no intention of bashing any maker or manu, and I honestly don't know if the one I have is really representative of the model in general. It's marked "1st Production Run".

Peroni1973 said:
... to potentially write these knives off based on looking at them and handling one is frankly ridiculous.
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I have some experience using knives, as well. To my mind, a knife of this size (tactical or not) should be built to cut well. That tends to preclude a .218" spine on a blade only 1.14" wide, and an actual bevel that's just .803" tall. I say again, it is built extremely well, with high-quality materials. It is definitely robust. My comments on its geometry are strictly my opinion, and offered only for the sake of clarity.
 
James,

I really am not trying to take issue with you - in fact I will readily defer to your experience and I'm inclined to agree that the B1 is over built. I tend to carry smaller thinner knives too but it really is worth noting that this knife performs beyond what it's simple specifications would suggest. I know how weird that sounds but it really is true.

Would this knife perform most of it's given tasks even better if the stock blade was thinner? Answer - for sure. But this really is a competent, hard use all-rounder.

Ben
 
Peroni1973 said:
James,
I really am not trying to take issue with you - in fact I will readily defer to your experience and I'm inclined to agree that the B1 is over built. I tend to carry smaller thinner knives too but it really is worth noting that this knife performs beyond what it's simple specifications would suggest. I know how weird that sounds but it really is true.
Would this knife perform most of it's given tasks even better if the stock blade was thinner? Answer - for sure. But this really is a competent, hard use all-rounder.
Ben
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I think my new knife is a hard use all rounder shrunk down. I honestly think I could use the Bark River Essential EDC to pry open my car door if it was frozen shut (that does happen here in the winter in maine) but I find it hard to get it slicing sharp. Maybe its not meant to be the same kind of knife as my Spyderco dragonfly LOL which actually has a bigger blade. Don't get me wrong its not a sharpened Pry Bar category blade. Its a short not very wide thick blade with a convex grind whose role I am seeking to understand.
 
I do have the Barkie Mini Fox River in A2 and that sucker has a decent stock width but is genuinely shaving sharp. The M4 is harder but there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to get your Essential super sharp....

Ben
 
The Bravo-1 is defintely an overbuilt blade that doesn't excel at any one particular task. With that said I still like mine alot (got a second one on the way). I think of it as a more compact, dressed up BK2 with a convex grind. The handles are intially slick, but become more grippy with use. It's a fun knife. If you're patient and keep an eye out on sales threads you can get an A2 steel version at a great price.

I've never owned an A1 or S1, but they are highly regarded. I'd love to pick up a micarta version one day. I usually have gloves handy, so I really have no need for the Kraton-like handles.
 
I am looking for a general camp knife that can perform most general tasks, I also have the Fallkniven A1, if thats any help. Thanks
 
Peroni1973 said:
In which case I'd tend toward the F1 for ease of carry/detail work as you already have a larger blade...



Ben
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Agreed!

If you have your heart set on BRK, maybe the Fox Fiver or Canadian Special would be more what you might be looking for. They are more "general purpose"- designed.

But I'd go F1.
 
marcinek said:
Agreed!

If you have your heart set on BRK, maybe the Fox Fiver or Canadian Special would be more what you might be looking for. They are more "general purpose"- designed.

But I'd go F1.
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Or a Highland Special - my favourite GP knife in the woods.
 
marcinek said:
Agreed!

If you have your heart set on BRK, maybe the Fox Fiver or Canadian Special would be more what you might be looking for. They are more "general purpose"- designed.

But I'd go F1.
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I haven't personally used either, but the Fox River 3v sure looks like the ticket to me. I've seen some compelling reviews of the Fox River for skinning game.
 
I have 3 fixed blades in 3V and whilst it does seem to hold an edge, I absolutely love A2 because I just seem to be able to put a much shaper edge on it.

3V seems more abrasive resistant but also a smidge brittle. My A2 knives are tough, hold a terrific edge for a reasonable length of time and stop back up with minimal effort...

All JMHO...

Ben
 
Nordic Viking said:
Or a Highland Special - my favourite GP knife in the woods.
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The Highland Special was my second Bark River, after a Rogue Bowie. The HS did a great job a a kitchen utility but I would be leery of using it in the woods because the handle is a little bit too short for my hands.
 
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