Thanks for all of the replies so far. So far it is looking like people are generally confirming my top 3, ESEE-4, F1, and Bravo 1.
I really do like the F1, as it is stainless, but I am concerned about the fact that it is a foreign company. Does anyone have any experience with having to ship a Fallkniven back for any reason? It seems like it could be very expensive and take a lot of time.
Thanks again for all the great posts.
I don't think you will have any problems with the F1. Falkniven has a great reputation. In all my time on here, the only broken one I have seen was an intentional destruction test.
It will have a great edge and profile for slicing. It will also be significantly lighter than the the Bravo1 or the ESSE (both with micarta handles). My only gripe is that I am not a big fan of Krayton handles. They can be hit or miss for me. Usually, after some use, and especially in the summer, I feel that they are too soft, and too grippy. This is less of an issue on my smaller knives with Krayton, and more so on bigger ones. After extended use I find it abrades my hands. I don't have soft hands, and have done manual labor almost my entire life. The same grip that feels secure in the hand at the beginning causes hot spots after an hour or two of whittling. I have spent literally hours and hours and hours shaving hard wood in sessions with krayton handles (whittling down a pick handles to fit the eye of a particular battle axe that I use for throwing fun).
That said, if you are getting a micarta version, then ignore this.
The ESSE 4 has the best warranty anywhere, and I mean anywhere. Even if you move drastically up in cost you can't find a better warranty! They are a great company full of great people, who are very active on the forum here!
The steel is a high carbon 1095, so a smidge more care will be necessary with the steel. It is coated, however, so no big issue. Even with my uncoated high carbon knives, I have not really had too many issues. But, I don't live in the swamp, or on the coast. The handles on the ESSE's are a bit more blocky. The price point to performance can not be beat!!! Super solid knives and a "Devil may care" warranty to back them up! All for significantly less than other knives.
The Bark River will be the prettiest knife in the group. They make a great satin convex finish. The handles will be better looking and "rounder" contour wise. there is more finishing on them. There have been a few bad heat treat/or too thin primary grind make it out of the shop, but they will replace them if you get a lemon. ( I have to say, I have not seen a bunch on here, just an occasional one).
You won't go wrong with any of these three.
