help me decide RC-4/Bark River Gunny

Gotta agree with the point about the plastic handles. I own all three, and much prefer the handles on the Bravo-1 and RC4. I don't get why the micarta version runs double. I paid less for my CPM154 Bravo-1 than I would have to pay for a VG-10 micarta F1. All three knives are great, but handles are a big deal for me, and the Bravo-1 comes out way on top there.

On the flip side, the F1 throws sparks out of the box like no other. It's a beast.

ETA: Just checked KSF, and the BRKT custom micarta F1 actually costs less than the Bravo-1 SS, but not by much (only $20 less). The nickelsilver crossguard Fallkniven micarta version is indeed more expensive though ($20 more).
 
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I did consider the F1 and S1 before I started the thread but I'm just not a huge fan of their handles. When I looked into custom handles like the ones from BRKT, it added about $100 to the price which just seemed like too much. Considering that all the steels are highly respectable I don't see a huge advantage of any type with the laminates. I already own several san mai blades and they are very good but aren't "magic" to quote another poster.

I think I'll spend some a few days on the look out for a bravo1 in the exchange before I order one new. That's a good idea, thanks Shunsui.

I love the Busse but there are to things wrong with it. First the price is beyond what I can spend at this time. Second, it's rather large and pushing 5 inches. I'm not really sure why it's considered a 4" class knife in the first place. No doubt it's beautiful though.
 
I don't know anything about the RC-4 but do have a few Bark Rivers and they are great edge holders and cut anything. My workhorse in the woods is the Fox River.
 
Bax Axe said:
Have to agree with varulv here. Nothing against fallkniven, but the only noticable advantage of the VG10 is its corrosion resistance. None of the three are hard to maintain with minimal care. The handles on the Rats and Barkies are definately better. To get a fallkniven with a micarta handle just about doubles the price of the knife. You are better off buying the blank and having a maker put the handles on for you.
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I do buy the blank and add handles of G10 or micarta,and yes,build my own kydex multi position sheaths. Shop around ,you can usually find a blank for under a hundred bucks and you end up with a semi-custom knife. It's not hard,if I can do it anyone can. I have not noticed any chipping on the edge of my F1's and I have used them somewhat harshly. From my perspective,living in humid Florida, you want to avoid things that are prone to corrosion. Carbon steel seems to rust quickly which degrades the cutting performance.
 
I have wanted an F1 for a while as a heavy duty stainless knife for the reasons you mentioned. I live in new orleans and the humidity can be a little pain. Not a problem, but I do have to keep an eye on my carbon blades. I am planning to get a blank and have Justin Gingrich put some micarta or G10 slabs on it.
 
You can't go wrong with any RAT Cutlery or Bark River products. Both are top notch. As others have said, the Gunny is more the size of the RC-3 and the Bravo-1 is closer to the RC-4. You may want to throw a Fallkiniven F1 or S1 into the mix also just to complicate things. :D
 
Thanks Pilot. I did kinda toss the S1 in there for myself as you suggested. I think the RC-4 is out of the mix at the moment because of the coated blade and grind. I'm pouring over the exchange section for the others and so far nothings has popped out as a deal. In fact, most everything is sold already. I find if odd that the thread titles don't have to be changed to indicate when a sale is over which would probably make things a bit easier when viewing at a glance. A lot of forums have that rule...that it must be tagged as sold, when it's gone.

At this point I think I'm going to purchase an RC-3 and then purchase either a Bravo1 or S1. The reason is that I could use both a 3" and 4" fixed. It seems that you guys have got me wanting one of each...lol :)
 
Patriot222 said:
At this point I think I'm going to purchase an RC-3 and then purchase either a Bravo1 or S1. The reason is that I could use both a 3" and 4" fixed. It seems that you guys have got me wanting one of each...lol :)
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Buying both because you want them is understandable:) but I dont think you will find much more versatility by including both a 3" and 4" blade.

And I agree about the F1 with micarta scales being overpriced which is unfortunate. And seeing that some people seem to take pictures of their knives more than they use them, I can see why the standard thermorun handles are an issue.

However, in my opinion, none of my knives are as sharp as my F1 including my RAT and Bark River.
 
TWBryan said:
Patriot222,be advised the S1 is a 5" blade,the F1 is close to 4".
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I'm glad that you mentioned that. I've been saying, S1 and meaning F1..:o

Thanks Bryan.




Gravydan Good point about the blade length. 1" wouldn't make much difference at all. I was just thinking about if one knife was between 4-5" inches and the other 3" or 3 1/4" with a correspondingly slightly shorter handle it make for a little less overall length. I was thinking I'd carry the shorter one on the job and carry the larger one in the field.

It's nice to hear that you're so happy about the cutting performance of the F1. Thanks for the comments and insight :)
 
feldgrun said:
How can I handle one or both of these knives before purchasing? Are either of these brands widely carried by knife shops?

Feldgrun
N. Virginia
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Wow, blast from the past.

No, as far as I know, these brands aren't carried widely. Actually, IIRC, New Graham Knives is in Virginia. I know they carry ESEE and Fallkniven, but last time I looked, they didn't sell BRKT. I'd think your best bet for all three would be Blade Show.

I try to get together with other local knife nuts. Usually, chances are high that at least one of the local guys already has the knife I'm looking for (assuming it's something as high profiled as these three companies). It's a great way to see what else is out there as well. I've been exposed to a good deal of productions and work by custom makers that way.
 
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