I HATE to ask, but I need valuable input.

M

mbrooks8570

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Sep 9, 2013
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I mainly lurk, and don't really like to post but I'm having issues deciding on a new knife.

I am currently looking for a new belt knife, for hunting, camping, and general outdoors bumming around, and possibly some bushcrafting. Basically anything from skinning a rabbit, to processing small wood and prepping camp meals. In my search I've found a few that I really liked, but without a decent knife shop around me, I can't really get a hands on with any of them.

This is where I need opinions from you all. The knives in question are:

Bark River Bravo 1 3v
Bark River Aurora 3v
BHK Woodsman Pro O1
Survive! GSO 4.1 3v (IF I can find one)

Any and all feedback is welcome and very much appreciated, as well as ideas for other blades. Thanks!
 
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Any of those you listed would serve you well. You might also consider one of the Scrapyardknives that are listed for sale right now. They have blades listed from 3-7 inches that would be great all purpose knives. I am going to pick up a Mud Mut to play with.
 
BHK has a Brumby Lite that would suit your needs better than the ones listed. Take a look at a Canadian belt knife, no more than 1/8" thick, with a full flat grind.
 
I have been a volunteer for search and rescue for 3 years, avid backpacker, currently working as a trail builder with the washington conservation corps. I use a Survive knives gso 6, or 10 (depending on the project/search) for trail building (cutting brush, making big stakes for log installations on trails, cutting roots out of tread, etc.), fire building after work and during searches, food prep...pretty much anything you could use a fixed blade for in the woods. They are fantastic knives. Comfortable in hand, good weight, great blade shape for wilderness tasks or for cooking. My good friend and fellow knife nut/trail builder owns a 4.1. I love it and so does he.
 
The Bark River Aurora would be my choice on the list you gave. It is darn near perfect.
BHK woodsman is also awesome and would be 2nd choice.
3rd choice would be Bravo 1, but it is a wee thick. Bravo 1 LT is thinner and more useful in my hands.
I have no experience with the other knife.
 
The ones you listed are all excellent choices. I prefer my Bravo-1's for a "one-knife" option in the woods (of course, I NEVER have only one knife - it's usually 3 or 4 - LOL!). The A-2 tool steel holds up great, and the knife performs a variety of smaller and larger tasks equally well:





Btw, I used to carry an RC/ESEE 4, but I had issues with hot spots - the comfort of the handles on the Bravo-1 is what really sold me. If possible, it's invaluable to be able to hold a particular model in hand before making a purchase decision.
 
I don't have much experience with the knives you listed, but Bark River and Survive! have great reputations. Other knives that come to mind are the Fallkniven F1, Becker BK16, Swamp Rat Rodent Solution or Ratmandu, and Becker BK10. I think that more than anything, it will come down to personal preference and what feels "right" in your hand. Lots of people rave about the ESEE 4, and as well-made as it is, it's just not for me--it just doesn't sit comfortably in my hand.
 
not sexy at all but i've done just about everything on that list wiyh a carbonsteel mora knife for years..In there are others out there.. but I found what works for me...Here's some pics to liven this thread up a little













 
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You have some skills there, brother - and skills are just as important as the tools we carry, maybe more important!
 
I was going to say mora, but Riley beat me to it. They're not cool looking but they work great and are very inexpensive.
 
There have been some great suggestions on here, including some you probably hadn't considered.

I'll muddy the water a little more for ya. Take a look at NWA knives...he's a little hard to track down, but he can put together an heirloom quality knife for ya, built to your spec's for a lot less than you probably think. His 'Sierra Scout' models are highly thought of.

You might also take a look at Bob Dozier knives...he has several multi-functional blades, mostly from D2 that are also top notch blades. His KS-7 Wilderness knife is a great compact all-arounder.

BOSS
 
Boss1,

Thanks for the great photos! That NWA is an awesome looking knife and a good candidate for being the "one" if someone wants to pursue that futile mental exercise. Most people on this forum are not going to be satisfied having just one knife.

Phil

Phil

BOSS1 said:
There have been some great suggestions on here, including some you probably hadn't considered.

I'll muddy the water a little more for ya. Take a look at NWA knives...he's a little hard to track down, but he can put together an heirloom quality knife for ya, built to your spec's for a lot less than you probably think. His 'Sierra Scout' models are highly thought of.

You might also take a look at Bob Dozier knives...he has several multi-functional blades, mostly from D2 that are also top notch blades. His KS-7 Wilderness knife is a great compact all-arounder.

BOSS
Click to expand...
 
Link2Derek, Thank you much, I was admiring your lashing work as well what'd make there an elevated platform?
 
Out of your choices.... I'd choose one that came close. I'd go with the Bark River Canadian Special in 3V. Truly my most versatile knife.
 
I am very impressed with the Becker BK 16
It is an excellent all round knife at an excellent price of less than $70
I would strip off the black coating
And buy a $20 leather sheath from Knivesshipforfree
 
At this point in my obsession, I would have to say that my Bravo 1's are my favorite all around woods knives. Laser sharp, bulletproof tough, small enough to be handy, stout enough to survive a zombie apocalypse . I prefer A-2 over 3V because the 3V is a major PITA to sharpen. The A-2 touches up to a perfect edge with just a few strops. An Aurora in A-2 would be a close second choice.

However, I also just picked up a TOPS Dragonfly and I am really loving it too. It is a great slicer and is tough enough to hold up during most any reasonable use. I really dig the handle, too.
 
The Bravo-1 is my go-to knife as well. I've used (and abused) the A-2 version for 4 years and I love the ergonomics and weight. 6 months ago I wanted to try the 3V steel; sold the A2 and bought a nice 3V here on the BF exchange. I sharpen with a neoprene pad and sandpaper; I'm not a sharpening wizard by any means but I get a decent edge on the 3V steel after 30 to 45 minutes of sharpening.

I must agree with Brommeland that A2 does touch up easier.

I also have a Aurora in A2 but I prefer the Bravo. The Bravo feels more robust in my hand. It will carve you a spatula but you'll have a hard time carving a kuksa or smooth spoon ;)

You can't go wrong with a A2 or 3V Bravo. Good luck choosing your next knife.
 
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