Large (7+") Camping Knife - Bravo 2? BK7? OR..?

LightGuy

LightGuy

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I am looking to "complete" my small but useful collection of camping, hiking, and general survival knifes. I have most of this ground very well covered now (thanks to your help), but I am lacking a larger blade - in the 7+ inch category. I really don't want to spend over $200 since there are some great choices well within this price range. I'm not looking for a "collector's" knife.

This knife will be a general purpose large camping knife, and will be used for some chopping, battoning for firewood, de-limbing large branches, building shelter, etc..

I have almost settled on getting a Bark River Bravo 2. Here are my reasons:
  • Premium A2 carbon steel
  • Convex Grind
  • From what I've read, it is light in hand and doesn't feel like you're carrying a crowbar around
  • Comfort - I have a Bravo 1 and and custom F1 with BRKT grips - the ergonomics of BRKT are pretty much unbeaten from what I have experienced
  • Warranty - simple and full lifetime with little to no hassle is something I really appreciate - adds a lot of value to the knife IMO

But - I've also been considering a BK7. Seems to be built like a tank, and is probably more suited to more heavier duty chopping than the Bravo 2. So many rave about the BK7, I can't help but consider it to fill this void.

The ESEEs also seem very nice, but from everything I've read and seen I would probably go with the BK7 over an ESEE in the same size class.

Anything else I should consider before pulling the trigger?

Your recommendations are very much appreciated!
 
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I have a Bravo-1 as well and love it, however, after handling the Bravo-2 didn't really like it. It was as you mentioned light in hand, but for me too light in the blade vs heavier handle, more of a fighter like a Kabar feel (so if you have/have handled a Kabar 7incher and like the feel/balance I would go with the B2). I've also handled the BK-7 and it felt much more balanced for general camp chores and it has pretty much the same warranty as the BRKT. Although I would definitely upgrade and get the micarta handles, didn't like the plastic-like black ones. Although I'd probably go for the RC-6 over both of these, but its not in the 7+" range that you're seeking. Just my 2 cents, but I'd definitely try to handle one first before buying if possible.
 
I'd take the KA-Bar USMC Fighting Knife / survival knife for $50 and not look back except to buy something else with the money you saved. :thumbup:
 
I have a Bravo 2 as one of my heavy duty camp knives.

No hesitation recommending it for all the reasons you listed yourself. :thumbup:

Kevin
 
+1 on the BK7 (or even the BK 5). You just can't go wrong with Becker/KaBars. Hell, for the price of the Bravo2, you could buy a couple of Beckers.
 
I personally have no experience with the BK7, so I won't speak to that...

What I will say is having handled the Bravo 2 (don't own one, but have handled it), it will not chop to save it's life, at least in comparison to a "beefier" knife. It WILL, however, baton like a dream. I don't know about your camping style, but I personally don't find myself chopping too much. If you do, I wouldn't get the B2.

I'd also like to add that I have a Bravo 1 and love it. I've had zero problems with it. Bark River has been getting trashed quite a bit lately (and even in the past) with people saying their knives aren't all that tough, aren't worth the money, etc. I respectfully disagree with that, being the owner/user of them. Just my humble opinion.

One more thing...you said you'd probably go with a BK7 over ESEE. I don't own any ESEE knives, but I used to. They're great, well-made knives ( I would GUESS better than Becker, although having never handled a Becker I wouldn't know). The only reason I don't own any now is I don't care for 1095 steel. If that doesn't bother you, there's no going wrong with an ESEE.

Good luck!
 
Get BKT5 - magnum camp.
It is about 8 inches long and LIGHT. And if you really want to carry it on your back and use it not only in "survival" situations you will bless every gram of weight cut.
 
Thanks for the input. Wow, not too much love for the Bravo 2 I guess..

The ESEE 6 that was suggested is I'm sure an excellent knife as it gets rave reviews, but I already have a very nice 6" blade in my Boss Jack. It was just a tad too short doing some of the batoning I wanted to do on my last camping trip. It got it done, but I thought that an extra inch on the blade would sure be useful. I want to go a little bigger without buying a true heavy chopper. I want something I can still carry on hikes, etc..
 
I have the Bravo II and love it. I disagree about it not being able to chop. For it's size, I think it is a great all-around knife. It is able to do fine cuts as well as chop decent. Here are a few pics of my walk in the woods with the Bravo II.



















 
Becker all the way!! Kabar too!

ESEE is overpriced in IMO. Fabulous product, don't get me wrong. Just too much $$ for plain 1095 steel. I have the same issue with TOPS knives. Lots of stuff I love, but I can get two Becker/Kabar knives for the same money and have a product just as good or better.

I've looked at Bark River's site. I love the steels they use, but the knives themselves just don't do much for me.
 
I'm going to suggest the OKC Ranger brand. Specifically the RD-7. These are constructed from tough 5160 carbon steel, are 1/4" thick, the RD-7 is 7.5" in length, nice micarta handles, though sorta square and you may want to take a couple minutes to sand the edges round, and all for less than $100. I have the RD-4 and love it!:thumbup::)

They come in Black, Orange, and Tan micarta;

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I love the BK-7, but I like the BK-9 even better. The extra weight up front makes chopping easier. That said, I usually carry a hatchet if I'm thinking of cutting a lot of wood.
 
I'd vote for the Becker. BK-7 would be great or maybe a nice BK-9 instead - excellent value and they will fill that hole in your collection and in your heart. :D


---

Beckerhead #42
 
Since you already have a Boss Jack why don't you get the longer SFNO? I love that knife.
I am not going to say anything about Bark River because it Wont be positive.
Whoever said ESSE is over priced needs their head examined.
 
Get an Esee Junglas and solve all your big knife problems at a reasonable cost with an unmatched warranty. AND a killer kydex sheath with multiple attachment points and fantastic security retention I might add.:)
 
If you like the Boss Jack but need more length grab one of the Desert Storm Fighters (Terror Monkey, Stealth, etc).

8" blade, .22" thick, 14.5oz.

Nothing can touch it.

-Stan
 
BBQ BOY said:
Since you already have a Boss Jack why don't you get the longer SFNO? I love that knife.
I am not going to say anything about Bark River because it Wont be positive.
Whoever said ESSE is over priced needs their head examined.
Click to expand...

Yeah, wouldn't be the first time I heard that.

ESEE 6 is $130 plus shipping from Knifecenter.

Cost breakdown for me to make a similar knife:

1095 bar stock--$10
Heat treat--$10
Micarta slab for scales--$10
Screws for handle--$5

So far I have $35 invested. If I grind it, then that part is free, just a little bit of time. If I have it done professionally, $35.

So we'll figure I have it ground by a pro, so we'll have $70 in it so far.

I can make a kydex sheath for less than $10. I'm not going to invest any money in a coating, as many people strip them anyway.

Yeah, yeah, I'll have some time of my own invested in it, but it takes a couple of days for shipping when you buy a knife, and I'll only have a few hours invested, so it more than evens out.

So I can make a similar knife for less than $80 for the total package. If I grind it myself, I can get it finished for $45.

OR....

I can buy a Becker/Kabar product for the same $80, with a bit better steel (1095 CroVan compared to plain 1095) and have a ROCK SOLID lifetime guarantee that's every bit as good as the one from ESEE.

Then I'll take that $50 I saved and buy another knife or some other toy that I desire. :D

Like I said, nothing against ESEE. They have a fine product. I like getting the best mileage out of my dollar that I can. Why pay $130 for a product when I can get a similar or better one for $80?

Your mileage may vary. :thumbup:
 
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