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

cramsey3006 said:
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:
Click to expand...
That is one way to look at it and yes if you want to do it yourself you can save $35. To me it's not worth it. Especially since you are getting a lifetime warranty and reputation. 1095 steel is amazing when the heat treatment is done right an ESEE does it right. For me my time is more valuable and I trust other who do that sort of thing for a living.
You it may be $35 more but you do realize it's a business and you have to be able to turn a profit.
Becker is great but for me ESSE is a better fit and I believe they are a better fit for most.
I have fixed blades in the hundreds and my ESSE's keep up with them all day long with and that's with ESEE's inferior steels.
 
LightGuy said:
... I am lacking a larger blade - in the 7+ inch category.
... I really don't want to spend over $200
... This knife will be a general purpose large camping knife
Click to expand...


Fallkniven A2

Specifications
  • Total Length: 12.8"
  • Blade Length: 7.8"
  • Blade Thickness: 0.24
  • Weight: 13 oz
  • Laminated Steel: VG10
  • Hardness: 59HRC
  • Handle: Kraton
  • Sheath: Black Leather


http://www.fallkniven.se/a1f1/a2_en.html


Fallkniven Destruction Test
noss4 | August 31, 2007 | knifetests.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNNuVXRcl6w&feature=related
 
hiwa said:
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.:)
Click to expand...

+1 :thumbup: I paid $152 shipped for mine and the sheath alone could sell seperately for that price. It chopped circles around my Busse BWM - both 10" blades. Rowen heat treat of 1095 is unparalled and the no questions asked transferable replacement warranty, make it an irresistable value! :D
 
J.Davey said:
+1 on the BK7 (or even the BK 5). You just can't go wrong with Becker/KaBars.
Click to expand...

My Becker knife is my least expensive knife, but

when I need some serious work done, I can hear it say to me:

"Hit me again, big boy. Is that all you got?"
 
cziv said:
+1 :thumbup: I paid $152 shipped for mine and the sheath alone could sell seperately for that price. It chopped circles around my Busse BWM - both 10" blades. Rowen heat treat of 1095 is unparalled and the no questions asked transferable replacement warranty, make it an irresistable value! :D
Click to expand...

I agree 100% with all that was said. I don't own one but have used one and hope to get one soon. Right after I get my 12" chopper/machete from Fiddleback Forge
 
johnwaynesandw said:
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.

Click to expand...

Man - you are killing me with those pics...now I want one of these more than ever...the Bravo II's don't seem to get a big following, but maybe they're just under-rated or just not for everyone.. I may just have to pick one up and try for myself...
 
Junglas chops trees and clears out a ton of small saplings in about 10 minutes tops - honest! :thumbup:

868772296_xJr3F-L.jpg


868772461_3VeAr-L.jpg


953566715_CHYTZ-L.jpg
 
BRKT has been getting heat lately from those that believe in knifetest. 6 months ago the replies in this thread would have been much different but because of TGHM you get what you get.

The B2 is a great knife and my brother has put his to good use in the past 2 years. Its probably the closest you can get to a small katana as far as the grind goes so if you plan to cut rocks its probably not the best choice.

As for your needs though it will excell at every task and amaze you with its tremendous cutting ability. Buy the B2 and find out the truth for yourself.
 
If you like the Bravo-1 you'll like the Bravo-2. :thumbup: :cool: :thumbup:


br2034sc0.jpg



br2031di4.jpg



Though not designed to be a dedicated chopper, it is a great all arounder. :D






Big Mike
 
So I haven't yet pulled the trigger, but I was very close to going ahead and ordering the Bravo 2. However, I was looking at some threads and saw the Big Sky Camp Bowie which stopped me in my tracks.

It meets all the criteria I'm looking for in a multi-purpose 7" camp knife, with the added bonus that every review I've read says it is decent at chopping when needed.

They are no longer readily available, but I was able to find a couple of them out there with micarta handles for not too much money.

Any thoughts on this knife?
 
If you like the 7" range, I say the Scrap Yard SOD...my fav in this range is the Camp Tramp, but they are few and far between in that price range- the SOD is the Yard's version and will chop great and in comfort.
 
cziv said:
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:
Click to expand...

:thumbup:+1 Deffinately. My Ka-Bar has taken one hell of a beating over the last couple years and never stops going. The low saber grind makes it great at batonning through wood and its hefty enough to where it will chop great as well without a ton of arm and hand fatigue that a larger knife would cause.
 
Thread resurrection!

If you want a bravo 2 and are worried about chopping, you could always just change your technique and baton through the wood (sideways) rather than chop. It's more accurate, you won't damage your edge by a stray chopping blow that hits rocks, the ground, or not striking straight which can roll an edge.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top