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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
New BRKT Bravo 1 LT
- Thread starter bedgoo
- Start date
chiral.grolim
Universal Kydex Sheath Extension
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I don't know what Bravo-1 you've been using, but that's not how the Bark River Bravo Series are shaped....
...I don't know where you get your brooms, but most brooms I use have round handles.
Watch the video embedded above on handle-design, you can also read the review I made a while back: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...comparison-to-BRKT-Bravo-1-amp-Swamp-Rat-HRLM
The B1 handle has some swells (which are nice :thumbup
but is almost as round as a broomstick (bad :thumbdn.Mikael, here's the review where i talk about those smaller knives: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...r-knives-and-a-TIMOS-handmade-knife-(feature)
I also like a hand-filling shape on knives designed for this type of use, which is why i prefer the HRLM and RMD and even the Mora companion to the B1 - much better shape with curvature to the spine and a better height:width ratio for control & indexing... and also much less slick
But handle-superiority is NOT just a subjective opinion, the reason I prefer them is based in human anatomy and physics, principles which apply to a majority of humans
Clothing is "tailored" to a specific body-type for best fit, and yet there are universal shapes and sizes, same as for shoes. If one suggests that the B1 handle requires a peculiar size/shape of hand to be superior to these others, that is quite a strange assertion. But that handle is not shaped like a human hand, a human hand of any size. I am not saying that it is the most uncomfortable design, only that it is inferior.Here is a quick demonstration of superior contours comparing the RMD to the GSO-5.1 (again, similar to Bravo 1 handle shape): http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...anDu-Cattaraugus-225Q?p=12590995#post12590995
For the sake of discussion prior to making the review and video, I handed the Bravo1, HRLM, & GSO-4.1 and others to numerous friends of mine to experience. Among a dozen people, there was no debate over comfort, retention, and handling. Hands varied greatly, women and men included. Feedback on the Bravo1 was indeed positive... but not in relation to a handle like that of the HRLM, and everyone despised the "not-a-thumb-ramp". Why would there be agreement with such variety? Because there really isn't that much variety in the shape of the human hand.
**Many give positive feedback without a proper comparison. If your hand lacks a 'pocket' so as to properly fit the B1 handle, that is an interesting hand indeed! If you think a handle which forces your hand to conform to it rather than the other way around is less fatiguing, or if you think circles rotate less easily than ovals or rectangles, or that a smooth surface grips the hand better, or a spike feels good in the hand...
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Mikael, here's the review where i talk about those smaller knives: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...r-knives-and-a-TIMOS-handmade-knife-(feature)
I also like a hand-filling shape on knives designed for this type of use, which is why i prefer the HRLM and RMD and even the Mora companion to the B1 - much better shape with curvature to the spine and a better height:width ratio for control & indexing... and also much less slick
But handle-superiority is NOT just a subjective opinion, the reason I prefer them is based in human anatomy and physics, principles which apply to a majority of humans
Here is a quick demonstration of superior contours comparing the RMD to the GSO-5.1 (again, similar to Bravo 1 handle shape): http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...anDu-Cattaraugus-225Q?p=12590995#post12590995
For the sake of discussion prior to making the review and video, I handed the Bravo1, HRLM, & GSO-4.1 and others to numerous friends of mine to experience. Among a dozen people, there was no debate over comfort, retention, and handling. Hands varied greatly, women and men included. Feedback on the Bravo1 was indeed positive... but not in relation to a handle like that of the HRLM, and everyone despised the "not-a-thumb-ramp". Why would there be agreement with such variety? Because there really isn't that much variety in the shape of the human hand.
"Mikael, here's the review where i talk about those smaller knives: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/sh...-%28feature%29"
-chiral.grolim, I read the review and I have watched the video in the past.
You do put a lot of effort in evaluating various knifehandles!
I agree with some of Your thougts, disagree with a few and others I can't have an opinion about, without using the knives myself.
"I also like a hand-filling shape on knives designed for this type of use, which is why i prefer the HRLM and RMD and even the Mora companion to the B1 - much better shape with curvature to the spine and a better height:width ratio for control & indexing... and also much less slick
"-The more force You have to apply when working, the more the handle has to fill the hand!
I agree about that!
I have the Mora Companion style in my inventory and it works for light to medium work.
For heavy duty, the larger Mora Robust handle, allows more force to travel into the cut.(My Robust is also reprofiled into a convex scandigrind.)
-I can't say I ever had any problem with slick surfaces, if the handle has a shape that locks in the hand.
If the handle is both slick and doesn't lock in the hand, I modify the shape or make a completely new handle.
I like the creative process in making functional and goodlooking handles.
It's a fun part of my knife hobby.
"But handle-superiority is NOT just a subjective opinion, the reason I prefer them is based in human anatomy and physics, principles which apply to a majority of humans Clothing is "tailored" to a specific body-type for best fit, and yet there are universal shapes and sizes, same as for shoes. If one suggests that the B1 handle requires a peculiar size/shape of hand to be superior to these others, that is quite a strange assertion. But that handle is not shaped like a human hand, a human hand of any size. I am not saying that it is the most uncomfortable design, only that it is inferior."
-I'm not suggesting anything regarding the B1, but I have had two BR Blackwater Boot Knife II, with handmade scales.
The first was thin and oval and the second was thicker and oval.
The thicker one had perfect ergonomics, but the slim one was tiring to the hand in use.
I modified the thinner one by flattening the sides of the scales, making it slimmer but more square.
This did the trick and it now works very well in a compact and slim package.
I kept this slimmer BBK II and let the thicker one go to someone else.
"Here is a quick demonstration of superior contours comparing the RMD to the GSO-5.1 (again, similar to Bravo 1 handle shape): http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/sh...5#post12590995"
-I'm aware of, that you like the GSO's and suggest the brand every now and then.
I too do the same with my favorite brands!
"For the sake of discussion prior to making the review and video, I handed the Bravo1, HRLM, & GSO-4.1 and others to numerous friends of mine to experience. Among a dozen people, there was no debate over comfort, retention, and handling. Hands varied greatly, women and men included. Feedback on the Bravo1 was indeed positive... but not in relation to a handle like that of the HRLM, and everyone despised the "not-a-thumb-ramp". Why would there be agreement with such variety? Because there really isn't that much variety in the shape of the human hand."
- I would say the human hand do have some individual differrences!
Even Your own hand isn't the same all the time!
When You are at physical rest and pick-up a new knife, maybe in a knifestore, You instantly feel if it's good in the hand or not.
The very same knife can be a nightmare, when You start to use it and put pressure on it.
This is due to the handswelling, when adrenaline, sweat and the blood start to pump at a high working pulse.
This is when the handle shows, if it's good or bad for hard work!
-Take the cheap Mora Robust as an example.
I don't like that handle at all, when working in a relaxed mode, but it shines when the workpulse goes high and more force is needed.
It give "response", when I increase the force.
That also means that reviews, not adressing the handswelling, doesn't tell me much of the handle ergonomics in heavy-duty work!
Regards
Mikael
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Zuchus
Gold Member
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I just picked up one, in cocobolo, and I love the way it feels in the hand. As far as blade thickness, it is perfect - I wouldn't want it any thicker - 5/32 is really the sweet spot for me. As you can see from the photos, the handle is hardly a "broom handle". Weighs 6.2 oz on my scale, which is also right in my sweet spot. Just the right amount of heft in the hand.
As an aside, I really like what the online retailers are doing with the the wood-scaled knives. Showing each individual one as a separate product so you can pick out the one with the grain pattern you like the most.
As an aside, I really like what the online retailers are doing with the the wood-scaled knives. Showing each individual one as a separate product so you can pick out the one with the grain pattern you like the most.
chiral.grolim
Universal Kydex Sheath Extension
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I review the GSO's because I caught the pre-orders early enough and the company was then and remains small and relatively new with an owner who seemed to be trying his best (demonstrated by sacrifice) to produce what he thought was a great product at an excellent price. There wasn't much in the way of reviews of those knives at the time, so I took the initiative and made my first videos and reviews, trying to be detailed and also critical, offering what i think are decent comparisons to similar knives, noting the pros/cons of each. In reviewing the HRLM, Bravo1, & GSO-4.1, you'll note that i criticize BOTH the Bravo 1 and the GSO-4.1 handles - the former is too slick, the latter is too short, and both are too straight. The GSO-4.1 has as many handle issues as the Bravo 1, just different ones that are easily fixed DIY. Also i note that the Bravo 1 edge-geometry out-cuts the other two by a wide margin in soft materials and shallow penetration. :thumbup:
A couple reasons folk might offer the GSO over the BRKT include the handle-surface concern, the BRKT's unnecessary and occasionally detrimental thickness (solved by the LT), preference for drop-point and no spine spike (solved by field-models of the B1), preference for a high-quality kydex sheath, reputation of the owners, reports of failures, and finally price-point.
I'll be honest, I wish I had owned a LT Bravo 1 with rougher scales to compare to the GSO-4.1, they seem VERY similar to me in design. The one above looks very nice :thumbup:
chiral.grolim
Universal Kydex Sheath Extension
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We're on the same page :thumbup:
I've never owned the BW-BKII (starting to get like Busse with these names), but I can comment on a few things just from an image like this one: (result of a google search)
1) Curved spine and rounded pommel (may need to knock of the corners a bit) to fit the pocket of the hand and hypothenar muscles
2) Palm-swell to fill the hand in hard use
3) Narrow-neck with good height:width ration for indexing/control
4) Surface should provide decent retention.
Again, never owned one or held one, but like what I see there as it corresponds well to anatomy and physics in terms of comfort with application of force and control :thumbup: There are a lot of good BRKTs I'll prolly miss out on because of my impressions of the owner and failure reports. Then again, my wife would prefer I hold off on buying knives as often as I do as it is!
chiral.grolim, I never thought I'd see the day when you used one of MY knives to prove YOUR point. Though I suspect you had no knowledge of that fact.
BRK&T Blackwater Bootknife II
We're on the same page :thumbup:
I've never owned the BW-BKII (starting to get like Busse with these names), but I can comment on a few things just from an image like this one: (result of a google search)
1) Curved spine and rounded pommel (may need to knock of the corners a bit) to fit the pocket of the hand and hypothenar muscles
2) Palm-swell to fill the hand in hard use
3) Narrow-neck with good height:width ration for indexing/control
4) Surface should provide decent retention.
Again, never owned one or held one, but like what I see there as it corresponds well to anatomy and physics in terms of comfort with application of force and control :thumbup: There are a lot of good BRKTs I'll prolly miss out on because of my impressions of the owner and failure reports. Then again, my wife would prefer I hold off on buying knives as often as I do as it is!
It's also amazing that I agree with YOUR comments.
Who would have guessed?
Big Mike
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2007
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We're on the same page :thumbup:
I've never owned the BW-BKII (starting to get like Busse with these names), but I can comment on a few things just from an image like this one: (result of a google search)
1) Curved spine and rounded pommel (may need to knock of the corners a bit) to fit the pocket of the hand and hypothenar muscles
2) Palm-swell to fill the hand in hard use
3) Narrow-neck with good height:width ration for indexing/control
4) Surface should provide decent retention.
Again, never owned one or held one, but like what I see there as it corresponds well to anatomy and physics in terms of comfort with application of force and control :thumbup: There are a lot of good BRKTs I'll prolly miss out on because of my impressions of the owner and failure reports. Then again, my wife would prefer I hold off on buying knives as often as I do as it is!
"We're on the same page:thumbup:"
-Yes and I believe the BBK II handle shares some quality's, with one of Your knives.
That Stag BBK II must be the one owned by Big Mike.
Here's mine in Amboynia wood, before I flattened the scales:
-I'm a user and I don't hesitate to modify my tools, if I think the performance can be increased.
Here it is with the scales flattened and with more rounded pommel:
-It can now be used very hard, without handfatigue.
The tang is tapered and the balance is right on the indexfinger.
It was an experiment that turned out well.
I've tried it on another knife and it didn't work, so I made a completely new and more conventional handle.
"1) Curved spine and rounded pommel (may need to knock of the corners a bit) to fit the pocket of the hand and hypothenar muscles
2) Palm-swell to fill the hand in hard use
3) Narrow-neck with good height:width ration for indexing/control
4) Surface should provide decent retention."
-I have several users, that fill these criterias and I agree about this.
"Again, never owned one or held one, but like what I see there as it corresponds well to anatomy and physics in terms of comfort with application of force and control:thumbup: There are a lot of good BRKTs I'll prolly miss out on because of my impressions of the owner and failure reports. Then again, my wife would prefer I hold off on buying knives as often as I do as it is!
"- We sure have differrent opinions on Mike Stewart and he has always been very helpful in all my contacts with him.
Let's just agree to disagree on this subject, as I know where You stand.
I think Your wife and my wife both share the same opinion, regarding their husbands buying lists.
Regards
Mikael
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chiral.grolim
Universal Kydex Sheath Extension
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Though I suspect you had no knowledge of that fact.
...
It's also amazing that I agree with YOUR comments.
Who would have guessed?
I was indeed aware of it. Didn't mean to shock, glad to not offend, and more glad that the comments resonated. :thumbup:
Here's mine in Amboynia wood, before I flattened the scales:
-I'm a user and I don't hesitate to modify my tools, if I think the performance can be increased.
Here it is with the scales flattened and with more rounded pommel:
-It can now be used very hard, without handfatigue.
The tang is tapered and the balance is right on the indexfinger.
It was an experiment that turned out well.
I've tried it on another knife and it didn't work, so I made a completely new and more conventional handle.
...
I think Your wife and my wife both share the same opinion, regarding their husbands buying lists.
:thumbup:
Very nice knife! Gotta respect the courage to modify such a pretty thing.