New outdoor knife.

C

Cr4ze_w0lfe

Joined
Jun 6, 2013
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Hey everyone, I have been looking for a new outdoor knife. I have a kabar bk-2 for heavy chopping, batoning, and other tough tasks. Since its so thick and itsnt always razor sharp, small tasks are difficult. So I have narrowed it down to two knives that are similar, the fällkniven s1 or the bark river bravo 1. I've heard good things from both but haven't owned either brands. If somebody could tell me which you think would preform better, or if you any other suggestions let me know. Any help will be appreciated, thank you.
 
Just a thought, you would probably be better off posting this in the General Discussion area. Although fine knives (especially the Bravo 1!) neither of the specific knives you are asking about would fit the strict traditional fixed blade knife description.

The Fallkniven has santoprene handles cast onto a finished blade and has no rivets or pins. Just a lanyard hole. The B1 might fall in line, but it usually has pinned micarta handles (although other materials are available), but the blade shape with it large thumb ramp
might kick it out.

Robert
 
Neither knife you have proposed is anywhere near a "small task" knife. I'd say get a Vic Farmer or AG Russell Bird and Trout. Or a Fallkniven WM1.
 
I love the F1 blade but hate the handle. I love the Bravo's handle but not the blade.

Lucky for me there's a company that puts Bark River handles on Fallkniven blade blanks. :)

Failing that, look at an ESEE 3 or 4, or something even smaller such as an ESEE Izula or Becker BK11 or 14.
 
ozgooner said:
Failing that, look at an ESEE 3 or 4, or something even smaller such as an ESEE Izula or Becker BK11 or 14.
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But check to make sure the handle is comfortable for you BEFORE you buy one. Otherwise, I'd suggest you check out the Swamp Rat Rodent Solution as a companion to your Campanion:

rodent_solution.jpg


You can find it here:

http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/company.html

Take my word for it. . . it's really hard to argue with Jerry Busse's SR101 (52100).
 
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marcinek said:
Neither knife you have proposed is anywhere near a "small task" knife.
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Yet they perform "small tasks" wonderfully. I own both and have used them both extensively and I've yet to encounter a "small task" that they weren't equal to. The great thing about the Bravo and the S1 is that they can handle almost any task, big or small(any significant chopping is out, of course) I will, however, admit that the definition of "small task" will vary from person to person. I think the OP is looking for a general use knife that is good at many things, and in that regard his choices are excellent.

OP, I'd say you cant go wrong with either knife. One more knife in that general size you might want to consider is the Swamp Rat Ratmandu, great blade.
 
PharaohX3 said:
One more knife in that general size you might want to consider is the Swamp Rat Ratmandu, great blade.
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Thanks, Pharaoh. I had actually considered recommending that. The RMD is my favorite utility fixed-blade knife on Planet Earth. But I thought it might be a bit big to accompany a BK2. That's why I recommended the Rodent Solution instead.

In terms of strength, toughness, edge-taking and edge-holding, SR101 is one of the few alloys that excels across the entire spectrum of outdoor knives from the smallest to the largest. Its ONLY weakness is corrosion resistance. But that can be overcome with proper maintenance. Or you could just take Jeff Randall's word for it that blade corrosion is really no big deal. 95% of the world's population cuts with corroded blades. ;)
 
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bld522 said:
Thanks, Pharaoh. I had actually thought of that. The RMD is my favorite utility fixed-blade knife on Planet Earth. But I thought it might be a bit big to accompany a BK2. That's why I recommended the Rodent Solution instead.
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Yeah you're right, it's big to take along with the a BK2, as are both of the OP's other choices. I think once the OP gets his hands on the Bravo, the S1 or the RMD he will probably ditch the BK2.

The BK2 is a pretty cool knife and comes at a great price but I've never really understood what all the fuss was about. It's too burly to be efficient for regular knife tasks like cutting and carving (but yes it can be done) and too short for good chopping(a $20 machete will out-chop it all day) As a one-knife-option it's pretty good on a budget, but I'm a "big knife/small knife + multi-tool guy" so I've never really enjoyed using it. I dont want to knock the BK2, it's just not for me. I think, in the end, the OP wants to step up his game in the knife department and his choices are good ones.

And, yes, you're right the RS frickin rocks. It's tough to go wrong with anything from Swamp Rat.
 
bld522 said:
But check to make sure the handle is comfortable for you BEFORE you buy one. Otherwise, I'd suggest you check out the Swamp Rat Rodent Solution as a companion to your Campanion:

rodent_solution.jpg


You can find it here:

http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/company.html

Take my word for it. . . it's really hard to argue with Jerry Busse's SR101 (52100).
Click to expand...

I love the look of these, I was going to get one a while ago but didn't. Are they good and worth the money?
 
marcinek said:
Neither knife you have proposed is anywhere near a "small task" knife. I'd say get a Vic Farmer or AG Russell Bird and Trout. Or a Fallkniven WM1.
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Ya bad choice of words, which steel do you prefer the bravo 1 I believe uses a3, and the s1 uses laminated vg10. I guess I should have said a overall outdoors knife.
 
PharaohX3 said:
Yet they perform "small tasks" wonderfully. I own both and have used them both extensively and I've yet to encounter a "small task" that they weren't equal to. The great thing about the Bravo and the S1 is that they can handle almost any task, big or small(any significant chopping is out, of course) I will, however, admit that the definition of "small task" will vary from person to person. I think the OP is looking for a general use knife that is good at many things, and in that regard his choices are excellent.

OP, I'd say you cant go wrong with either knife. One more knife in that general size you might want to consider is the Swamp Rat Ratmandu, great blade.
Click to expand...

Ya when I say small tasks I mean like carving and stuff. And I was going to get either a swamp rat knife or a scrapyard knife a while ago but got neither (idk why) but they seem pretty similar. Which do you prefer or like better. I've heard good things about both.
 
Same steel (SR101) and same heat-treat. Just depends on which handle material you like better.
 
I had both. I sold the Bravo and gave the S1 to my nephew. That was years ago. Whenever we hike together I ask to see it, and it's in really good shape despite everything he does to it (building snowshoes, making fire, dressing game, etc). The handle is a bit short for most people, so I'd suggest you consider an alternative if you have hands larger than about 4" across your palm.

I had my doubts about the VG-10 steel used for the S1 (the center steel in the laminate, used for the cutting edge) but it holds up well despite being used for heavy work and going for months without cleaning or sharpening. You will definitely want an aftermarket sheath for it, but other than that it's a pretty good deal. For me personally, I'd go with the F1 since I'm more of a 4" blade guy, but I've been around the S1 for long enough to know that it is a no-nonsense do-all outdoors knife that doesn't cost a ton and will probably outlive you.
 
There are so many different Bark Rivers (BR) that it is hard to choose. I was enamored with the Bravo-1 and Northstar a couple years ago. The fact is that I really like big knives, but I find them impractical. I got the Fallkniven F1 as a "everyday forest knife". Mine has Fallkniven ivory micarta handles ($$) and it's just too pretty to use. :D The BR Trailmate has my attention of late, but I haven't purchased one yet. As time passes, I am leaning more toward finese type fixed blades which tend to be smaller and lighter for a general purpose fixed blade (but with a good hand filling handle).

The quest for a practical woods knife doesn't seem to end for me.

You have the BK-2 already and I feel it is just too chunky to carry around unless you are headed for the wilds and this knife is the only one you have along except perhaps a SAK. The BK-16 is a logical choice as well for a everyday woods knife. If you are planning on carrying both, I would go with a smaller blade than the S1.

I think the Fallkniven S1 (Forest knife) will do, but I think you'd be happer with the F1 in the long run.
 
I just got a blind horse western drover and well it's probably the most comfortable knife I've owned, fit and finish is spot on, the sheath that comes with it is impeccable as well. It's also very reasonably priced.
 
Sig_Op said:
I just got a blind horse western drover and well it's probably the most comfortable knife I've owned, fit and finish is spot on, the sheath that comes with it is impeccable as well. It's also very reasonably priced.
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Ya, I saw some I liked, and not bad prices at all with really great materials and craftsmanship.
 
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