Not excited about my Fallkniven F1 purchase

Well, you're just going to have to get both.:D

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Personally i like the fact that Fallkniven's are a Swedish knife. I would choose it over the American made Bark Rivers, and i did. That being said, I have an RC3 which is a great knife. I am South African so I don't share the need to buy only American made products. Im sure the Barkies are good knives, but i like the VG10 in the F1 and the barkies get expensive fast.
 
rc3mil said:
Personally i like the fact that Fallkniven's are a Swedish knife. I would choose it over the American made Bark Rivers, and i did. That being said, I have an RC3 which is a great knife. I am South African so I don't share the need to buy only American made products. Im sure the Barkies are good knives, but i like the VG10 in the F1 and the barkies get expensive fast.
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Just to clarify, Fallkniven products are made in Japan, not Sweden.
 
freq18hz said:
Dealers can order the Bravo-1 without a thumb ramp?

Also the northstar is out of the running, because I think I would hate the lanyard loop. I really wish they made a Bravo 1 without the ramp or a northstar/fox river without the lanyard loop.

-Freq
Click to expand...

If you like the Bravo 1 with the ramp give it a try to see if it fits your style. If not, send it in to BRKT and they will remove the ramp for pretty cheap ($10 I think).
 
freq,

There is a really great thread on ramps at the link I posted above.

It is about Ramped or Rampless Gunny's. But lots of discussion on the Bravo 1 and 2 as well.

Pop over and read through the thread, it will be worth your time and effort.

Here is a post by Mike Stewart from that thread that pretty much tells all.

Quote:
Guess it's my turn.

The Ramp on the B-1 was not my idea.

It was the Force Recon Folks.

The size of the Ramp and it's placement were totally mine.

I know what they needed it for and what they didn't need it for and put it right where it needed to be for them to have a key place for bearing down on the most powerful place on that blade for notching or starting a cut.

Let me be perfectly clear on a point.

I never like a ramp to put my Thumb against on the handle side.

I also do not like jimping on a Spine.

I don't like or need either and find both to have more disadvantages than advantages.

Regardless - The B-1 had to have it.

The B-2 needed it too because it was for the same folks.(Remember - Same overall size as a USMC Utility/Fighter)

The Gunny was also for the same folks and needed to ramp for all the same reasons.(A more Compact Version of the Same Knife)

We as civilians that practice the skill of hunting or bushcraft probably don't need the ramp on any of these models.(Not that it hurts it have it there)

There is no way I am going to make them without the ramp.

As we have done for some - we are happy to remove it or let any of you remove it without effecting the Warranty.

That Small Ramp is only in the way if you think you need to lay your finger on the Spine or put your thumb behind it for something.

I don't know what that something is but if it bothers you - either take the ramp off or send it in and we will do it for you.

The B-1,B-2 and Gunny are Great sellers in our overall line.

I think that sometimes we all forget who they are actually for.

It ain't us.

One of the things that makes us kind of unique is that all of us are not afraid to personalize our Gear.

I not only don't mind it - I encourage it.

All of us work better with gear that we haev made our own.

I think that makes us special and is more of a unifying factor than a dividing factor for all of us.

We modify stuff for folks and many times I just don't understand why but we usually do it.

I think that the level of personal touch is not the norm in the world today but for us - it is the norm.

The last thing we need to do here is to argue about it.

Lets all agree that with or without the ramp - These are some pretty interesting knives and way more popular than any of us here ever thought they would be.

That is probably a Good Thing.
End Quote:

Kevin
 
Dag-nabit said:
freq,

There is a really great thread on ramps at the link I posted above.

It is about Ramped or Rampless Gunny's. But lots of discussion on the Bravo 1 and 2 as well.

Pop over and read through the thread, it will be worth your time and effort.

Here is a post by Mike Stewart from that thread that pretty much tells all.

Quote:
Guess it's my turn.

The Ramp on the B-1 was not my idea.

It was the Force Recon Folks.

The size of the Ramp and it's placement were totally mine.

I know what they needed it for and what they didn't need it for and put it right where it needed to be for them to have a key place for bearing down on the most powerful place on that blade for notching or starting a cut.

Let me be perfectly clear on a point.

I never like a ramp to put my Thumb against on the handle side.

I also do not like jimping on a Spine.

I don't like or need either and find both to have more disadvantages than advantages.

Regardless - The B-1 had to have it.

The B-2 needed it too because it was for the same folks.(Remember - Same overall size as a USMC Utility/Fighter)

The Gunny was also for the same folks and needed to ramp for all the same reasons.(A more Compact Version of the Same Knife)

We as civilians that practice the skill of hunting or bushcraft probably don't need the ramp on any of these models.(Not that it hurts it have it there)

There is no way I am going to make them without the ramp.

As we have done for some - we are happy to remove it or let any of you remove it without effecting the Warranty.

That Small Ramp is only in the way if you think you need to lay your finger on the Spine or put your thumb behind it for something.

I don't know what that something is but if it bothers you - either take the ramp off or send it in and we will do it for you.

The B-1,B-2 and Gunny are Great sellers in our overall line.

I think that sometimes we all forget who they are actually for.

It ain't us.

One of the things that makes us kind of unique is that all of us are not afraid to personalize our Gear.

I not only don't mind it - I encourage it.

All of us work better with gear that we haev made our own.

I think that makes us special and is more of a unifying factor than a dividing factor for all of us.

We modify stuff for folks and many times I just don't understand why but we usually do it.

I think that the level of personal touch is not the norm in the world today but for us - it is the norm.

The last thing we need to do here is to argue about it.

Lets all agree that with or without the ramp - These are some pretty interesting knives and way more popular than any of us here ever thought they would be.

That is probably a Good Thing.
End Quote:

Kevin
Click to expand...

Wow! Nice pic of the F1 and the Bravo together!

Why do the Bravo-1 and Gunny not show up on Bark River's website?

Kevin: Thanks for posting that info, I'm going to go read that thread. As an aside: ANOTHER active knife forum??? I had no idea...oh no...addiction about to get worse. As I am typing this, it looks like unless my accountant screwed up, I will be getting a healthy return from the feds on my taxes....hrmmmm.....=)

Honestly after seeing the two side by side, I know which one i should have bought. I guess the thing is though, that the F1 is cheaper, and for my purposes, will do just as good of a job. Sometimes maybe its better to have a tool than a toy? Not that the Bravo isn't just as, if not more capable, but it would be an object I lust after. The F1 I have a feeling I won't be attached to, so no qualms about beating on it.

I know I'm going to have to have a BR at some point, they are just too awesome looking. The question is when, because it is sounding like after a bit of customization, a Bravo is gonna run me a couple hundred bucks. Twice the price of the F1, which for my needs, sounds like it will be just as functional.

-Freq
 
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Don't forget to check out the Wilderness and Survival Skills section of this forum. Lots of good info there and there's several Fallkniven F1 and Bravo-1 threads going on at the moment.
 
freq18hz said:
Wow! Nice pic of the F1 and the Bravo together!

Why do the Bravo-1 and Gunny not show up on Bark River's website?

Kevin: Thanks for posting that info, I'm going to go read that thread. As an aside: ANOTHER active knife forum??? I had no idea...oh no...addiction about to get worse. As I am typing this, it looks like unless my accountant screwed up, I will be getting a healthy return from the feds on my taxes....hrmmmm.....=)

Honestly after seeing the two side by side, I know which one i should have bought. I guess the thing is though, that the F1 is cheaper, and for my purposes, will do just as good of a job. Sometimes maybe its better to have a tool than a toy? Not that the Bravo isn't just as, if not more capable, but it would be an object I lust after. The F1 I have a feeling I won't be attached to, so no qualms about beating on it.

I know I'm going to have to have a BR at some point, they are just too awesome looking. The question is when, because it is sounding like after a bit of customization, a Bravo is gonna run me a couple hundred bucks. Twice the price of the F1, which for my needs, sounds like it will be just as functional.

-Freq
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That's a good approach:thumbup:. I'm certain you will develop a healthy respect for the F1 as reliable companion, even if it never becomes your "caviar" knife.

Throw it in your pack, and it will always be there if you ever need it.

If the time comes you have need of a knife that will be used regularly, you can buy one with some ooh! aah! factor that will get your friends attention when you pull it out. Whether that be a Bark River or some other top notch knife, you will decide when the time is right.

Just remember those length restrictions you mentioned when choosing a knife as a regular user.

Kevin

EDIT: When you say "Bark Rivers website" what site are you on?? FYI Bark River doesn't maintain their company website much, if at all. You are better off to access one of the reseller sites like KSF. The Bravo 1 and Gunny will appear on these sites again once they are back in stock.
 
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Dag-nabit said:
EDIT: When you say "Bark Rivers website" what site are you on?? FYI Bark River doesn't maintain their company website much, if at all. You are better off to access one of the reseller sites like KSF. The Bravo 1 and Gunny will appear on these sites again once they are back in stock.
Click to expand...


I mean http://www.barkriverknifetool.com/



As far as the length restrictions go, that is definitely another thing to consider. Granted, I'll probably never get hassled while hiking, but why take the risk. The F1 can stay in my pack, and probably go un-noticed.

Would you buy from http://www.dlttrading.com/ ? Are their bravo-1 prices good? Or should I just wait for KnivesShipFree? Also, how much better of an edge does the non SS version of the bravo hold? Is it worth it to get the SS, or just the regular version?



-Freq
 
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Yeah, that Bark River site is pretty much obsolete.

Yes, I have purchased from DLT in the past and will again I'm sure.

As for pricing I've never seen more than a few dollars difference on similar knives from any of the suppliers.

Occasional promotions excepted.

Kevin
 
Dag-nabit said:
Yeah, that Bark River site is pretty much obsolete.

Yes, I have purchased from DLT in the past and will again I'm sure.

As for pricing I've never seen more than a few dollars difference on similar knives from any of the suppliers.

Occasional promotions excepted.

Kevin
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Thanks! Your info is great as always! Now I just have to wait to hear back from my tax guy, my mouse cursor is hovering over the buy button at DLT as we speak...

Oh and before I pull the trigger. Do you guys have an opinion on what the better bushcraft knife is? Northstar, Aurora, Foxriver, Bravo-1?


-Freq
 
Some of your decision may depend on what size knife you want to carry (and your own definition of "bushcraft" ). The Aurora is basically Northstar on steroids, but both have the spearpoint so commonly associated with bushcraft knives. IMO the Fox River is ounce for ounce the most versatile design of the bunch, but I own and use the others as well. I think the B1 would be considered more of a heavy duty bushcraft/ survival knife, but would do fine for any task. They would all do nicely, which means you can't go wrong in your choice.
 
I missed replying about the stainless vs carbon.

I can't really answer if one has better edge holding or not. The Bravo 1 SS uses CPM154 which is a steel I'm not familiar with.

For a user knife, that you will out on a regular basis the SS is not as much an issue, You can rub a little mineral oil on a CS blade occasionally and it should be fine. My Bravo 2 is A2 steel and I've had no issues with it with minimal care and attention.

Any steel from Bark River will be heat treated to optimize that particular steel. Mike Stewart has a reputation for knowing his heat treat.

Kevin
 
The Bravo is very easy to get without a ramp--especially now, with more coming out. Just let your dealer know.

As to the F1--it is a fantastic knife. Wait until you get it and my guess is you will fall in love with it....then you can get more! :)

The Bravo Stainless is made from CPM154 which will perform very similarly to the FK 3G steel.

Really, though, it is just which one you like the best. i can't say enough good things about either brand. :)
 
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