- Joined
- May 13, 2015
- Messages
- 841
Hi there! This week-end I was out with my Pohl Force Bravo 1 again. I own this knife since a couple of years now. Just sharing some personal thoughts, impressions and few pics 
.
The B1 could be considered the smaller brother of the Alpha One, which has similar characteristics. The B1 is a sturdy folder with a back-lock locking system and a clip-point blade type, with a thickness of 3 mm and a 83 mm length. In this version of mine, the blade is made out of a honest 440C steel, with a finish that appears to be satin or sand-blasted, even if, from the specs, I read that there is no real surface treatment. This folder has a user-friendly construction, where the pivot can be adjusted with a coin and the knife tore apart with "normal" screwdrivers :thumbup:. The handle, in Zytel, ensures a remarkable grip with or without gloves and sports a distinctive design and a rough, "porous-like" texture. The moderate jimping on the spine of the blade allows a good placement of the thumb. The clip is reversible and non intrusive. In my opinion, a weight of 100 grams is very reasonable, considering the overall feeling of solidity that this little folder conveys. The B1 is available in different versions (D2 steel, burnished blade, half-serrated, etc.), so a range of possibilities designed to meet different tastes and needs. The knife also came with a rich supply of ancillary items, such as a Cordura pouch, a keychain, a lanyard in flexcord, a nice warranty with manuscript signature, a sticker and a simple but complete user and maintenance manual.
Among the things I like about this B1 is the distinctive design of the blade and of the handle. I also like the scales in this olive green shade this limited edition boasts, which, on this knife, I prefer to the more classic black. I really appreciate its size and its comparatively light weight which makes it, in my opinion, an optimal EDC. The final feeling I have about the B1 is that of a solid compact folder. Like all the others I own, I use this folder in various daily tasks, typical for an EDC, however without abusing/misusing it. I cut twines, paracords, cartons, various packaging materials, straps and EPS and prepare different kind of food. This time, on the trails, I carved some pickets for the tarp and made some feather-stick from wood of different species (beech, larch, chestnut). The result is always satisfactory. The lock is rock-solid and the blade still does not present any kind of play. The factory grind for me was decently sharp, not hair popping though. As most of you I imagine can confirm, I experienced that 440C steel takes a good edge but its not very long lasting. It needs a touch-up after some carving/whittling. Regarding the handle, I must admit I was skeptical. With all this roughness and bumps I expected some discomfort, in favor of a more appealing aesthetic. Well, I had to reconsider! I find the handle comfortable and convenient, even without gloves. Sure we are talking about a compact folder for EDC use. I've not processed logs for 8 hours continuously, cut out metal sheets or dug some trenches! The fit & finish is of a good quality.
Among the things I do not like is its value for money, which I consider low. For me, this folder is too pricey, considering the materials used, the technology applied and the country of production :thumbdn:. Also I find the clip, however effective and not at all intrusive during use, aesthetically ugly enough and rather "poor, given the knife it serves. Overall, anyway, not having other Pohl Force knives, I am still pleased with this purchase. To me, its a solid EDC with right size, weight, blade geometry and ergonomics. Surely there are better options within its price range! This for me it was mainly to own a Pohl Force I can really use as EDC (I find all their other models a bit too big to pocket them comfortably).
Blade: 440C
Hardness: 59/60 HRC
Handle: Zytel Green (in my version)
Blade length: 83mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Overall length: 193mm.
Weight: 100g.
Locking system: Back Lock
Note: Limited edition of 500 pieces, numbered and certified.
.The B1 could be considered the smaller brother of the Alpha One, which has similar characteristics. The B1 is a sturdy folder with a back-lock locking system and a clip-point blade type, with a thickness of 3 mm and a 83 mm length. In this version of mine, the blade is made out of a honest
440C steel, with a finish that appears to be satin or sand-blasted, even if, from the specs, I read that there is no real surface treatment. This folder has a user-friendly construction, where the pivot can be adjusted with a coin and the knife tore apart with "normal" screwdrivers :thumbup:. The handle, in Zytel, ensures a remarkable grip with or without gloves and sports a distinctive design and a rough, "porous-like" texture. The moderate jimping on the spine of the blade allows a good placement of the thumb. The clip is reversible and non intrusive. In my opinion, a weight of 100 grams is very reasonable, considering the overall feeling of solidity that this little folder conveys. The B1 is available in different versions (D2 steel, burnished blade, half-serrated, etc.), so a range of possibilities designed to meet different tastes and needs. The knife also came with a rich supply of ancillary items, such as a Cordura pouch, a keychain, a lanyard in flexcord, a nice warranty with manuscript signature, a sticker and a simple but complete user and maintenance manual.Among the things I like about this B1 is the distinctive design of the blade and of the handle. I also like the scales in this olive green shade this limited edition boasts, which, on this knife, I prefer to the more classic black. I really appreciate its size and its comparatively light weight which makes it, in my opinion, an optimal EDC. The final feeling I have about the B1 is that of a solid compact folder. Like all the others I own, I use this folder in various daily tasks, typical for an EDC, however without abusing/misusing it. I cut twines, paracords, cartons, various packaging materials, straps and EPS and prepare different kind of food. This time, on the trails, I carved some pickets for the tarp and made some feather-stick from wood of different species (beech, larch, chestnut). The result is always satisfactory. The lock is rock-solid and the blade still does not present any kind of play. The factory grind for me was decently sharp, not hair popping though. As most of you I imagine can confirm, I experienced that 440C steel takes a good edge but its not very long lasting. It needs a touch-up after some carving/whittling. Regarding the handle, I must admit I was skeptical. With all this roughness and bumps I expected some discomfort, in favor of a more appealing aesthetic. Well, I had to reconsider! I find the handle comfortable and convenient, even without gloves. Sure we are talking about a compact folder for EDC use. I've not processed logs for 8 hours continuously, cut out metal sheets or dug some trenches!
The fit & finish is of a good quality. Among the things I do not like is its value for money, which I consider low. For me, this folder is too pricey, considering the materials used, the technology applied and the country of production :thumbdn:. Also I find the clip, however effective and not at all intrusive during use, aesthetically ugly enough and rather "poor, given the knife it serves. Overall, anyway, not having other Pohl Force knives, I am still pleased with this purchase. To me, its a solid EDC with right size, weight, blade geometry and ergonomics. Surely there are better options within its price range! This for me it was mainly to own a Pohl Force I can really use as EDC (I find all their other models a bit too big to pocket them comfortably).
Blade: 440C
Hardness: 59/60 HRC
Handle: Zytel Green (in my version)
Blade length: 83mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Overall length: 193mm.
Weight: 100g.
Locking system: Back Lock
Note: Limited edition of 500 pieces, numbered and certified.