Question: looking at BRK Gunny

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Wolfcri

Joined
Sep 21, 2009
Messages
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So I am looking for a knife to fill the role of a bushcraft/hunting/survival knife that is smaller than the kabar or srk that I have always used. I want something smaller now. The only thing holding me back about the gunny is that it is a convex edge and I have never had one of those before. What differences should I expect in performance, edge retention, and sharpening techniques? I have to be able to sharpen it in the field. Although I never carry only one knife I need it to be that reliable. Tell me what you think.
 
Sharpens great, good ergos, nice overall size, NICE sheath...my only complaint is thickness of blade stock...I think it's a bit beefier than it needs to be. I kept it and a sentimental piece when I sold off the remainder of my BRKT collection.
 
Wolfcri -- I was a little skeptical before I bought my first Barkie. Believe it or not, the convex edges stay sharper and sharpen easier (as long as you don't let it get stone dull) than any of my other ffg/beveled knives. There are hundreds of tutorials on the internet about sharpening a convex edge. Sandpaper, mouse pad and strop. That's all you need. In the field, just bring along a small strop. I think you'll be very pleased with the Gunny.
 
Depends. Some people find convex edges the easiest of all grinds to maintain/sharpen; some people find them nearly impossible. It's case by case, as far as I can tell.

Here's a serious question, though: Why do you need to sharpen your knife in the field? Have you ever needed to? Properly heat-treated A2 (like the Gunny) should hold an edge for whatever task you ask of it, and then some. Unless you stay for extended periods of time in the field (a couple weeks or so), I dont see a need to concern myself with "field sharpening".
 
Thanks for the replies.

EMT Lee, I completely understand your point but I have needed to field sharpen plenty of times and week-plus excursions are not uncommon for me.

Input appreciated and more is welcome

Also, what would be involved in putting a combination edge on this knife if I hated the convex or if i was stranded in zombie land with no mouse pads or sandpaper?
 
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The Gunny is a good all arounder Bushcraft/Hunting/Camping/Hiking, Knife as a stand alone EDC, or as a back up to a larger knife such as the Bravo-1 or the Bravo II.
The edge can be maintained almost indefinatly with a few passes on a leather strop, as long as your not making things like filet of car door or diced cinder block LOL.:D If you are, any of the methods already mentioned or the DC-3 OR DC-4. 1/2 Diamond 1/2 Ceramic sharpeners made for the fallkniven knives which are also convex edged. Will bring the edge back quickly.
I highly recommend The Gunny, Mine gets used every day. YMMV
 
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If you need to get it sharp again in the field you can just use whatever sharpening method you prefer, and then re-convex the edge when you get home. If you manage to really screw it up, just ship it back to BRKT and they'll give it their spa treatment, for something like $12 total.

I have the Bravo-1, as well as several other Barkies, and they are all well made knives with great edge retention. I say go for it!
 
i have the bravo necker 2 in the 12c27 steel as well as the bravo 1 in a2. both knives are super easier to sharpen and hold an edge for a long time. i was just camping this past weekend in gaines, PA and both knives saw heavy use. the a2 definitely holds an edge longer than the 12c27 but both knives performed very well. after some serious chopping and wood splitting all it takes is a few passes on a mini strop and your knife will be as if it was brand new. bark river has excellent customer service and will take care of you if you have any issues. you can make a small leather strop to take with you into the field and only have to make a few passes after use to maintain the hair popping edge. good luck and i know youll love you new knife!
 
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