Rat-5 or fallkniven s1

I love my RATs.That said,I've been eyeing the Bravo 1 in CPM154.I don't own to many stainless fixed blades,but,that one looks like a winner.Plus,I love CPM154 stainless.With the 4.25 inch blade being .215 of an inch thick,I can't imagine me breaking it.Also the knife weighs in at a little over 7 ounces,can you say good backpacking blade?The wood handled ones come sheathed in leather,micarta or G10 ones sport kydex sheaths.
 
seanystrangle said:
this is way hard which would be better for camping?/backpacking the bravo 1,2 or fallkniven S1? in sorry everyone im really indicisive
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If you are going to hike and backpack I would suggest the Bravo 1 or S1. A bit less weight for starters, but also a larger knife like the Bravo 2 or Fallkniven A2 can be a bit more cumbersome and "in the way" getting caught on things if you hike anywhere off the beaten path.

However, like everything else about the knives, it comes down to personal preference, and how aggresive you are when hiking.

As for where to buy. I purchase my Fallknivens from Work Wear Canada so I can't really recommend where to look in the USA. E-bay??

For Bravo 1 or other Bark Rivers check out:
Knives Ship Free
DLT Trading
The Knife Connection
Mcknight Cutlery (but his site is down right now)

Kevin
 
I don't own a RAT, but I do have an S1 and a BRKT Canadian Special. For pure bushcraft, I'd go BRKT Aurora. For survival do everything, I'd go S1.
 
The RC6 is not cheaper than the 5, I got my RC-5 cheaper than I have ever seen an RC6. Just do your shopping. Everyone brings up weight as an issue with the RC5, but I do alot of high altitude climbing with the RC5 (12000+ feet) and would not have any other knife strapped on my chest. For me, convex edges are the EASIEST to maintain, you don't need all the fancy soft backed strops, just freehand stones. And no, Vg-10 will not hold up nearly as well for chopping and battoning cold, ice-sheathed logs, 1095 will kick the crap out of the more brittle, harder steel. Vg10 is a very good steel and the only Stainless I'd ever consider for use in a outdoors knife, but just cannot compete under that kind of abuse. I grew up in Wisconsin, backpacked and camped year round, in the icy -40 degree winters. I'm used to splitting frozen hardwoods (oak, maple etc, not soft pine woods) to get to the dry stuff in the middle. 1095 holds up every time. VG10 would be great for a skinner/food prepping/companion sort of knife but for your bigger, beater rough use knife go for the HC every time.
 
hahaha all these choices its like crazy lol would it be best to have a different knife based off the seasons?
 
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seanystrangle said:
hahaha all these choices its like crazy lol would it be best to have a different knife based off the seasons?
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no! I think your two knife strategy is solid, a slicer and a beater. To be honest any of these choices will treat you well,, its just with my experience in the cold I think a 1095 blade will treat you better than a stainless one. If anything the cold will make a stainless knife even more brittle than it already is. 1095 is softer but tougher and still retains a good edge, I think you should go with a 1095 knife.
 
seanystrangle said:
sorry i forgot to ask but how is the bravo-1 with corrosion it snows and rains alot here in wyoming
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The Bravo 1 is made from A2 carbon steel so it is susceptible to rust/corrosion, and patina.

My Bravo 2 is less than a year old, but so far no corrosion problems, from what I have read A2 has good corrosion resistance for a carbon steel. A minimal amount of care and attention to to a carbon steel blade will keep it in good condition. Keep it clean and apply a light coat of mineral oil occasionally.

The Bravo 1 is also available in CPM 154 Stainless Steel, but you will pay a premium to get it. I have no hands on experience with this steel.

Kevin
 
Rat RC-5 is too thick and too short for anything other than using it as an prybar. Convexing it could work. I would bet fallkniven is the one to go with.
 
I would guess that if you chose the RAT RC-6 there would be no regrets. The RC-5 or S-1 you might find to heavy or thick. Maybe not, but I've never heard a bad word about the RC-6.
 
seanystrangle said:
idk if this will help but i have $244.34 to spend on this if this changes anything
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I think you have our opinions out the ying yang now. Any one of the knives suggested/discussed to this point will serve you well. The question that remains is will you like your choice once it is in your hand and you have used it a bit. Unfortunately there is only one way to know, regardless of the opinions of others.

You need to research your choices and make a decision. All we can do is suggest what we would buy if it were us.

Did you get my PT with the info on the used Bravo 1??

Good luck with your decision.

Kevin
 
hoopster said:
I would guess that if you chose the RAT RC-6 there would be no regrets. The RC-5 or S-1 you might find to heavy or thick. Maybe not, but I've never heard a bad word about the RC-6.
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Here's one: it's clunky and too thick for a general use knife.
 
seanystrangle said:
yes i did thank you so much that one im really thinking about getting im just really indisicive :/
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It can be a tough decision.

We don't know much about you, age, financial means, activities, etc. but there is about a 98% chance this purchase will not be your last knife.

I suspect that eventually, as you can afford it, and as you exprience what the knife you do purchase can/can't do well, you will add another one or two blades.

You seem to have it narrowed down to 3 top notch choices between RAT, Fallkniven, and BRKT. You will not go wrong with any of these choices.

Try not to agonize too much over making sure you get "the" knife the first time. Pick one that fits your budget and your gut tells you "I like that one".

That will be a great place to start and a few years down the road you will likely have a nice selection of favorites to choose from.

Kevin
 
That's great. Let us know what you decide on and your first impressions when you get it.

If you actually make it through to the purchase stage that is..... :D:D

Kevin
 
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