RAT RC-4 or BRKT Bravo-1 for camping/survival

D

DiverDn

Joined
Jan 13, 2007
Messages
180
This knife is going to be used for camping and woods work. I will use it for cutting wood and perhaps field dressing deer.

I don't know much about the RC-4, but have read quite a bit here and other forums about the Bravo-1 and like what I have read. They both seem to be about the same price so that isn't too much of a concern.

Let me know what you think.
Thanks
John
 
Got a coin to flip? :) I can't comment because I don't own either, but they are surely 2 of the favorites in that length.
 
I would expect the Bravo-1 to cut better (convex grind and no coating) and yet, still be a stronger knife due to the thicker blade stock.
 
I love my RC-4 it can handle anything I throw at it very well and it feels great in hand. The guys at RAT are great people and back their knives 200%

That said I have a FoxRiver and with its convexed edge is a great cutter. I hear Mike at BRKT is gem of a person also. It's hard to go wrong with either.

If you handled either of them, choose the most comfortable one for you.
 
i have yet to handle the RC-4, i hear great things about it though...

the BRAVO-1 is a solid beast of a knife... i recently got one in natural micarta... the knife performs very well for it's size and the edge, like all barkies, is crazy sharp...:eek:
 
I have an RC-4 on my belt right now. It's a great blade and I have zero complaints. I would reccommend it to anyone looking for this size knife.

I've never handled a Bravo but I would really like too.
 
I don't have an RC-6 but do have a RTAK which appears similar but with 10" blade. I have a Bravo 1. I would get a second Bravo 1 before I would buy an RC-6. Better steel. 20% thicker. Comfortable contoured scales (rather than slab sided). No coating. Very sharp. Very finished looking rather than utilitarian appearance. Just holding a Bravo 1 you know it can handle anything you want to do. The RC-6 looks to have a better sheath, but I can't believe they are about the same price.
 
John,

Both companies make other models that would be more appropriate for your needs, IMHO. Especially if you are considering field-dressing a smaller/medium animal like deer. Having field-dressed and processed countless large (moose, caribou, elk, deer, African game, beeves) and small game in the field, and in the butcher shop here for cutting and wrapping, it has been my observation over the years that most of the knives taken to the field for field-dressing are much too large and thick. IMO, the two knives you mention qualify on both accounts. If the two knives mentioned (I have used both) are to be used for military or survival application, I say fine and dandy. Still, personally, I much prefer the more efficient, easier to maintain thinner blades for camping, woodcraft, survival, eviscerating and disassembly of game, and general utility use.
 
As an owner of both, I'd have to go with the Bravo-1 for the following reasons:
1. It cuts better.
2. The handle is more comfortable.
3. Fit and finish are better.
Both are quality knives, but that is my choice after using both.
 
HornyToad said:
I don't have an RC-6 but do have a RTAK which appears similar but with 10" blade.
Click to expand...

The RC-6 has not yet been released.

The current RAT Cutlery RC-4 is a very different knife than the Ontario RTAK.

The RTAK was made by Ontario, whereas the RC-4 is being manufactured for RAT Cutlery by Rowen.
Also, the RTAK itself was discontinued by Ontario in favor of the RTAK II.

The RC-4 is a terrific knife.

Still, though, I'd choose a Bravo 1 over the RC-4 for the reasons already posted. (But the Bravo 1 does cost more than the RC-4.)
 
i do not own either, but i would get the Bravo 1 mostly because of its reputation, and i like the look of it alot more than i like the look of the RAT Cutlery knives, but the rc's have a pretty much awsome garuntee, although i havent heard the BRKT warranty info.
 
The Bark River warranty is pretty much like the Busse warranty.

No matter what you do it is 100% guaranteed.

I think is a no questions asked policy.

From what I have read it even covers the sheath.

Jim
 
Dannyboy Leather said:
John,

Both companies make other models that would be more appropriate for your needs, IMHO. Especially if you are considering field-dressing a smaller/medium animal like deer. Having field-dressed and processed countless large (moose, caribou, elk, deer, African game, beeves) and small game in the field, and in the butcher shop here for cutting and wrapping, it has been my observation over the years that most of the knives taken to the field for field-dressing are much too large and thick. IMO, the two knives you mention qualify on both accounts. If the two knives mentioned (I have used both) are to be used for military or survival application, I say fine and dandy. Still, personally, I much prefer the more efficient, easier to maintain thinner blades for camping, woodcraft, survival, eviscerating and disassembly of game, and general utility use.
Click to expand...

Wow, I didn't think I would get this much quility response as quickly as I did, thank you everyone.

Danny, I have to agree with you on the thinner blade. All the deer that I field dressed and skinned last fall was done with my Improved Muskrat folder. I guess I threw that qualifier in there because I tend to use whatever I have on me when I am hunting and I would like to know that I can use it if need be. I wish I had the opportunity to work on larger animals.

This knife will be used mostly for camp work/survival type stuff.

Thanks again for all the input.
 
waz up brada,both blades are awsome but i found one better its cheaper than the bravo almost same specs but alittle longer blade an its a barkie try the gameskeeper II its my new bush,hunta,campa,everyting blade its one bad ass knife
 
Well my man, IMO its all preferance here. They are both extremely well suited knives. I have them both, and they will work very well. The RC4 has a much better sheath. Much better. The kydex on the barkie could be alot better, and to upgrade to the sharpshooter leather its 50.00 more. The rc has a great edge out the box, RAT has a bulletproof warranty, and they are great people. I think the rc is one of the nicest out of the box coated tactical blades Ive seen, with the most bang for buck.

The bravo is a favorite of mine. Great edge, hairsplitting. Comfy handle, nic belly, its lightweight, and No choil(a pet peeve of mine) Warranty is no issue with either blade, as mike is a standup guy as well. A gripe with the bravo is the skeletonized tang. The RC is a full tang, and the barkie is not. Its no biggie to me, as I think its plenty tough, and the warranty will hold no matter what you do, but you might have an issue with this.

Also the barkie is thicker than the RC, so I might make the rc better suited for some tasks. I like thicker spines on some knives and I assure you its probably not an issue on the bravo.

Hope this helps man, good luck with the purchase.

I like them both. If I had to choose it would be the barkie with the Sharpshooter leather b/c of no coating and no choil.

The
 
I don't have RC-4 but I do have the RC-3 - it is a really nice knife. I do, however, have a Bravo1 and I am getting a second one. Why you ask? Because the first time I put it in my hand, 'the music played'. This is the one. The second one will be a back up in case I ever lose the first one, get mugged for it, whatever and they may not be made any more at that time. "2 is one, is none........."

I love the Bravo and I use my knives for bushcraft.

Doc
 
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