Bravo-1 :thumbup:.
One of the most important points for me is the handle. I have both and the handle on the Bravo-1 wins hands down. It is superbly contoured, hand-filling, and works comfortably and securely in multiple grips over extended periods of time. While the handle on the RC4 used to feel too thin too me, I've come to discover that the width of the handle actually still provides you with a good working grip. However, if I had to pick, the Bravo-1 would be the one on my belt every time. As for the slickness, the micarta can be sanded down to increase grip, works well when wet. I personally haven't had too much trouble yet with the polished micarta handles, but I'm planning on sanding mine down soon anyway.
Others have already covered the steel, and I can't say I'm knowledgeable enough yet to detect significant differences in my normal use. It does seem that the A2 at 59RC holds an edge longer than the 1095 at 57RC, but that could be an artifact of me having used the Bravo-1 more. It could also be due to the different edges.
I'm a big fan of the convex grind on the Bravo. And the knife slices really well for being nearly a 1/4" thick. I'm a fan of convex edges in general, so I recently had my RC4 reprofiled with a convex edge. Haven't used it since it's been reprofiled, but I have heard that it really improves cutting performance - we'll see. It cut well before, but I didn't think it cut as well as my convexed blades, even the thicker Bravo.
As for the thumb-ramp, I'm one of those people that found the thumb-ramp just a bit annoying. I ordered my second Bravo-1 (in stainless) with the ramp removed, and I love it even more now. Actually sold my first A2 bravo, and kept this guy.
I'm also not the hugest fan of coated blades, but it really does serve a function on the RC4. I like the aesthetics of the uncoated Bravo-1, and there's probably less friction in cuts due to the uncoated blade, but the coating on the RC4 doesn't bother me much. So that comes down to preference.
Einsteinjon brings up a great point about the sheath. The stock kydex sheath for the Bravo-1 really blew in my opinion, while the stock kydex sheath of the RAT rocks. The kydex sheath on the RAT is really excellent. If you end up with the Bravo-1, I'd advise you get the leather sheath if you're into leather, or have a kydex sheath made for it. Either way, keep in mind that it adds to the cost of the more expensive knife.
Lastly, I can't say I've been to hell and back with either knife yet, so I'm not recommending based on which is the "tougher" knife. I have an inkling that the Bravo-1 would be the last knife standing, but that could be just because it feels more substantial in hand. I can say that both knives would probably stand up to anything the average user can throw at them.
So, as taurn said, it usually comes down to preferences, since both knives are great. I started with the Bravo-1, and then later got a RAT. I prefer the Bravo-1, but I don't foresee myself selling my RC4 any time soon...in fact, my RC4 led me to purchase my Izula
.
In the end, you'll end up with both anyway. And a few others...
So just pick the one that appeals to you the most right now.
ETA: And just to throw this in the mix, in case you haven't considered it, take a look at the BRKT Gunny. I just got one, and it might replace the Bravo-1 at the top spot for a production fixed. The handle is quite a bit smaller though, so the jury is still out on it...
