rc-4 or bravo-1...?

C

combatready

Joined
Feb 27, 2006
Messages
163
which one of these knives would be your best bet...........would it be better to spend the little extra to get the bravo-1 or for the money just get the rc-4. is there any one out there that may have both that can post some pics of the two together.... thanks
 
Can't post them together but I have owned both and now only have the RC-4.

As field knives go, it's largely an apples and oranges comparison.

Bomb Proof v. Bomb Proof
Convex v. Flat
A2 v. 1095
Uncoated v. Coated
Really Sharp v. Really Sharp
Custom scales v. Awesomely done green canvas micarta for everyone
Skeletonized tang v. True full tang
Adequate sheath v. Good sheath or optional fantastic sheath
More expensive v. less expensive.

A truer comparison is forthcoming with the RC-5 SERE, which is closer in intent and dimensions to what the Bravo-1 is.
 
Both are great companies, made in America, have unconditional warranties and their owners are easy to contact. What more could you ask for. You cannot go wrong with either blade, however they are vastly different. The BR is A2 with Mikes outstanding heat treatment and the RAT is 1095 with their outstanding heat treatment. The BR is convexed and the RAT is your standard V-grind. The fit and finish on both will be great. both knives are worth the asking price. Good luck in your choice, it is a win win situation.
 
Both are awesome companies and knives in my book. I can't wait for the necker from RC and the mini Bravo-1, the gunny, from BRKT.
 
Both are excellent knives and I love them both. But I'd give the edge to the Bravo 1 simply because I have more experience with it. I only got my RC-4 two weeks ago and have only used it on two camping trips.
 
I would say Bravo 1. I had a RAT-7 in D2 that just didn't fit me very well. I really like all of my Barkies though, there is just that special something about them that makes them well.....special:)
 
I have a RAT-3 and a Bravo-1 (along with other BRKT knives). While I understand and believe the RC line is better in quality than the Ontario RAT line, I still think it would have to be TWO times better in order to equal the Bravo-1 in quality and functionality. I'm biased though....I love Bark River knives... ((( :D )))

Bravo-1
 
The RC line completely skunks the older Ontario efforts. It's no stretch to say they are twice as good for only one third more on the bottom line.

One area where the RC outshines my old Bravo-1 is in the security of both the sheath and of the handle.

Barkies are pretty, but their scales are finished slick. Sure, one can rough them up, but then the knives never look as good again. The RC's canvas micarta is a vision of how such a material should look, feel, and perform.

RCs are not lookers, just performers. The single-minded pursuit of utility is a thing of beauty in itself.
 
Sorry - no side-by-side pics yet. Here's the RAT-3. The mesquite scales are my doing - nowadays, the Micarta is back on the knife.
RAT-3-01.jpg


Here's the Bravo-1. Once again, nowadays, the knife resides in its Kydex sheath in which it was born...
Bravo-1-01.jpg
 
RAT Cutlery makes a hell of a knife for the money. It seems to me that the 1095 of the RC 4 would be easier to field sharpen.
 
As someone else said, two different knives.

I'd say the Bravo 1,beautiful, strong, sharp. But I noticed that the handle is a little too much smooth. So choose the one you like more
 
jlfletcher83 said:
RAT Cutlery makes a hell of a knife for the money. It seems to me that the 1095 of the RC 4 would be easier to field sharpen.
Click to expand...

Have you ever sharpened a convex knife? Easiest knife in the world to sharpen.

That being said, I've never had to field sharpen a knife. My Barkies stay sharp a long time. I've been on plenty of two week camping trips and never had a problem with a dull knife.
 
Fallkniven F1, just got one today and I love this knife. You should consider it, it blew my old RAT-7 out of the water, it is almost perfect. Just not as pretty as the Barkies though.
 
I like the looks of the bravo-1 alot, but don't understand a <5" blade that is .25" thick.
 
The Bravo-1 is the best field knife I've had the handle is very smooth but if your hands get wet the micarta gets grippe and the Force Recon guys swear by them.
 
yes ive been looking at the bravo -1 now for a while and it is a gorgeous knife........i hope it will fit the bill when i carry it on hiking and camping trips.....again thanks for the info and bring on some pics of those rc's and bravos
 
kgd said:
I like the looks of the bravo-1 alot, but don't understand a <5" blade that is .25" thick.
Click to expand...

I kinda agree with you. I would have preferred a 3/16" thick version. No need for 1/4" that I can see, but it was built by request, as far as I know. However, it is a hell of a knife.:thumbup: I typically don't like thick knives because they don't cut well. The Bravo-1 is the exception to the rule. As sharp as any knife needs to be.
 
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