RC-4 Or Bravo 1

I say RC4 although I love BRKT I did not like the thumb thing on the Bravo and I am officially over the thick knife phase......I think
 
I have both, and I like the Bravo-1 more. It's my favorite "all-round" knife. Not that there is anything wrong with the RC-4- it's a fantastic knife. But the Bravo-1 is super fantastic. The handle is more comfortable for me, and I lilke the convex edge on the Bravo. I also like the fancy wood scales, satin finish and leather sheath on my Bravo- it's a classy knife. The RC-4 is tough as nails and will get the job done, but it's a no-frills, no nonsense type of affair. Neither knife will do you wrong.
 
I get asked this question all the time.

It is comparing apples and potatoes.

The RC4 is a great knife. It is tough, well made, no frills. It is is a tool--pure and simple. Jeff Randall would tell you that.

The Bravo is every bit as tough and functional, but it adds to the mix the flairs of a custom made knife (though it is still production).

Further, the knives are in two different classes in terms of price as well.

If price were no object, there is no question, I would buy a Bravo.

If you are looking for bang for the buck, the RC4 is nearly impossible to beat.

Both have no BS warranties. and both are made in the US.

The China implication is pure crap.
 
Dont own either, but I do own an Izula from Rat Cutlery, and a Gameskeeper and Gunny from Bark River. The convex grind works extremely well and has proven to be the easiest for me to sharpen. I would pick the Bravo over the RC4, although both are fantastic blades. I honestly think that if I could only have one fixed blade knife, it would be a bravo 1. It is next on my "fixed blades to buy" list.
 
okbohn said:
I get asked this question all the time.

It is comparing apples and potatoes.

The RC4 is a great knife. It is tough, well made, no frills. It is is a tool--pure and simple. Jeff Randall would tell you that.

The Bravo is every bit as tough and functional, but it adds to the mix the flairs of a custom made knife (though it is still production).

Further, the knives are in two different classes in terms of price as well.

If price were no object, there is no question, I would buy a Bravo.

If you are looking for bang for the buck, the RC4 is nearly impossible to beat.

Both have no BS warranties. and both are made in the US.

The China implication is pure crap.
Click to expand...
Pretty much sums up my thoughts as well. :thumbup:

If money isn't the determining factor in your purchase then go for the one that appeals to you more.
 
Thank you everyone for the honest opinions, pictures, and dealer replies.

I have not handled either of these knives or seen them in person. My opinion so far has been based on reviews, pictures, and specs. I am going to the Ohio knife show this weekend and hopefully one or both of these knives will be there.

I will buy which ever one is there. If both are there I may just Purchase both of them unless I really don't like the feel of one of them. If not Okbohn, you've got my support. I will report back on Saturday night after I get home from the show. Who knows I may opt for something from one of the custome makers. I only wish I knew something about them. I haven't been around here long enough to know who is good out of the makers that will be at the show.

I'm still learning. But, it appears I'm in the right place.

Thank You all again!

Bill
 
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Tough call. One thing to consider, the RC-4 would be a little less cumbersome to carry being thinner and probably lighter. If that sort of thing even matters to you.
 
Hitthespot said:
I will buy which ever one is there. If both are there I may just Purchase both of them unless I really don't like the feel of one of them. If not Okbohn, you've got my support.
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Could be a good move. The two of them certainly aren't incompatible with one another. Have fun!
 
Study the relative handle thickness comparison in an early thread. The RC-4 is decidedly smaller - but comfortable. The thumb jimping on the RC-4 is parallel to the blade edge on the spine, while the Bravo 1 has an upward swept thumb jimping, which I am not so fond of. It's larger grip feels great to my CTS-problem medium+ hands.

I went a different route - to the Bravo 1's predecessor - the Gameskeeper. They still make it - and a longer version. See mine below in the cheapest handle they make - natural Micarta. Below is my Boone - ordered in beautiful bocote - too pretty to use. The rest of my small collection of Barkies are Micarta or G10 handled - literally, whichever one was least expensive. The Gameskeeper also comes with a nice leather sheath.

IMG_0717.jpg


The Gameskeeper is my favorite 'bushcraft' knife. I bought another great BRK&T knife - the North Star - and thought it might replace it. The Gameskeeper has a guard - the North Star's blade starts immediately at the handle - my cold and wet finger slipped while I was whittling on my deck one cold Feb day after it arrived. Fortunately, I've had a lot worse paper cuts. I love the safety of the finger guard on the Gameskeeper.

Now, my only experience thus far with RAT Cutlery has been with my fantastic RC-5 - what a bargain. Very well made - toothy Micarta for a great grip. Hefty - very well made - did I say it was a bargain? Mine came with the now gone Eagle Industries MOLLE contraption... I'm a leather sheath guy. I'd visit Derrick for either - his prices are great; service is even better. The RC-4 in a KSF/Sharpshooter leather sheath would be a great choice - he has them. I do love the convex edge of the Gameskeeper & RC-5, however. Either way, you won't be upset with your choice.

Stainz
 
I have both the RC-4 and Bravo 1.

Both are solid, capable knives with great warranties.

I would vote for the Bravo 1 over the RAT simply because I find the Bravo 1 considerably more comfortable in my hand, and I prefer non-coated blades.

Kevin
 
Stainz said:
Study the relative handle thickness comparison in an early thread. The RC-4 is decidedly smaller - but comfortable. The thumb jimping on the RC-4 is parallel to the blade edge on the spine, while the Bravo 1 has an upward swept thumb jimping, which I am not so fond of. It's larger grip feels great to my CTS-problem medium+ hands.

I went a different route - to the Bravo 1's predecessor - the Gameskeeper. They still make it - and a longer version. See mine below in the cheapest handle they make - natural Micarta. Below is my Boone - ordered in beautiful bocote - too pretty to use. The rest of my small collection of Barkies are Micarta or G10 handled - literally, whichever one was least expensive. The Gameskeeper also comes with a nice leather sheath.

IMG_0717.jpg


The Gameskeeper is my favorite 'bushcraft' knife. I bought another great BRK&T knife - the North Star - and thought it might replace it. The Gameskeeper has a guard - the North Star's blade starts immediately at the handle - my cold and wet finger slipped while I was whittling on my deck one cold Feb day after it arrived. Fortunately, I've had a lot worse paper cuts. I love the safety of the finger guard on the Gameskeeper.

Now, my only experience thus far with RAT Cutlery has been with my fantastic RC-5 - what a bargain. Very well made - toothy Micarta for a great grip. Hefty - very well made - did I say it was a bargain? Mine came with the now gone Eagle Industries MOLLE contraption... I'm a leather sheath guy. I'd visit Derrick for either - his prices are great; service is even better. The RC-4 in a KSF/Sharpshooter leather sheath would be a great choice - he has them. I do love the convex edge of the Gameskeeper & RC-5, however. Either way, you won't be upset with your choice.

Stainz
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Gotta Love those wood handles. Never heard of Bocote wood. Nice.

Bill
 
I have the RC-4 and absolutely love it!! I just can't put the knife down, it just feels and fits so good. I highly reccomend it!

I don't have any Bark Rivers, but they do look nice.

Buy what fits you the best.

I highly recommend Knivesshipfree (KSF). They have very good customer service and went the extra mile for me.
 
Hitthespot said:
Are you saying your suspicious of Bark Rivers because you think they may be secretly made in China, or your suspicious of them because they are in fact made in China?

I thought they were made in the USA.

Bill
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I cant remember where i saw the post, but the blank patterns from china were the exact copies of some of the bark river line.
 
I'm noticing a couple of statements about comfort and ergos. My observation is that what fits your hand well and works during cutting is a highly personal thing. This is about the only thing that rather sucks about buying on-line is your inability to handle a blade.

Second aspect is what works well during cutting and using chores is not the same as what feels good when holding the knife. I'll often pick up a blade and just think, wow, that feels great. It's like sinking into a comfortable couch. But then when I start using a blade, i.e. slicing up wood and making fuzzies etc., I'll notice the hotspots. For myself, I tend to find fatter/wider handles feel better when I'm holding them, but they also are more likely to produce hotspots during tasks that require forceful cutting. That said, there are still a couple of knives where the wider handles really do work for me.

For the most part, I find that thinner scales seem to produce less hotspots during use and are more flexible in the types of handle shapes that work for me. Again, that is a personal thing and an observation I've developed only after really handling a lot of different knives and choosing the ones that work best for me.

I guess what I'm trying to say is don't get overly swayed by handle ergonomics that simply feel good in your hand when you pick the knife up. If you are permitted to do so, grab a stick and do a few forceful cuts and note what parts of your hands feel the most pressure. A couple of things I've learned to avoid in thicker handles are dramatic contouring and pronounced finger notches. If they aren't in the exact right spot for you they produce more problems than they solve.

Good luck on your choice.
 
I don't know, the way things are going Michigan might already be part of China. But in any case, I'll still give ol' Wang Stewart my money. I think that the RC-4 is a safer knife to many guys because the grind is common and it seems like many are still a little intimidated by the full convex. My Bravo-1 really does out cut everything in that catagory that I have except my Northstar. Get one and get comfortable with the sharpening,(which is very simple) and you will be very satisfied.
 
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kgd said:
I'm noticing a couple of statements about comfort and ergos. My observation is that what fits your hand well and works during cutting is a highly personal thing. This is about the only thing that rather sucks about buying on-line is your inability to handle a blade.
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Boy I agree with you there. Buying online is not exactly what I want to do when feel is a big part of being satisfied. I've looked around my parts (Northern Ohio) and there just are not any brick and morter stores that carry either brand. It doesn't look like I'm going to make it to the Ohio knife show either. I may just have to buy and if I really don't like it, Sell it. I've decided to start with the Rat RC-4 and then also buy the Bravo 1 later. Might as well try them both!

thanks

Bill
 
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