RC-4 Or Bravo 1

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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Sweet-- I may pick one of those up for my first survival/fixed blade.
 
I've owned both...but currently just have the RAT-4. A stripped blade version.

I loved the Bravo-1. To me it represents the perfect fixed blade. That said...mine was too perty to use and the RAT-4 just begs for usage.

Both are great knives and if you can afford a Bravo-1 and can actually use the heck out of it then they are a top choice.

But for me and needing to have a go-to fixed blade with no reservations....the RAT-4 is king.:thumbup:

Btw...beautiful Bravo-1, Tim. Love that handle!
 
I have handled both many times. I much prefer the grip/handle of the Bravo 1. I am partial to the smoothness of the Bark River.
 
I chose the bravo 1 over the rc4 and haven't looked back.
Used it to skin a moose last month and it worked very well
 
Just to stir the pot, if you have the opportunity at the show, be sure to handle the Gunny also. It is a bit smaller than the RC-4, but MAN does it feel good in my hand. I also love the Bravo-1 and own one in spalted maple and one in Curly Koa!!

Doc
 
DocGP said:
Just to stir the pot, if you have the opportunity at the show, be sure to handle the Gunny also. It is a bit smaller than the RC-4, but MAN does it feel good in my hand. I also love the Bravo-1 and own one in spalted maple and one in Curly Koa!!

Doc
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Your right, the Gunny just made it on my short list. Hadn't really looked closely at that model. Nice when a bigger, thicker knife isn't needed. Usually when a lighter duty knife is needed I just use one of my folders, but I really like that knife.

Thanks

Bill
 
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