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Should I replace Bravo 1 w/ Rodent Solution
- Thread starter Kru03
- Start date
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2011
- Messages
- 1,004
I started with a RS. Then I got a Skeleton Key and a Swamp Warden. I preordered the Rucki and am waiting very impatiently for it. I don't think it really matters where you start as long as you get there. If you have the funds get an RMD or a BJ, if not the Swamp Warden is a great piece as well. You can't have just one 
BTW I don't know anything about BRKW but anything not Busse or Kin is inferior 
(IMO).
BTW I don't know anything about BRKW but anything not Busse or Kin is inferior (IMO).
chiral.grolim
Universal Kydex Sheath Extension
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2008
- Messages
- 6,422
I own both, but only purchased the RS recently, so I cannot yet comment on which I prefer in actual use. My initial impressions of them are that the B1 is prettier and a better slicer with more blade to it; but the RS feels much better in my hand, is more comfortable to use, and has a more robust blade for harder use.
This is an unfortunate pattern i have experienced with the B1. I purchased it based on rave reviews and the Bluntruth4U videos... But for heavy wood use, I have found my Cattaraugus 225Q both more comfortable and more efficient, and the same goes for the RMD I purchased later (my first entry into Bussekin). So I relegated the B1 to lighter woods duty and hunting ... but I purchased an HRLM to match the RMD and it again out-performs the B1 at everything except deep slicing and looks! Well, my addiction to swamp rats keeps pushing when something appeals, and i resisted buying the Solution until I got a good deal on the exchange for a match to my other rats... NOT sorry i made the purchase! I would not consider the RS a proper match to the B1 based on dimensions, etc. - the HRLM is closer - but for more general utility and hard use not requiring a longer blade, the RS will better fit the bill. You really have to handle a rat to appreciate the thought that went into the design. So as much as I love the BRKT and hesitate to let it go, it doesn't see as much use now that I'm in the swamp - just not as comfortable and not as robust, poorly designed imho.
You can still get the RS from the factory, otherwise they show up on the exchange for a small discount from time-to-time, you just wait for the color configuration you want, and they are an excellent entry Bussekin at ~$100. At that price, don't hesitate. If the swamp discontinues them, they'll only go up in value, even used, not that you'll want to sell it. The RS will replace an puukko-style knife you own, the only downsides being heavier weight and a perhaps lower slicing efficiency (due to more robust, stronger edge). If you want a Bussekin with a longer blade for heavier wood/"survival" use, both the RatManDu and SYKCO 511 are still available from the factory or can be picked up on the exchange. The 511 is actually cheaper than the factory RS, but on the exchange they're about equal, the RMD only reasonably more expensive.
Get the Solution. If you don't like it after handling/trying it out, return or resell it. Eitherway, you owe it to yourself to try it out. :thumbup:
This is an unfortunate pattern i have experienced with the B1. I purchased it based on rave reviews and the Bluntruth4U videos... But for heavy wood use, I have found my Cattaraugus 225Q both more comfortable and more efficient, and the same goes for the RMD I purchased later (my first entry into Bussekin). So I relegated the B1 to lighter woods duty and hunting ... but I purchased an HRLM to match the RMD and it again out-performs the B1 at everything except deep slicing and looks! Well, my addiction to swamp rats keeps pushing when something appeals, and i resisted buying the Solution until I got a good deal on the exchange for a match to my other rats... NOT sorry i made the purchase! I would not consider the RS a proper match to the B1 based on dimensions, etc. - the HRLM is closer - but for more general utility and hard use not requiring a longer blade, the RS will better fit the bill. You really have to handle a rat to appreciate the thought that went into the design. So as much as I love the BRKT and hesitate to let it go, it doesn't see as much use now that I'm in the swamp - just not as comfortable and not as robust, poorly designed imho.
You can still get the RS from the factory, otherwise they show up on the exchange for a small discount from time-to-time, you just wait for the color configuration you want, and they are an excellent entry Bussekin at ~$100. At that price, don't hesitate. If the swamp discontinues them, they'll only go up in value, even used, not that you'll want to sell it. The RS will replace an puukko-style knife you own, the only downsides being heavier weight and a perhaps lower slicing efficiency (due to more robust, stronger edge). If you want a Bussekin with a longer blade for heavier wood/"survival" use, both the RatManDu and SYKCO 511 are still available from the factory or can be picked up on the exchange. The 511 is actually cheaper than the factory RS, but on the exchange they're about equal, the RMD only reasonably more expensive.
Get the Solution. If you don't like it after handling/trying it out, return or resell it. Eitherway, you owe it to yourself to try it out. :thumbup:
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2001
- Messages
- 13,564
I did! 
I dont really miss that Bravo. I have both an Rat Man Du and a Rodent Solution and its a hard choice if I had to decide on one.
I dont really miss that Bravo. I have both an Rat Man Du and a Rodent Solution and its a hard choice if I had to decide on one.
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2007
- Messages
- 3,798
Replace it with a Rucki.
Gravelface
Gold Member
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- Nov 8, 2005
- Messages
- 11,306
Yes!!!!
- Joined
- Mar 27, 2011
- Messages
- 269
I would say get a RMD, I think it is more comparable to the bravo 1 size wise.
- Joined
- May 16, 2009
- Messages
- 94
Also think about how hard you are going to use it. If you are real gentle and prefer a carver for doing delicate wood work, etc, then the Bravo would be a good choice. But if you will be using it as a survival or hard use knife, the Rat would be far superior....tool steel vs an impact resistant bearing steel.
BRKT ~ A2 which can be brittle and a skeletonized tang
SR ~ 52100 treated for maximum toughness and a full tang
BRKT ~ A2 which can be brittle and a skeletonized tang
SR ~ 52100 treated for maximum toughness and a full tang
- Joined
- Dec 12, 2010
- Messages
- 1,845
This is the correct answer!!! As soon as my RMD came in the mail, the I put the Bravo1 on the market. To quote Ben Kenobi, "it's an elegant weapon for a more civilized age."