Survive! Knives GSO-4.1 - comparison to BRKT Bravo 1 & Swamp Rat HRLM

This is a whole metric ton of pictures, opinions and charts and things, but not one single picture of a knife cutting anything?

Edited to add: I was expecting to see some of your usage tests like on the 10. Hope that came across right!
 
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Sulaco said:
This is a whole metric ton of pictures, opinions and charts and things, but not one single picture of a knife cutting anything?

Edited to add: I was expecting to see some of your usage tests like on the 10. Hope that came across right!
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No worries, point taken.
As a matter of fact, I did some simple paper and cardboard cutting with all three knives before carving up some oak branches to get a comparative feel for each for the review. I actually made a video of this, 25+ minutes, but I blabbered through the entire thing and decided that it wasn't worth watching much less editing down to something reasonable. I did post a quick prying video in response to concerns about the strength of the M390 steel vs CPM-3V. I am none too skilled with a camera, but I will try to get SOMETHING made this week or next.

Suggestions? What would folks like to see?
 
chiral.grolim said:
No worries, point taken.
As a matter of fact, I did some simple paper and cardboard cutting with all three knives before carving up some oak branches to get a comparative feel for each for the review. I actually made a video of this, 25+ minutes, but I blabbered through the entire thing and decided that it wasn't worth watching much less editing down to something reasonable. I did post a quick prying video in response to concerns about the strength of the M390 steel vs CPM-3V. I am none too skilled with a camera, but I will try to get SOMETHING made this week or next.

Suggestions? What would folks like to see?
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The stuff you did with your 10, I figured you probably did similar things with this one? As I re-read that I can see it might have come across as other than meant. I just expected to see some of your tests like you did with the 10 and some others. Good info though!
 
tvhaugen said:
I just ordered another GSO 4.1 in orange!
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Good choice!
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Very thorough review. Making it awful hard to wait for my 5.1 :D. Might need to order one of these.
 
a couple of videos:



EDIT:

I forgot to include this video here:
 
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Really nice review. I also have the GSO 4.1 but didn't like color of the natural micarta so I changed it with RIT dye.
Looks really cool now I think. I gave it a good workout in the woods and after a day chopping and batoning it stayed really sharp! Great work Guy!
Here is a picture of the coloring of the handle.
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Thanks for sharing those pics here! I hope the dye lasts a while in use and doesn't wind up all over your hands. Micarta is not prone to absorption beyond the very surface.

Here are my two GSO-4.1's (one to be listed on the exchange tomorrow):

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Since I know you own both this I think would be a good place to ask. I am torn between my next knife purcahse a 4.1 or a RMD. If you could only have one which would you choose and why?
 
PatrickKnight said:
Since I know you own both this I think would be a good place to ask. I am torn between my next knife purchase a 4.1 or a RMD. If you could only have one which would you choose and why?
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Give me a couple of days to take some comparison shots and write/record something detailed, but know that the GSO-5.1 is a closer cousin to the RMD, and I'll be doing a direct comparison of those when the 5.1's ship out. I specifically used the HRLM in this thread as a closer match. And I will say this now, I haven't had the GSO-4.1 long enough to decide between it and the HRLM.

The RMD has the same handle as the HRLM, superior in comfort and control over the GSO-4.1 as mentioned in this review. Honestly, that handle may be enough by itself to tip the scales in favor of the RMD (or HRLM) - it's just so easy to hold & control and fits my hand better than the GSO-4.1. I'll be modifying the handle of the GSO-4.1 I keep to see if i can improve the comfort. The RMD has a longer blade and enlarged choil for slightly more reach while still allowing a close choke-grip, clip-point for increased tip penetration (e.g. stabbing, drilling) with a comfortable thumb-ramp to allow added force in such use, it's thicker stock for an overall sturdier package, and SR101 steel has demonstrated impressive toughness in use.

But the RMD is half-again heavier than the GSO-4.1, mine came with a thick edge in the curve that required a LOT of hand-work to bring to an acceptable level of performance, the extra blade length means a larger profile than might be ideal in some environments, many dislike choils and the RMD's is a little higher up the blade than is ideal, the knife doesn't come with a sheath, uncoated blades are only available custom or secondary market and will rust if uncared for (as will the edge), and SR101 wear-resistance is likely far below CPM-3V or M390 or 20CV.

Sooo... would you rather have a lighter, more compact tool that is ready to go or a longer (heavier) tool with a more comfortable handle but may need work to improve its performance?

As a "combat" or "survival/camping" single tool (urban, woodland, wherever), I'd prefer the sturdier RMD for prying, penetration, longer reach, batonning, and better ergonomics in adverse conditions. The RMD can handle a lot of abuse and can be modified (with some re-profiling work or if you bother customer service about it when you order) into an excellent cutter. I carry mine in a cheap canvas sheath purchased from SYKCO for their 7" blades, modified for an excellent fit. The total price was less than the going price for a GSO-4.1. But for all other hunting, woodcraft, diving, etc. I think the lighter blade in the smaller package with the lower maintenance is a better fit and the GSO-4.1 comes ready for use with a sturdy and razor-sharp edge of premium steel and an excellent sheath, a higher level of performance out of the box.

Again, I'll do a direct comparison of the RMD to a GSO-5.1 once mine arrives. I anticipate the GSO-5.1 to be lighter and higher performing out of the box, but it was also more expensive than the RMD. I may be able to modify the RMD's edge profile to match the other's cutting ability (with a lot of work that may translate to it being a more expensive knife), whereas I'm still considering ways to modify the GSO handle to bring it close to the comfort afforded in the rats. Time will tell...
 
I like my Survive Knives GSO 4.1 M390 a lot. It is not as impeccable and refined as my Bark River Bravo 1 (ie machine marks on spine, scales are not %100 flush with spine & screws) but it does not need to be, I like the rugged, utilitarian feel of this knife.

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Bark River Bravo 1 CPM 3V Rampless, Full Height Convex Grind (superior geometry in my book)

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i have a rmd and a gso 4.1, in use the handles are both fine, different but equivalent from comfort standpoint. The 4.1 cuts better, edge lasts longer and doesnt have a huge choil. For my use stainlessness in important so the 4.1 wins easily
 
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