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I've been looking at getting a new all-arounder, for camping, hiking, etc. I'm looking for recommendations from people that have used/handled both hopefully, or can tell me about one or the other.
-
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SWKW RMD vs BRKT Bravo-1
- Thread starter michaelm466
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- 6,860
Forgive me fellers, but Bravo-1. I'm not a huge-choil-on-a-small-knife sorta guy.
As far as torture testing either of them, I haven't done it. But BRKT is very well done convex and the RMD is SR101. So both will be great.
As far as torture testing either of them, I haven't done it. But BRKT is very well done convex and the RMD is SR101. So both will be great.
- Joined
- Feb 3, 2004
- Messages
- 7,119
That's a tough choice. I'd go with the RMD if for no other reason than the fact that it will hold it's value better. But as Dennis said, you can't go wrong with either one. And I'm not a big fan of thumb ramps on small knives. But removing the Bravo-1's thumb ramp is no big deal.
- Joined
- May 23, 2006
- Messages
- 680
Own both, I prefer the Bravo 1. I find choils get in my way in the field and the grip on the B1 is one of the best I have ever handled. In addition the B1 is going to be much sharper out of the box than any Busse/rat/dog. If that matters to you anyway. All my rats that go to the field go to my belt sander first to get in tip top shape. In addition if you get a B1 with a pretty wood handle it scares the sheeple a lot less too. Don't get me wrong I love rats. SR101 is my second favorite steel to A2. I have dressed deer with both and prefer the RMD though.
.02
.02
Last edited:
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2009
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Bravo 1. Almost every small Busse or Swamp Rat camp blade you will find will have a choil, which is completely unnecessary on a blade this size. Many will even have useless little elf choils which take utility away from your knife while being way too large for a sharpening choil.
I love Busse and Swamp Rat, but their insistence on sticking choils on every dang knife is maddening sometimes.
I love Busse and Swamp Rat, but their insistence on sticking choils on every dang knife is maddening sometimes.
Well..... I have been trying to avoid posting for a while as I need to avoid spending the time I spend on the LONG posts. I tend to get carried away writing, but I have to jump in on this one a bit.
I think the first thing that needs to be pointed out is that the RMD is "Significantly" larger than the Bravo1 at about 1.5 inches longer which is pretty significant. To me, the RMD and the Bravo1 are a bit apples and oranges.
That said, I don't see that it is entirely wrong to ask people preferences between one specific knife vs. another..... although it might be a bit edgy to ask that question on the Swamp Rats forum.
If trying to ask for a more apples to apples comparison, the Bravo1 is much closer in size to the Swamp Rat HRLM.
Bravo1 = 7.5 ounces; .215 thick; 4.25 blade; 9.065 oal
HRLM.......................= 9.0 ounces; .190" thick; 4.13" blade; 9.3" oal
Ratmandu (micarta)....= 10.0 ounces; .189" thick; 5.3125" blade; 10.5" oal
You may or may not know, but one significant difference in the Bravo1 that shows in the above specs is the Bravo1s skeletonized handle which reduces handle and over-all weight by probably 1-1.5 ounces or so.
Rather than getting into a potentially LONG analysis of my opinions comparing the Bravo1 to the HRLM and RMD, I will just try to highlight some pros and cons of each (O.K. - that got long .
):
Bravo1:
Pros:
- Satin finish (advantage Bravo1, some people don't mind coated blades, I do.)
- Excellent knife steel. Great balance of overall edge properties - ability to get sharp, hold and edge, easily sharpen, toughness, etc. I consider A2 and SR-101 VERY comparable. I slightly give SR-101 an advantage for sharpness/edge retention. I just like how it cuts, but both are EXCELLENT knife steels and both are PLENTY tough. It is actually pretty hard to find a notable preference in actual use..... unless corrosion is an issue. Then, I easily give A2 the advantage in corrosion resistance. A2 is more suited as a satin blade and I prefer satin. So, if satin, I lean towards A2 a bit. But, SR-101 isn't too hard to keep rust free if using something like Ren-Wax or just leave the coating on. (A2 is mostly a draw to me vs. SR-101)
- Convex edge from the factory. SR-101 can be convexed by owner, but Bark River comes that way (Advantage Bravo1)
- Lightweight skeletonized handle saves weight and improves balance and feel in the hand while still be PLENTY strong. (I personally REALLY like this feature. Many won't care, but IMO: (advantage Bravo1)
- Excellent ergos and all-around design for multi-task use knife.
- Excellent handle ergos (But, advantage HRLM/RMD)
- Excellent Blade design (Advantage to Bravo1 compared to the HRLM), but depending on intended uses, the RMD "Can" be better with its added length. While I would prefer NO choil at all, at least the Bravo1 has a MUCH better (smaller) choil size compared to the HRLMs. But, even if choil aside, I think for its blade length, the Bravo1 has a bit more useful blade shape. The HRLM blade shape/function is still very good.
- High quality fit and finish. Bark River knives are "semi-production"/"semi-custom" hand finished and so finishes can vary. However, IMO, most are quite nicely finished and are nicer looking than utilitarian coated blades with hollow tube handles. (* Advantage Bravo1)
- Handle material options Bark River offers TONS of handle options.
- Price/Value - Swamp Rat and Busse kin knives "can" offer an investment value "IF" you buy at cost from Swamp Rat / Busse and kin. Luckily, Swamp Rat might be releasing a few more HRLM's and RMD's soon. :thumbup: But, investment returns have been down on many knives lately. I have taken some losses. Generally speaking, I think Busse and kin knives hold their values better than the average Bark River knife.... if looking for safe investment. But, many Bark River knives that compare to a similar Swamp Rat knife cost less to begin with. And, especially considering I STRONGLY prefer satin, but also if you consider sheath, convex edge and a few other factors, I think Bark River actually offers a better value. (This hurts to say, but I have to give advantage to Bark River/Bravo1 - However, it does depend on the knife for both companies.)
Cons:
- Personally, I dont like the Bravo1s thumbramp, but as I mentioned Mike Stewart will remove the Bravo1s ramp for free. (* Which should negate this con as you have either option!). I have larger than average size hands and I must have very long thumbs or something, but I generally use a knife sized like the Bravo1 with my thumb on the spine of the knife and my thumb generally falls where the Peak of the Bravo1s ramp is right in the middle of the pad of my thumb. I dont like it. I can reach my thumb forward of the Bravo1s ramp and I can pull my thumb back onto the ramp, but neither feels right to me. I prefer it removed. * Since the Bravo1's ramp can be removed for free from the factory and see HRLM thumb ramp comments below, even though I have it listed as a con for the Bravo1, it can be removed, so: (advantage Bravo1! IF compared to the HRLM!) (*However, the RMD ultimately has the best thumb ramp/recess as it is quite good from the factory!!! :thumbup
- Choil. Personally, I dont even like the Sharpening choil on the Bravo. I would prefer NO choil at all. But, at least the Bravo1s true sharpening choil is sized a LOT more reasonable for no bigger than it has to be for sharpening (unlike the HRLMs choil). (* Even as a con, advantage easily to Bravo1! - if compared to the HRLM!)
- Sheath. ODDLY, the Bravo1 comes with a much lesser than normal quality Bark River sheath. I am not fond of the kydex sheath that comes with the Bravo1. Usually, Bark River would have a significant Pro advantage in the sheath category compared to Swamp Rat/Busse and kin since they dont come with ANY sheath. Usually most of the newer Bark River sheaths have been pretty nice. If you dont like the Bravo1 kydex, there are a few good alternatives at reasonable prices (about $35 - $55) slightly below what a comparable Custom sheath for a HRLM or RMD would cost. (* Even as a con, slight advantage Bravo1!)
- Honestly, the cons on the Bravo1 are quite nit-picky and it is pretty hard to come up with cons. The Bravo1 is a HIGHLY regarded knife for exactly what you have asked for: all-arounder, for camping, hiking, etc.
-----------------------------------------
HRLM
Pros:
- SR101 is EXCELLENT knife steel. IMO, SR-101 offers Everything I want in a knife steel - except corrosion resistance. Still, I like both SR-101 and A2 a lot so: (SR-101 is mostly a draw to me vs. A2)
- Excellent handle ergos. The HRLM/RMD handle is one of the most comfortable handles from Busse and kin I have ever handled. Further, MANY other people like the HRLM/RMD handle. (Advantage HRLM/RMD) - (*But, I REALLY wish it were skeletonized to reduce weight!!!)
- Pretty nice blade design. The RMDs blade height/length ratio is ideal IMO, but for the HRLM, the blade height seems maybe a tad taller than I prefer for some uses. If not for the choil, the Bravo1 would only have a slight advantage over the HRLM. With the HRLM's Elf choil, the Bravo pretty easily wins over the HRLM. But, I think the RMDs size is even more versatile than the Bravo1 if choosing ONE knife. (Advantage RMD, then Bravo1, then HRLM)
- The factory HRLM thumb recess wasnt great for me. So, this is bit tough to call a pro. I had my HRLM before the RMD was released and I modified my HRLM thumb recess by grinding it forward into a natural sloping curve over the spine which leaves a ramp behind the thumb more like the RMD that fits my hand VERY well and allows for plenty of movement forward of the ramp. If modified, the HRLMs ramp/recess can be made VERY good. The RMD easily wins the best thumb ramp category because it is "GREAT" from the factory. I would say the Bravo1's ramp wins over the HRLM because you have "Either" option from Bark River. Bark River will remove the ramp and it will look "factory" done with "factory" satin finish. But, to fix the HRLM's "Recess" you have to customize it yourself. And if you have to strip and satin finish the entire knife at that point you are in for a LOT of work! So, debatable to call the HRLMs ramp/recess a pro.
Cons:
- Elf choil. Specifically on the HRLM (The RMD has a "Functional" choil that I am fine with. :thumbup: ) The term Elf choil is fairly new, but Busses use of the choil goes way back along with many people being annoyed by it. The choil is too small to be functionally used as you cant get a finger in it. But, it is WAY larger than needed for just sharpening. So, it wastes blade edge and I agree with Dennis in regards to not preferring a choil on certain smaller sized knives. Further, that "Elf" sized choil snags during certain cutting uses and I highly prefer to have a cutting edge up in close to my hand hold on that sized knife. As a compromise, I chose to grind my HRLMs choil actually larger and back into the guard. At least that allows me to use it and choking up helps get in close to the blade and helps avoid the snagging. By grinding back into the guard, I was able to not sacrifice any blade edge, make a choil that was functional to use and close in to the handle. To me, the modified choil is WAY better than the factory elf choil. But, for the HRLM, I would still have rather had no choil and have the blade edge come in close to the handle. (Advantage RMD. The RMD has slightly more cutting edge with its choil than the Bravo1. So, the RMD's blade being longer gives it more versatility. The factory HRLM losses the choil round pretty easily.
- I would prefer the factory edge to be convexed But, that can be fixed.
- Coated blade. I always prefer satin. It can be stripping and satin finishing. ***BUT, it is a PITA that would be WAY easier and faster if done at the factory! Stripping the coating is simple, but removing the pits and marks from under the coating is a ridiculous chore- especially with the scales already attached (again, easier if done at the factory!!!). Further, if stripped, SR-101 is prone to rusting and needs more maintenance (I use RenWax). Most people dont want to strip their coated SR-101 blades and Live with the subtle downsides of the coating in exchange for the benefits of corrosion resistance. Some people actually like the look of coated blades . I dont. I also believe satin blades ultimately perform in "Some" cases better than coated blades. (advantage Bravo1)
- NO Sheath at all.
In the end, when comparing apples to apples (Bravo1 to HRLM Factory finish), I have to choose the Bravo1 over the HRLM. I think it offers more attention to details in design, function, fit and finish for the money. The HRLM can be modified into a pretty nice knife, but if self-customizing, I dont consider that a fair comparison anymore.
--------------------
RMD:
IMO Swamp Rat fixed and improved upon a LOT of the shortcomings of the HRLM with the RMD. So, there arent that many cons on the RMD other than no satin option.
IMO the RMD is a CLASSIC and one of the best knives to come from Busse and kin period.
IMO, while I dont like ANY choils on most smaller knives sized like the HRLM, Bravo1 and similar, the functional choil on the RMD is VERY acceptable. The factory thumb ramp is also very good on the RMD.
*** If looking for the ultimate all-arounder, for camping, hiking, etc., it becomes more debatable if comparing the Bravo1 to the RMD since they really are different in size. And I think I am somewhat picking size as a criteria with my End vote.
But, in the end, if camp use is a factor, I think the size of the RMD, along with its refined design improvements over the HRLM makes the RMD a BETTER and more versatile all-arounder, for camping, hiking, etc..
The added weight of the RMD is not a huge difference compared to Bravo1 unless LOTS of hiking, but the extra 1.5 reach on the blade is more suitable for bigger/heavier duty tasks while still being able to choke up on the RMD for detail work.
The RMD balances nicely, but **** I would REALLY love for the RMD to have skeletonized tang like the Bravo1. I have even looked into water-jet cutting to see if I could have the tang skeletonized, but it is not cost effective for 1-2 knives. It only becomes reasonable if having 10-20+ cut. (* On that note, the Scrap Yard S5 is worth mentioning as it offer a LOT of what the RMD offers, but with a much lighter handle! But, I wont get into the S5, because then to be fair, I would have to talk about the Canadian Special, Aurora, Manitou, Gameskeeper, Rivers Edge, etc.)
For the RMD, again, you will have to buy a sheath. And personally, I would at least put a good convex edge on it.
----------------------
So, to summarize:
Bravo1 compares more directly with the HRLM, but I would have to give the nod to the Bravo1 in that comparison.
The RMD is 1.5 longer compared to the Bravo1. So, I consider it an apples to oranges comparison.
I consider the Bravo1 a GREAT knife size. The size is VERY versatile, and the Bravo1 is a TRUE classic IMO within the knife industry. The Bravo1 arguably makes for a better hiking, trail, Woods-bumming knife since it is smaller and lighter and still so versatile, well designed, etc.
But, the RMD is another CLASSIC (you have picked two good options). The RMDs handle ergos are VERY hard to beat. If a LARGE range of options are needed for ONE knife to cover the broad generic uses you described: all-arounder, for camping, hiking, etc., then the RMD is one of the best ONE knife options out there and I would pick the RMD over the Bravo-1.
*** The Bravo1 and HRLM are BOTH better suited for processing game IMO... if that is a consideration.
If a two knife approach is considered say Bravo1 and Camp Tramp, things might be different whole new set of considerations.
Opinions will always vary. Different preferences and uses are HUGE here. But, based on what you described, there is my two cents.
.
I think the first thing that needs to be pointed out is that the RMD is "Significantly" larger than the Bravo1 at about 1.5 inches longer which is pretty significant. To me, the RMD and the Bravo1 are a bit apples and oranges.
That said, I don't see that it is entirely wrong to ask people preferences between one specific knife vs. another..... although it might be a bit edgy to ask that question on the Swamp Rats forum.
If trying to ask for a more apples to apples comparison, the Bravo1 is much closer in size to the Swamp Rat HRLM.
Bravo1 = 7.5 ounces; .215 thick; 4.25 blade; 9.065 oal
HRLM.......................= 9.0 ounces; .190" thick; 4.13" blade; 9.3" oal
Ratmandu (micarta)....= 10.0 ounces; .189" thick; 5.3125" blade; 10.5" oal
You may or may not know, but one significant difference in the Bravo1 that shows in the above specs is the Bravo1s skeletonized handle which reduces handle and over-all weight by probably 1-1.5 ounces or so.
Rather than getting into a potentially LONG analysis of my opinions comparing the Bravo1 to the HRLM and RMD, I will just try to highlight some pros and cons of each (O.K. - that got long .
): Bravo1:
Pros:
- Satin finish (advantage Bravo1, some people don't mind coated blades, I do.)
- Excellent knife steel. Great balance of overall edge properties - ability to get sharp, hold and edge, easily sharpen, toughness, etc. I consider A2 and SR-101 VERY comparable. I slightly give SR-101 an advantage for sharpness/edge retention. I just like how it cuts, but both are EXCELLENT knife steels and both are PLENTY tough. It is actually pretty hard to find a notable preference in actual use..... unless corrosion is an issue. Then, I easily give A2 the advantage in corrosion resistance. A2 is more suited as a satin blade and I prefer satin. So, if satin, I lean towards A2 a bit. But, SR-101 isn't too hard to keep rust free if using something like Ren-Wax or just leave the coating on. (A2 is mostly a draw to me vs. SR-101)
- Convex edge from the factory. SR-101 can be convexed by owner, but Bark River comes that way (Advantage Bravo1)
- Lightweight skeletonized handle saves weight and improves balance and feel in the hand while still be PLENTY strong. (I personally REALLY like this feature. Many won't care, but IMO: (advantage Bravo1)
- Excellent ergos and all-around design for multi-task use knife.
- Excellent handle ergos (But, advantage HRLM/RMD)
- Excellent Blade design (Advantage to Bravo1 compared to the HRLM), but depending on intended uses, the RMD "Can" be better with its added length. While I would prefer NO choil at all, at least the Bravo1 has a MUCH better (smaller) choil size compared to the HRLMs. But, even if choil aside, I think for its blade length, the Bravo1 has a bit more useful blade shape. The HRLM blade shape/function is still very good.
- High quality fit and finish. Bark River knives are "semi-production"/"semi-custom" hand finished and so finishes can vary. However, IMO, most are quite nicely finished and are nicer looking than utilitarian coated blades with hollow tube handles. (* Advantage Bravo1)
- Handle material options Bark River offers TONS of handle options.
- Price/Value - Swamp Rat and Busse kin knives "can" offer an investment value "IF" you buy at cost from Swamp Rat / Busse and kin. Luckily, Swamp Rat might be releasing a few more HRLM's and RMD's soon. :thumbup: But, investment returns have been down on many knives lately. I have taken some losses. Generally speaking, I think Busse and kin knives hold their values better than the average Bark River knife.... if looking for safe investment. But, many Bark River knives that compare to a similar Swamp Rat knife cost less to begin with. And, especially considering I STRONGLY prefer satin, but also if you consider sheath, convex edge and a few other factors, I think Bark River actually offers a better value. (This hurts to say, but I have to give advantage to Bark River/Bravo1 - However, it does depend on the knife for both companies.)
Cons:
- Personally, I dont like the Bravo1s thumbramp, but as I mentioned Mike Stewart will remove the Bravo1s ramp for free. (* Which should negate this con as you have either option!). I have larger than average size hands and I must have very long thumbs or something, but I generally use a knife sized like the Bravo1 with my thumb on the spine of the knife and my thumb generally falls where the Peak of the Bravo1s ramp is right in the middle of the pad of my thumb. I dont like it. I can reach my thumb forward of the Bravo1s ramp and I can pull my thumb back onto the ramp, but neither feels right to me. I prefer it removed. * Since the Bravo1's ramp can be removed for free from the factory and see HRLM thumb ramp comments below, even though I have it listed as a con for the Bravo1, it can be removed, so: (advantage Bravo1! IF compared to the HRLM!) (*However, the RMD ultimately has the best thumb ramp/recess as it is quite good from the factory!!! :thumbup
- Choil. Personally, I dont even like the Sharpening choil on the Bravo. I would prefer NO choil at all. But, at least the Bravo1s true sharpening choil is sized a LOT more reasonable for no bigger than it has to be for sharpening (unlike the HRLMs choil). (* Even as a con, advantage easily to Bravo1! - if compared to the HRLM!)
- Sheath. ODDLY, the Bravo1 comes with a much lesser than normal quality Bark River sheath. I am not fond of the kydex sheath that comes with the Bravo1. Usually, Bark River would have a significant Pro advantage in the sheath category compared to Swamp Rat/Busse and kin since they dont come with ANY sheath. Usually most of the newer Bark River sheaths have been pretty nice. If you dont like the Bravo1 kydex, there are a few good alternatives at reasonable prices (about $35 - $55) slightly below what a comparable Custom sheath for a HRLM or RMD would cost. (* Even as a con, slight advantage Bravo1!)
- Honestly, the cons on the Bravo1 are quite nit-picky and it is pretty hard to come up with cons. The Bravo1 is a HIGHLY regarded knife for exactly what you have asked for: all-arounder, for camping, hiking, etc.
-----------------------------------------
HRLM
Pros:
- SR101 is EXCELLENT knife steel. IMO, SR-101 offers Everything I want in a knife steel - except corrosion resistance. Still, I like both SR-101 and A2 a lot so: (SR-101 is mostly a draw to me vs. A2)
- Excellent handle ergos. The HRLM/RMD handle is one of the most comfortable handles from Busse and kin I have ever handled. Further, MANY other people like the HRLM/RMD handle. (Advantage HRLM/RMD) - (*But, I REALLY wish it were skeletonized to reduce weight!!!)
- Pretty nice blade design. The RMDs blade height/length ratio is ideal IMO, but for the HRLM, the blade height seems maybe a tad taller than I prefer for some uses. If not for the choil, the Bravo1 would only have a slight advantage over the HRLM. With the HRLM's Elf choil, the Bravo pretty easily wins over the HRLM. But, I think the RMDs size is even more versatile than the Bravo1 if choosing ONE knife. (Advantage RMD, then Bravo1, then HRLM)
- The factory HRLM thumb recess wasnt great for me. So, this is bit tough to call a pro. I had my HRLM before the RMD was released and I modified my HRLM thumb recess by grinding it forward into a natural sloping curve over the spine which leaves a ramp behind the thumb more like the RMD that fits my hand VERY well and allows for plenty of movement forward of the ramp. If modified, the HRLMs ramp/recess can be made VERY good. The RMD easily wins the best thumb ramp category because it is "GREAT" from the factory. I would say the Bravo1's ramp wins over the HRLM because you have "Either" option from Bark River. Bark River will remove the ramp and it will look "factory" done with "factory" satin finish. But, to fix the HRLM's "Recess" you have to customize it yourself. And if you have to strip and satin finish the entire knife at that point you are in for a LOT of work! So, debatable to call the HRLMs ramp/recess a pro.
Cons:
- Elf choil. Specifically on the HRLM (The RMD has a "Functional" choil that I am fine with. :thumbup: ) The term Elf choil is fairly new, but Busses use of the choil goes way back along with many people being annoyed by it. The choil is too small to be functionally used as you cant get a finger in it. But, it is WAY larger than needed for just sharpening. So, it wastes blade edge and I agree with Dennis in regards to not preferring a choil on certain smaller sized knives. Further, that "Elf" sized choil snags during certain cutting uses and I highly prefer to have a cutting edge up in close to my hand hold on that sized knife. As a compromise, I chose to grind my HRLMs choil actually larger and back into the guard. At least that allows me to use it and choking up helps get in close to the blade and helps avoid the snagging. By grinding back into the guard, I was able to not sacrifice any blade edge, make a choil that was functional to use and close in to the handle. To me, the modified choil is WAY better than the factory elf choil. But, for the HRLM, I would still have rather had no choil and have the blade edge come in close to the handle. (Advantage RMD. The RMD has slightly more cutting edge with its choil than the Bravo1. So, the RMD's blade being longer gives it more versatility. The factory HRLM losses the choil round pretty easily.
- I would prefer the factory edge to be convexed But, that can be fixed.
- Coated blade. I always prefer satin. It can be stripping and satin finishing. ***BUT, it is a PITA that would be WAY easier and faster if done at the factory! Stripping the coating is simple, but removing the pits and marks from under the coating is a ridiculous chore- especially with the scales already attached (again, easier if done at the factory!!!). Further, if stripped, SR-101 is prone to rusting and needs more maintenance (I use RenWax). Most people dont want to strip their coated SR-101 blades and Live with the subtle downsides of the coating in exchange for the benefits of corrosion resistance. Some people actually like the look of coated blades . I dont. I also believe satin blades ultimately perform in "Some" cases better than coated blades. (advantage Bravo1)
- NO Sheath at all.
In the end, when comparing apples to apples (Bravo1 to HRLM Factory finish), I have to choose the Bravo1 over the HRLM. I think it offers more attention to details in design, function, fit and finish for the money. The HRLM can be modified into a pretty nice knife, but if self-customizing, I dont consider that a fair comparison anymore.
--------------------
RMD:
IMO Swamp Rat fixed and improved upon a LOT of the shortcomings of the HRLM with the RMD. So, there arent that many cons on the RMD other than no satin option.
IMO the RMD is a CLASSIC and one of the best knives to come from Busse and kin period.
IMO, while I dont like ANY choils on most smaller knives sized like the HRLM, Bravo1 and similar, the functional choil on the RMD is VERY acceptable. The factory thumb ramp is also very good on the RMD.
*** If looking for the ultimate all-arounder, for camping, hiking, etc., it becomes more debatable if comparing the Bravo1 to the RMD since they really are different in size. And I think I am somewhat picking size as a criteria with my End vote.
But, in the end, if camp use is a factor, I think the size of the RMD, along with its refined design improvements over the HRLM makes the RMD a BETTER and more versatile all-arounder, for camping, hiking, etc..
The added weight of the RMD is not a huge difference compared to Bravo1 unless LOTS of hiking, but the extra 1.5 reach on the blade is more suitable for bigger/heavier duty tasks while still being able to choke up on the RMD for detail work.
The RMD balances nicely, but **** I would REALLY love for the RMD to have skeletonized tang like the Bravo1. I have even looked into water-jet cutting to see if I could have the tang skeletonized, but it is not cost effective for 1-2 knives. It only becomes reasonable if having 10-20+ cut. (* On that note, the Scrap Yard S5 is worth mentioning as it offer a LOT of what the RMD offers, but with a much lighter handle! But, I wont get into the S5, because then to be fair, I would have to talk about the Canadian Special, Aurora, Manitou, Gameskeeper, Rivers Edge, etc.)
For the RMD, again, you will have to buy a sheath. And personally, I would at least put a good convex edge on it.
----------------------
So, to summarize:
Bravo1 compares more directly with the HRLM, but I would have to give the nod to the Bravo1 in that comparison.
The RMD is 1.5 longer compared to the Bravo1. So, I consider it an apples to oranges comparison.
I consider the Bravo1 a GREAT knife size. The size is VERY versatile, and the Bravo1 is a TRUE classic IMO within the knife industry. The Bravo1 arguably makes for a better hiking, trail, Woods-bumming knife since it is smaller and lighter and still so versatile, well designed, etc.
But, the RMD is another CLASSIC (you have picked two good options). The RMDs handle ergos are VERY hard to beat. If a LARGE range of options are needed for ONE knife to cover the broad generic uses you described: all-arounder, for camping, hiking, etc., then the RMD is one of the best ONE knife options out there and I would pick the RMD over the Bravo-1.
*** The Bravo1 and HRLM are BOTH better suited for processing game IMO... if that is a consideration.
If a two knife approach is considered say Bravo1 and Camp Tramp, things might be different whole new set of considerations.
Opinions will always vary. Different preferences and uses are HUGE here. But, based on what you described, there is my two cents.
.
Last edited:
If you have a chance to handle/hold both- that would go a long way in helping you decide. Two of the more popular blades out there! Huge fan base for both so I figure it's a matter of personal preference.
Another great fall back position is...buy both!!
Another great fall back position is...buy both!!
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2009
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First of all thanks everybody for the responses, I tried posting this question in the general forum, but didn't get any responses and thought I would be more likely to at least have opinions on the RMD here. Also a BIG thank you to DWRW, that was a great overview comparison of the two+ the hrlm. Right now I only have the money for one. I've actually been saving up for the Bravo-1 and waiting for the next batch to come out so I could get one. But then I saw that the HRLM, RMD, and RS were coming out and I really liked the looks of the RMD so I thought about getting that one instead (and hopefully eventually the Bravo-1, but it would probably be quite awhile) especially while I can get it straight from SWKW for retail. I do already know I like SR101 (I have the S5, also wish it didn't have a choil or at least not the almost 2 finger sized one) and haven't had any problems with it rusting. I also agree that I like satin finish better (less friction).
michael,
I went back and cleaned up my thoughts on my first post including adding a few points.
But, you bring up the most important consideration.
RPN said it well. Buy both. If you decide one isn't right for you, you can sell it later. If you take a small loss, it shouldn't be much and it will have been worth at least handling them first hand.
You said you "only have the money for one".
I would HAVE to recommend buying the RMD first and WHEN available from Swamp Rat at cost without the secondary mark-up.
Mike Stewart "WILL" make more Bravo1's and if you keep an eye open, you should be able to pick one up at many different opportunities.
Decide what your needs are, compare and sell of the one you don't want.
But, the truth is, they are BOTH extrordinary knives and hard to part with.
Good luck.
I went back and cleaned up my thoughts on my first post including adding a few points.
But, you bring up the most important consideration.
RPN said it well. Buy both. If you decide one isn't right for you, you can sell it later. If you take a small loss, it shouldn't be much and it will have been worth at least handling them first hand.
You said you "only have the money for one".
I would HAVE to recommend buying the RMD first and WHEN available from Swamp Rat at cost without the secondary mark-up.
Mike Stewart "WILL" make more Bravo1's and if you keep an eye open, you should be able to pick one up at many different opportunities.
Decide what your needs are, compare and sell of the one you don't want.
But, the truth is, they are BOTH extrordinary knives and hard to part with.
Good luck.
Kaizen1
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2006
- Messages
- 6,256
The great thing about that is, Eric will have a bunch of RMDs ready at retail pretty soon. It might be a good idea to grab both and sell whichever you don't like.