Yet another survival knife thread ??? vs ???

Kevin thanks so much, those pics are awesome!

Do you have a preference for which one strikes a firesteel better? Does the thumb ramp thing on the Bravo-1 bug you?


-Freq
 
I use a Bravo 2, rather than the Bravo 1 and on a larger knife I don't often find myself wanting to place my thumb on top of the blade anyway.

When I use my Gunny I find I sometimes try to move my thumb forward and put it on top of the ramp, and kind of think "oh yeah, that thing is there". My hands are large enough I can choke up a bit forward on the handle and still place my thumb on the blade over top the ramp. It does limit positioning a bit. The F1 is rampless, and I would say, personal preference only, that I have a slight preference for rampless on the smaller knives.

I have used firesteels primarily on my Bravo 2 and Fallkniven A2, I don't really notice any difference, both work well. (actually I tend to use the striking steel that came with the firesteel most often, just find it lightweight and easier to control) The type of steel has no bearing on how well a firesteel works, just need a sharp enough spine to peel off bits of the fire steel.


Kevin

PS Just noticed that my Fox River Magnum is 12C27 stainless steel. Not sure if they are all made from SS, or if this was a special run.
 
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I use a Bravo 2, rather than the Bravo 1 and on a larger knife I don't often find myself wanting to place my thumb on top of the blade anyway.

When I use my Gunny I find I sometimes try to move my thumb forward and put it on top of the ramp, and kind of think "oh yeah, that thing is there". My hands are large enough I can choke up a bit forward on the handle and still place my thumb on the blade over top the ramp. It does limit positioning a bit. The F1 is rampless, and I would say, personal preference only, that I have a slight preference for rampless on the smaller knives.

I have used firesteels primarily on my Bravo 2 and Fallkniven A2, I don't really notice any difference, both work well. (actually I tend to use the striking steel that came with the firesteel most often, just find it lightweight and easier to control)

Kevin

PS Just noticed that my Fox River Magnum is 12C27 stainless steel. Not sure if they are all made from SS, or if this was a special run.


Do you happen to know which one holds an edge better? Watching some youtube videos, the A2 on the bravo 1 looks very tough! Also, is there a reason why the bravo's aren't on Bark River's site?

I'm having a horrible time deciding between fallkniven and bark river (ruled out another ESEE).

-Freq
 
I'm kind of the wrong guy to comment on edge holding. I'm not a hunter so I don't skin or dress game, which is where edge holding will really shine.

I use mine mostly for batoning, chipping, chopping, and basic around the yard and campfire chores, along with some food prep.

For that type of use I find A2 and VG10 to be very comparable for edge durability. Others may have different experiences.

Both are excellent steels with great heat treat. The A2 steel is Carbon steel, so rust prevention will be a consideration. (I have had no problems with mine, but I live in a fairly dry climate)

There seems to be a stock outage on Bravo's right now. You can check the BRKT production schedule here: http://www.knifeforums.com/forums/showtopic.php?tid/868156/tp/1/
Looks like there are some Bravo 1 in A2 steel in heat treat, and some SS in cutting. So they should be more on the market in the next while.

You might find a few in stock at various dealers: http://www.workwearcanada.com/products/category.cfm?category=10
I think Paul has a few in stock. He is a Canadian distributor, so call on pricing, it may change depending on the currency exchange.

You seem to have reached that point again where you are trying to micro manage the purchase. You are considering top shelf knives, any one of your choices will be a great knife and will serve you well. You won't get a poor knife, you just need to pick one, and try it out.

For this knife, try to focus on your need, rather than wants.
1. Back up knife - will spend most of it's life in a backpack. SS may be a worthwhile consideration, Stash it and forget it.
2. Weight - Look for a balance in size and capabilities. Keep your pack weight at a minimum, but get a knife that will do what's needed.
3. Cost - Not an EDC user so balance costly features like fancy handle materials against quality and durability.
4. Actual tasks - Fire, Shelter, Food Prep, Hunting/Skinning, etc.

Have fun :D

Kevin
 
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Hah, well I guess I should just buy all 4 and keep the one I want. =P

What about field sharpening a convex edge? Not possible?


-Freq
 
Very possible.

It can be done with a stone. In fact freehand sharpening with a stone inadvertanly results in some level of convex because it is vitually impossible to maintain a perfect angle without some type of jig or guide.

Or, once you practice with the mousepad / sandpaper method, you simply substitute the top of your thigh for the mousepad and sharpen while sitting around the campfire.

A few pieces of sandpaper are lightwieght and tuck in almost anywhere in a pack.

Kevin
 
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