Bark River Bravo One D-test coming up.

[Leighmannn]

Originally Posted by xxo

Thanks Noss & JonSidneyB!

This should be interesting...I think it will do well.

Noss if you have a Swedish firesteel, please let us know how well it works with the "striker" on the back of the blade.

Having used my Bravo One pretty hard (no, not Noss' definition of "hard") I've found the firesteel serrations (thumb ramp) to be almost useless as the seraations are too smooth the really get a good stike on my steel. I also prefer to keep a small length of hacksaw blade attached to my firesteel; works like a charm, EVERYTIME.

That said, I think the Barkie will do very well and I look forward to the tests!

[trib trekker]

I too have a Bravo-1. Hard to believe the tale of it's inception. The main consideration had to have been availability. I refuse to believe this thing can out last anything from the Busse family, or Fehrman. But there's no way any of these could stock a military contract. I agree the serrations suck. Actually, if you use the smooth part where your thumb is supposed to go, and drag rather than slice the length of the firesteel, it throws a pretty good shower. And since the entire spine works as efficiently, the thumb hump (not supposed to call it a ramp or jimping) is a dumb idea all together. Calls into question other issues of integrity in the design. I predict it will dull sooner than expected for A-2, as does mine. (Take a 2' strip of that webbing, and using the curved portion of the blade, slice the webbing into strips on a wooden bench, and see how long before it doesn't slice anymore. Not long) Chopping won't be particularly impressive either compared to a Rat-4 at half the price. Baton til your heart's content. Stab away. It's the concrete that will wear it down. Won't break until hammers and vices are employed. I overcame corrosion concerns by soaking a wad of string in vinegar and laid it on the blade for 30 mins. per side, resulting in a very cool Damascus-like petina pattern. I love coming up with excuses to use the knife, but I hope I have at the very least my "Last Chance" if down to only one blade in the wilderness. Bravo-1 is better than nothing, but I would have difficulty keeping my spirits up if that's all I had.

[Noss]

Leighmannn: Welcome to the forum.




I doubt I would have had many if any requests for this knife if it wasn't for the marketing behind it.

[trib trekker]

Well, I'm anxious to see the test, as I always am. Funny, after I wrote my opinion, I saw the test of the other Bark River knife you did. I think it is almost gonna be like a re-run. Hope you get more webbing, though. I think that is one of the best tests you have that immediately show edge deterioration, even to the spectator. I found my Bravo-1 cuts well, but doesn't whittle very smoothly. Peeling the apple is a bit jerky, too. Convex has it's pro's and cons. I think hammering through 2X4 will be impressive, but the lateral stress tests with the vice and or hammer will do it in. Lookin' forward to it. I only wish I could afford to send you a Fehrman!!

[dingyu1980]

A2, it said that was a knid of tough steel , right ?
i am interested in it !

thank you Noss again .

[Madnumforce]

Yes, relatively tough steel. In fact, it's a tool steel. Here is a data sheet from Crucible Service. Just as a comparison, for the same hardness (60HRC), the A2 is about twice as tough as the D2.

[dingyu1980]

Originally Posted by Madnumforce

Yes, relatively tough steel. In fact, it's a tool steel. Here is a data sheet from Crucible Service. Just as a comparison, for the same hardness (60HRC), the A2 is about twice as tough as the D2.

cool , man.
thank you for sharing .

dingy

[me2]

Any chance of some pics from the spine and an estimate of the grind angle? Is the grind full convex from near the spine to the edge? I remember reading the maker aimed for a 13 degree bevel at the edge. IMO, convex grinds are over rated. I have a convex ground CRKT Hissatsu. The grind starts 1/4" from the spine and goes all the way to the edge on a 3/16" thick spine. This geometry is not good for cutting, but splits well. In fact, the grind looks very similar to the Bravo. This makes me doubt the claims of high cutting ability for this geometry.

[97guns]

how's this one coming along. having trouble choosing the cast? john travolta might play the part well.

[Noss]

My cameraman is out of town on a job. As soon as he gets back I'll get it done.