Bark River Bravo Micro Mini review

[Danketch]

http://imgur.com/a/fYMiO

This is the new Bark River Bravo Micro. Initial first impression is - this is small! Way smaller than I thought it would be. It definitely lives up to its name.

It is basically a scaled down Bravo 1. I just got it, so I haven't used it too much yet. My first thoughts are maybe this blade is too small for the large convex grind it has. It just seems like I could get more use out of a maybe flat-ground or v-grind edge on a blade this small, because realistically, I am not going to be chopping any wood with this, just opening boxes or cutting rope maybe.

Size comparison with my Bravo Necker and Bravo Necker 2. Just got the Bravo Necker 2, and this is about the smallest useable size blade for me I think.

So to summarize, not a big fan of the convexity or the blade length, but it is a well made, pretty sharp out of the box micro- Bravo 1. The pocket sheath is ok as well, but I think having a flap over top is pointless if you want to get it out of your pocket. You end up having to take the whole sheath out to open it up. If I keep the blade I will either make a new sheath or cut the flap off this one.

 

[Firestrike]

Holy, that IS tiny

 

[JB in SC]

Holy, that IS tiny

Roger that...the blade stock looks pretty thick for such a small knife.

 

[99cuts]

how many fingers can you grip the handle with?

 

[Danketch]

3 fingers. It is still a pretty secure grip. I wouldn't feel too concerned about losing my grip while cutting something.

 

[LilBayDeNoc]

Looks perfect for the pocket! Thanks for sharing.

 

[Recurve 7]

It is small, but, then again most are too big. I like it real well.
Congrats,
Mike

 

[Kissimmeeknifeknut]

http://imgur.com/a/fYMiO

This is the new Bark River Bravo Micro. Initial first impression is - this is small! Way smaller than I thought it would be. It definitely lives up to its name.

It is basically a scaled down Bravo 1. I just got it, so I haven't used it too much yet. My first thoughts are maybe this blade is too small for the large convex grind it has. It just seems like I could get more use out of a maybe flat-ground or v-grind edge on a blade this small, because realistically, I am not going to be chopping any wood with this, just opening boxes or cutting rope maybe.

Size comparison with my Bravo Necker and Bravo Necker 2. Just got the Bravo Necker 2, and this is about the smallest useable size blade for me I think.

So to summarize, not a big fan of the convexity or the blade length, but it is a well made, pretty sharp out of the box micro- Bravo 1. The pocket sheath is ok as well, but I think having a flap over top is pointless if you want to get it out of your pocket. You end up having to take the whole sheath out to open it up. If I keep the blade I will either make a new sheath or cut the flap off this one.

I just received the Micro and I am shocked by its size. What purpose does a knife this small serve that can't be served by a larger knife that one can grip with the palm? Just curious.

Thanks.

 

[snippy]

The purpose it serves is being small while being able to do 99% of your cutting tasks.

I absolutely love mine.

 

[Big Mike]

Kissimmeeknifeknut, welcome to BladeForums.

Initial first impression is - this is small! Way smaller than I thought it would be...

I just received the Micro and I am shocked by its size.

I'm always surprised when I read about folks who order knives without really knowing the size.

Photos can be deceiving, but the specs tell the tale of the tape.

Of course, with a name that includes the term Micro, small should be expected.

What purpose does a knife this small serve that can't be served by a larger knife that one can grip with the palm?

"What purpose?" Small fixed blades are very easy to carry compared "a to larger knife that one can grip with the palm".

Here's a photo of one of my neckers, an inch smaller then the Bravo-Micro, yet still quite handy as a cutting tool.

As stated, photos can be deceiving. That knife is less then four inches long.



Big Mike

 

[Kissimmeeknifeknut]

Kissimmeeknifeknut, welcome to BladeForums.








I'm always surprised when I read about folks who order knives without really knowing the size.

Photos can be deceiving, but the specs tell the tale of the tape.

Of course, with a name that includes the term Micro, small should be expected.





"What purpose?" Small fixed blades are very easy to carry compared "a to larger knife that one can grip with the palm".

Here's a photo of one of my neckers, an inch smaller then the Bravo-Micro, yet still quite handy as a cutting tool.

As stated, photos can be deceiving. That knife is less then four inches long.



Big Mike

I am glad I was able to surprise you and I appreciate the respectful response. Such class. I knew the specs before ordering in the knife but the specs did not say that the handle was basically a sliver. Thought maybe it would be meatier. I asked the question to find possible uses that I might be missing. Like some are for bushcraft and some for chefs. I should have known what type of response I would get. Maybe it was too tempting not to simply answer the question without making remarks about the poster. Thanks for the warm welcome to a new member. I will look for another forum.

Thanks.

 

[Big Mike]

I am glad I was able to surprise you and I appreciate the respectful response. Such class. I knew the specs before ordering in the knife but the specs did not say that the handle was basically a sliver. Thought maybe it would be meatier. I asked the question to find possible uses that I might be missing. Like some are for bushcraft and some for chefs. I should have known what type of response I would get. Maybe it was too tempting not to simply answer the question without making remarks about the poster. Thanks for the warm welcome to a new member. I will look for another forum.

Thanks.

Sorry you took such offense to my comments.

They where not specifically aimed at you.

You may notice, I first quoted the OP from his title post in this thread.

Danketch

Initial first impression is - this is small! Way smaller than I thought it would be...

That was the comment that surprised me, seeing your post only served to reinforce it.


The phenomenon of people miss-judging the size of objects in photographs -- even when the dimensions are known -- is quite common.

My large photo of a very small knife was added to reinforce that point.


Your sarcastic comments toward a respected forum member in your second post on the forum speaks volumes about you.

I hope you can overcome your attitude long enough to realize that there are many very knowledgeable members here who have lots of information to share.


Again, I apologize for the misunderstanding.



Big Mike

 

[snippy]

Kissimmeeknifeknut, welcome to BladeForums.








I'm always surprised when I read about folks who order knives without really knowing the size.

Photos can be deceiving, but the specs tell the tale of the tape.

Of course, with a name that includes the term Micro, small should be expected.





"What purpose?" Small fixed blades are very easy to carry compared "a to larger knife that one can grip with the palm".

Here's a photo of one of my neckers, an inch smaller then the Bravo-Micro, yet still quite handy as a cutting tool.

As stated, photos can be deceiving. That knife is less then four inches long.



Big Mike

Hey Big Mike,

I agree about the size thing. I used the listed specs and pictures and actually drew a picture of the knife and cut it out so that I had a firm grasp on what I was spending $150 on. I do understand the being surprised like the OP was because it happened to me, only in reverse. I bought a Case Mini Trapper and was very surprised that it did not fit my definition of "Mini"

Here is a picture of my Bravo Micro next to another very well respected and extremely useful knife - (the Case Peanut):

And the handle has nice contours too - like its big brothers!

And it has a lanyard hole for "handle extension" purposes, if needed. When not in the woods with my BK-9, this little Micro handles all of my day to day needs. And, when IN the woods, it handles ALL of the little stuff.

I would say that the sheath, while very well made and very nice looking, is a little bit of a pain with the flap, but I decided to live with it (and spend the extra 2 seconds to get the knife out).

-PLEASE: Tell me more about your Bark River "Necker" - are they still available? Yours looks fantastic and I love the scales! -

Eric

***

To the OP Kissimmeeknifeknut -

I read Big Mikes post and then your second post. At first I thought you were thanking Big Mike for having class and putting me down for being rude. Then when I understood what you were actually saying I was absolutely floored!

I could have been more thoughtful in my response, and here Big Mike went out of his way to provide some personal insight, a photo, and a great response as to what is the purpose of this Micro sized knife.

Geez, you really surprise me coming into a new forum this way and I can tell you that you will NEVER find a knife forum with more helpful, friendly, generous, knowledgable, and humble members. Never.

Eric

 

[WEB2]

Dont know what it is but most bark rivers are smaller than what they appear in a pic. Even when you read the specs.
My hand is 4.25" across so when i read the specs of blade length i check against my hand.
For example: was looking to get the ULB, blade length only about 3.5"ish. When i open my hand and look where the point will end up, ah, small knife that looks bigger in pics.

 

[Big Mike]

Hey Big Mike,

-PLEASE: Tell me more about your Bark River "Necker" - are they still available? Yours looks fantastic and I love the scales! -

Eric, that knife is the Bark River EPK, a knife designed for small survival kits -- it will fit the Otter Box 1000.

I wear it as a neck knife my employing a horsehide sheath made by my buddy Steg.

Bark River Knives -- EPK


The Scales are Impala Horn.

Here's it's matching companion:

Bark River Knife & Tool -- Highland Special



Big Mike

 

[brownshoe]

For pocket fixed blades, i couldn't stand a flap. I like the concept knifemaker don cowles uses. He has a pouch sheath with clip, but it has a rare earth magnet to hold it in. For a really slim mike franklin, i took his idea and made a pancake sheath with clip and rare earth magnet. Gives you secure pocket carry, with easy access.

Kisseemee, there was no direspect meant, I believe you have made an incorrect assumption. Maybe you do not understand US culture?

 

[snippy]

Thanks Big Mike - those are a couple of beauties for sure.

Here are a couple pictures of the Bravo Micro for size comparison:

I hope that people researching this knife find this page and these pictures. There are not many size reference pictures for the Micro out there and people need to know so that there are no unwelcome surprises!

BTW my hands are XL and the little folder pictured there is the Case Tiny Trapper.

All in all I find it to be an awesome little knife. Friendly looking, sharp as hell, excellent fit and finish, quality feel, amazing performance.

Eric

 

[fishiker]

Looks like it is similar in size to the PSK which makes a great knife for neck or pocket carry. Don't know when I became such a BRKT fan but I have several and have very little complaints about any.

 

[tex.proud]

I have a Bravo Micro and like it. IMHO it's a useful tool that weighs next to nothing. Stash it in a pocket, strap it anywhere, and have a blade when needed. I currently have it strapped to a baldric that I use for a large blade. It's there if I need it, and if I don't, so what? It's not a burden to carry.

Ryan