Bark River Knives - Bravo 1.25 - CPM 3V Review

The Second in this series of reviews for the main line up of Bravo knife models from Bark River. This Bravo 1.25 is about an inch longer then the Bravo 1 allowing for more tip forward weight which gives it a good light chopping profile. It still has the same excellent crafting abilities and without much added weight. This one we review today is in CPM 3V which has excellent edge retention. The Bravo 1.25 in CPM 3V is yet another very impressive offering from Bark River.
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[@patrickgermond2750]

Omg! I just called Bark River to see if the LT 3v has a filled in tang under the scales that'll support a bow drill divot. The secretary transferred me. A guy answers and says this is Mike. It was Mike Stewart that answered my call!! Holy cow. That was soooo cool

[@bluejeans8001]

I really enjoy how you demonstrate the review knife with a purpose, by actually performing meaningful typical camp chores. Just adds purpose and entertainment value. You have one of the coolest intros, in my opinion, on all of the channels I watch. Really enjoy your vids.

[@rios4175]

I gotta say Joe I love how you do feather sticks😊

[@feralwoodcraft]

Thanks man!

[@gweegwee5820]

Sir I recently subbed to your channel and very recently purchased my own bravo 1.25 Lt in camo kitrite, I took the plunge all thanks to your review of bark river. Well yours and Dutch Bushcraft knives, as well as chris Tanner's review of bark river. I just wanted to say thank you for making the vid and aiding in my decision.

[@ChrisGross-jr7zc]

11-12 years ago, I bought the lt. Hunter in 3v...ironwood burl handle....it cost me 307 dollars they came down in price. I like the 1.25... I think I need one!

[@LetoAt77]

Excellent video Joe! Thank you for your great vids over the years and for sharing your knowledge brother! For those who may not know, Joe buys almost all of his own gear and does these reviews to help others make an informed decision of what may be best for them to purchase. Thanks again, my 1.25 is in the mail on its way!

[@feralwoodcraft]

+Christian Cork Awesome! I think you will like it a lot. Now that isn't all true there Christian, but I do appreciate it. A year ago, I did purchase 99% of the gear I reviewed but in recent months I have gotten my fair share of freebies. Anyway, thanks for the kind words there my friend.

[@LetoAt77]

The pleasure is mine brother, keep up the great work!

[@lmazcraz]

The thumb ramp can be used either way. The reason the jimping is where it is located is so you can put your thumb pad on the ramp. Otherwise the jimping wouldn’t make sense where it is located.

[@crusty3260]

i truly believe this is the best knife they've ever made. So well balanced. Great blade length and thickness. CPM 3V is an amazing high quality steel, edge lasts for ever. It doesn't even feel like a 5" knife. i opted for the ramped version despite being more of a traditional guy. Felt like experimenting. The only thing i don't care for is the spine. Slightly rounded, difficult to scrape fine shavings from wood or use a ferro rod but it's not the end of the world. Very happy with the 1.25, especially for the price tag.

[@Xyrium]

Oldie, but still a good one, thanks. Wonder if your 3V had the same corrosion probs as some on the forums?

[@snaponjohn100]

I love that knife. I have the 1, 1.25, & 1.5. Love them all. Great to see you again. Be blessed my friend. John

[@feralwoodcraft]

+snaponjohn100 Thanks John, I hope you are as well! The Bravo series is a great one. If you like those 3, I'd encourage you to check out the EDC Bravo. It's an amazing little blade.

[@danieldan759]

Wich one do you prefer between the 1, 1.25 and 1,50..if you would have to choose one?

[@matthewjeffres1289]

Terrific Thursday to you all! Great review. Bark River and L.T Wright seem to be hitting the mark on heat treat and customer service. It is refreshing. Thanks always for sharing your take.

[@feralwoodcraft]

+Matthew Jeffres I would agree whole heartedly with that statement. I personally have never had a bad experience with them and have seen both of them bend over backwards to make those lemons that slip through cracks right. Also speaking from experience, both LT and Mike Stewart are top notch men as well. You can't go wrong with either in my opinion.

[@justinwilson7389]

Thanks for the review. Im looking to step up my bushcraft knife game. I typically use Moras and Condor. Im not ready to spend $500 on a custom though. I think Bark River may be that happy medium for me.

[@feralwoodcraft]

I can understand that. I don't think I could ever bring myself to spend 500 on any knife lol Bark Rivers are definitely a good place to find a great Bushcraft blade for sure. Thanks Justin!

[@patrickgermond2750]

Cool beans. My 1.25 LT gets here on Tuesday! I got my first Bark River about a month ago in the form of the Forest Knife Skookum copy. I love it too!

[@HighCountryHang]

Bark river is one of my hands down favorite knife companies out there. The reason being is they offer so many variations of each knife and have a ton of blade profiles to choose from so there really is a barkie for everyone. I have had to send one knife back before and they promptly sent me a new one. So what more is there to ask for. I absolutely love cpm3v. My favorite model of bark river right now happens to be the northstar edc. I find it to be the perfect size for woods chores as well as daily carry for playing in the back yard. Awesome review!

[@feralwoodcraft]

+HighCountryHang Well, you pretty much hit the head of every nail to be hit there. Exactly. Thanks!

[@hornwriter11]

Great review of a great knife. Have a Bravo 1 LT in Elmax, but the Bravo 1.25 is more a a woodsman knife and gets a lot more use. The LT will process food better though. Also, got an Aurora II and that is a food processing beast.

[@justincase4382]

Ive heard so many different ways that “thumb ramp” is supposed to be used.. and that it’s not even a thumb ramp it’s there to strike a fire steel. I personally think it’s just a simple ol thumb ramp, to be used however it can help you control it during that cut... I only say this because of all the different ways I’ve seen it’s “supposed” to be used. I could take it or leave it at first I didn’t like it purely for cosmetics but now it’s grown on me and that’s the only reason I like it now. It doesn’t get in the way for laying my index finger along the blade for skinning.. I like your videos, so I figured a comment of any kind shows some activity for however KZbin works lol.

[@bushcraftcambridge5086]

All my favourite knife companies have the quality thing down pat. Bark river has a reputation for a quality knife and service. Which makes them my choice for my next knife purchase. 3v Aurora baby !!

[@feralwoodcraft]

+Bushcraftcambridge Heck yeah!! 3V Aurora would be sweeeeet!

[@randyclark7914]

Great video! I have definitely got to try a Bark River. CPM 3V is by far my most favorite steel. I have two LT Wright GNS in 3V and they are amazing!

[@feralwoodcraft]

+Randy Clark Oh man, the GNS in 3V would be amazing! What grind did you get? Or let me guess, you got one of each? Thanks Randy!

[@thelasthuntsmanoutdoors]

This is an awesome knife, been thinking of getting one myself for a EDC blade for I like carrying a fixed blade. Thanks for the video and review.

[@feralwoodcraft]

+The Last Huntsmen It'd make a good EDC blade for sure. It's on the bigger side but pretty light so it wouldn't weigh you down.

[@thelasthuntsmanoutdoors]

Yea I was looking at the thickness and was wondering if it would be too heavy, although I switch between EDCing the Esee 4, Blackjack Tac Ops 4 and the Tops Baja 4.5 as of now so I don't think it'll be a big deal.

[@feralwoodcraft]

+The Last Huntsmen If my memory serves, this one is just under 9 ounces so all in all, not bad at all weight wise.

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah, Feral, Since I had a Bravo 1 in 3V, I went with the Bravo 1.5. I really like that 3V, My Rod Garcia Skookum Bush Tool is also in 3V, Thanx for sharing your Bravo 1.35 in 3V.

[@feralwoodcraft]

+paulie 4x The 1 and 1.5 make a good pair. I've played around with that setup some. I tell you what, I am getting addicted to 3V lol Thanks!

[@cabinman4493]

Hey, I tried that Egyptian Licorice Tea you were talking about, it was fricken awesome!!! Thanks for the tip.

[@feralwoodcraft]

No problem! I am really glad you enjoy the tea :)

[@bosse641]

This one without the thumb ramp and with a spear point, is what I would want to own.

[@feralwoodcraft]

+John Grytbakk That would make a good one for sure!

[@TurtleBushcraft]

Look's like a really nice blade. The little extra leath make it a really nice wood procesor. Thanks for sharing atb John

[@feralwoodcraft]

+Turtle Bushcraft You nailed it. Thanks John!

[@TJackSurvival]

I have one of these that needs field time asap!

[@feralwoodcraft]

+TJack Survival So many knives and so little time lol

[@TJackSurvival]

+Feral Woodcraft First world problems!!!

[@Folma7]

I finally got one as well. I left the ramp on and requested BRK make mine a spear point in green micarta. Sweet!

[@2manysigns]

Cool music , cool knife .

[@PinkMist88]

I've been looking at one of these for a while, looks like a great knife.

[@feralwoodcraft]

+PinkMist88 They are, I am really enjoying using this one.

[@jmunsamy]

Great feather sticking skills!

[@MnPfan]

I know you like the AKC Denali but how would you feel about pairing this with a Bravo EDC as a hunting/camp/bushcraft combination?

[@jeffbuzzard6837]

Looks like a really good knife.

[@feralwoodcraft]

+Jeff Buzzard It really is. thanks Jeff!

[@WeApoNut]

Great review, love the Bravo series and the DPM 3V steel.

[@feralwoodcraft]

+WeApoNut Agreed! I'd heard horror stories of 3V being a nightmare to maintain but it's really not all that bad and it's performance is stellar.

[@Barbarossa19]

Thanks

[@GeeSpell]

Have you had to sharpen the 3v yet if so how hard was it to do?

[@feralwoodcraft]

Yes I have. It's a pain but not so much as to not make it not worth using a knife of that steel. It has replaced A2 as my favorite. To keep life easy, you just have to make sure to keep it stropped up so you don't actually have to sharpen it. Thanks!

[@stefan-D]

@@feralwoodcraft so just over a strop everytime after using and you have no problems you mean?

[@MichaelTravis12c27]

That is just the right size for me. Great review Joe!

[@feralwoodcraft]

+Blue Mountain Bushcraft and Outdoors I do believe you'd like it Mike. Thanks man!

[@drewlucero3916]

Thanks Joe 👍🐾🐾

[@pogi1933]

Beautiful knife and excellent video.

[@feralwoodcraft]

+Pogi 19 Thanks, I really appreciate it.

[@justinwilson7389]

Any chance of you giving the Bravo Vortex a review?

[@keytoadventure54]

Could you review the Bushcrafter and contrast with the Aurora?

[@sameold77]

Great looking knife and good review. Thanks

[@feralwoodcraft]

+sameold77 Thank you Sir!

[@mistersmith3986]

Great review. I hope one day you will review the Bark River Gunny Hunter.

[@feralwoodcraft]

+mister smith I hope to one day. I am not sure when but one day I'll lay hands on one. Thanks Mr. Smith!

[@irlrsk8]

Good Video as always Joe! Looks to be a really nice blade.

[@feralwoodcraft]

+Larry Norris Thanks Larry. The 1.25 is a very nice in my opinion.

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Not a bark river fan but really like your review brother!

[@feralwoodcraft]

+MegaWoodswalker Thanks, that means a lot. Especially given your thoughts on the company. Thanks for sharing!

[@aznelite325]

I have a 1 LT and a 1.5, can't wait for you to get to the 1.5! Though mine's in 3V, and I dunno if yours is in A2, 3V, or S35VN :P

[@feralwoodcraft]

+aznelite325 My 1.5 is in 3V and then the Squad Leader, which will be last in this round of Bark Rivers is in A2. Glad you're looking forward to it and I appreciate the support man!

[@dumaflotchy13]

I do wish the handles on BarkRiver knives were upgradeable. Their quality of steel & blade geometry is INSANE just that I find their handles too boxy creating hotspots.

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah Joe, When I got my Bravo 1.5 in 3V they didn't have the Bravo 1.25, But to be honest, no regrets, I do have (2) Bravo 1's and it's one of my Fav's actual both sizes are. ,, .

[@feralwoodcraft]

Yeah, it's hard to say which is better, no doubt.

[@paulie4x1]

Copy that. ,, .

[@MrTatts64]

Excellent video and what seems to be a great little knife too, Joe. Well done matey :)

[@feralwoodcraft]

+MrTatts64 Thank ye Sir! I hope all is well across the pond my friend!

[@MrTatts64]

All good cheers Joe. I trust the family "nest eggs" have settled down by now bud ;)

[@steinwaygoat]

You've got such a nice channel. Thanks.

[@alex_123more]

Nice video!

[@haakonww]

thanks for the info. Very help full 👍👍👍👌.

[@feralwoodcraft]

+Haakon Sandvik Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching!

[@johnharmon990]

Do these knives have sharp spines like a L.T. Wright knife?

[@feralwoodcraft]

No. The mirror like polishing process softens the spine up a bit. It'll still throw sparks off a ferro but not quite as well as an LT or Blackfeather blade will.

[@stalwart263]

If you get the thumb ramp version the jimping on it is excellent for throwing sparks. Although a tungsten striker is always the preferable option to using your knife. Plus a 90 degree spine can be very sore on the hands in some uses.

[@bushcrfter7917]

Whats the blade length on that one

[@BearHartOutdoorsChannel]

Well done video my friend! Makes me want some coffee! what is the one knife you didn't use to make a bow drill set?

[@feralwoodcraft]

+BearHart Outdoors It was either the Gary Wines or Fiddleback forge. I forget which. It's been a long time. Thanks!

[@betodebem]

Always nice videos Joe, this knife is awesome! Suggestion for the next knife video: how to make a trap! :)

[@feralwoodcraft]

+Roberto de Bem You're right, it's been awhile since I've done that. It may not be the next one but it''ll be soon. Thanks and great idea!

[@kendallas3705]

FYI thats not a thumb ramp. It is for striking steel or indexing. Your thumb goes in front of it.

[@timb8970]

awesome videos! you sir, are a featherstick jedi! 😀

[@PrioritySurvival]

That is a beautiful knife!!!

[@feralwoodcraft]

+PrioritySurvival I totally agree. Thanks!

[@victornekrasov1510]

So this or the Aurora?

[@feralwoodcraft]

+Victor Nekrasov I can't say really. I'd have to have them both side by side. I would probably go for the Aurora but that's not to take anything away from the 1.25. Personally, I prefer the point of a blade to be in the center line of the knife but that is just one of those personal preference things.

[@victornekrasov1510]

Thanks for your thoughts. I was leaning towards the Aurora myself in 3V maybe but most recently the new bushcrafter II came out from bark river....so now have to think about it again.

[@highplains7777]

I've either had one too many beers or this guy has had one too many coffees.

[@feralwoodcraft]

+Dick Tracy Could be a combination of the two? :) lol

[@JustSimplyBrandon]

CPM V3!?

[@theaveragewoodsman6002]

I was wondering the same thing. I know what CPM 3V is (mainly because I own an LT Wright GNS in CPM 3V) but I've never heard of CPM V3, unless it was some sort of mistake?

[@feralwoodcraft]

+wicked Hale +JustSimplyBrandon Just a typo on my part. Sorry for the confusion.

[@theaveragewoodsman6002]

I figured that, and that's why I mentioned it in my comment. A person in love Bark River knives and the Bravo line. I personally own a Bravo 1.5 in A2, Fox River also in A2 and an Adventure in Elmax. BTW, I really enjoyed your knife reviews, so keep up the good work!

[@JustSimplyBrandon]

wicked Hale I really want to get that LT Wright GNS in CPM 3V.

[@JustSimplyBrandon]

Feral Woodcraft But you also mention it in the video. Might as well do the video over again?

[@RyanPrice01]

The thumb ramp is not designed to be used with the thumb forward of the ramp, if it were the jimping would have been milled into that far side of the ramp.

[@feralwoodcraft]

Mike Stewart, the designer, put the jimping there for scraping a ferro rod. As far as thumb placement, It is designed to be thumb forward. And as I allude to, I don't like the ramp like that. It's just in an awkward spot imo. Thanks for watching and taking the time to drop a comment!

[@RyanPrice01]

Feral Woodcraft Unless MS told you that himself, I'd be skeptical of where you got that info. The jimping runs from the top of the ramp right down to the handle scales, and would be terrible placement for a ferro rod striking spot. The far side of the ramp would be a better spot for striking wouldn't it?

[@feralwoodcraft]

Yes, Mike told me that himself. We have spoken about that subject both on the phone and via Facebook PM. You can also see/hear Jim Stewart mention on several different videos on KSF's KZbin Channel. And yes, I agree with you. I am not a fan of the ramp or the jimping but that is just my personal preference and Mike knows it. Thanks again!

[@maguraboy]

I got rid of the ramp of my Bravo 1.

[@feralwoodcraft]

I'll be doing the same thing. Thanks!

[@EatCarbs]

Why yes.. I did enjoy the video.. liked - already subbed >_o Seems like a pretty solid blade to me. Thanks for the video

[@feralwoodcraft]

+Eat Carbs lol Mark. Thanks man!

[@gunnerhusnian4375]

really a great knife but there so dang expensive lol!

[@Gideom007]

3V

[@billyprendergast6631]

WTF Chinese steel,batton with that knife and the handle will fall off and the steel will roll and chip.Click Bait.Best knife in the world are Falkniven can't be beaten.

[@camojoe83]

Lol.. idiot.