Fallkniven NL2, Fallkniven A2 and Bark River Bravo II

[@thomaslcrawford]

This was an excellent review!!! I like your quick delivery of the specifications and your personal comments as well. I look forward to watching more of your quality videos. Thank you for taking your time to make this and educate us all.

[@phranko7634]

Such a high quality video, so much attention to detail, i'm impresed, cheers.

[@feralgrandad4429]

I love my A1 & H1 but think you just sold me the A2. Nice video. Thanks for sharing.

[@e.macdonaldoutdoors7825]

Nice to see such fine knives and thanks for your thoughts. I have to disagree, however, that the Fallkniven is too large for general bush craft tasks...but we each have our personal biases. It's often dependent on what we are used to and how we were taught.There is such a fascination these days for thinking small knives, but then again, nowadays most people have VERY little to do in the outdoors. I go with Nessmuk...a good pocket knife for small carving tasks, larger camp knife for food prep, skinning, shelter and fire building, etc. and a hatchet for splitting. No batoning with a small knife by the way...a missuse of your tools and another fad for the unprepared! (We could get along with a sharp rock, but emergency situations are another kettle of fish and you obviously use what you have.)

[@Player_Review]

Finally got a Bravo 2 in A2 with the green micarta (I liked that more than the G10 option that was available). Got the same firesteel as yours too (from the Bark River sheath), it rides perfectly.

[@michaelwilcox6090]

@Player Review It looks like a great knife but here in the UK it costs £411. Is it worth it?

[@Player_Review]

@@michaelwilcox6090 Probably not at that price.

[@kanaloa38]

Excellent video - real quality video and audio presentation. The A-2 will be my next Fallkniven.

[@Player_Review]

That thick spline on the end of the Bark River makes it the primary batonning knife.

[@Juan_Manuel_Alba]

Really nice comparison of incredible knives

[@pasta759]

Thanks for this video. I really live the Bravo. Great looking knife. I've been wanting one for some time. Like your other videos too. You do a great job. Cheers.

[@GetMeThere1]

Thanks for putting useful info in the description. I'd like to get some of the kydex sheaths like yours. I have Bark RIvers (including a Bravo II in 3V) and Fallknivens (including at A1 Pro). I'm very thrilled with the sheaths that come with either.

[@bigbill74scots]

All beautiful but the bark river is utterly beautiful. Just artwork.

[@mariumrajah]

You have some fine metal there young man .. Excellent video .. I enjoyed watching .. Love from UK London

[@ryanc5681]

Great videos, thanks for sharing. Love the bark River, but I am tryouts my to purchase my first Fallkniven this month.

[@johnzane3977]

I just have an esee Junglas strapped to the side of my pack and usually Bark River Gunny on the belt.

[@TJackSurvival]

Top Top Top of the line blades. Every one of them.

[@williamdabill]

Nice knives thanks for the reviews. I went with the modern bowie

[@ActionHero29]

Awesome video, great knives, thanks for sharing.

[@tonyalvarez5815]

Awesome video. Love the Fallknivens/ have 3 of them/ F1X, A2, and A1X. Have acreage just outside Chicago where I live and love going out outhere with these knives and putting them to good use.

[@Osckarre]

Wow, beautiful forest there!

[@zoo2you]

Thanks for sharing. Great video.

[@csh6220]

Great video. You have some fantastic knives. The bushcraft community, as a whole, seems to believe that a scandi grind is the only way to go. I think that if more people tried a convex grind with quality steel they might change their mind. IMO a convex grind is stronger and just as sharp as scandi, without chipping/rolling as easy. Bark River and Fallkniven are, as far as I know, the only companies making (quality) convex grinds, and they can be pricey, esp. compared to a Mora, and closer in price to Helle, both of which produce scandi grinds. BR sheath's are top quality in my opinion. My BR sheath didn't have a fero rod loop, so I put a hollow piece of plastic (2-3 in.) attached with a ranger band, as well as 4 pieces of waxed jute twine wrapped in aluminum foil under the ranger band. Now I have at least 4 fires, and a way to build shelter, all in one small package. Sorry I went on so long, and thanks for showing us these great knives and sheath's.

[@semco72057]

All three of those knives are nice, but my favorite would be the first one you showed. I love the leather sheath on the first one also.

[@rickeybullington68]

I think I like the last one you showed the best .I would want a different sheath.

[@j.p.4541]

Fantastic review, beautiful collection. May I ask where you got your ferro rod holder and sheath for the A2?

[@ernestwalden3894]

I'm the nl2 man. I'd love to see it go toe to toe with the SOG SUPER BOWIE. Which happens to be my favorite fixed blade knife. I had a leather worker sew a leather patch on for a Ferro rod. Anyway thanks for sharing I love all 3 knives. There Awsome

[@robsteel4407]

My choice would be the Bravo 2. Nice Video 👍🏻

[@pstaehlin]

Pretty good review. Little too much time on the shealths. But you saved the best knife of them all for last. The Bark River!!

[@BladeAddict8]

I love the Odin but the price tag on a knife is steep and if used will most likely chip out. I think they should have gone with a stronger steel than vg10. The lamination makes it a really strong knife for bending the blade but edge strength is another ball game. Same as the Falkniven. I Like the Cold Steel Trail master (non san mai) a little better for a user considering the edge will hold up a little better to hard use and is a fraction of the cost. All that said, the Odin is such a beautiful knife.

[@TheAmericanOutfitter]

BladeAddict8 Hi, yes, the Odin is a real beauty. It’s not hard to look at. The fit and finish is that of a custom knife. I’m very familiar with the Cold Steel Trail Master. It is a beast. I use a re-profiled ESEE Junglas as my beat-up knife. It will hack small trees. Respectfully

[@LastBastian]

Nice! Thanks fro the review! Have you made a video of your custom sheath for your NL2? I'm curious about how it turned out, and how much it cost you? I have the Fallkniven NL5 Ioun, and NL1 Tor. Love them both, but the factory sheath for my Tor leaves scratches all down the blade! Drives me nuts! Normally I wouldn't care much, but it's such a beautiful, (and expensive) blade, I hate to see it marred. It's the previous model factory sheath from a few years back. Been looking around at custom sheaths, but the ones I've seen cost around $300. Which is way more than I want to pay!

[@TheAmericanOutfitter]

blfry Hi, custom sheaths are expensive and take a long time. The sheath I have for the NL2 is a plain leather sheath with a firesteel loop. It was made by Chuddy Bear Leather. I believe I paid around $150. It is very well made and fits the knife nicely and does not scratch the blade. Skystorm and JRE also make professional grade sheaths. FYI, all of my Kydex sheaths tend to scratch my knives.

[@LastBastian]

TheAmericanOutfitter Thanks! ...perhaps I'll save some money and make my own, ...after I get a little more practice that is. :) Nice review buddy, you have good taste in knives!

[@rustyshackleford17]

+1 for Skystorm (now patriot leather). Their turnaround time for custom sheaths are quick (but you do have to send your knife in if they don't have the model). They even have a nice baldric and piggyback system too.

[@Home_Runner_Aliens]

Great Review !

[@Fritziecola]

High carbide steels for such large knives. Lionsteel in sleipner would be alot tougher steel or even niolox,less so though.Got a svord golok 11inch in 15n20 at 57hrc, super tough.

[@sthengr]

Great review, thanks! Can you tell me if the handle on the A2 is wider than the handle on the A1? Thanks!

[@TheAmericanOutfitter]

Hi, the handle on the A2 Wilderness knife feels like is has a little more material in the palm swell, but it is only by a slight hair. It is barely noticeable and they are basically the same Kraton handles when compared side by side. Respectfully

[@sthengr]

Thanks for the reply. I have the F1 and A1 but would like the longer blade of an A2 but with large hands I would like a larger handle. Thinking about the Bark River Bravo series, nice thick handles. Just not sure how a wood handle would transfer vibration vs kraton. Probably need to wear gloves to absorb some of the vibrations.

[@StevanOutdoor]

Nice video and thx for including metric.

[@Greenmachine305]

Very nice knives. Will never be in my collection.

[@stephenquick3370]

All three of these knives are fighting knives. If you chop something with it, that is up to you, but they are not “choppers”.

[@anneandnoahrussell9540]

I am looking for a blade that has the exact dimensions o Fällkniven Odin knife, but is cheaper and obviously of lesser value. Do you have any suggestions?

[@TheAmericanOutfitter]

Hi, click around on KSF, DLT trading or the Knife Connection. They have dozens of knives to choose from. Take a look at Becker/Ka-Bar, Condor, or ESEE. Perhaps, they have something that meets your specific preferences. Merry Christmas

[@rustyshackleford17]

Surprised you chose S35VN over 3V for your chopper. Its never struck me as a particularly hard use steel.

[@TheAmericanOutfitter]

Hi, I have many blades, but simply chose this to have one in S35VN.

[@rustyshackleford17]

Any particular reason for that particular steel?

[@Jraptor1959]

Well, you show the knives well, yet you make no distinction between them. Which is better? Which is your favorite? This video really says nothing.

[@ActionHero29]

+Jons' Where are the 50's? He said the A2 was his favorite

[@benmckenzie4341]

Which one do you like the best the A1 or the Bravo2 or even the 1.5 as its just smaller then the A1. Is one better for less chips than the other?

[@TheAmericanOutfitter]

ben mckenzie Hi, I prefer the Fallkniven A2, but only because it has nice grippy handle. VG10 is easy to sharpen and takes a hair popping edge, but it can be vulnerable to micro chipping if you allow the sharpened edge to strike the ground or hard objects with sufficient force. I believe this is because of the ultra-hardness of these super steels. Almost any ultra-hard steel can chip if it strikes rocks or debris with enough force, whereas softer steels tend to dent and roll with impact. I think S35VN is less prone to chipping, but it can roll or dent with misuse. As far as which one is better, take your pick because none are losers. If you look at the specs, all are approximately the same length and weight. The Bravo 2 is the least expensive choice if that helps. All three are heavy duty wilderness knives designed for chopping and hacking. They are not good choices for hunting, fishing and small bushcraft tasks. They are simply too big, heavy and thick for smaller camp chores. If you choose the Bravo 1.5, you will lose some chopping capabilities, but gain more blade control for smaller tasks. Everything is a tradeoff. Respectfully

[@benmckenzie4341]

TheAmericanOutfitter thank you fort he info. I was looking for more of a well rounded knife. Should I be looking more at the A1 and 1.5 then I guess.

[@TheAmericanOutfitter]

The A1 and Bravo 1.5 are very comparable knives. They are two beautiful and well-made knives. Either will perform well. Respectfully

[@kevinAuman1]

Yeah I love my bark river cub

[@paulie4x1]

Simply Beautiful, great knives, but if You want to sell that LeatherSheath, let me know, my 7"+ knives I have I think are nice too, beside my Randall #1, and a few Ka-Ba's, are my Busse Sarge 7, my Randall #14, my Swamp Rat Rodent 7, (2) Cold Steel Recon Scouts in CarbonV, one I use the other one is virgin, my Buckmaster #184, BK-7, my Fallknives, are the A1, and my Northern Lights, Njord, which I bought from a friend that was going out of business selling knives, he sold me some great knives, including a ProTec, Godfather Switchblade, a 4 " Bokor Plus, with a oak handle, don't remember the name off hand a few others, all for $ 400.00, including the Njord, which is a beautiful knife, similar to your Odin, but with a 6.2" blade, and my A1 is the next size to your A2, I do have my sights on the A2, and I think I will go with the Thor instead, your knives are gorgeous, and Thanx for showing them, this one and your other video's, great job by the way, Thanx .

[@VicariousReality7]

I am a little confused by the welded on threads for the handle nut on the NL2, i have a SOG tech bowie that just has a thread bolt in a T shaped hole in the tang, not sure which is the better idea

[@TheAmericanOutfitter]

VicariousReality7 Hi, it is hard for me to compare the two since I do not have a SOG Tech Bowie in my inventory. I can share that the butt cap on the NL2 is perfectly smooth with slightly rounded edges and the fastener sits flush and tight and does not protrude in anyway. The fit and finish seems very high grade. I believe SOG uses a proprietary butt fastener, but I’m not sure who has the better design idea. The two designs are probably knife specific and formulate to fit each knife. Respectfully

[@VicariousReality7]

TheAmericanOutfitter After thinking about it and some research it is obvious the plasma welded threads on the NLs are far superior to the cheapo T bolt on SOGs bowies, which also have a very weird rectangular cut on one side, straight across the beginning of the tang I like the hex hole look of the SOG tang nut more but as mine came loose in use it is probably worse

[@michaelstjohn6086]

What do you think of the S35 steel compared to 3v? Great, informative vids, thank you.

[@TheAmericanOutfitter]

+Michael StJohn Hi, 3V is tougher than S35VN, but I also understand there is a need for a high grade stainless steel. In that regard, I prefer S35VN over Elmax. VG10 and 3G are also high end stainless steels. VG10 strops incredibly well and takes a keen edge. The stainless steels of today are not the stainless steels of the past. This is especially true for powder steels, which tend to be very homogenous throughout. Respectfully

[@ryanc5681]

+TheAmericanOutfitter very well put. Love your reviews and there very informative, please make all your reviews like this and with the information you said in the comments. Haha they really help me out a lot and go get me the info I need to make a purchase. Bark River Fallkniven LT wright and fiddleback forge are my next buys, just pricy, Christmas is coming though:) thanks again buddy

[@brundagunda]

Hi! Have you had the opportunity to test the CS Recon Scout San Mai ? I would like to compare Fallkniven NL2 and Cs R Scout San mai . Both are good for the chop , I know ... I think that Fallkniven cut better , because it is thinner. The handle is long enough ? One of them i would like to buy.So i need a good opinion ;)

[@TheAmericanOutfitter]

+Aljoša Vozel Hi, I do not own the Cold Steel Recon Scout, but in comparing the specs, they probably will produce similar chopping results. I do not think there is anything the NL2 can do that the Recon Scout cannot. I think the Kraton handle on the Recon Scout is plain, but functional, and offers a better grip. The handle on the NL2 is about 4.5 inches long. As far as fit and finish, the NL2 is much more refined, but it is also way more expensive. The NL2 will probably hold more value overtime because of the construction and overall beauty. In the end, it’s really a matter of personal preference and budget. I am not comfortable with telling people how they should spend their own hard earned money, but I’m sure the knife you choose will be the right one for you. If you’re not sure, you may want to wait until you are able to hold and inspect both knives. Respectfully

[@brundagunda]

+TheAmericanOutfitter thanks!

[@VictorHarrys]

What is the blade grind (geometry ) of the A1? (Scandi? concave? Flat? etc.)

[@TheAmericanOutfitter]

Hi, the Fallkniven A2 has a convex grind with a swedge

[@TheAmericanOutfitter]

Hi, the A1 has the same type of grind as the A2.

[@mr.papalaka374]

Where did you get that sheath for the A2?

[@TheAmericanOutfitter]

Hi, the Kydex sheath for the A2 was custom made by LT Wright Handcrafted knives

[@BushCampingTools]

all very nice knives I subbed too

[@JAD1225]

An Axe is for chopping ! A knife is for cutting !

[@curalaba1951]

Where do you customized that Kydex sheath

[@TheAmericanOutfitter]

Hi, there are many Kydex sheath makers, LT Wright and Red Rhino Customs to name a few…

[@hapa5]

Hey man, I'm liking that sheath for the A2. Where did you get it?

[@TheAmericanOutfitter]

hapa5 Hi, I believe I may have gotten the A2 custom Kydex sheath from Blind Horse kniveswhen they were still together. Nonetheless, LT Wright is still making highquality knives and custom Kydex sheaths. Please visit his website or drop himan email. The cost was somewhere between $120 - $130 (excluding the ESEEaccessory pouch). The ESEE Pouch I got from Dale at the Knife Connection. TheA2 sheath/knife combo is a very nice set up for winter conditions. I just hadit out in sub-zero temperatures and used it to build a nice tepee fire. All the best

[@hapa5]

Awesome man! Thanks for the info

[@danmartin4552]

Half the price? I would say more like 1/10 the price. There are good functional knives of that size for $50, they aren't so pretty and the edge may need some work though. The full convex on that NL2 is far better than the grind of any $50 knife, but you can still get 90% of the performance. A knife from the NL line is not bought just for performance but for beauty, craftsman ship, and a good show off piece. Man that Nl2 is beautiful, I could see my self getting a NL4 or NL5 one day as a nice around the woods EDC blade, don't have that kind of budget anytime soon. When it comes to 5+ inch bladed knives I am not a fan till it get's up in to the 9ish range. I like to have a large knife and a small knife on me over a medium size one.

[@michaelsubi]

Sheath is for knife and leather is best Never liked cheap plastic

[@Awesome_1789]

Where is ODIN made at ?

[@TheAmericanOutfitter]

I believe Seki City, Japan

[@Awesome_1789]

Sweet i wanna buy Thor.

[@brnobre4301]

#Diferenciadas

[@youtuberaccount3840]

That American steel walks all over the other knives.

[@Vulvaetix]

These knives look quite unused haha Do you ever use your knives "hard", as you say?

[@TheAmericanOutfitter]

KaiserFranzRudolf ll Yes, my ESEE Junglas, 1.5 and A2, but I do not brutalize them. I have two Swedish axes for the heavy-duty work and I do not pretend that any of these knives will somehow outperform an actual woodman's axe. I also did not want to do another video on batoning because there are already so many and batoning is not the most efficient way to split wood. I do not use the stainless Odin much as stated in the video, but that's only because it’s a bit too big and I don’t care for the tall guard, hence why I do not have any ramps on any of my Bravos. The stainless Bravo II was a relatively new comer at the time and not so much now, but it still cleans up like a mirror. In short, the three large knives shown in the video are "hard" use blades for sure. I am 100 percent certain of that but I am also okay if people do not believe it. I do not represent any of the makers and I am not selling anything. Sorry you were disappointed but I was just sharing them with the viewers and I was pressed on time. Thanks for your post

[@Vulvaetix]

I am sorry I certainly did not want to offend you! It was meant more like a joke, there are so many "knife reviews" out there, done by people who never actually used the knife they are reviewing outside in the woods. You blades just always look so perfectly cleaned and shining, however that just shows that you actually take care of your knives, you don't let them get a patina. I definitely agree with you, batoning is pretty pointless, there are easier ways to split wood safely. I really do like your videos, I adore the great combinations(knife, sometimes matching firesteel, custom sheath..)! I have watched some videos of yours several times drooling over certain knives.. Keep up the great work and thanks for your answer!

[@TheAmericanOutfitter]

No problem my friend, we're cool. Enjoy your autumn and have a nice holiday

[@ActionHero29]

+KaiserFranzRudolf ll I disagree about batoning being pointless, it's not. I wouln't baton large logs (that's what an axe is for) but for making smaller wood (kindling) using smaller logs I think it's works just fine and offers more control than with an axe, and is safer.

[@Onedayilbeok]

Which one do you all think looks the best?

[@TheAmericanOutfitter]

Hi, for craftsmanship and traditional design, I like the NL2. For wet conditions and value I like the plain A2. For versatility, options and features, I like the Bravo 2. The Bravo 2 offers more features and is more customizable. I can choose from three steel types, ramped or smooth spine, spear point design, full-height grind or standard grind, and dozens of handle materials. If I do a Pre-Order, I can basically choose to have a high quality knife built to my own likings. I can own basic model in black Micarta or a loaded up version in burl with mosaic pins and liners. Respectfully

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah, Close but yeah, but no cigars. Infact I'm smoking one now. But I have the Fallkniven Norther Lights #3 Njord, The A-1 and I do have a Ghost Green G-10 Handle Bravo 2. One out of three, But the Grand Pearla is hmmmmm mmmm good. ,, .

[@LCO213]

paulie 4x I love the Fallkniven NL3. It really is a joy to use. I have a Bark River Bravo 2 in cpm3v on its way to me. So much negativity on the internet about Bark River. I hope it's as durable as my NL3.

[@billpeart]

Bark River has some lemons out there that's for sure. I have several of them and their "warranty" is crap. Some knives straight out of the box have uneven grind lines and rolled edges!

[@paulie4x1]

Pete Privitere Boy that's a shame, Yet their prices keep going up. I finally had to stop buying Bark River.,,.

[@billpeart]

paulie 4x I had a 1909 Michigan Bowie. Used it very lightly to chop some Ridge poles for a shelter. Blade Edge rippled and Bark River gave me the run-around told me that they ground the knife too thin and they wouldn't replace it. Little did they know I had another one put in my safe and I compared the two when they returned it to me. They removed a considerable amount of stock from the blade now the knife has horrible balance it's a shame. I will not buy another knife from them again

[@paulie4x1]

I hear you, they prolly remade alot of knives under warrenty that their loosing money now. and good help goes on their own when they learn the trade. It's a tough racket.,,.

[@LongIslandicedteaaa]

They don't make bravo 2 in 3v

[@TheAmericanOutfitter]

***** They sure do. Bark River should be releasing their first run in CPM3V in December. Thanks

[@LongIslandicedteaaa]

TheAmericanOutfitter Cool!

[@AndyX]

that "odin" looks like something they sell on the television knife channel at 2:00am

[@rickeybullington68]

I'm a big knife lover .I make knifes .

[@charlescannon6775]

too big for hunting? Maybe if all you do is gut your animal and leave the rest of the work to someone else a smaller blade might do. also a hunter needs to chop branches for clearing shooting Lanes and blind building. you really need both large and small knives for just about anything outdoors. but you could get by better with something a bit larger then your standard Bushcraft knife.

[@danielstover1643]

There's no comparison bark river is hands down better

[@jn3750]

VG10 is far inferior to 3V.

[@___5841]

يا مرقدوش حيوتاي

[@paulie4x1]

Simply Beautiful, great knives, but if You want to sell that LeatherSheath, let me know, my 7"+ knives I have I think are nice too, beside my Randall #1, and a few Ka-Ba's, are my Busse Sarge 7, my Randall #14, my Swamp Rat Rodent 7, (2) Cold Steel Recon Scouts in CarbonV, one I use the other one is virgin, my Buckmaster #184, BK-7, my Fallknives, are the A1, and my Northern Lights, Njord, which I bought from a friend that was going out of business selling knives, he sold me some great knives, including a ProTec, Godfather Switchblade, a 4 " Bokor Plus, with a oak handle, don't remember the name off hand a few others, all for $ 400.00, including the Njord, which is a beautiful knife, similar to your Odin, but with a 6.2" blade, and my A1 is the next size to your A2, I do have my sights on the A2, and I think I will go with the Thor instead, your knives are gorgeous, and Thanx for showing them, this one and your other video's, great job by the way, Thanx .