1st bark river bravo 1.5, 3v or a2

[MAkives]

Ok guys i need help ive been looking at the bravo 1.5 for a long time and will pull the trigger on it the problem is i cant decide between a2 and 3v i know both are good steels ive just been trying to do research to see if the rust resistance of 3v is really that significant over a2 because i live in south carolina so i would like my knives to have some degree of rust resistance

Basicly my question is does the 3v steel justify the price increase over a2 or should i just get a2.

Unless you guys have any ideas for other knives or companies to look at plz help me ive been thinking about the blackjack tac ops series if a2 is supposedly more worthwhile steel

 

[craytab]

3v for sure. I have a Bravo 1 and 2 in A2. During the humid summers here in PA my A2 will rust on the exposed tangs just sitting in the house! I put a patina on them. No problems since. If you are going to spend that much on a knife might as well get the better steel, which is 3v. Don't get me wrong, the A2 is nice. It is what I have. I would rather have the 3v though. Better edge retention and better rust resistance. Pay the extra money.

 

[Cobalt]

3v for sure. I have a Bravo 1 and 2 in A2. During the humid summers here in PA my A2 will rust on the exposed tangs just sitting in the house! I put a patina on them. No problems since. If you are going to spend that much on a knife might as well get the better steel, which is 3v. Don't get me wrong, the A2 is nice. It is what I have. I would rather have the 3v though. Better edge retention and better rust resistance. Pay the extra money.

Although I agree with everything you have said, I still have a soft spot for A2. I love that steel.

 

[craytab]

Although I agree with everything you have said, I still have a soft spot for A2. I love that steel.

And there is nothing wrong with that! I like my A2 just fine. As those in the know about steel, we can recognize all of it is trade offs in some respect. I don't think I could easily put a nice patina on 3v like I can with A2, 1095, SR101, or 01, maybe others though I haven't tried. Patina is fun and helps with the damn high humidity in the thunderstorm riddled summers of eastern PA. Seems like every afternoon in the summer.

 

[bdmicarta]

I'm not sure many people could tell the difference in the steels. If you want the 3V then buy it, if you are worried about price then buy the A2.

I have a fairly new to me Bravo 1 in A2 that I like even though I haven't gotten to use it for much yet. I have a Highland Special in A2 that I'm trying to use for weekend carry. It seems to me that the Bravo 1.25 or 1.5 is the sweet spot for utility.

 

[Krav]

I live in n.c. All my brk are 3v. My most recent is a carbon fiber gunny hunter 3v . Yes get the 3v
Never had a problem with rust.

 

[Eric@DLT]

For me 3v all the way. I try to keep by knives clean and oiled but when you don't you'll be glad you paid the extra for 3v.