3V love?

[ATJ999]

3V is great, and deceiving. When you sharpen it, it is so easy to sharpen and get a scary sharp edge, because of that I feel like the edge would not hold up and roll easily, but it doesn't. It holds a great edge, and it holds up to abuse very well. Great for a machete IMHO

 

[Peroni1973]

3V is great, and deceiving. When you sharpen it, it is so easy to sharpen and get a scary sharp edge, because of that I feel like the edge would not hold up and roll easily, but it doesn't. It holds a great edge, and it holds up to abuse very well. Great for a machete IMHO

Well my experience is pretty contrary to yours (?) - it is pretty challenging to sharpen, certainly not 'easy' for me.

Further, re. machete. golok, parang, etc. if they are really being used in the field ease of sharpening is a significant issue. Whilst I agree that 3V sure is tough and holds an edge, it wouldn't be my choice for a chopper in the field.

That said, enjoy the heck out of all your knives, 3V or otherwise...

Ben

 

[supertac916]

The only negative I have read is regarding rust resistance, but that doesn't seem like too much of a problem from the comments on here.

I've been thinking about buying a 4 to 5" fixed blade for my summer float trips and hikes. Any suggestions at $250 or under?

The Survive GSO series from the 4.1 to 5.1 would fit for you. You get a lot of 3v steel for your money. Regarding sharpening and difficulty of sharpening. I usually carry a strop and a Spyderco two sided sharpening stone. I don't let the blades get dull at all. Just freshen them up after each use. I heard it can be difficult to get the edge back on 3v knives, but haven't noticed because I don't let them get that far. The downside with Survive is the waiting times or having to pay more on the secondary markets. However, I picked my most recent GSO 5.0 factory 2nd for $160 with the sheath. Only thing I could tell it was a 2nd was slight little scratches on the blade. Barely noticeable but I bought it as a user anyways.

 

[jdm61]

3V is not suitablele for a machete for most people because of COST. If you are having trouble sharpening 3V, it likely means that the edge was left too thick.

Well my experience is pretty contrary to yours (?) - it is pretty challenging to sharpen, certainly not 'easy' for me.

Further, re. machete. golok, parang, etc. if they are really being used in the field ease of sharpening is a significant issue. Whilst I agree that 3V sure is tough and holds an edge, it wouldn't be my choice for a chopper in the field.

That said, enjoy the heck out of all your knives, 3V or otherwise...

Ben

 

[ATJ999]

Yeah 3V machetes are more expensive, but I use mine a lot and love it, so worth the cost to me!! In the field I just bring a small fine diamond and a black Arkansas stone, never had a problem, get shaving sharp in a minute or two. Great steel

 

[Ccc]

I'll have to give 3V another shot. I had a really hard time getting it sharp when I first bought a Survive 5.1, and ended up selling the knife. I have gotten better at sharpening since then, so maybe it is about time to buy another...

 

[Hotshot10]

The downside with Survive is the waiting times or having to pay more on the secondary markets. However, I picked my most recent GSO 5.0 factory 2nd for $160 with the sheath. Only thing I could tell it was a 2nd was slight little scratches on the blade. Barely noticeable but I bought it as a user anyways.

Yeah, I looked at those, but the varying lead times and preorders and whatnot have kept me from purchasing. Given the popularity of those knives, I am hoping they become more readily available.

 

[supertac916]

Yeah, I looked at those, but the varying lead times and preorders and whatnot have kept me from purchasing. Given the popularity of those knives, I am hoping they become more readily available.

Yeah, since they're made by Guy and Ellie it's difficult to get them in a timely manner direct from Survive! The one thing is that since Guy sharpens and inspects each knife it's going to be a high quality one. Even the factory 2nds are difficult to find the flaws. Can't really say that with the larger companies and operations, which Survive will eventually have to do due to the high demand. I've had to wait for 4-5 months for the ones that I bought direct, but I've picked up a few on the forums. Paid a little more so I didn't have to wait, but I haven't been disappointed.

 

[black mamba]

Nate Carothers 3V Field Knife was carried all week deer hunting in damp conditions and held up beautifully. No problems with corrosion whatsoever. 4⅝" blade, 9¾" overall length, and a nice, tight fitting sheath. Combination prybar/glass breaker/lanyard holder at butt is a nice addition. Price was $250, just what you are looking for.

 

[gdpolk]

3V is my favorite general purpose steel for an outdoorsman woods/hunting knife. To me it is simply a beautifully balanced alloy. It works well with both a toothy edge or highly refined and polished edge. It is incredibly tough which means it can be run more thin than other steels without as much risk of rolling/chipping/breaking. While it isn't exactly a true stainless steel, it is corrosion resistant enough that I've not had any issues with staining or rusting in the field even in a humid state. It also takes a variety of finishes really well which makes it easier for a knifemaker to use for varied looks. It's edge retention isn't the highest that I've used, but it's certainly above the standard simple carbon steel standby options and it's easy to bring back with a strop. I can't say enough good about it.

 

[shinyedges]

3v is probably my favorite steel, VASTLY superior to simple carbon steels in every way but price.

I used my big Chris blade in 3v on 2 pigs and the blade was covered in blood for hours, I washed it and found ZERO staining. Freaking amazing stuff.

Anyone who has had and used 3v will know how much better edge retention is than simple carbon steels.