Bark River blade steel

Derrick, while we're on the subject, what would be the downside (aside from cost) to CPM154 vs A2? Is it not as tough? I've already got an A2 Bravo, but was thinking of getting a 154 model as I plan on having boating in my future.

Thanks :)
 
If you're doing boating, then maybe a Grohman, or a Boye Cobalt knife, or Titanium, or Spyderco's excellent H1 bladed knives. So many choices.

I know you didn't ask, but have you looked at the Gryphon M35?

Regards,
Mike
 
Well, I like my Barkies, and really like my Bravo-1, so I'm probably sticking in that range. My boating will likely be on fresh water for at least the next few years, but once I switch over to salt, I'll probably pick up some H1 from Spyderco.

Kraton and AUS-8 don't appeal to me that much, though.
 
why does the SS version of the Bravo weigh more than the A2 version? Is the handle still skeletonized? why does the similar Gameskeepr weigh 2-3 oz less?
 
A2 doesn't rust very easily. I live 11 or so miles from the Atlantic ocean, we have fog here that you can cut with a knife 8 months out of the year. The morning dew is so thick it looks like it rained the night before. Even worse, I store my Aurora in its leather sheath.

I've never had it rust.

All I do is make sure I don't put it away with water on it, meaning drops of water, and I wipe it down with a gun & reel silicone cloth you can get at any Wal-Mart, bait shop or gun store.

As for edge retention, I just load up one of the little stropping blocks KSF sells, and when the knife stops effortlessly gliding through what I'm cutting, I give it a few passes on the strop. Other than that, I've had it for a year and haven't had to sharpen it. Moral of the story: it's easier to keep a knife sharp than to resharpen a dull one.
 
Cpl Punishment is exactly right about the properties of A2 it doesn't seem to rust or tarnish much nor need a lot of time consuming maintenance. Another carbon steel BR has used recently(forget the numbers)on the Pro scalpel II I have is a different matter.This stuff seems to rust and darken if you breathe on it! Spots too and seems to need a lot of protection.

I favour their Sandvik stainless over either of these choices,it sharpens well is tough and stay shiny...good!
 
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cncyana said:
why does the SS version of the Bravo weigh more than the A2 version? Is the handle still skeletonized? why does the similar Gameskeepr weigh 2-3 oz less?
Click to expand...

the SS version has a thicker skeleton to increase strength.
 
My Northstar normally goes backpacking with me (usually in the Smokies or nearby). Admittedly it does not see a lot of use, but it has not been a safe queen, either. All I do is wipe it down to be sure it is dry and the sap is removed before storage, and I have not had any rust problems. It doesn't even have a patina. And I don't use oil on it - just wipe it and dry it. Also, I put it in a pack pocket if I know it will be raining.

I store it in the sheath in my drawer at home, which is commonly stated as a cause of corrosion, but I have not seen it. Both knife and sheath are dry before storage. I hot waxed the sheath with beeswax, which helps.

Before I used Bark River A2 I was very hesitant to get a non-stainless steel due to the amount of rain we get around here, and I am in it often enough when backpacking. But I am not worried about it now.

I keep hearing that A2 does not like salt - salt water and blood - but I do not have experience with this to say.
 
I don't have personal experience with A2. I do have D2 blades, which are considered a hair below the stainless threshold also, so this might apply. Here in the islands the salt air and high humidity will test even stainless steel. I have found that with normal care I have no rust problems. as a note I use Corrosion X on all my guns, knives,& fishing gear...this is great stuff. just my .02, aloha,mk
 
Hallo,
I'm Enzo from Italy... need know a notice about the bark river bravo 1;
Have somebody problem with use near the sea? What's more better to use near the sea A2 or 154CM?
Are the performance 154CM similar of A2?
thank you very mouch for the attention!
Ciao
enzo

ps: Please write me easly 'cause I not know the english very well and also not know idiom terms...
 
enzosnap said:
Hallo,
I'm Enzo from Italy... need know a notice about the bark river bravo 1;
Have somebody problem with use near the sea? What's more better to use near the sea A2 or 154CM?
Are the performance 154CM similar of A2?
thank you very mouch for the attention!
Ciao
enzo

ps: Please write me easly 'cause I not know the english very well and also not know idiom terms...
Click to expand...

Si! Get the stainless one, from Derrick

Ron LaBella
 
The A-2 out of BRKT works very well. When I sold off my BRKT collection the only knife I kept was my Gunny.
 
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