Bark River Knife & Tool Bravo 1 Blade Steel ???

nyefmaker

nyefmaker

Joined
Sep 29, 2008
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I have been looking at Bark River Knives Bravo 1. I would like to ask you guys that own and use them what you think of the different steels used ??

A2 - I am a huge CRK fan and nearly all of the One Piece Knives used A2. I have had good luck with it.

CPM 3V - I never had a knife in this steel, but have read some great things about it. Its basically an improvement over A2 ?? I know Chris Reeve did a few Knonka's in this steel, but I don't have one.

S35VN - I really like S30V and I know this is an improvement over that. I have a sebenza with S35VN, but have used it much yet.

I contacted BRKT and asked about certain combo's. I really like the look of the spear point versions. They said if I send a Bravo 1 in, they will make it a spear point if I pay the return shipping. Not a bad deal.

*My main questions is, I am heavily leaning towards the S35VN as I am very familiar with S30V. I see this as the best Bravo 1 you could ask for.
*Not having any experience with CMP 3V and having read Great Things about it, thats definitely another option.
*Then there is the good old A2. My experience with A2 is CRK One Piece Knives which are coated. How is corrosion resistance in the uncoated A2 ??

Is the cost increase for S35VN and CPM 3V worth it ??? You can almost buy 2 with A2 compared to 1 with the mentioned steels.

Let me know what you guys think ???
 
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My A2 Bravo-1 and IMP have forced patinas. The patina wears off through use, stropping, and cutting of food items. Yet, I've never had rust on either. I think the rust issue will be with leather sheaths, wet conditions, or just putting it away wet. Even then, you'd have to ignore that for a long time. When you get home, clean and oil the knife, let the sheath dry, and no problems from there.

I have a few Barkies in CPM S35VN 2x Custom Highland Specials and one TUSK. I've been using one of the Highland Specials for over a year and I have to say it's got it's good qualities. It seems that it looses it's inital hair shaving edge pretty quick, but stays sharp enough to keep using for a long time. I have used mine on wood, rope, and cut up quite a few chickens. The blade has never rolled or chipped. Just plows right through the bones. My 3 S35VN knives are .195" thick, and that makes me wonder about what it would be like in a thin knife, later topic.
If I were you, go over to Knifeforums:eek: and go to the Bark River forum, under reviews is some info about the Custom Highland, and CPMS35VN.

In my current opinion, I like A2 for it's ease of sharpening and lower cost. BRT has sold many knives in A2, and the lure of the CPM steels is strong. I sort of suspect the cost difference is greater than the benefits gained.
 
All of my current Barkies are A2. They get some outdoor use along with home and warehouse chores. None have ever had any corrosion issues. I use mineral oil on the blades when I can, but I'm not obsessive about keeping the blade coated.

I'm happy with A2. I personally would not pay an upgrade price for a SS blade.
 
I have a Bravo-1 in A2 and really like it, however when the Bravo-1.5 comes out (5in blade version) I plan to get it in CPM-3V, and prefer 3V to A2, its a noticeable improvement in both edge retention and toughness compared to A2 as well as a little better corrosion resistance, the only thing A2 has over it is ease of sharpening. As for S35VN, S35VN will have a little better edge holding over 3V however, 3V will be several steps up in toughness, S35VN will be more rust resistant of course, although I've never really had a problem with any of my carbon blades and rust resistance. (My 3V experience is from a Koster Bushmaster in 3V)
 
I would pick s35vn if you're just going to be cutting everyday type stuff and A2 or 3V if you plan on beating the crap out of it. If you have the money get the 3V, but A2 seems to be decent enough not to make a huge difference.
 
So you guys would stick with A2 or CPM3V over S35VN ?? Money is always a factor, but if spending say $50 more for a CMP3V or S35VN, is that price increase justified ?? I want to carry it outdoors, doing bushcraft, whittling walking sticks, etc. It may get wet, but I would wipe it off when I got home. I might even use it for hunting as well, so thats a consideration. I was just leaning towards the S35VN because of my great experience with S30V with CRK. Maybe its the S35VN hype too...lol. I have never owned a knife with CMP3V. And like I said, I have used A2 CRK One Piece Knives to great extent with no issues.

Still on the ropes guys...lol
 
Thanks Guys for all your help.......I ended up getting a Bravo 1 with S35VN Spearpoint Blade With Ramp, Black Canvas Micarta and an External Lanyard Loop. Cant wait until it gets here. I will let you know what I think !!!!
 
nyefmaker said:
Thanks Guys for all your help.......I ended up getting a Bravo 1 with S35VN Spearpoint Blade With Ramp, Black Canvas Micarta and an External Lanyard Loop. Cant wait until it gets here. I will let you know what I think !!!!
Click to expand...

I doubt that you will get rid of it.

Look forward to your review.

btw,I own at least 10 BRK&T's that are keepers.
 
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