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Of all the options, which Bark River SS is the easiest to sharpen? Any personal insights?
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Bark River Stainless Question.
- Thread starter Karambit777
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Yea. I have multiple Bark Rivers, and multiple scandi grind knives, so I am no stranger to sharpening convex edges, or any edge for that matter. This is not my question. All my Barkies are in A2, and I am looking to get a SS version. I want the SS that is easiest to sharpen as far as (ease of sharpening) or ( easy touch up). Most super steels are getting to where you have to spend extra time touch up the blade to scary sharp. Especially Stainless steels since one of their main details is wear resistance. I just don't want a SS that is super hard to touch up in the field.
Well...were not mind readers you know? Bring a small loaded strop hone with you in the field. Use it frequently. You wont have to sharpen in the field. You'll actually rarely have to sharpen at all.
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I've only used CPM154 from BRKT. It's been pretty easy to handle, but I haven't tried it with a field kit. I use a SM at home and I carry a Doublestuff stone away from home. The DoubleStuff is the same ceramic medium as the SM rods, so there shouldn't be any more difficulty using the stone than there is with the rods. I have used S35VN from other companies and it's worked well in the field. My ZT & Sebenza both respond well to a small stone or a strop.
Bark River knives in 12C27 are the easiest to sharpen; though it's not being used anymore, many are available on the aftermarket.
154CM and CPM-154 sharpen up fairly easily, but not as easy as the 12C27.
CPM-S35VN takes a bit more work, but is easier sharpen then something like S30V or D2.
Though it's technically not a stainless steel, Bark River's CPM-D2 sharpens much easier the the aforementioned S30V or D2.
Big Mike
154CM and CPM-154 sharpen up fairly easily, but not as easy as the 12C27.
CPM-S35VN takes a bit more work, but is easier sharpen then something like S30V or D2.
Though it's technically not a stainless steel, Bark River's CPM-D2 sharpens much easier the the aforementioned S30V or D2.
Big Mike
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I usually carry a fine stone, and a small strop pre loaded with black and green compound. With a good convex knife, really all you need is some good fine grit sand paper to touch up the blade. A2 is perfect for touch up, while having amazing edge retention. I am just weary of the super stainless steels due to the fact if I was ever caught out and had to use a small rock or stone to sharpen my knife, one would almost be screwed with on the crucible steels. one you get them sharp they stay sharp, but all knives go dull, and sharpening is something that must be done, and the easier and quicker it is , the better IMO
Then stick with the A2. Problem solved! Nobody says you have to buy a Bark River in some new trendy super steel. Well...I'm sure some people do...but really...you don't. The A2 sounds like it's working for you.
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- Joined
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- Messages
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Maybe I want a SS version for a specific purpose. A purpose that a non-stainless tool steel would not be such a wise choice for. But thanks for bouncing around my question. I do plan on sticking with A2 on most of my BRKT purchases, Outstanding steel IMO.