Bark River steels?

[Big Bo]

I read that Bark River is going to A2 for the Fox River Magnum. If this is true what is the difference between A2 and Bakies SS?

 

[Jason B.]

A2 is a carbon tool steel, like D2 but easier to sharpen. They use a very good stainless but I don't own a barkie in SS so I cannot help you there. Some don't like carbon steels because they will rust but for me I would always take the A2. :thumbup:

 

[Big Bo]

Why the A2 over 12C27? I ask because I am about to buy a Barkie and the 12C27 still available in some stores.

 

[Andrew Colglazier]

Both are good steels. Some folks just like their blades to patinate a bit....

Andy

 

[LorenzoL]

More to the point, the edge-retention qualities of A2 steel probably outweigh the rust-resistance of 12C27.
You may have another option, but at a cost: there is now a stainless steel Bravo 1 using Crucible's relatively new CPM 154CM, but it is only available as a limited production run.