Bark River's A2 steel question

M

Mrbladedude

Joined
Aug 2, 2010
Messages
756
Hey all. I noticed that their blades don't come with a coating on them. The A2 steel is a carbon steel correct? How easily do their knives rust? Say now u got it wet and had to leave it for a day or 2 submerged in water. My experience with 1095 is that it rusts easily when uncoated areas get wet. Anyone got any pics of their A2 with rust marks?

How does this steel directly compare to 1095?

Thanks
 
You could take it out of the water and wipe it off instead of leaving it in the water for a couple days.

Just a thought.
 
It is slightly more rust resistant than 1095 ... some of the elements it is alloyed with helps it fight of corrosion to an extent.

Keep it wiped down with Tuff Cloth Marine for serious protection or mineral oil if used for food prep.

It will have to be maintained but with normal care it is not a "rust while you look at it" steel.
 
Experience with my own knives is that 1095 rusts more easily, but both steels require degree of consistent care to keep them from either patina and/or rust if they are used alot. I wouldn't assume that a blade coating would would relieve you from that minor task with either steel, i.e., it wouldn't be good at all to leave either submerged for 2 days - blade coating or no blade coating. I think you may be assuming that a blade coating means that the coated portion of the blade is impervious to moisture and rust, and that is not necessarily the case, although it is certainly more moisture resistant. If I had to choose between a coated or uncoated blade to accidentally drop in a stream and retrieve 2 days later, I would choose the uncoated simply because I could at least see and sand off any areas where damage was setting in.
 
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I haven't had any real issues using it, getting it good and wet, if not submerged. After a year or so of camping/hiking use, its developing a nice patina, but no rust to speak of. I only oil it when it gets put away for storage between trips and that seems to be sufficient for me
 
Corrosion resistant steels have made wimps of us all. Even if you left it in seawater for a coupla days it's not going to dissolve like an alka-seltzer! It'll be stained and you may have to strop the edge, but it won't be ruined beyond saving. Besides, it'll have some 'character' instead of looking like a safe queen. Use it and quit worrying!
 
Here are a few from when I first used these particular knives. They are much darker now.

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I've got a few Barkies in A2. They've gotten spots of surface rust a few times from skin oil, but nothing a bit of Flitz won't take off! Love how easy it is to maintain a blade in A2 and yet it cuts and cuts.
 
Here's another one. :D A lightly used BkackJack.






And a well used Bark River Rogue Bowie.









Big Mike
 
In my experience, A2 is fairly rust resistant. It discolors easily though. Keep the blade clean and you should be fine.
 
I like the patina it develops; nice gray color in most cases. Seems to prevent further corrosion as well:

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The Helle on the right is stainless ;)
 
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