Choosing my next fixed blade

robo7de

robo7de

Joined
Jan 8, 2008
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As the title implies…I’m needing/wanting a new fixed blade knife in the 7” to 8” realm. Currently I’m looking into the Fallkniven A2 and the Bark River Bravo 2. I have no experience with A2 Tool steel and the VG10 might be a little on the brittle side. I like the leather Bravo 2 sheath and feel the A2 (for the price) should have a better sheath. Both knives are similar in price. I also started looking into the Scrap Yard Scrapper INFI 5 LE for $185. I have no experience with INFI, the blade is 3/16 (compared to ¼”), and I would have to buy a sheath…..is it so much better?
Current use knives are a CS SRK (carbon V), Ka-Bar (1095), Ontario Spec Ops fighter (SP6-95 in a soft 1095) and an Al Mar SERE Operator (S30V). Thanks for your replies…Robo7de ;)
 
Those are good choices. if 6in. is acceptable I'd look at the Rat Cutlery RC6. I like the Becker BK7 too.
 
Thanks for your reply. I thought about the RAT 6, and I have an IZULA. Still, I want to try something else besides 1095 even though their 1095 is the best I have seen. Robo
 
No, INFI is not that much better, and the SAR 5 is not what you are looking for if you want a 7-8 inch knife.

The Fallknivens are very tough knives. No rust and no worries with these. If you are happy with your SERE operator, you will be happy with an A2.

If you really want a tool steel blade instead of stainless, and ‘toughness’ is a paramount concern, check out Fehrman knives. They offer many sizes which are almost always in stock.
They use CPM 3V steel which is possibly better steel than INFI. In my experience it certainly holds an edge better than INFI. (Scrapyard uses SR-77, i.e. SR-7 steel which is tough, but even lower on the edge holding scale.)
Fehrman also sells sheaths. They have the same ‘lifetime guarantee’ as the other guys, but the craftsmanship is better for the price.

I own, or have owned, every brand you mentioned.
 
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Thanks bearcut.....when you say I'll be happy with A2...do mean the A2 Fallkniven or A-2 tool steel? What are your likes/dislikes for A-2 tool steel since you have experience with it? I am very happy with my Sere Operator as a light duty slicer/tactical knife. I have heard that Fehrman knives have "weird" shaped handles, but the steel & HT is top notch. Thanks for the input and adding yet another option to consider. robo7
 
anyone else have any thoughts???? I have several VG10 blades (folders) and would like info on A-2 tool steel. Thanks, robo
 
robo7de said:
Thanks bearcut.....when you say I'll be happy with A2...do mean the A2 Fallkniven or A-2 tool steel? What are your likes/dislikes for A-2 tool steel since you have experience with it? I am very happy with my Sere Operator as a light duty slicer/tactical knife. I have heard that Fehrman knives have "weird" shaped handles, but the steel & HT is top notch. Thanks for the input and adding yet another option to consider. robo7
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If you like your SERE you'll like the A2 Fallkniven.

A2 steel has to be sharpened more often than some other steels. It won't hold an edge nearly as long as S30V or VG10. It isn't as tough as 3V and wears faster, i.e. you have to re-sharpen it more often. This may or may not matter to you.

Decide whether or not you want stainless or carbon steel, after that, its pretty much personal taste.
 
Thanks.....so if you were to choose between VG-10 and 3V in an all purpose camp/survival knife with ~ 8" blade....you would choose? I have read that both steels tend to be brittle and chip on "hard" impacts. I'm looking for blade strength and the ability to hold an edge. robo7de
 
The Bravo-2 and the Fallkniven A2 are both great knives. The laminated VG10 in the Fallkniven is in no way brittle. Not sure where you got that one from.

Fehrmans are excellent also, but make sure to hold one before buying one. That litte choil they put on the handle makes some people (including me) nuts. Others love it.
 
I actually just put an order in yesterday for a Fehrman Last Chance. I had a question for Eric Fehrman about 3V, and this is what he told me.

My question:
"Lastly, I know the 3V steel could kill Superman himself, but in a
worst case scenario, would it chip more like a carbon steel or roll
like a spring steel?"

Eric's answer:
"3V is a merciful and just steel, so I'm sure it would never want to do
anything to hinder truth, justice, or the American way.

Actually 3V can have a tendency to do both depending on the
circumstances. Hard impacts on very hard objects (steel, stone, etc)
that are small (alot of impact focused to a small area) you can
experience some small microchips. When chopping more blunt objects or
pushing slowly into a very hard object you will tend to experience a
rolled edge."

Straight from the man himself. Personally I love the look of the handle, but I have not held one yet, so I can't really speak to it. As far as the 3V steel edge rolling, that is a good thing instead of chipping. It is then easier to hone the edge back to straight/sharp, although under normal use I wouldn't expect it to have much deformation over a long time period. This is just based on readings as I haven't handled any other 3V yet.

As far as A2 steel goes, I think you'd be happy with a BRKT Bravo 2 also. It would need to be sharpened/stropped more so than 3V I think, like bearcut said, but my A2 steel Bravo 1 holds an edge for a ridiculous amount of time.

Depending on what your intended use is, I don't think comparing the shape of a Bravo 2 and a Fehrman First Strike (7.5" blade) is apples to apples. If you want a chopper/all around knife, look more at Fehrman. If you want a slicer/bushcraft, look at the Bravo 2 (yes I'm calling it a slicer even though it is kind of thick for that designation). Reason being is the Fehrman blade is taller.

INFI is a fantastic steel. Is it leaps and bounds better than A2 or 3V? Probably not, but I do like it better than A2. Is it worth the money? Definitely. For your stated intentions, I wouldn't get the Scrapper 5 because it is not a 7" to 8" blade.

I can't really speak to VG10 for this size knife, but my folders are definitely tough, not "brittle."
 
Thanks all for sharing your experience, information, & web info. A Fehrman or a Fallkniven A2 is what I have narrowed it down to. robo7de
 
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