Thinking about buying a Bark River knife.

B

byteblock

Joined
Jul 13, 2012
Messages
37
I bought a Mora from many comments I've read on here just to try them out. So I can see a use for it. Though I still want a quality heavy duty knife and I'm willing to spend a couple hundred dollars. Bark River offers a few different steels and their assorted styles are great but I'm struggling with deciding which one I want to buy. I'm leaning towards 3V based on what I've read about it but then again A2 sounds good simply because it sounds practical.... S30V seems like it would be great as well.

If civilization came to an end tomorrow, having to pack around an assortment of stones and battery powered tools just to sharpen a knife isn't practical. Should I just pull the trigger on A2? I like keeping things dumbed down and don't see the need to make things more complicated than what they already are. Thanks for any input!
 
Bark River's A2 is hard to beat,

...very tough and easy to sharpen.


The CPM 3V is a nice upgrade,

...but I'd only spend the extra money if I really needed the added edge retention,

...and generally I don't.




Big Mike
 
Bark River rocks, man. The Bravo 1 is a classic and a great choice. I'd go with the A2 version since this is your first.
 
I've always been pleased with my Bark River knives in A2 steel and have never thought of a reason why I would need anything more.
 
Gawd, Bark River knives are sexy. Go for it. You might check out Blind Horse Knives as well. They aren't as pretty, but they are amazing users.
 
May I also suggest looking at Blind Horse knives. Very well made for a little cheaper.
 
I like the aurora and bushcrafter. I have both.

I also have the northstar and northstar companion but the handles are a little on the small side for me..
 
I've bought and sold 3 of the Bravo 1,
One in A2 and 2 in CPM154, Now I'm
looking at the S35VN version,
The next one I'll definitely keep!!
Also considering the Bravo 1.5
 
I'm happy with my bark River in A2. As you've mentioned it's easy to maintain and resists rust well.

My only fear with the higher end offerings would be potential chipping if you're planning to use the knife hard. My fears may be unfounded and I get he impression BRK have a very good warranty.
 
Another vote for the Aurora, it's a fabulous knife. The Bravo just didn't do it for me. The A2 steel is fine.
 
If you like the overall size of a Mora, get the Gunny in A2. Nothing wrong with A2, it's a great tool steel.
 
Big Mike said:
Bark River's A2 is hard to beat,
...very tough and easy to sharpen.
Big Mike
Click to expand...

I had a B1 in A2, but just couldn't sharpen the damn thing.
No matter how I stropped it, it just got duller.
I'll stick with V bevels for now.
I know how to use the Spyderco Sharpmaker very well.
I will say, however, that the handle was the most comfy of any knife I've ever held and the Sharpshooter
leather sheath was perfect.
Lenny
 
I've had several of BRKT's steels, including 3V and A2. I prefer their A2 to 3V just because it's their standard steel and it works fine for me. Good combination of edge holding, toughness, and not too prone to corrosion.
 
I have both an A2 and 3V Bravo 1, and notice no difference in performance. What I do notice, is that the 3V version is heavier than the A2, because they had to make the edge thicker and filled in some of the areas under the grip (that are skeletonized on the A2 version) to balance it out.

I would recommend the A2 version.
 
I have an aurora in A2. Super confortable handle and fairly easy to sharpen with the sandpaper/mousepad approach. I haven't had to resharpen it in the field, but then again I use an Ontario SP50 to process wood.
 
Lenny said:
I had a B1 in A2, but just couldn't sharpen the damn thing.
No matter how I stropped it, it just got duller.
I'll stick with V bevels for now.
I know how to use the Spyderco Sharpmaker very well.
I will say, however, that the handle was the most comfy of any knife I've ever held and the Sharpshooter
leather sheath was perfect.
Click to expand...



One persons failure in sharpening should not be the bases for condemning convex edges.

Convex edges have been used with great success for centuries.




Big Mike
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top