Who has rough used a Bravo-1 in CPM154?

A

abchopper

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Jan 15, 2008
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To those that have used a Bark River Bravo 1 in CPM 154 have you had any problems with chipping or rolling of the edge during rough use like batoning or light chopping?

I know the current offering is in A2 and that is plenty strong and hold an edge very well. I also know that the cpm 154 holds an edge as good as A2 but is it as tough for batoning?

I've always wanted a Bravo 1 but am torn between the A2 and the cpm154. I planned on using it for food prep, batoning, wood work, etc. I'm not the kind of guy that babys his blades or will bother oiling or fully drying it before putting it away. Since I'm dealing with food I'm not too keen on rust or mineral oil on my food so I like the ideal of the stainless version. I wouldn't mind spend the extra cash on the cpm154 version if it is as tough but wouldn't if I have to rely on it as my one and only and it's prone to chipping or breaking during heavy tasks or emergencies.

I guess this question would also apply to any other users of knives made of the same metal. (Note: I am aware that cpm154 is not quite the same as 154cm so don't get this one confused)

I have read on the forums that it's similar to the Fallknivens laminated VG-10 but have heard that they may chip during heavy chopping. Can anyone shed some light on the validity of this?

Just a side note, I don't see it currently offered on the Knives Shipped Free site. Has it been discontinued or are they waiting for the 2nd production run?

Thanks in advance guys.

Cheers.
 
I have used several outdoors, rough use knives that were made of cpm154 with no problems with edge chipping or rolling. Even had a really large chopper made from it without a problem. I had an A2 Bravo 1, and with the thick convexed edge I seriously doubt you could hurt it. If you somehow were able to damage it, I have heard good things about Bark Rivers customer service too, so I wouldn't worry.
 
I have used mine a bit. Nothing outrageous, but so far so good. No edge damage.
Bravo-1SS022.jpg

Bravo-1SS016.jpg

It seems to hold up as well as the one in A2.

Bravos004.jpg
 
I personally wouldn't take the chance, Bark River makes beautiful knives but now as they're starting to offer more run of the mill brittle stainless steels (many of which are pretty cheap) while still retaining the prices they do... I am going to stick to my hard use steels.
 
I have the A2 Bravo 1, I chipped the blade very easily on a soft piece of wood. Purchased it brand new and it chipped on the first piece of wood that I chopped. I was disappointed so I sent it back. If you HAD to use it to chop, it would be okay but not ideal. Good luck!
 
CPM 154 is a very fine and expensive steel. It can take some pretty hard use. It is a bit hard to sharpen. It is much tougher than 154 CM.
 
I agree I would love to have a Bravo one in CPM 154. One of my favorite steels.:thumbup:
 
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If CPM 154 is HTed and tempered right it can handle hard use. The right grind/edge geometry is just as important.
Scott
 
I would go with A-2 just for toughness unless you absolutely have to have more corrosion resistance.
 
G'day PayetteRucker

PayetteRucker said:
I personally wouldn't take the chance, Bark River makes beautiful knives but now as they're starting to offer more run of the mill brittle stainless steels (many of which are pretty cheap)....
Click to expand...
Since I know for a fact from first hand experience that the descriptor of "brittle stainless steels" is not true for all stainless steels, care to identify the ones that are :D



Kind regards
Mick
 
Thanks tknife, thats the user info I wanted to hear.

Horn Dog, thanks for the pics. The wood baton pics is exactly what I hope it would be able to handle.

I've searched for ages on the net for this info and just about every other sites would say that it holds and edge well in terms of wear but I couldn't find any info on good old heavy duty use.

Thanks to all others for your input, this is great stuff.

Does any know if there is going to be a 2nd production run of the bravo 1 in cpm154?
 
abchopper, as you can see from my pictures, my A2 Bravo-1 is not rusty. I live on a salt water marsh. A little care, and corrosion is no problem. The A2 one is easier to sharpen and costs much less. For the money, I'd go with the Bravo-1 in A2. That CPM 154 is as hard to sharpen as ATS-34. And while it has superb edge retention, it will eventually dull. Having both knives, I'd have to say that I prefer the original in A2.
 
not to jack this thread, but how similar is CMP154 to 154CM? could one expect them to handle the same? thanks for the input and sorry to the op for jacking your thread temporarily.
 
SouthernCross said:
G'day PayetteRucker


Since I know for a fact from first hand experience that the descriptor of "brittle stainless steels" is not true for all stainless steels, care to identify the ones that are :D



Kind regards
Mick
Click to expand...

Pretty sure it's NOT the 12C27 Mike uses for most his stainless models.

In_Vise_No_Pressure.jpg


Flex_3.jpg


Relax.jpg
 
Aren't Moras and a thousand other 10.99 folders made from the same stuff? Why does this necker cost 80 dollars when the steel is so much more relatively cheap than CPM 154 or S30V?
 
Don't know, I'd imagine production cost: HT'ing, hand finishing, etc. It is the same steel in Moras, I've never found them to be "brittle" either, and they are stamped, mass produced blades. However, they take a pretty good beating too. 12C27 is a good stainless steel when done right. :thumbup:
 
Oh, I definately agree. It's a capable working steel, I just don't see why the price for a small 12C27 blade without scales is worth 80 dollars... I can get a BK7 and a Mora for that. I'll stick to my 12 dollar 420HC Buck Paklite skinner. And I'd still much prefer high carbon for a larger blade.
 
I both agree and disagree. Sometimes you are paying for the name, just as when using 1095, price a Mora and a Tops both using the same steel. Add the ESEE in 1095 and compare the prices. It often has nothing to do with the Material being used. I would take the Paklite for 15.00 over the 80.00 version of pretty much the same thing. CPM and 12c27 are both good blade steels that vary greatly in price across brand names.
 
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