CPM-3V: Bark River Knife and Tool

[MachSchnell]

Lately I've been hearing nothing but great things about CPM-3V. BRKT offers 3V steel in a variety of different knives. I'm thinking of picking up either a Bravo 1 or a Bravo necker in 3v. I know 3v is some really tough stuff.

Anyone have experience with BRKT and their full convex grinds? I hear that they are scary sharp.

[Switchback]

I have very limited experience with Bark River. Had a Little Creek that I really liked but sold it to fund other knives. Mike Stewart donated a Fox River to a local benefit in my area. He sent the knife to my address so I got to check it out for a few days before I passed it on for donation.

Both knives were plenty sharp but not as sharp as NIB Spydercos in my opinion. Both were very well made as well. I kinda miss that Little Creek.

I have been wanting a BRKT City Knife lately but have yet to pull the trigger.

[JNewell]

I have a Liten Bror in 3V that I've been extremely pleased with. I cannot say that I've pushed it to what I suspect are its limits, but it came wicked sharp, sharpens up nicely, holds an edge very well, and appears to be bombproof. I haven't had any corrosion or even staining problems, but I'm pretty careful about cleaning up my tools. I really like the convex edge, fwiw, though it does not make a great apple or carrot slicer.

[MachSchnell]

Thanks! The bravo necker looks promising, it isn't too expensive without all of the accessories. The bravo 1 is a little spendy.

[MachSchnell]

Just received my Bark River Bravo Necker II in CPM-3V today.

Initial impressions of the entire package are modest at best. The knife itself is sweet, it's thinner than the izula and has a longer cutting edge (3.5"), and it is lighter as well. Down side is that the out of the package it's hardly even sharp (not shaving sharp), but my belt sander will whip it in shape really nicely. It comes with two kydex sheaths, one to use naked and the other one for use with their handle scales; both of the kydex sheaths are mediocre, no drain hole, too tight on the sides of the blade, and poor blade retention. Haven't even cut anything yet and only taken the knife out of the sheaths about a dozen times and the blade is all scratched up; not really concerned though, but that's just a sign of poor sheath design.

This knife should have come with ONE well designed kydex or injection molded sheath rather that two crappy kydex ones.

Pics and more to come after putting it through its paces.

[MachSchnell]

Sharpened the blade, wrapped the handle, and modified the sheath; all is good, now I just need to get out and put it to work.

Very pleased with it now!

[Clip]

Let's see some pictures!

I've been looking for a good little fixed blade to keep around for EDC and the RAT Izula was a little large for my tastes. Might have to pick up the Little Creek now.

[angusW]

This knife has been in my sights for a while. Sad to hear about the Kydex sheaths and that the knife wasn't sharp out of the box. I have a Micro Canadian and a PSK and they were both somewhat sharp brand new. Like you, I took both of them to the belt sander with a 6µ belt. Now I just use a strop. I know it's $46, but the leather neck sheath looks nice. Have you thought about using it instead of the Kydex sheaths?

[rodloos]

Frustrating when someone makes a nice knife but doesn't pay enough attention to the sheath.

I'll be interested in your impressions of the 3V steel after you've used it for awhile. I recently picked up a Dan Koster "BushMaster" in CPM 3V, it is a pretty stout knife, 5" blade almost 1/4" thick at the spine (.22" actually) but since it's full flat grind it cuts pretty well, I just haven't used it enough to actually see how the 3V performs -- it does seem to form a patina or grey-ishness easier than any other knife I've had.

Seems odd that your barkie came less than satisfyingly sharp from the factory, I've heard lots of people that really like their BRKT knives. I guess all companies occasionally may let one slip, I've had one or two spydies with a less than perfect grind.

[MachSchnell]

More to come!

[JD Spydo]

I'm wondering how CPM 3V compares to D-2 or XHP? Those 2 steels are pretty tough as well and I'm wondering if they are indeed comparable?

Or for you guys that have actually used CPM 3V tell us what steel you personally would compare it to. I've heard that it has similar properties and characteristics as D-2 but I've never owned a knife made with this steel (CPM 3V).

It seems like you see it used on outdoor type knives the most>> I'm sure there is a valid reason for it too.