Bark River Knives Aurora 3V

[Wildernest Survivor]

It's quickly turning to spring in New England, and this year I am planning on upgrading my old 1095 high-carbon steel bushcraft knife for a newer model. The BRK Aurora comes highly recommended, but I want to know from people knowledgeable in this community if the premium price of the CPM-3V is worth it? I would like some input on these points:

1- Owners of the Aurora, either in A-2 or 3V: How do you like the knife for camping/bushcraft?

2- Those same owners: do you think the 3V performance is worth the premium price?

3- Anyone familiar with using 3V: what are the pros/cons of this steel? Is there anything special you have to take into consideration while using, sharpening, or caring for 3V?

Thank you in advance for your valued information.

[jossta]

Not a Bark River, but knife is 3v.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPgSOQY4CDk

[jtoler_9]

Here's some info on 3V from BRKT site.
About CPM 3V Steel
CPM 3V is a high toughness, wear-resistant tool steel made by the Crucible Particle Metallurgy process. The CPM process produces very homogeneous, high quality steel characterized by superior dimensional stability, grindability and toughness compared to other steels produced by conventional processes. CPM 3V was designed to provide maximum resistance to breakage and chipping in a high wear-resistance steel. This “super steel” offers impact resistance greater than A2, D2, Cru-Wear, or CPM M4, approaching the levels provided by S7 and other shock resistant grades. CPM 3V is intended to be used at 58/60 HRC in applications where chronic breakage and chipping are encountered in other tool steels, but where the wear properties of a high alloy steel are required. The wear and toughness properties of CPM 3V make it an excellent alternative to shock-resistant steels such as S7 or A9, where they typically wear out too quickly, but where grades such as A2, CruWear, or CPM M4 tend to fail by breaking or chipping. CPM 3V offers the highest impact toughness of any tool steel with this range of wear resistance.

While not considered a true stainless steel, CPM3V is considered by some to be a “semi” stainless steel and does exhibit some stainless steel qualities while costing less than a true high-grade stainless steel. One of our customers gave us a great testimony about the stainless qualities of CPM 3V steel. He wanted to put a patina on the blade so he tried vinegar with no effect, then mustard with no effect and finally lemon juice which had no effect!

Nominal Composition:
Carbon - 0.80 %
Chromium - 7.50 %
Vanadium - 2.75%
Molybdenum - 1.30%

[DeathBySnooSnoo]

Basically, you can beat it like a red headed step child...or borrowed donkey...or whatever your favorite analogy happens to be. BUT it's edge holding isn't spectacular. Somewhat less than VG-10.

[Blerv]

Basically, you can beat it like a red headed step child...or borrowed donkey...or whatever your favorite analogy happens to be. BUT it's edge holding isn't spectacular. Somewhat less than VG-10.

I believe real world testing the 3V would actually do quite a bit better as a similar edge would be far less chip-prone. Of course, cost and corrosion resistance are going to be the main factors that give VG10 a huge advantage.

Just speculation though. As you know the two steels are quite different; it's like comparing a Jeep Wrangler to a Mercedes Unimog 416 Doka.

[Wildernest Survivor]

Thanks for all the info on 3V. I'm more interested in how it compares to 1095 than any of the stainless steels like VG10. It seems like a perfect steel for my new bushcraft knife. I'll have to start saving my pennies... for the next decade. So no one here owns an Aurora? All of the youtube vids of 3V seem to have one thing in common: massive destruction... to the extreme!!!

[DeathBySnooSnoo]

I believe real world testing the 3V would actually do quite a bit better as a similar edge would be far less chip-prone. Of course, cost and corrosion resistance are going to be the main factors that give VG10 a huge advantage.

Just speculation though. As you know the two steels are quite different; it's like comparing a Jeep Wrangler to a Mercedes Unimog 416 Doka.

It is entirely possible. I know that in the steel comparison chart 3V is listed as having about the same edge retention as 154CM so perhaps I should say that it is probably on par with VG-10 (as is 154CM more or less).

And I use VG-10 as an example because I know that Fallkniven uses a VG-10 core in their knives.

My guess that is 3V is probably better in toughness and edge retention than 1095. But the trade off is probably that its harder to sharpen...just a guess really though.

[rodloos]

I'm kinda interested in 3V also, I've been seriously considering ordering a Dan Koster knife in 3V, either the Bushmaster or Bushcraft with blue-and-black G10. The knives look gorgeous, and I *hear* good things about 3V, just don't have any experience with it yet. If it holds an edge about as well as VG-10 but is tougher, that sounds like a pretty good steel! I like the ESEE knives I have in 1095.

[Wildernest Survivor]

I'm kinda interested in 3V also, I've been seriously considering ordering a Dan Koster knife in 3V, either the Bushmaster or Bushcraft with blue-and-black G10...

Same here. Both knife types are at KSF making my decision just that bit harder. I have no experience with Koster Knives, but his knives look similar to BRKT. The drive to try 3V is the same with them both. The biggest difference is in the grinds: convex for the Aurora and Scandi (Zero Bevel) for the Bushcraft. The BushMaster has a flat grind, so really there are three choices.

Can anyone help to educate me on the pros/cons of convex, Scandi, and flat grinds in bushcraft knives? (bushcraft-type tasks only, please.)

The reason for this tread is the "retirement" of my well used RAT/ESEE RC-5. After many good seasons, it's time to move on to a "classier" bushcraft knife. (one w/o a skull ) Keep me posted if you plan on purchasing a Koster knife, rodloos. I'd be interested in your opinion as an owner. Thanks.

[Slash]

Saw this a couple days ago. According to the guy in this video named Wako. 3v still good after 7 deers. A2 needs sharpening after 4.
3v has micro chipping.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTpVJ...e_gdata_player

[JNewell]

I have one of the Liten Bror (mini-Aurora) knives that they ran off a year or so ago. I have to say that I am not a bushcrafter...I also have to say that I was trained to even creating a "patina" (when I was younger we called it "rust") is all crazy...but having said all that, I have used the knife, and find that it takes and holds a really excellent edge. Given the convex/scandi grind (big thumbs up) it's a little hard to compare to other blades, but initial performance after sharpening and continuing performance in use seem very, very good. If you are edge-prying or doing other things that would call on the toughness of 3V (I really can't say that I have), I bet you'd be darned well pleased. I keep looking at the Aurora 3V and wondering if I should pick one of those up, too.

[jtoler_9]

I would love to see a spyderco bushcraft blank in 3V. I would love to make my own handle for one of those.

[JNewell]

From your keyboard to Sal's ear?

[Drkknight614]

Hey, I dont own the aurora, but Im a big fan of bark river knives. I have been sold on their 3v. Its amazing to be honest. Their A2 is an amazing carbon steel, but their 3v, wow. Its more stain resistant, just as easy to sharpen but holds an edge for so much longer. My man Virtuovice on youtube has the bravo 1 in 3v. Hes a hunter and he was able to do his skinning etc on 8 deer with his 3v bravo, and it was still able to slice through paper with ease. It had some very small micro chips, but it still sliced through paper like a razor. In contrast, his A2 bravo can do 2 deer. Is 3v worth the price? I think so for damn sure. Btw, bark river just came out with the scandi ground Bushcrafter, might wanna check into that too. Its made with 3v.

[Evil D]

I would love to see a spyderco bushcraft blank in 3V. I would love to make my own handle for one of those.

I have to say i'd probably buy that.


I read an article a while back about a knife maker (can't remember who) was testing some 3v stock, and he said he clamped a piece in a vice and bent it 90 degrees and back to straight and the steel didn't break. I'm most curious about how much effort it takes to sharpen.

[Wildernest Survivor]

Thanks so much for all the guidance - you guys are truly the best community on the net! It seems that the more I learned about the Aurora and 3V, the stronger the pull on my heartstrings. JNewell's and Drkknight614's insights were the final confirmation... I just purchased an Aurora 3V with Blackwood scales/white liners and Full-height grind - last one left.
I would like to thank Derrick and Wendy at KSF for offering this high-quality knife along with a slim chance to get it for free. I'll be posting pics and a quick review once I receive it, and hopefully a full in-the-field review after a long camping trip. Once again, thanks - you guys are the best.
I'd still like to hear more about 3V steel and the Aurora, or other Bark River Knives from their owners, so keep the thread flowing. I hope others find this topic useful as well.

[Wildernest Survivor]

I would love to see a spyderco bushcraft blank in 3V. I would love to make my own handle for one of those.

+1

I think that this would be a great idea too. I wonder how Sal would handle the 3V (HT etc...)? I would like the knife to be in the 5-6" range, larger than the Bushcraft. Also, for a finished "production-type" knife, the scales could be a beefed-up version of Bushcraft ones. You can only hope...