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Comment by Jan Carter on September 1, 2015 at 19:42

Howard I agree, at that cost losing the collector value is a huge hit.  I would be more likely to field test a KaBar Snake charmer at an average of less than 75 to decide if I was going to invest 300-400.  Now don't get me wrong...I love a Barkie and this one is sweet!  I just don't know enough about the steel to drop that much $ to find out about it

Comment by Howard P Reynolds on September 1, 2015 at 12:14

Exactly my dilemma, Alexander.  I just happened on a site that offered options for blade shape, and removing the thumb ramp.

I pulled up a query on Bladeforums, and apparently the latest news on S35VN was from 2011, and back then, what seemed to be high-powered Bladeforum members were not fond of S35VN as configured by Spyderco in their Mule Team knife.  Mule Team or MT is apparently their choice for making knives with new steel.  It's a skeletonized, no frills knife so folks can try a new steel in the market without spending gobs of money.

Anyway, back in 2011 the thin-bladed little Spyderco fixed-blade in S35VN did not do well on the sisal rope test - very disappointing performance.  The Bladeforum powerhouses were up in arms about it, and put it off on manufacturing hype to save production costs over S30V, which is harder on stamping, and grinding machines due to its hardness.  S35VN was advertised as being "better" than S30V, but easier to work with by the manufacturer, and easier to sharpen for the user.  So, after the thin-bladed Mule (Mule Team) knife "failed", the consensus, back in 2011, was that CPM was putting one over on the user so the manufacturer could save money on stampers and grinders.  That S35VN, while more "stainless" than S30V, wasn't a better knife steel - at least in small knives.  There was some allowance that in a beefier knife, S35VN would prove to be an admirable steel.  Part of the complaint centered on Rockwell hardness.  Most of the Bladeforum guys wanted S35VN hardness to be at least 60, while the MT knife came out at about 56-58.  Most allowed as how manufacturers would figure out the optimum hardness to get superior performance from S35VN.

Shift to today (2015), and Bark River indicates that their Bravo 1.5s hardness range goes up to 60, which I think means that if they tested every Bark River Bravo 1.5 some would test at 58 and some would test at 61 - the old + or - thing.

I couldn't find any 2015 reviews of S35VN performance or any performance tests on specifically Bark River knives in S35VN steel.  Been thinking that I would give it a try, but like the A.G. Russell shopmade Bowie, "trying" either one isn't cheap, and to me, you have to use blades to find out if they are any good, so collector value goes up in smoke.

In review, I haven't been able to pry my wallet open for the A.G. Russell Shopmade Bowie, and now with this Bark River Bravo 1.5 in the mix, I don't know which to choose, and even if I chose, both are expensive.

Comment by Alexander Noot on September 1, 2015 at 5:45

It's a nice blade. I like barkies. Just can't get myself to pay for one though.

Comment by Howard P Reynolds on August 27, 2015 at 14:47

Somebody, talk me out of buying the Bark River Bravo 1.5 [blade length: just under 6"] in S35VN steel.

Now, wait a minute.  I can get it in "Field" version - no thumb ramp, Spear Point, as is shown in the pic, (not the standard blade shape), and in a canvas Micarta color I can live with (not the black in the pic), all for no additional charge. 

I already have a Bark River Bravo 1 in A-2 steel, and other fixed blades in CPM-3V, S30V, INFI, San Mai, etc.

Comment by Alexander Noot on August 3, 2015 at 6:57

Hahaha, Yeah those california bowies are awe inspiring. I've wondered the possibility of buying one myself...but then I realise I spent everything on steel and supplies and just let it go.

Maybe someday.

Comment by Howard P Reynolds on August 1, 2015 at 10:54

Clint, A.G. Russell sells this shopmade bowie in five different handle materials.  Mostly exotic woods, and this spruce cone resin handle.  Not inexpensive at $395., but big knives aren't cheap these days.  And this much 154CM steel (8.5" blade length/1.25" wide) is bound to be a bit expensive.  Will let you guys know if I can pry my wallet open enough to get this knife.  Hey, it's a new month.

Comment by Clint Thompson on August 1, 2015 at 10:30

Beautiful knife Howard.

Comment by Howard P Reynolds on August 1, 2015 at 10:14

Well Alexander, I'd better get a move on.  Neither A.G. nor I are getting any younger.  Here's a pic for those who have not seen the A.G. Russell Shopmade Bowie (154 CM steel):  This seems to be a new one, with Norway Spruce cone resin handles/scales.

Comment by Alexander Noot on August 1, 2015 at 0:41

Howard, yeah I was lucky enough to be A.G. and Goldie's guest for a week back in 2012. Seriously...if you EVER get the chance to just visit the store and chat with A.G. (or Goldie or anyone else in the store for that matter) you'll create a memory for a lifetime.

Comment by Tom Peterson on July 29, 2015 at 13:28

Alexander & James,

You both bring up some excellent points, many of which I hadn't given much thought to. I figured that the maker had to be doing some things in a more automated fashion or farming some things out to get prices that low though.

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