Thread: That stoopid knife question

These are worth a look. Hyken Knives - Lite Hunter - DLT Trading
They are made by Bark River.
CPM154 is a very good stainless steel and Bark River have all but stopped using S35VN in preference for it. It holds an edge longer than A2 and is no more difficult to sharpen. Easier to sharpen than 3V.

If you buy a BR its best to also get a strop and black (course) and green(fine) compound at the same time. The knives have a convex edge profile which you strop rather than put on a stone. There are plenty of youtube vids on strapping convex edges. Its a crime to grind away their edge with stones unless you are fixing a chip.

If you want to go for the best edge holding then Elmax is the way to go.

3V has a good balance of toughness and edge holding.
4v and Cru-wear are better still, but more difficult to sharpen.

Nothing wrong with A2 though. It will last for about one complete deer without touching the edge.
cpm154 and 3V will do a couple, 4v and cru-wear several and Elmax more still.

Once you master sharpening them on a strop you will find that you will want to try the better steels.

All of the knives mentioned in this thread are good. It comes down to personal preference.

I've processed more than 100 deer with BR knives. They are great.

Another very similar brand and equally as good are Cross knives.