Recommend me this in D2/ ATS34 type steel

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I have this knife and have dressed many a white tail with it. I de-,bone in the field.
Rather than carrying a whetstone, I want another knife.
I don't have time to sharpen a knife in the dark.
I really like this design, size etc.
Just want it in better steel.
@thrillhill

Bark river?


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I can't speak to the size and shape. I know that's gonna be different for everyone. Cleaning styles can be unique.

We are having a good year out here. I've cleaned 12 so far. And a goat. And 29 squirrels, but very little knife work on those of course.

I love Bark River.

I love CPM-3V above all other steels for these specific tasks.

I do also use some 154 from Bark River and Benchmade, along with S30V and S90V from Benchmade.

I have come to despise D2. It's such a gamble between makers and their heat-treatments.

If I feel the situation calls for tool steel I regard A2 (from Bark River specifically) much higher than D2.

Maybe I'm a snob, maybe I'm spoiled, but I process a lot of animals. CPM-3V allows me to ONLY strop in-between cleanings instead of hitting the stone.

Still love 1095 but it's like a blued S&W. Does a great job but requires upkeep.

ATS34 is not even on my radar anymore.

There will be varying opinions. Everyone's cleaning style can be different. But those steels are where it's at for me. They allow me to be good and fast with very little down time.


Edited to add: If you are set on that blade shape I would look at some the stainless Moras. We use those for a lot of work as well around here. Probably the best bang for your buck (LOL) in the scenario you describe.
 
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Agree with above. Ats 34 is older.

Ive got a few benchmades in d2 however as started above i have to wonder at cheaper prices.

The S30V and S35V are nice as well.

Benchmade and lots of others offer other steels that are all suited well.

Pick your size then find a quality buy once cry once knife that fits and have it forever.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
 
Dozier always did well with D2, but it’s been a long time since I bought a knife from him, not sure if he’s still in the business.

You could just carry 4 of those Buck 102s
 
If you like that Buck in particular why not buy this one in S35vn? It’s not 3v but with Buck’s heat treat it will go a lot longer than 420HC.


My first higher end skinner was a Spyderco Moran in VG-10. It kept going and going compared to 420HC in my Buck knives. A strange option but the longest cutting knife I’ve used for deer is the Spyderco Serrarata in cast 440c. The edge has a ton of micro serrations and it just goes and goes. Blade shape and thickness aren’t ideal for everything but for sheer edge retention at that task it’s awesome.
 
Mack270 said:
If you like that Buck in particular why not buy this one in S35vn? It’s not 3v but with Buck’s heat treat it will go a lot longer than 420HC.


My first higher end skinner was a Spyderco Moran in VG-10. It kept going and going compared to 420HC in my Buck knives. A strange option but the longest cutting knife I’ve used for deer is the Spyderco Serrarata in cast 440c. The edge has a ton of micro serrations and it just goes and goes. Blade shape and thickness aren’t ideal for everything but for sheer edge retention at that task it’s awesome.
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Oh man, I had no idea they made one in the better steel! Perfect! Plus cheaper than the bark river.
 
Guess you found your answer. here’s my .02 For bark river prices you can have someone make you what you want, if you’re looking at specific performance criteria. Ats34 = 154cm. Many knife snobs have moved on, but it’s a solid choice. I’d steer toward cpm154 though. Not sure about maker’s heat treatment varying much on D2 as stated previously but the A2 suggestion is spot on, unless it need be stainless. Cpm3v is a tough steel and makes great blades and while it has corrosion resistant properties it is not stainless. The s30v and s35vn crowds champion high hardness and edge retention at the cost of toughness. Also, for those that use traditional stone/hand sharpening they can prove difficult. Clear as mud?
 
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