Loveless Drop Point Hunter...

[Mack The Knife]

What are your views: Northstar or the Fox and A2 or 3V ?

If you are not going to do much wood drilling, then you don't need the spearpoint NS. I would go for the FR for the following reasons:

1) I like a bit of heft / planted feeling in my hand with small and medium sized knives. The FR is 1.3 oz. heavier.

2) You have large hands and the FR's handle is 1/4" shorter BUT the plunge line drops a lot more than it does on the NS, thereby creating an adequate self guard. The NS has very minimal protection to offer and for a person with large hands the absence of an adequate guard is even more critical. Gripping the NS handle tighter could help but it would also lead to fatigue / cramping in the hand.

3) The jimping on the NS looks way too harsh.

4) Both blades have a full convex but the FR has a wider blade thus providing a more gradual curve from edge to spine. This will make it a better cutter.

5) The FR sits deeper in it's sheath and therefore there is less chance of the knife falling out should the sheath become loose with use and age.

I have no experience of 3V steel but the little I have read indicates that BRK's heat treated 3V micro-chips rather than rolls. A rolled edge can be realigned without loss of much edge steel, if any. The 3V blade, over time, will loose substantial width and would require reprofiling to maintain the original convex profile.

I would like to read the opinions you have formed regarding the 3V steel. Is it BRK's 3V?

[Rajat]

Agree with everything you have mentioned in favor of the FR. I had noted some of these myself but though it is not logical I still somehow like the looks of the NS. But yes, utility wise the FR seems to be a much better option. Thanks for sharing your views.

The 3V knife I own is the ZT 0100. It is quite different from the knives we have been discussing but it is one of my favorites.

I have not abused the blade or carried out some weird tests to check the strength of the blade, what I have gathered is from regular cutting tasks. Some of the cutting tasks were meant to be as a test and some tough materials were used.The results were good. The blade held its edge quite well. Also tried chopping and sharpening some wood sticks to check and I could see no chipping on the edge. I was not very abusive though.

3V is supposed to have a much better impact resistance but I did not really check this out. Although from the feel of the knife it would take on any task without a hitch.

Sharpening took some extra effort but it was not a big issue. Part of the effort it took was due to the recurve blade profile.

This is not much of a review of the 3V and I guess the findings were no different than what I would have said about any good knife steel but here it is since you asked.

I have read a lot of things about the 3V but I will not mention any of these here since those were not my findings and the information is available of the web.

[Mack The Knife]

Rajat, thanks for your opinion regarding 3V.

3V is pretty new at BRK and I am waiting for Virtuovice's 3V vs A2 report post deer season. His season starts in October, so it will be another 6 months or so until we have his final conclusions on BRK treated 3V steel.

Since you are contemplating a BRK knife in 3V or A2, I would err on the side of caution and go with A2.

[Rajat]

Thanks! Appreciate the advice. Will go with the A2 when I order a BRKT knife.

[Mack The Knife]

Another option you may wish to consider is the Canadian Special. Mine should be here by the end of next week and I'll let you know what I think about it. Don't judge it by it's looks.

[Rajat]

To tell you the truth it is already under consideration and on the contrary I like the looks.

Unusual but judging by the design I am sure that it will be a performer. I have been looking at the BRKTs for some time now and there is something about this, along with a couple of of others, which catches my attention every time I look at their lineup.

This is the reason why I earlier suggested that you might go ahead and consider getting rid of the CDPH but I did not mention selling this off.

I will wait for your review of this knife.

[xl_target]

Another option you may wish to consider is the Canadian Special. Mine should be here by the end of next week and I'll let you know what I think about it. Don't judge it by it's looks.

Looking forward to that review, Mack The Knife.

[Mack The Knife]

Rajat, the CDPH is actually growing on me and I used it a bit this weekend and it proved to be a good woods knife. I may just keep it.

The CS got delayed a bit but it's on its way and should be here by Thursday or Friday. Will post some pics then.

The Mini Fox River is proving to be a joy to carry (cross draw when outdoors) and use.

The Magnum Fox Rivers aren't ready for delivery. BRK put out an incorrect statement. They are still at the finishing stage.

[Rajat]

Rajat, the CDPH is actually growing on me and I used it a bit this weekend and it proved to be a good woods knife. I may just keep it.

It happens!

Sometimes thats the way you get to like something.

Not surprised about the Fox Mini though, I always did like it

It used to be pretty accurate earlier but now, over the last couple of years, you really cannot rely on the relaease dates and statements. New launches are always delayed.

The CS should be good. I like it and ever since we last discussed it, I have given it some extra attention and like it even more. This should be one of the best knives from the Bark River lineup. However, I would like to hear this from you, else will change my opinion about it

[Mack The Knife]

However, I would like to hear this from you, else will change my opinion about it

Don't go putting me on a pedestal.

I'd rather send you the knife to form your own opinion. Different sized hands and all that...

[Rajat]

Don't go putting me on a pedestal.

Dont worry! I still do not like the CDPH

But from our discussions I am able to make out that your reviews are pretty accurate and I see good attention to details.

I'd rather send you the knife to form your own opinion. Different sized hands and all that...

Oh no! I appreciate it but I really cannot accept this gift.

But if you insist I will think about

[Mack The Knife]

I'd rather send you the knife to form your own opinion. Different sized hands and all that...

Oh no! I appreciate it but I really cannot accept this gift.
But if you insist I will think about

Not to embarass you any further but what I meant to say is that I could send it to you, for a few days/week, so that you can form your own opinion of this knife.

I am sorry but Christmas is still some time away.

[Rajat]

Not to embarass you any further but what I meant to say is that I could send it to you, for a few days/week, so that you can form your own opinion of this knife.

Oh!! I thought

There was no need for this. A subtle hint would have sufficed!

I am sorry but Christmas is still some time away.

Ok, I see what you mean!


Stop!! Enough!! lets get back to discussing knives now