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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Thanks, Jan. I took a look at the Ka-Bar options for S35VN. The little Snake Charmer is a bit small for me, and I am looking for a hard use, or EDC knife with some bulk. The Ka-Bar Big Boss is more suitable for me, although it comes in at a bare minimum of 4.5" blade length, and with a false edge on the spine, it wouldn't be the best style for batoning. Still, it's a nice looking knife, and is less expensive than the Bark River Bravo 1.5.
Actually, looking around for knives other than Bark River in S35VN steel I saw several that put the Bark River on the low end of the price scale! Spartan Blades at $425., Koenig at $350., and White River at $299. Of course, the old adage about buying 2 to use 1 gets a bit rough on the more expensive blades.
Howard, my personal dillemma is not so much whether the steel is any good.
(The grind on a blade has a lot more impact on performance (as long as the steel is at least decent) than the steel type used. You only have to check Jim Ankerson's test results for that, just compare the way the standard Manix performed in a supersteel versus how it performed with a regrind)
But more that of not wanting to pay custom/handmade level prices for what is essentially a production blade. That's indeed NOT a cheap knife. It is however kind of a simple knife (unlike the Shopmake Bowie which is a lot more complex in it's build).
I'm not saying the knife isn't worth the price. But it isn't worth it to ME. There are quite a few makers who would be willing to make you a similarly sized blade completely to your specs at that price.
In the end....it's all a matter of what you're wanting it for. I don't know if I'd be willing to pay THAT much extra just for S35Vn. Compared to say...a 440C blade, or a 52100 steel blade.
Like I said...I really like the Barkies...I'm just not willing to spend that much on fixed blades in unless they're true custom work. (It's why I made myself an M390 blade instead of buying the Bark River bolstered essential that I've been lusting over ever since it came out.)
If I had to pick between the BRK and the AGR and the KABAR that you just listed my choices would be as followed by different motivations:
For use and trying out the steel: the Ka-Bar
For the nicest knife: The shopmade Bowie by A.G.R.
For most collectible: The BRK Bravo 1.5 (Although I prefer the look of the Ramped one)
Also....for a big blade...I don't know if S35Vn would be my choice. Stainless steels can be very suitable for a big blade...but S35Vn is (especially at Hrc60 or higher) isn't really geared towards that.
Hahahahaha. Well, of course you built your own M390 (great steel) blade, Alexander. I guess I could tackle knife building, but the learning curve is too great, and I would like a knife finished in my lifetime, the end of which is in view (statistically). Johnny Cash sang a song about a similar situation, called "One Piece At A Time".
Custom builders: The few names I know have long since passed my price range.
I can well understand your point of view as a knifemaker. There is little reason to pay big bucks for a knife you could build yourself. From my perspective, the knife, whatever it is, is right there, already built, and is a credit card transaction away. My hands hands don't get dirty, and I don't sweat near as much paying for it as I would making it. (Been watching History Channel's "Forged In Fire" knife making challenge)
Your professional thoughts are most welcome, and I agree that the A.G. Russell Shopmade Bowie is a fine piece of work. Considering Dietmar Kressler or even Randall blades, this Bark River Bravo 1.5 is priced at $243., and the A.G. Russell is $395. - both high, but not outrageous. As you suggest, the Ka-Bar Big Boss at about $146., although a different blade geometry than the Bark River, would give me an opportunity to try S35VN for various tasks.
Your comments are very important to me, and I will continue to mull them over.
Good question Smith. I look forward to someone who has the experience in forging fix blade knives.
I have a friend who grew up and lives in Colorado. He owns and overseas the Taylor Trading Post in Taylor Park Colorado. His name is Bruce Cranor. His father, Sherm Cranor was the one built most of the cabins there, with his own bare hands.
Sherm Cranor use to stay behind after his family left for the winter to cut blocks of ice out of Taylor lake. He would take the ice to their ice house and pack in sawdust. When fishing season opened up they would deliver the blocks of ice to the icebox (for you youngsters this is how you keep you mike cool) on everyone's front porch. The cabins were heated by wood burning stoves which you cooked on as well.
When he would hunt deer and elk for meat, he only took a pocket knife to clean them. One day it was late and snowing heavily. They had just shot an elk. Sherm was in a hurry to clean this elk and get it back to the house. Bruce, his son, told me his dad pulled out his Old Timer and jabbed it into the elk. With arms the size of a big man's thighs, Sherm cut upward so fast it broke the Old Timer blade backwards. This being the only knife they had, Sherm took a 50 penny nail he found in the back of the truck and with a pair of pliers he finished gut and quartered the elk. So the moral of the story for me is, if the blade can keep a decent edge when I use it for EDC or cleaning an elk, the metal it is made from is of little concern. I have used and will continue using a Gerber exchange blade lock back I bought when Gerber was called Legendary Blades.
Thanks Jan. The force to snap an Old Timer of 50 years ago would have been super human. Yes 64 is much too hard for prying something. Personally I don't pry with any knife. It would have to be an extraordinary situation to cause me to pry with my knife. You break the knife and game over.
Interesting story because I was just using one of my Buck fixed blades for prying just the other day. When I was done I looked at my beautiful Buck 120 with a Stag handle and told myself I had just done something very, very, very stupid. I don't think I will ever do that again unless it's for survival or for an emergency.
Contact Buck and see if they will not repair the damage. I know most of the knife companies do.
Gerber fixed an Auto Stryker for me. I bought this knife in the 2,000 year old market in As Sulaymaniyah Kurdistan/Iraq. The blade tip was broke off and someone did a very bad job of filing the blade to a point. The U.S. Army (by unit) issued these knives to their men. It was a logistic Sgt. who ordered them and then issued them out. After I returned home I gave this knife to my Son.
If you have a problem with Buck, message me and I will see what I can do.
I don't think there are many steels/set up that would endure 30-40 degree bends at rockwell 64. Maybe CPM3V might hold up at rockwell 61. But in general you REALLY don't want to be using anything over rockwell 56 for pry duty.
There's exceptions offcourse. Like the really thick 1/4" knives. But in general they compromise on their cutting ability.
it really bugs me when someone uses the wrong tool to do a job, like a knife as a pry bar, and yet I find myself doing it too. if we could only carry our whole tool box with us at all times this would never happen.
Hey Aubrey, Are you talking about your profile pic?
Those are some very good makers. But the picture is so small that it's almost impossible to see the knives. I'd love for you to post that picture here in the full size.
My steel salesman has asked that I pick out another knife. He has to use his "expense cash" before they take it. He asked that I not pick a custom knife since we are still waiting for the Medford knife he ordered for me last Christmas. I was looking at some Bark River knives last night, but was undecided. I have a $400 limit, ideas?
Brad, I'm curious why you're considering Bark River knives. I don't know much about them and would like to hear what you and other members of this forum think of their quality vs. price. None of the Bark River knives I've seen online have finger guards on them, which IMO is an indispensable feature of every fixed blade outdoor knife except maybe a neck knife or Cold Steel's Bushman knives. What is it about Bark River's knives that appeals to you?
Terry- I have looked at a lot of different knives and I was drawn to this maker because of the materials used and some reviews I've read.
The biggest reason is because it will cost me nothing out of pocket to try out this manufacturer's product. I wasn't a big fan of Spyderco until I started getting them as gifts from this same friend/salesman. I've been carrying my PM2 or Southard ever since. That is saying a lot, since I was a diehard Benchmade fan, but that changed. Now I think BM is overpriced for the products they offer.
My opinion on the lack of a Finger guard is, a matter of preference. I will approach using this tool the same way I do any hand tool, distraction free and not to use beyond it's intended purpose. Most accidents involving sharp tools involve 1 of those 2. As a manager of a machine shop, I approach every tool knowing it's purpose and capabilities.
Well it sure is a nice looking knife. A-2 steel - would prefer a range of choices of steel, and for me, it's a little too pointy for skinning, a desired task. But hey, if you were throwing knives in a pack for bugging out, just make room for this one.
Howard- The knife I will be getting today is of CPM3V. Bark River has a large selection of styles and most are available in A2, Elmax, CPM3V & S35VN. The Little caper would handle your skinning requirements.
A few years ago I picked up a set of Bark Rivers for hunting = Bravo 1 with a little finger groove caper. Sanded off the finish of the Bravo 1 as it was way too shiny (Canvas or Linen Micarta, forget which).
I received this beauty from Montana knife maker Lou Morton today. It measures 8 1/2 inches over all, with a 3 1/2 inch blade of D2 steel. Handle scales are Arizona Desert Ironwood collected about 70 miles east of Yuma. I call it a Custom Camp Muck.
This one's been one of the favorites in my collection for years now (though I'm always amazed at how many favorites I seem to have in that collection). This was the first version of the Justin Gingrich designed Ranger RD-4 as made by Ontario knives. Bright orange G10 & the blade was made of 1095 back then...
Howard P Reynolds
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.
Aug 1, 2015
Clint Thompson
Beautiful knife Howard.
Aug 1, 2015
Howard P Reynolds
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.
Aug 1, 2015
Alexander Noot
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.
Aug 3, 2015
Howard P Reynolds
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.
Aug 27, 2015
Alexander Noot
It's a nice blade. I like barkies. Just can't get myself to pay for one though.
Sep 1, 2015
Howard P Reynolds
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.
Sep 1, 2015
Jan Carter
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
Sep 1, 2015
Howard P Reynolds
Thanks, Jan. I took a look at the Ka-Bar options for S35VN. The little Snake Charmer is a bit small for me, and I am looking for a hard use, or EDC knife with some bulk. The Ka-Bar Big Boss is more suitable for me, although it comes in at a bare minimum of 4.5" blade length, and with a false edge on the spine, it wouldn't be the best style for batoning. Still, it's a nice looking knife, and is less expensive than the Bark River Bravo 1.5.
Actually, looking around for knives other than Bark River in S35VN steel I saw several that put the Bark River on the low end of the price scale! Spartan Blades at $425., Koenig at $350., and White River at $299. Of course, the old adage about buying 2 to use 1 gets a bit rough on the more expensive blades.
Sep 1, 2015
Alexander Noot
Howard, my personal dillemma is not so much whether the steel is any good.
(The grind on a blade has a lot more impact on performance (as long as the steel is at least decent) than the steel type used. You only have to check Jim Ankerson's test results for that, just compare the way the standard Manix performed in a supersteel versus how it performed with a regrind)
But more that of not wanting to pay custom/handmade level prices for what is essentially a production blade. That's indeed NOT a cheap knife. It is however kind of a simple knife (unlike the Shopmake Bowie which is a lot more complex in it's build).
I'm not saying the knife isn't worth the price. But it isn't worth it to ME. There are quite a few makers who would be willing to make you a similarly sized blade completely to your specs at that price.
In the end....it's all a matter of what you're wanting it for. I don't know if I'd be willing to pay THAT much extra just for S35Vn. Compared to say...a 440C blade, or a 52100 steel blade.
Like I said...I really like the Barkies...I'm just not willing to spend that much on fixed blades in unless they're true custom work. (It's why I made myself an M390 blade instead of buying the Bark River bolstered essential that I've been lusting over ever since it came out.)
If I had to pick between the BRK and the AGR and the KABAR that you just listed my choices would be as followed by different motivations:
For use and trying out the steel: the Ka-Bar
For the nicest knife: The shopmade Bowie by A.G.R.
For most collectible: The BRK Bravo 1.5 (Although I prefer the look of the Ramped one)
Sep 2, 2015
Alexander Noot
Also....for a big blade...I don't know if S35Vn would be my choice. Stainless steels can be very suitable for a big blade...but S35Vn is (especially at Hrc60 or higher) isn't really geared towards that.
Sep 2, 2015
Howard P Reynolds
Hahahahaha. Well, of course you built your own M390 (great steel) blade, Alexander. I guess I could tackle knife building, but the learning curve is too great, and I would like a knife finished in my lifetime, the end of which is in view (statistically). Johnny Cash sang a song about a similar situation, called "One Piece At A Time".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWHniL8MyMM
Custom builders: The few names I know have long since passed my price range.
I can well understand your point of view as a knifemaker. There is little reason to pay big bucks for a knife you could build yourself. From my perspective, the knife, whatever it is, is right there, already built, and is a credit card transaction away. My hands hands don't get dirty, and I don't sweat near as much paying for it as I would making it. (Been watching History Channel's "Forged In Fire" knife making challenge)
Your professional thoughts are most welcome, and I agree that the A.G. Russell Shopmade Bowie is a fine piece of work. Considering Dietmar Kressler or even Randall blades, this Bark River Bravo 1.5 is priced at $243., and the A.G. Russell is $395. - both high, but not outrageous. As you suggest, the Ka-Bar Big Boss at about $146., although a different blade geometry than the Bark River, would give me an opportunity to try S35VN for various tasks.
Your comments are very important to me, and I will continue to mull them over.
Sep 2, 2015
Alexander Noot
Well like I said I'm drawn mostly to the Russell bowie.
But I know quite a few people who swear by their barkies.
Sep 3, 2015
Clint Thompson
l
Good question Smith. I look forward to someone who has the experience in forging fix blade knives.
I have a friend who grew up and lives in Colorado. He owns and overseas the Taylor Trading Post in Taylor Park Colorado. His name is Bruce Cranor. His father, Sherm Cranor was the one built most of the cabins there, with his own bare hands.
Sherm Cranor use to stay behind after his family left for the winter to cut blocks of ice out of Taylor lake. He would take the ice to their ice house and pack in sawdust. When fishing season opened up they would deliver the blocks of ice to the icebox (for you youngsters this is how you keep you mike cool) on everyone's front porch. The cabins were heated by wood burning stoves which you cooked on as well.
When he would hunt deer and elk for meat, he only took a pocket knife to clean them. One day it was late and snowing heavily. They had just shot an elk. Sherm was in a hurry to clean this elk and get it back to the house. Bruce, his son, told me his dad pulled out his Old Timer and jabbed it into the elk. With arms the size of a big man's thighs, Sherm cut upward so fast it broke the Old Timer blade backwards. This being the only knife they had, Sherm took a 50 penny nail he found in the back of the truck and with a pair of pliers he finished gut and quartered the elk. So the moral of the story for me is, if the blade can keep a decent edge when I use it for EDC or cleaning an elk, the metal it is made from is of little concern. I have used and will continue using a Gerber exchange blade lock back I bought when Gerber was called Legendary Blades.
Oct 12, 2015
Howard P Reynolds
Oct 12, 2015
Jan Carter
I agree Howard 64 seems too brittle for that kind of flexibility
Oct 12, 2015
Jan Carter
Clint,
GREAT story and your right, it need to hold an edge. But maybe the steel would have helped it not snap LOL
Oct 12, 2015
Clint Thompson
Thanks Jan. The force to snap an Old Timer of 50 years ago would have been super human. Yes 64 is much too hard for prying something. Personally I don't pry with any knife. It would have to be an extraordinary situation to cause me to pry with my knife. You break the knife and game over.
Oct 12, 2015
Jan Carter
Oh I agree, there is a great invention called a pry bar LOL
Oct 12, 2015
Ms Data
Interesting story because I was just using one of my Buck fixed blades for prying just the other day. When I was done I looked at my beautiful Buck 120 with a Stag handle and told myself I had just done something very, very, very stupid. I don't think I will ever do that again unless it's for survival or for an emergency.
Oct 22, 2015
Clint Thompson
Ms Data....
Contact Buck and see if they will not repair the damage. I know most of the knife companies do.
Gerber fixed an Auto Stryker for me. I bought this knife in the 2,000 year old market in As Sulaymaniyah Kurdistan/Iraq. The blade tip was broke off and someone did a very bad job of filing the blade to a point. The U.S. Army (by unit) issued these knives to their men. It was a logistic Sgt. who ordered them and then issued them out. After I returned home I gave this knife to my Son.
If you have a problem with Buck, message me and I will see what I can do.
Oct 22, 2015
Alexander Noot
I don't think there are many steels/set up that would endure 30-40 degree bends at rockwell 64. Maybe CPM3V might hold up at rockwell 61. But in general you REALLY don't want to be using anything over rockwell 56 for pry duty.
There's exceptions offcourse. Like the really thick 1/4" knives. But in general they compromise on their cutting ability.
Oct 23, 2015
Michael Squier
it really bugs me when someone uses the wrong tool to do a job, like a knife as a pry bar, and yet I find myself doing it too. if we could only carry our whole tool box with us at all times this would never happen.
Oct 23, 2015
Aubrey Thompson
ORIGINAL KNIVES FROM ORIGINAL GUILD MEMBERS
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
RUFFIN JOHNSON
W.C.JOHNSON
BOB [SKY] HAJOVSKY
Oct 28, 2015
Alexander Noot
Hey Aubrey, Are you talking about your profile pic?
Those are some very good makers. But the picture is so small that it's almost impossible to see the knives. I'd love for you to post that picture here in the full size.
Oct 29, 2015
Brad T.
My steel salesman has asked that I pick out another knife. He has to use his "expense cash" before they take it. He asked that I not pick a custom knife since we are still waiting for the Medford knife he ordered for me last Christmas. I was looking at some Bark River knives last night, but was undecided. I have a $400 limit, ideas?
Nov 3, 2015
Clint Thompson
Brad...
I would say what a nice guy. Here at this site are deeply discounter Bark River knives: http://www.dlttrading.com/bark-river-overstocks-discounted-knives
Nov 3, 2015
Howard P Reynolds
Brad,
Here's another Bark River retailer.
http://www.greatlakesurvival.com/bark-river-knives.html
They offer free blade options, such as removing the ramp (field version), standard, swedge grind, spear point, and drop point blade configurations.
Nov 3, 2015
Terry Waldele
Brad, I'm curious why you're considering Bark River knives. I don't know much about them and would like to hear what you and other members of this forum think of their quality vs. price. None of the Bark River knives I've seen online have finger guards on them, which IMO is an indispensable feature of every fixed blade outdoor knife except maybe a neck knife or Cold Steel's Bushman knives. What is it about Bark River's knives that appeals to you?
Nov 3, 2015
Shlomo ben Maved
Other Bark River Dealers
http://www.mcknightcutlery.com/
https://www.theknifeconnection.net/
http://davesknifeworld.com/
http://www.crystalfallstradingco.com/
and the largest dealer by far
https://www.knivesshipfree.com/
Nov 3, 2015
Brad T.
Terry- I have looked at a lot of different knives and I was drawn to this maker because of the materials used and some reviews I've read.
The biggest reason is because it will cost me nothing out of pocket to try out this manufacturer's product. I wasn't a big fan of Spyderco until I started getting them as gifts from this same friend/salesman. I've been carrying my PM2 or Southard ever since. That is saying a lot, since I was a diehard Benchmade fan, but that changed. Now I think BM is overpriced for the products they offer.
My opinion on the lack of a Finger guard is, a matter of preference. I will approach using this tool the same way I do any hand tool, distraction free and not to use beyond it's intended purpose. Most accidents involving sharp tools involve 1 of those 2. As a manager of a machine shop, I approach every tool knowing it's purpose and capabilities.
Nov 6, 2015
Brad T.
Shlomo ben Maved- My friend ordered a Bravo 1.25 CPM3V last night. It is gorgeous. Should have this time next week.
Nov 6, 2015
Jan Carter
Brad,
Next try a white river or a battle horse
In the meantime, enjoy this one and let us know how you feel about it! Barkies are great
Nov 7, 2015
Brad T.
I want the Seax or the Seax Bantam next time.
Nov 9, 2015
Howard P Reynolds
Brad T,
Well it sure is a nice looking knife. A-2 steel - would prefer a range of choices of steel, and for me, it's a little too pointy for skinning, a desired task. But hey, if you were throwing knives in a pack for bugging out, just make room for this one.
Nov 9, 2015
Shlomo ben Maved
I want a CPM3V Canadian Special and a Pro Scalpel ll
Nov 9, 2015
Brad T.
Howard- The knife I will be getting today is of CPM3V. Bark River has a large selection of styles and most are available in A2, Elmax, CPM3V & S35VN. The Little caper would handle your skinning requirements.
Nov 10, 2015
Howard P Reynolds
Thanks Brad T.,
A few years ago I picked up a set of Bark Rivers for hunting = Bravo 1 with a little finger groove caper. Sanded off the finish of the Bravo 1 as it was way too shiny (Canvas or Linen Micarta, forget which).
Nov 10, 2015
Howard P Reynolds
Brad T.,
I like CPM3V, but don't have a Bark River in that Steel. Have a couple Survive Knives in CPM3V - GSO 7-7 and a GSO-10.
Nov 10, 2015
Alexander Noot
Brad, gotta admit...if I WERE to buy a factory blade it would probably be either a Bark River....or a Blackjack (which is produced by BRK).
Good choice.
Nov 20, 2015
Rick Zolla
I received this beauty from Montana knife maker Lou Morton today. It measures 8 1/2 inches over all, with a 3 1/2 inch blade of D2 steel. Handle scales are Arizona Desert Ironwood collected about 70 miles east of Yuma. I call it a Custom Camp Muck.
Jan 15, 2016
Jan Carter
Rick,
It is a beauty and I too am a fan of D2. The size seems to be a good one for me, so tell me...is it a user?
Jan 15, 2016
Jan Carter
May 22, 2016
Michael Squier
Jun 19, 2016
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Jeremy B. Buchanan
Those are some great, vintage knives Michael
Jun 20, 2016
Serge S.
Got a mail - small skinner, 3.5 inch blade carbon steel.
No sheath, but I think it will soon appear.
Friends, do you think, it is better to use a sheath rawhide or vegetable tanned saddle leather?
Jun 23, 2016
Michael Squier
Im not sure anout the sheath, but thats a nice looking small skinner.
Jun 29, 2016
Jan Carter
Our Rhino handle is equipped with an OLIGHT. Check it out at Southe...
Oct 4, 2016
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dead_left_knife_guy
This one's been one of the favorites in my collection for years now (though I'm always amazed at how many favorites I seem to have in that collection). This was the first version of the Justin Gingrich designed Ranger RD-4 as made by Ontario knives. Bright orange G10 & the blade was made of 1095 back then...
Apr 29, 2017
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dead_left_knife_guy
Kabar Reinhardt Kukri
Jul 29, 2018