Are Bark River and Tops going to crush everyone?

I own a Tops baja and it is a good quality small fixed blade, has not let me down yet. But have only really used it on hikes and when car camping.
 
TOPS has an excellent fit and finish, but I still don't find any of their models very attractive.

I've been hearing mixed reviews about the current Bark River products, akin to "quality isn't what it used to be".
 
J Lensmire said:
Don’t own any Bark Rivers’ and only own one Tops. It can be a pain to get a proper edge, but it rides well on my hip and fits my hand.
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How do you baton with that?🤔

I like Tops. I have 4 or 5 of them. They know how to wring performance out of a basic steel. All of them are well sharpened, solidly built, thoughtful designs, and some sport names a 13 year old 800 rank on Call of Duty would come up with. However, they are quality. Also however, Everytime I pick of them up and lash to my belt I'm like, "Nope. Too heavy. Not cutting the barrel off a Soviet tank today."
 
I hadn't heard about the steel mixup; I just remember that the owner of Bark River had a habit of starting fights on the internet with everyone for no reason. I assumed they got their reputation because he had personally gone around and pissed in everyone's cheerios.

Both companies have been around for a while, so I don't see them taking more market share unless they suddenly start doing something radically different.
 
Steely_Gunz said:
How do you baton with that?🤔

I like Tops. I have 4 or 5 of them. They know how to wring performance out of a basic steel. All of them are well sharpened, solidly built, thoughtful designs, and some sport names a 13 year old 800 rank on Call of Duty would come up with. However, they are quality. Also however, Everytime I pick of them up and lash to my belt I'm like, "Nope. Too heavy. Not cutting the barrel off a Soviet tank today."
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Yeah - it seems like there is a lot of confusing a knife for a hatchet online now.
 
I found two explanations on YT for the patina on some Bark River's Magnacut blades.

One comes from DLT saying they use the same belts on all knives so surface contamination with other, eg A2 steels can happen.

The second one comes from Bark River, saying the steel manufacturer botched up the stress relieve process (with too high temps?) that caused decarburization of the top layer of the steel. Adding, that belt contamination cannot be the cause, because they do batches, so then only Magnacut can contaminate Magnacut.
 
Never handled a tops, so I can't speak for them, but a couple of the BRKTs I've handled have had appalling grinds.

In all honesty, I've been spoiled by the makers here on the exchange. Either perusing the knife makers market, or reaching out to a craftsman in person can easily land you an excellent blade at a knockout price.
 
I have 2 Bark Rivers- a Crusader and Cub. I love the shape’s and ergos. The Crusader is really nicely finished. The Cub grind is not great. I really like some of the shapes and handle offerings, but would not buy another after learning more about some of the history.

I have owned several TOPS and own 2 now- a small overly thick but useful one, and one that was made for a survival school up here prior to the instructor passing away. They make a few designs I like and I have never heard any complaints about quality. If I want 1095, Esee and Becker make knives that are more my preference in designs.

Finding and dealing with some of the awesome makers who offer knives here, I plan to spend the vast majority of my knife money with them from now on.
 
Alone said:
I don't know about crushing, but both have garnered a nice little share of the fixie market.

I'll step away from the others and say that I have both, have used both, and love both. If I had to put-together a "Top 5" fixie list, just for me, I can honestly say that both would probably be in there. If it were a "Top 10" list, both would definitely be in there.

Hell, TOPS make my favorite fixie in my collection...and I own ESEEs, Beckers, Busses, Carothers, Gossmans, etc., etc., etc.
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Curious what that Tops blade is that's the favorite fixed blade in your collection?
 
I wouldn't even consider purchasing anything from BRK. I don't have anything against Tops. I just don't see what I'm looking for from them. IMO, neither of those companies will be crushing much.
 
Brk is perfect for people who aren't bogged down with meaningless details like is their 3v knife actually 3v, as long as it cuts they are happy. I don't trust brk use the steel they claim, I don't like supporting Mike Stewart. Read up on him here. Not a good person.
 
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