Bark River Advice & Recommendations Sought

TrailWolf

TrailWolf

Joined
Apr 13, 2009
Messages
2,809
Hi All - looked for a Bark River sub-forum here but couldn't find one (just posted over in Knifeforums)... so I apologize if this is in the wrong area...

Anyway, I'm trying to delve into the world of Bark River and looking to purchase my first more "traditional" knife - I'm looking for a good EDC/Camp knife that isnt more than 4 inches (Maybe in the same class as the RC-3 or Busse Game Warden/Active Duty).

I have some I've narrowed it down to a short list of ones that really catch my eye and just wondering your thoughts...?

-Canadian Special (dig the look of the blade)
-Northstar
-Fox River (I know its over 4 but I really like the look)
-Woodland Special
-Gunny (this might be too similar to my RCs and Busses...)
-Little Creek (seems like a great step down from Fox River and WS)

Definitely open to any other suggestions as well!

Thanks in advance for your help,
-Harry
 
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At 4.25 inches it may be a bit long for your likes, but a Bravo1 is a hell of a knife from BRKT.
I absolutely love mine, and from first grab, it became one of the knives that I would be sore pressed to ever part with.

There is an abundance of info on them here on the site.

Chuck
 
chuckinohio said:
At 4.25 inches it may be a bit long for your likes, but a Bravo1 is a hell of a knife from BRKT.
I absolutely love mine, and from first grab, it became one of the knives that I would be sore pressed to ever part with.

There is an abundance of info on them here on the site.

Chuck
Click to expand...

Hi Chuck - thank you for the recommendation - I had my eye on the Bravo1 and it looks just plain awesome but, I felt that there may too much overlap with my current knives... Also I'm looking for a bit thinner of a blade - this is why I felt the Gunny might be a good substitute...

Thanks!
-Harry
 
It sounds like you've already done your homework, so of the ones you listed, I would go for the Canadian Special. You like the blade design and you can rest assured you'll like your (any) Bark River.

I don;t own one yet, but I do have the Canadian Camp, which is essentially the same knife on steroids. I have a Northstar, and I couldn;t be happier with it. Very pointy tip and a nice thickness, in contrast with the tips of my other Barkies. The Fox River is very similar to the Northstar. I don;t own one of those either, but have handled one - very nice.

I think the Woodland Special and Lil' Creek, while very nice knives (the Lil Creek was the first Barkie I ever wanted and, at that time, they were not in production. THey recently came back), they are not in the same league as the others - in terms of size and blade shape. Beware of this on most Barkies: the handles are smaller than most users are used to. BRKT does NOT follow "protocol" when it comes to handle design. I love them, as do most, just understand they are different. Especially for a guy used to Busses! :D

I've only seen pictures of the Gunny at DLT and Ship Free.

Also, like Chuck, my Bravo-1 is a consistent "go-to" knife. It fits my hand like it was cast in my palm. But, as you said, it is not too dissimilar to other knives.

You've got a good list there. You would be happy just closing your eyes and pointing to one. There is rarely a regret heard when someone receives a Bark River knife.
 
Here are a couple of comparison shots for you.

Bravo-1, Canadian Camp, and Northstar
Bravo-Camp-Northstar.jpg


Bravo-1, Northstar, Highland Special (another one you might think about), mini-Northstar, 2 mini-Skinners, and a mini-Canadian.
BRKT-02.jpg
 
Nice collection there!

the selection available on the Canadian Specials is outstanding right now.
 
Of the knives listed by the OP I only have a Little Creek and I love it. Its a great pocket fixed blade for general EDC tasks :thumbup: For the woods and camping I love the Aurora, though it does have a 4.5 inch blade. The blade is 3/16ths thick but thins out very nicely as it reaches the edge. It's sturdy as all get out but still slices very nicely :D

On a general note, Bark River's A2 is my favorite knife steel. Extremely tough and holds an edge better than any other rough use steel I own. My Aurora has a 7 degree per side edge bevel :eek: and has been cross-grain batoned through dried hard wood with no ill effect :thumbup:
 
I have a Kephart, and it is the best woods knife, I have ever carried. Bar none!
 
I like the Gameskeeper best. The Fox River is no slouch - and the North Star has it's attributes, which many others really like. Below, L-R, are: Benchmade 201 Activator+; BR Huntsman; BR Fox River; BR Gameskeeper; BR North Star; and BR T.U.S.K..

IMG_0467_edited.jpg


My negative feelings re the North Star resulted from my hand slipping and nicking a finger - it was cold and damp - I like guards - re the Gameskeeper, which also has the thickest blade at .215". I also like the pedestrian, and cheapest, Micarta finishes. I made the mistake of buying my BR Boone with a beautiful Bocote handle - and consequently don't use it like/when I want to. I also added a Journeyman as well. They are all 'keepers'.

Stainz
 
Wow guys - thank you very much for the multitude of responses and the pictures!

At this point I think I am pretty much sold on the Canadian Special as a first BR - the blade shape is just too cool and it definitely seems that its a proven design. Ideally I wish it was about half an inch smaller but... then there would be no need for a second Bark River ;)

With that said, as far as a smaller blade, I'm really liking the Little Creek but, on another forum someone suggested the Pro-Scalpel II and, like the Canadian Special, I'm really digging the design and how pocketable it seems. What do you guys think about the PSII?

I can already see at least a few more in the future - really like the Fox River, NorthStar and Gunny...

Thanks again!!!
 
Well been doing more research and trying to figure out which way to go for a little guy and stuck on these three :yawn:

-Little Creek vs.
-Pro Scalpel II vs.
-Mini Canadian

Like its big brother, I'm actually leaning to the Mini Canadian even though its the smallest of the bunch... just love the leaf blade and it should pocket carry pretty well...
 
I realize you seem to have pretty much already decided, but just thought I'd add my bit. I would also cast a recommendation for the Bravo-1, or Gunny in your desired size. I've had a few BRKTs now and sold all but my Bravo-1 because in reality, I couldn't really see using the different blade shapes - Hudson Bay, Aurora, and Gameskeeper II which is similar to the Bravo-1, but I like the feel of the Bravo-1 better.

Anywho, I'm sure you and many others are more skilled with finding uses for various blade shapes, I just couldn't myself. Or if you want to buy them for the aesthetics of the blade shapes, that's cool too. Best of luck :thumbup::)
 
The Canadian Special is an excellent woods knife - check with Derrick at KnivesShipFree.com - he's a good guy, and will get you what you want at a good price!

Of course, the other stocking dealers are all pretty good guys too! :D
 
I pair up my Canadian Special with a Little Creek and it's been my favorite combo for awhile now. Here;s a couple pics for you:

3053405595_509b8819df_b.jpg

3054189844_b649de21d1_b.jpg
 
Sounds like alot of good options. I love my Bravo 1, but as was said earlier, it overlaps. I also really like the Full Tang Kephart and the Woodlands special. Gunny also is REALLY NICE.

Doc
 
Hi Guys, I'm running around crazy today so I apologize n advance for the short response to the continued posts but I just want to say thanks again for everyones input - I'm sure you guys get these questions everyday and I appreciate the time you all take!

Well, after I slept on it, I am definitely in for the Canadian Special - it just seems pretty close to perfect and a great compliment to my Rat Cutlery and Busse blades I own already and I keep thinking about how useful that blade shape will be for all around camp tasks and larger wood-working/bushcraft plus I can only imagine the scary convex edge I can get on it that is not too possible on my Rats or Busses - I do think a Fox River/Upland/Highland will be in my future though

Still wondering your thoughts on Little Creek vs. Pro Scalpel II vs. Mini Canadian for a little guy... I guess you can't really argue with the success of the Little Creek but for some reason I am drawn to the unconventional design of the PS and MC... I know that of the three the PS is the odd man out not boasting A2 steal - should this be a consideration? Does it hold a better edge longer at the fault of rusting more easily? Also again just wondering why there seems to be less love for the Mini Canadian...

Maybe I will have to wind up picking up the two I like more and sending one back...

@ Varg Lobos - that combo and picture is AWESOME!

@ Grampa - will definitely be buying from Derrick - I've dealt with him before and he has already been able to answer a few Qs for me on this topic - great guy!

Sorry for all the questions - hopefully I can put this to rest tonight

Thanks again!
-Harry
 
Well I just came across the handle material of my dreams from a pic over on the other forum - Impala horn - but, it seems these are near impossible to find. The availability of this material may dictate which small blade I pick up first...
 
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