Bark River handles question

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axtalan0

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Bark River Knives get a lot of good press and positive feedback on these forums. Since most folks who post here seem knowledgeable, I am going to believe the 'hype' and am thinking of purchasing a small to mid-size fixed blade from them, to be used for hiking/camping purposes.

Perusing their website for various models, I notice they offer a variety of handle materials; Micarta, G-10, Carbon Fiber, Wood, etc. Here is my concern: it seems from the pictures that regardless of handle material, all handles are polished smooth. (Except for stag, but I don't like stag handles). They lack any sort of texture, which I don't like. I am used to checkered handles with aggressive texturing, which gives me a very secure grip. It seems to me that under humid or wet conditions, or even if my palms sweat, the Bark River knives become slippery.

So, my question to all the Bark River fanboys is: has anyone modified their handles in a way to give it more texture? Would sandpaper be a good idea, or just ruin it? Does micarta take filework well? I'm open to any recommendations, but I wouldn't want to pay a third party to put on a new set of handles.
 
Do you own one?

I thought the same thing but as Mike Stewart himself said "handles designed to fit the hand well do not need texturing, texturing just leads to hot spots over prolonged use"

Let me say: Bark River handles are amazingly comfortable and hand filling. Some of the Micarta comes feeling slick, but a scotch brite pad will rub that off, then viola! I agree with Mr. Stewart, after using a few of his blades, the design of the handle fits the hand well enough that no texturing is needed.
 
I own and use many BRKT knives, mostly wood, but a couple Micartas as well.

As myowngood has already explained, the design and contours of the handles result in an excellent grip.

Some BRKT owners have taken a scotch brite pad or fine sandpaper to the handles just to remove the polish finish, but personally I have yet to find the need.

Because each of us is unique, you may find certain BRKT's fit your hand better than others, but I have yet to purchase one that feels "bad" in the hand.

Kevin
 
Definitely buy one. They are indeed polished. However, grip isnt much of an issue with these knives, and if you feel it is, the scotch pad does work. Anything but a soft abrasive pad will probably remove the actual handle material, not recommended. Amazing knives, you wont be sorry.
 
I bought the G-10 handle scales for my Bravo necker and actually had to smooth the edges and corners out some with fine sandpaper. It's a smooth surface but the knife is one of the best handle and blade combinations I own. Unfortunately with the G-10 handles it gets a little heavy for neck carry IMO.
 
axtalan0 said:
Bark River Knives get a lot of good press and positive feedback on these forums. Since most folks who post here seem knowledgeable, I am going to believe the 'hype' and am thinking of purchasing a small to mid-size fixed blade from them, to be used for hiking/camping purposes.

Perusing their website for various models, I notice they offer a variety of handle materials; Micarta, G-10, Carbon Fiber, Wood, etc. Here is my concern: it seems from the pictures that regardless of handle material, all handles are polished smooth. (Except for stag, but I don't like stag handles). They lack any sort of texture, which I don't like. I am used to checkered handles with aggressive texturing, which gives me a very secure grip. It seems to me that under humid or wet conditions, or even if my palms sweat, the Bark River knives become slippery.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't worry too much about it. I recently picked up my first Bark, also a mid-sized one that I aim to use for backpacking/camping, with a micarta handle (Rising Wolf, winning narrowly over the Mini-Northstar, which I'll probably buy as well at some point).

The handle is smooth but not really slippery, and I haven't had issues using it. If you think it's really going to be a problem, there are models with deeply contoured handles, finger grooves, guards, etc., to help with a secure grip.
 
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I love Bark River knives, but I do find the handles too slippery. I sold the Goluk because the handle was way too smooth and slim to support chopping.

A lot depends on the model and what you'll be using it for. The Bumblebee is a wonderful knife that works even with a slick handle, but others, like the Goluk, don't.
 
i have plain micarta handles. It's smooth but not slick to the point of not being able to use it. A little bit of sandpaper would fix that up for you if find them too smooth. The shape of my fox river is excellent and allows for a comfortable sturdy grip.
 
I don't have a Bark River so i can't speak for the feel of the handles. But if you get one in micarta and don't like the smoothness take it to a paint shop and have them lightly sand blast the handles. That makes micarta really grippy, especially when wet.
 
I like the smooth feel, but I wanted better traction so I used a scotch brite pad like was recommended on the handle lightly and now it's just about perfect.
 
Thanks for the feedback guys. I had not considered that the shape of the handles themselves would aid gripping. If I do get one, I will probably use a scotch brite pad on it as many have suggested. I also like the idea of sandblasting!

Now all I have to do is figure out which model to get...:D
 
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