Bark River Highland Special vs. Northstar EDC (Mini Northstar) - anyone have pics?

[OneStarLeather]

Bark River Highland Special vs. Northstar EDC (Mini Northstar) - anyone have pics?

I'd love to see these knives side by side for size comparison.

I'm looking for a fixed blade to take on backpacking trips into the mountains. These two seem a great balance between "big enough" and "small and light." I'm looking at these two, and even the Bird and Trout, but thought the B&T blade may not be stout enough if I needed to use it in a survival pinch.

When not on trips, I'd dual-purpose it in the kitchen. Likely the most backcountry use it would see is slicing hard salami and p-cord, but I want it to be something I could depend on in a survival situation as well (and I know the Highland and the NS EDC are both up to that task).

The extra belly on the Highland makes for less of a slicer, and I think the Northstar EDC is a little thinner blade with less belly, so perhaps a better slicer. Also the NS EDC is 1.5 oz lighter, but thats almost a non-difference. Also I've heard great things about the 3V steel in the NS EDC.

Any thoughts are welcome!
keegan

 

[Rasco]

Likely the most backcountry use it would see is slicing hard salami and p-cord, but I want it to be something I could depend on in a survival situation as well (and I know the Highland and the NS EDC are both up to that task).
keegan

If that's the case, I can also highly suggest the Bravo Necker II.
It's the only BRK I currently own, but I've been very impressed by it and it's got me adding more BRKs to my "To Buy" list.

The Necker 2 comes in 3V and is the perfect size for light camp tasks. It's bit on the thick side, but it would still slice salami pretty thin.
The added thickness may come in handy in that pinchy survival situation

 

[OneStarLeather]

If that's the case, I can also highly suggest the Bravo Necker II.
It's the only BRK I currently own, but I've been very impressed by it and it's got me adding more BRKs to my "To Buy" list.

The Necker 2 comes in 3V and is the perfect size for light camp tasks. It's bit on the thick side, but it would still slice salami pretty thin.
The added thickness may come in handy in that pinchy survival situation

I honestly hadn't even considered the Bravo Necker II, but wow, that might be excellent! Is it really only 1.75 oz??

 

[Rasco]

Yeah, it's fairly lightweight.
I got one as a sidekick to my massive GSO-10 chopper blade. I've batonned 2" sticks with it for kindling, and it takes a razor sharp edge.
Again, I've been very pleased with it.

I'll post some pics of mine...

 

[Rasco]

 

[OneStarLeather]

Nice pics! Red linen micarta?

 

[Rasco]

Yessir!
I'm kinda a fiend for red & black

 

[Rasco]

Stats on the NorthStar EDC:

Overall length 7.25"
Blade Length 3.375"
Crucible CPM 3V Super Tool Steel at 58-60 HRC
Thickness .125"
Weight 3.25 ounces
Full exposed tang, contoured handles
Leather carry sheath included


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Stats on the Highland Special:

Overall length 7.75"
Blade Length 4.00"
A2 Tool Steel at 58-59 HRC
Thickness .145"
Weight 4.5 ounces
Full exposed tang
Bushcraft leather carry sheath included

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Stats on the Bravo Necker 2:

Overall length 7.0"
Blade Length 3.5"
CPM 3V Super Steel at 58-60 HRC
Thickness .130"
Weight 1.9 ounces
Full exposed tang
Kydex carry sheath included

 

[Rasco]

The "Little Creek" in 3V might be something you'd be interested in as well, but I think the Necker 2 is just about perfect size for my big ol hands.

Overall, if you're new to Bark river, I'd just pick whatever one seems like it would be the best fit and then get it. I really doubt you'll be disappointed with any of their 3V models.

 

[OneStarLeather]

The "Little Creek" in 3V might be something you'd be interested in as well, but I think the Necker 2 is just about perfect size for my big ol hands.

Overall, if you're new to Bark river, I'd just pick whatever one seems like it would be the best fit and then get it. I really doubt you'll be disappointed with any of their 3V models.

I am intrigued by the Necker 2 - but I think the Northstar EDC is not much heavier than the Necker (.5 oz or something), and I like the more traditional look with wooden handles and I think I prefer less belly. I am afraid, however, that I won't really be able to make the call on what I like without getting both the Highland and the NS EDC and putting them to use. From the for sale items in these forums, it seems they hold their value pretty well, so if I lose $50 on the deal overall, maybe thats the price we pay for internet shopping...

Thanks for all the help!
keegan

 

[emtyhopper]

You may also want to check out the bravo edc. I just recently got one and am loving it so far. Sorry I cant help with your comparison.