Bark River Knife & Tool?

mdauben said:
There is a vocal minority here on the forum who take every opportunity to bash BRKT based on alleged buisness and/or personal issues with Mike. These issues have to nothing to do with the quality of Barkie knives the company's customer service.

Personally, I chose to ignore these issues that I only know of second or third hand, and focus on what I know first hand... that BRKT makes an excellent product that they fully support. End of story. ;)
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Well said. Bark River knives are amazing.

A website doesn't necessarily reflect the quality of the company it represents. Having a slick, well maintained website is nice, but it takes time, effort and $$. I suspect Bark River is spending their time and energy on making knives, not promoting their online image. Fans of the company know where to find the most up-to-date information on what's going on with new models, what's available etc. They have a significant online presence in a place similar to this one.
 
Agreed. I believe BRKT has grown almost exclusively via word of mouth marketing (the best kind). As far as I know, they never have invested much, if any time in self promotion at trade shows or in publications. I heard their website was in the process of being updated, but doubt that this is a priority so wouldn't count on it any time soon. I think KSF is the best source for current models and pics of knives. The BRKT collector's association also has some good info on specs for previous models: www.barkriverknives.com

BRKT has great knives and outstanding customer service. I'm not sure why some (few) folks have a bug about BRKT or Mike. All I know is, before buying my first BRKT 4 years ago he took about 30 minutes on the phone to explain why he prefers convex edges, and did so in a way that was not disparaging of other maker's knives. Twelve knives later and I've never had a problem.
 
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Does anybody here know their production schedule for this year? I was supposed to have a Northstar made by June of last year and nothing yet.

As well their customer service has left me less than impressed. I got a mini and micro Canadian and both were dull with chips in the edge (very small) and uneven grinds. Sent them back under warranty, got them back in a very similar condition with a bill for the service. Having to pay to get my new knives sent back for sharpening and then getting a bill after okaying it with them first is not very good for business IMO.
 
GronK said:
BRKT must not be all that. I mean, Mr. Stewart doesn't claim super operator status or magical properties for his secret unobtainium steel or make videos in tights slicing bricks. How can the knives be anything special??? I'm receiving my first today and I'll let y'all know.
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:eek::eek: hahahaaaaa :D
 
"Does anybody here know their production schedule for this year? I was supposed to have a Northstar made by June of last year and nothing yet. "

Cutslikeakris, I believe the Northstars are due out later this year. There is a production schedule on the the "the other" forums under BRKT.
 
Having to pay to get my new knives sent back for sharpening and then getting a bill after okaying it with them first is not very good for business IMO.
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This is strange since their knives are warrantied for life, and I have received offers to refurb my knives for free (not incl. postage). I have read several instances where BRKT has rebuilt knives destroyed by serious user incompetence, even some knives that burned in a house fire. Perhaps BRKT treated this as a request for sharpening and not service?
 
I suspect it was an office screw up. I know they will fix any abuse or anything for just $12 return shipping.

Warranty work doesn't even cost the shipping.
 
I sent in a Fox River that had it's edge roll on me from being ground too thin by the previous owner. It came back as good as new for free (no return shipping).

"A lot of people don't have much food on their tables. But they got a lot forks and knives...and they gotta cut something."
 
Bark River is the only fixed blade knives I will buy.( I did order a Randall but I won't get it for 3 1/2 years ) I spend a lot of time at 9500' to 10000' in the mountains and my Fox River is always at my side. My wife carries a Bark River Woodland special and she whittles a lot and won't use any thing else since she got it. Counting my wife's we have 9 Bark Rivers. Any way I love Barkies.
 
Getting back the the OP's question. Mike Stewart pretty-much runs his business from his dedicated Forum over at the "other" online knife site, and that's where you can get directly in touch with him, and hear about all new knives and projects. He does a lot of his business through that Forum which is why he probably feels no urgency to update the official website.
 
I have to disagree with a few people here.
I think it is in very poor taste to have an official website, like that of BRKT.
It just makes it look like they are lazy and do not care :thumbdn:

I my opinion it would serve them much better with a single page with their phone number and logo on it.

I they can't be bothered to maintain and update a part of their business, they should make it small enough for them to be able to handle it or get rid of it.

As it is, it's just a sign of amateurism and bad work-moral.

As a note to the M. Steward bashing:

1) I don't think anyone will say BRKT makes a bad knife. The opposite will most likely apply.

2) I have never heard of anyone, that is a single person and a private buyer, having a bad experience with BRKT customer service.
If you are a normal person looking for a good fixed blade, BRKT will not give you any trouble in any way. Again, the opposite will most likely apply. :thumbup:

3) If you look around a little on this forum or the other forum, its not hard to find out why some people will not buy a knife from M. Steward, me included.
 
Hmmm. All the naysayers seem to voice some kind of irrational unreasoned distaste for Mike Stewart the person. Mike has formed some firm opinions based on his many years in the business and is not above voicing them. I can only assume he has tipped someone's sacred cow in the process. Or maybe more than one. I'm not going to search all the sub-forums for the incidents that must have taken place but if one of you will aim me the right direction I'll certainly go have a look.
 
Hawkings said:
I have to disagree with a few people here.
I think it is in very poor taste to have an official website, like that of BRKT.
It just makes it look like they are lazy and do not care :thumbdn:

I my opinion it would serve them much better with a single page with their phone number and logo on it.

I they can't be bothered to maintain and update a part of their business, they should make it small enough for them to be able to handle it or get rid of it.
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They make knives, not websites. They have had some real issues with their web people. I know it is an issue that bothers Mike.

I kinda prefer it because people tell people that www.knivesshipfree.com is the best source. Can't beat that! :)
 
The thing with MS is that if you're customer your probably ok, but if you enter into a business arrangement.......................

When piles of people warn you off, there's probably something to it.
 
okbohn said:
They make knives, not websites. They have had some real issues with their web people. I know it is an issue that bothers Mike.
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I can kind of understand that and if the choice is between them making knives or fixing their website, I pick knives! :thumbup:

On the other hand, I also understand what the previous poster was saying. Having a website is part of doing buisness these days, and right or wrong, having a broken website does send a negative message about your company (hence the whole point of my original post).
 
great knives and great customer service

Mike is Mike...simple as that IMHO

Simple research will dictate whether or not you buy a knife made by Mike...I have bought barkies in the past and I intend to continue doing so
 
I agree they would be better off scaling back their website to just a few pertinent pages with links to their forum presence and dealers. More of a calling card website. Someone could that in an afternoon.
 
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