Bark River or Blind Horse Knives?

I really like BHK's O-1 and don't think it's especially soft. It does stain easily, but cleans up just as easily. Bark river doesn't use O-1, and they convex. They do have a better selection of knife designs, sizes, purposes and steels. I have heard of people who have had problems from thin grinds. I haven't. but the smaller knives I have from BRKT aren't getting heavy use.

I do find myself using my O-1 BHK Long trail V grind more. I did thin it out when I got it, but O-1 isn't difficult to reshape or remove steel. It takes nice edges with no burring problems like I've had with some Boker and Condor knives. That's a sign of running a steel too soft to me.

Pick out the knife with the type steel, handles, size, and grind you like as I don't really see any big differences in quality. Just different styles.

Joe
 
The Mastiff said:
I really like BHK's O-1 and don't think it's especially soft. It does stain easily, but cleans up just as easily. Bark river doesn't use O-1, and they convex. They do have a better selection of knife designs, sizes, purposes and steels. I have heard of people who have had problems from thin grinds. I haven't. but the smaller knives I have from BRKT aren't getting heavy use.

I do find myself using my O-1 BHK Long trail V grind more. I did thin it out when I got it, but O-1 isn't difficult to reshape or remove steel. It takes nice edges with no burring problems like I've had with some Boker and Condor knives. That's a sign of running a steel too soft to me.

Pick out the knife with the type steel, handles, size, and grind you like as I don't really see any big differences in quality. Just different styles.

Joe
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I don't think it' especially soft either. In fact, as O1 goes, it's quite good. But compared to the HT Mike uses on his A2, it's soft. I have owned several and even using them in green (hard)woods, I got rolled edges. I've never had that happen with BR's A2. Just my experiences and why I chose one over the other.
 
I own knives from both companies and they both are good. As was stated above BRKT uses thicker stock steels and has verity of different steels and handle materials. BHK in fairness can be preordered in different steels (including A2, D2 cpm 154 and some sandvik as well but sadly no 3V or s35vn. BHK can also fit some other scales (g 10 and woods) other than 3 micarts colors they have listed.
 
I have both. I prefer the Blind Horse Workhorses. The Bark River knifes are thicker and more suited for heavier task; I like the STS series that have interchangeable handles. I would recommend both.
 
Good Thread. I am looking for a camp knife now and I was thinking about making a similar thread.
 
lightskyam said:
what kind of steel for a fixed blade would you all recommend for lower maintenance?
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If I understand correctly...

3V is incredibly tough, and while it's not considered a stainless steel, it is definately more stain resistant than other tool steels.

S35VN is about as tough as it gets for a true stainless steel. It's been described as 'stainless steel that acts like tool steel" and is an upgrade from S30V that had problems chipping when used hard, unlike S35VN that rolls instead of chips which can be corrected.

Do a google image search for "Crucible Steel Comparrison Chart", it'll show the differences in wear resistance and toughness for different steels. You'll see that 3V is like 3x tougher than anything else out there.
 
MatthewSB said:
If I understand correctly...

3V is incredibly tough, and while it's not considered a stainless steel, it is definately more stain resistant than other tool steels.

S35VN is about as tough as it gets for a true stainless steel. It's been described as 'stainless steel that acts like tool steel" and is an upgrade from S30V that had problems chipping when used hard, unlike S35VN that rolls instead of chips which can be corrected.

Do a google image search for "Crucible Steel Comparrison Chart", it'll show the differences in wear resistance and toughness for different steels. You'll see that 3V is like 3x tougher than anything else out there.
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+1 That is exactly what I wood suggest
 
Say Heah Guy's, I have both the Bravo 1, and the B.H. Bushcrafter, infact I have (3) Bravo 1's, one in A-2 and two in 3V, this is harder than I thought, both knives are solid preformers, and like it was mentioned before my Bushcrafter is a little thick, but then I don't worry beating on it, it takes ALL I dish out, especially batoning tinder, the Bravo 1 especially in the 3V for a thick blade makes some thin curls, I had the handle of my Bushcrafter thinned down and polished and I don't have any problems with slipping out of my hand and infact it look's better IMO, and fits my hand very comfortable, and I wear a large glove, I have no problems using either knife with my Wicked Tough Saw made by Wicked Tree Gear and my 2Hawks Double Bit Hatchet, I call it my light compact carry, both knives shine at certain things it's just that both are different knives, I like the simplicity of the Bushcrafter and the look's of my Bravo 1, once you understand each knife, I wouldn't mind ending up with either knife in a survival situation but I think the scandi would be easier to keep sharp in the field, if I didn't liked one of the two, Yeah I would of got rid of it, the problem is they both work for me, but I know the difference of both of the knives, but if I was only allow to buy one of those knives and having used them both, I would probably pick the 3V Bravo 1.
 
Since Blind Horse has apparently gone out of business since this topic was started, I'd look at Hess Knives as a more affordable alternative to Bark River. Don't have a Hess, but I'd look at them.
 
Owned a BHK for a bit but the handle was not to my liking.
Sold it and now have Krein and Fiddleback Forge blades.
Still own a BRKT Gunny after selling my Bravo 1, but it may soon be on the block also.
BHK partners split are doing their own thing as:
Battle Horse Knives and L.T. Wright Knives.
 
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You can forget a quality blade from either Battlehorse or Lt Wright.
 
I owned a BRKT Gunny and still own a BHK Lumberjack AT.

Personally, I like the BHK much better than the bark river. The handle is comfortable without being so ergonomic that it limits hand positions. Also, the heat treat on the A2 is really something to be marveled at.

That being said, I'm really, really anxious to get my hands on a Bark River Bravo Squad Leader. I think, ultimately, that you couldn't possibly go wrong with either. Any really strong feeling are just total subjectivity.

I was sad to see BHK disband, but I'm really excited to get something from both Lt Wright and Battle Horse Knives. The BHK Nomad seems like a really interesting design that I'd love to try out!
 
VermontEdge said:
I owned a BRKT Gunny and still own a BHK Lumberjack AT.

Personally, I like the BHK much better than the bark river. The handle is comfortable without being so ergonomic that it limits hand positions. Also, the heat treat on the A2 is really something to be marveled at.

That being said, I'm really, really anxious to get my hands on a Bark River Bravo Squad Leader. I think, ultimately, that you couldn't possibly go wrong with either. Any really strong feeling are just total subjectivity.

I was sad to see BHK disband, but I'm really excited to get something from both Lt Wright and Battle Horse Knives. The BHK Nomad seems like a really interesting design that I'd love to try out!
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I have a new Bhk nomad, I would part with it if you're interested. Kydex/leather sheath setup.
 
VermontEdge said:
Why do you say that? Have you had bad experiences with both new companies? This really bums me out as I've been excited to check them out!
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Both companies are great in my opinion. They really focus on making different knives even though they do share some knives. The warranty they have and honor is great. I am personally a huge fan boy of all 3 companies.
 
I think that the L.T. Wright Patriot is very economical and well worth looking at. I have had two BHK Bushbabies and have been happy with them. I like a small fixed blade for EDC on occasion.
I have not seen any of the Battle Horse Knives models. I have no reason to question the quality of either new company. You should check them out.
 
cbach8tw said:
You can forget a quality blade from either Battlehorse or Lt Wright.
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Can you elaborate? I know a lot of guys on the forum here that are very pleased with their LT Wright knives. I don't have experience with one so I don't know but I have been considering picking one up. That or something from Diving Sparrow knives.
 
LT Wright makes a great knife. I wouldn't hesitate to order a knife from them. I recently purchased a camp muk and it's great. The knife came extremely sharp and the fit/finish was great.

That said, I also really like bark river knives. I have an aurora in 3v that I really like.
 
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