bark river prototypes

deltablade · Jun 30, 2008

I have a couple bark river knies which are marked prototype pre production model
they are great knives and I plan to use them, yet wondered if they have any particular intrinsic value?

Blue Sky · Jun 30, 2008

Their intrinsic value lies with their design and materials, and they have that a-plenty. Their extrinsic value is a little less clear. From what I've seen there are a fair number of BR prototypes out there to be found, so while there may be some extra collector value associated with that I don't think it would be significant enough to stop you from enjoying them as they were meant to be. Use'em and don't worry about it, IMO.

StretchNM · Jul 1, 2008

There can be many prototypes made in just one model. I own at least 2 BRKT prototypes and a couple of "1st Production Run" knives. I don;t think they'll end up being worth any more than any other BRKT, but I'm certainly no expert in collectors items. I say use them - I do mine anyway.

deltablade · Jul 1, 2008

thanks guys

joe-bob · Jul 1, 2008

It really depends on the knife model, and whether or not the etching says Bark River, Mich., or Escanaba.

Pictures?

J_Curd · Jul 2, 2008

Bark Rivers are like Marbles in the 70s. Get em, keep em in good shape, and wait to retire.

They are amazing knives at good prices, the protos and 1st Runs will be worth a mint if Mike can keep the boat afloat. (Not doubting ya Mike, I just know you are really trying to go forward in a chaotic market).

Awesome knives. Im using mine, aside from the Mosaic pins. Those are getting harder to find.

I buy micartas for users, and the exotic woods for collection pieces.

malleus · Jul 2, 2008

Isn't Bark River a Mike Stewart company? Seems like the vast majority of knives he has produced over the years have been limited production or prototypes. After a lifetime of failure in the knife business, it is nice to see him finally find success, though.

svslider · Jul 3, 2008

How could you describe it as a lifetime of failure if he is still doing it successfully and happily?

Lanza · Jul 3, 2008

All the knives I've seen from Mike Stewart, including the old Blackjack knives, have been of excellent quality.

oldways · Jul 3, 2008

Lanza said:
All the knives I've seen from Mike Stewart, including the old Blackjack knives, have been of excellent quality.

Exactly. The Marbles during his tenure there also. Mike Stewart is one of the best knifemakers in the current market.

jvan · Jul 3, 2008

malleus said:
Isn't Bark River a Mike Stewart company? Seems like the vast majority of knives he has produced over the years have been limited production or prototypes. After a lifetime of failure in the knife business, it is nice to see him finally find success, though.

"After a lifetime of failure" I would certainly like you to explain your comment as it seems to be founded in ignorance.

Mike Stewart is and has been one of the leading forces in the knife manufacturing industry. If you define success as being his own boss now, fine, but he was also successful at Marbles producing and designing some of their best products. He currently makes and offers some of the very best made knives available in this country, right up there with anyone.

In answer to the original question, use the hell out of 'em!

J_Curd · Jul 3, 2008

Long and short of it, Bark Rivers are gonna be worth some coin. Don't undervalue them just because they are easy to get now. Good things never last forever.

CWL · Jul 4, 2008

It really depends on what the prototype is as some designs are hits while others just don't move so well.

If you do decide to use them, remember that BRKT has a standing offer/guarantee to refurbish that knife back to original appearance -including the wording on the blade.

StretchNM · Jul 4, 2008

malleus said:
Isn't Bark River a Mike Stewart company? Seems like the vast majority of knives he has produced over the years have been limited production or prototypes. After a lifetime of failure in the knife business, it is nice to see him finally find success, though.

That "lifetime of failure" is possibly a perception taken by those who are used to, or expecting, instant success.

Rather, Mike Stewart is not substantially different from any other knife-maker who have ALL had to struggle through the obstacles of life on the path to success.

T.K.C. · Jul 4, 2008

J_Curd said:
Long and short of it, Bark Rivers are gonna be worth some coin. Don't undervalue them just because they are easy to get now. Good things never last forever.

I disagree that Barkies are going to be worth some "coin", as you put. Nor do I think ANY production knife is going to go up in value. (Randall being the exception to that rule.)

Yes, they are excellent knives, that have great prices. I have owned many a Barkie.

Use your Barkie, that is what they were made for.