Bark River question

[mc5aw]

My inquiry is exclusively about the quality of BRK, not the politics or controversy attached to the company. I saw that DLT and KSF have several models in stock at discounts of ~ 25%. From those who own and use BR models, are they worth the premium price? Or are they now simply collector's items as supplies gradually dwindle and the company dies off. A model like the V-44 is $300-400 which is in the Winkler, RMJ, etc. range. Buy or pass on what's left of BRK inventory?

 

[Crag the Brewer]

My inquiry is exclusively about the quality of BRK, not the politics or controversy attached to the company. I saw that DLT and KSF have several models in stock at discounts of ~ 25%. From those who own and use BR models, are they worth the premium price? Or are they now simply collector's items as supplies gradually dwindle and the company dies off. A model like the V-44 is $300-400 which is in the Winkler, RMJ, etc. range. Buy or pass on what's left of BRK inventory?

Pass, not collector knives.
I have a few (three) I bought them to learn If I liked certain handle styles.
Not collectable.

Buy something else.
MANY people here can give you great advice about good knives depending on what you want/need, and depending on your price range.

 

[marcus aurelius]

I would also say pass, unless you were getting some 70-80% off deal and you were good with whatever steel you got. My only BRK is cruwear (at least I think it is) and it did not arrive all that sharp and only got worse from there. It's possible that if I got it really sharp I would like it more, but I have so many other knives that perform amazing so I probably will never bother.

 

[conan11]

My understanding is they got cheap steel and labeled 🏷 it a better steel which it wasn't. Pass. You don't know what kind of steel you are getting no matter what it says. Go to this forums custom fixed blades for sale. Here you will be getting a high quality custom knife.

For Sale: Fixed Blades

www.bladeforums.com

 

[Mk-211]

I would buy, from one of the knife makers here. From what I've seen and heard, plus bought. You'll get more than your money's worth.

You can't bring up BRK and not talk about the controversy. Sorry to say but the owner ruined the brand name, forever.

 

[GPyro]

Too many unknowns with no warranty.

Something from Pakistan would be cheaper.

 

[shinyedges]

I cant believe this is a question.

 

[Tritium]

Pass. Only take it if you also get $20.

 

[Hammer67]

Quality? Ummm...I don't know how that question can be fairly separated from the "politics or the controversy."

 

[Red_Mist]

Hard pass

 

[jbmonkey]

id pass. discount isn't big enough to have zero warranty, potentially unknown steel and heat treat. most importantly, the quality was never there to begin with.

 

[Dagoth_Blur]

View attachment 3209571

lmao this made me spit out my orange all over the desk

 

[DocJD]

pass on what's left of BRK inventory

There's overwhelming testimony that this maker cannot be trusted .

You seem like you already know this, but got the itch anyway .

People have overwhelming urges to do self destructive things and become deaf to good advice .

 

[DA170]

My inquiry is exclusively about the quality of BRK, not the politics or controversy attached to the company. I saw that DLT and KSF have several models in stock at discounts of ~ 25%. From those who own and use BR models, are they worth the premium price? Or are they now simply collector's items as supplies gradually dwindle and the company dies off. A model like the V-44 is $300-400 which is in the Winkler, RMJ, etc. range. Buy or pass on what's left of BRK inventory?

No! Pass!

 

[Chronovore]

I think I've had two over the years and both were instant returns. Wading through the thicket of an aging brain here but both were definitely obvious QC issues.

 

[jfk1110]

On the cheap yes otherwise no just because Stewart is a ...

I have a couple old ones and a newer unaffected model... Good knives......Treat em like a red headed step child!!.

 

[BP Green]

 

[Synov]

 

[Michaux111]

Depends. I bought two Bark Rivers recently both in A2 steel, my favorite steel along with 1095. A Bravo 1 and a Bird and Trout. Both were new and bought at a drastically reduced price (likely because of recent events) and both are perfect. And I mean perfect. Regardless of the owner's recent criminal act, the company did produce some very good knives over the years and if you can find the right knife at the right price from someone who is dumping their BRK's in disgust I'd say buy it. You'll likely get a very good knife at a bargain price. You won't hear that on this forum because of the hatred towards the BRK owner, but that is a fact.

 

[Gravy]

I almost bought one a couple years ago but I heard lots complaints about qc and burnt edges (which we now know was probably mislabeled steel) way before the current controversy. There’s so many other options it’s almost not really worth considering. You can get some really nice fixies for $400.