Bark River Senegal...WOW!!

Thrill

Thrill

Joined
Sep 9, 2010
Messages
3,598
Just received this beast today. The Bark River Senegal in A2 steel. Didn't even have to make a special request to add the blue liners. They must have known this is an awesome color combination. Can't wait to chop with her, but for now I'll keep admiring.


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I've been eyeing the Senegal since I got the KSF email - even put one in my cart a few times...unfortunately, I delayed the purchases, and both of the ones I'd selected sold before I came back to complete the transaction. My delay was due to an existing order from another maker for a similar piece. I'm fairly certain I'll like the Senegal better; but I don't NEED two such similar knives.

*edited to add: Your thread sent me over the edge. It isn't the maroon canvas micarta that I initially wanted; but I've got a free one coming. I'm looking forward to seeing how it feels compared to a few other things in that size range.
 
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Have to agree with you Thrill. It's a beast for sure. One big hunk of A2. I took the bait myself and got the one with red micarta scales. The last thing I needed with all the blades and axes I have sitting around but I couldn't pass it up. Have to give BRKT a thumbs up on this. It's pretty! Fit and finish is excellent. If the edge holds up to its' bush-whacking duties without any failures then I couldn't be happier with it, even at that price.

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I received mine today (had to go with black canvas micarta because I was slow, and somebody got the maroon/burgandy).
Ordinarily, I find that handle quite comfortable....but the Senegal is so blade heavy that the grip just doesn't feel right to me. (*I have since realized that the handle doesn't have the palm swell of the Bravo 3, and other large knives I own - which is why it doesn't feel right. Hopefully, this will not be an issue in use.*) I'm sure that will sort out easily enough - I'm looking forward to putting it to work. I'm tempted to throw a lanyard on it; but I can't help but think I'd rather have it come out of my hand than swing back in my direction.
I think the only thing I might have wanted different is the handle texture. BRKT puts a great polish on their micarta; but I appreciate the grip & feel when it's left a bit more coarse. Sure, I can scuff it up with some sandpaper, but that seems to affect aesthetics more than function. It's funny, though - I'm practically giddy over this thing...as I'm typing this, I'm thinking that I just want to go pick it up again; and I'm no stranger to big, heavy knives.
I would have liked this piece even if I had paid for it. (okay - so, technically, I did pay for it...but I used store credit that I've had available for a while. Since I spent the actual money some time ago, the Senegal still feels like a freebie.)

Something tells me that the similar item that I have on order is likely to get sold on arrival. With a 3 inch smaller, and slightly thinner, blade, I don't see it shaking the Senegal out of my hand.

Edited to add the portion marked with asterisks
 
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A quick comparison: Bark River Bravo 3, Bark River Senegal, MBB M10, MBB M4 (old school, before they reduced the blade length)
 
HHMoore - Agree about Barks smooth scales. They look beautiful but lack in sufficient grip for the weight of the Senegal (and Parang) IMO. I would prefer the grip of milled and profiled micarta scales like those used in the Busse big blades. So .... my reversible cure for Senegal is just to use some athletic or electricians (cloth) tape. Not pretty but it's cheap, it works and it's removable.
 
hhmoore said:
A quick comparison: Bark River Bravo 3, Bark River Senegal, MBB M10, MBB M4 (old school, before they reduced the blade length)
Click to expand...

Great looking family picture! Which one do you like the best as a chopper? What are the blade heights? I am looking for a new chopper! How is the Bravo 3 as a chopper?
 
It looks like it should be a great chopper, but I think it would be even better with a hook or something else on the end of the handle to physically keep the hand from sliding off the end, especially given how smooth Bark River finishes their handles.
 
I like the bravo 3... but the Senegal should blow it away for short work. (Depending on the work environment the Bravo would likely be easier to wield, though.
 
Tests? Depends on what you mean by tests.
I've used mine...but I haven't done anything in the way of a direct comparison (yet). I don't do destructive testing, which is what comes to mind when people ask about tests.
 
Any rolls or chips from actual use? NON paper or cardboard stuff?

I asked one guy on utube. He told me I have used it everyday for 2 months.
I have cut countless cardboard and done mad paper cut tests.

I am interested in this but worry A2 would let me down. I have 3v envy.

As you have both the Bravo III 3v and the senegal. Whats the scoop?
Can you do pro/con or some info :)
 
Marine E7 said:
Any rolls or chips from actual use? NON paper or cardboard stuff?

I asked one guy on utube. He told me I have used it everyday for 2 months.
I have cut countless cardboard and done mad paper cut tests.

I am interested in this but worry A2 would let me down. I have 3v envy.

As you have both the Bravo III 3v and the senegal. Whats the scoop?
Can you do pro/con or some info :)
Click to expand...

I have never used either the Bravo 3 or Senegal to cut paper or cardboard.
I had read comments about Bark River's 3V chipping - while I won't say I've used mine extensively I have used it for wood processing - chopping and delimbing - on live standing, dead standing, and found down trees/branches. I don't think I've batoned with it - if I did, it wasn't anything big or knotty. I noted no edge damage or deformation - in fact, I was pleasantly surprised at how sharp it remained.
The Senegal impressed me, honestly. I love the heft of it; though, admittedly, I'm not thrilled with the handle - it just seems too small, thin and smooth for the weight of the blade. I was wearing gloves when I used it - partially because it was still on the cool side, partially to ease my mind about the handle. It wasn't uncomfortable; but I still found myself gripping it tightly. I think part of that was my mind saying I had to because I had thoughts of it coming out of my hand in use (it gave me no real reason to think it was going to; but the thought was there). There was no deformation of the edge; but, again, I have not used it extensively. I'll be utilizing it more in a few weeks - my previous usage was just for fun, wanting to get a feel for it.
The Senegal gives up a little blade thickness; but the extra length and height give it a couple of extra ounces. It is noticeably more blade heavy - I'd expect the balance point to be a few inches further from the handle than the Bravo 3.
I'll be able to say more once I get some extended work time with it; and I'll pay more attention to how secure it feels in hand under use.
 
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