Bark River Shootout: Mikro Canadian 2 vs Pro Scalpel

quattrokid73

quattrokid73

Joined
Nov 2, 2007
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As some of you have seen in my previous recommendation post, I was looking for a small fixed blade. I've narrowed it down.

I am going to get a Nemesis Hellion as a pet project (making my own scales and kydex sheaths).

But I also plan on getting a Bark River. I've narrowed it down to the Mikro Canadian 2 and Pro Scalpel. They are virtually identical in size and weight. I would just like to know your opinions on the differences in handles and blade styles. Although I like the Canadian's grip more, it seems like the tip is very blunt. The Scalpel has what looks like a great tip. Either way, I'd love some input from those of you who have used these in real world situations. My needs are EDC and SD based, no dressing of animals.

Whichever one I get will find a home in one of those wonderful KSF pocket sheaths where it will be accompanied by my Arc-AAA P.

Thanks all!
 
I haven't handled a PSK, but I have a MKII, and you're right... the tip is a bit on the blunt side. Have you looked at the Pro Scalpel? Very similar to the MKII, but with a pointier tip.
 
I carry a Pro Scapel daily in my pocket.

The blade shape is very good for most tasks.

Point is nice and sharp.

Handle works well for a micro knife.

I couldnt be happier with mine.
 
I miss a sharp point on my Micro:( For the kind of use mine sees a thin tip would have been great. I usually carry it together with a larger fixed blade and a thin tip is great for detail work.

I have ended up using my Spyderco Ladybug more because it has a very nice point.

Sverre
 
Sounds like the Pro Scalpel is the one for me...A good pointy tip is a necessity.

Man I can't wait to order one up!!!
 
FoxholeAtheist said:
Have you looked at the Pro Scalpel? Very similar to the MKII, but with a pointier tip.
Click to expand...

I guess it would have helped me to completely read the original post, eh? :rolleyes:

I'm eagerly awaiting the Pro Scalpel II. If you've not seen that one, you might want to Google it. There's a few reviews around. Very neat knife. I already have one on order. :D
 
Hehe I saw the Pro Scalpel II and it's awesome. I'd love to keep something like that with me but it would definitely raise eyebrows in San Francisco. That's why I've got to keep with their smallest fixies. I do plan on getting a larger one in the future like a PSK or Wharnie EDC.
 
Here's a photo of most of my BRKT "Mikros" -

MikroFamily.jpg


From left to right, a Long Trickle, a Pro Scalpel, A Mikro-Canadian, a Mikro-Canadian II, and another Mikro-Canadian.

You'll notice there is a fair bit of variation in the Mikro-Cs - this is because they are all ground by hand.

If you get a Mikro-C, and aren't happy with how pointy or un-pointy it is, give Mike a call and he'll re-shape it to your preference.

Personally, I like the feel of the Mikro-C handle a bit more than that of the Pro Scalpel.
 
Can you elaborate a bit more on your likes/dislikes? How about the blade differences?

Also, how do you carry yours?
 
I prefer the Mikro-C for several reasons:

I really like Mike's A2 - takes a super edge and holds it well, and is easy to keep wickedly sharp with simple stropping;

The wider blade of the Mikro-C gives a better overall grind angle;

The three finger grooves increase the grip of a very small handle.

Since in California it is illegal to carry a concealed fixed-blade, I carry the Mikro-C on my belt with the supplied sheath. I've never had any "problems" with it legally, and as a knife, it cuts way bigger than it should! :thumbup:
 
My only concern with the Mikro Canadian is the tip. For the stuff I'll be cutting, the tip is going to be EXTREMELY important. I love the way the Mikro looks, and I like the finger grooves. But at the same time I like that pointy tip on the Pro Scalpel.

Why must this be so hard?
 
What Grampa said:thumbup: I carry mine as a necker, in my pocket, or on the belt. All methods of carry utilizing the standard supplied sheath. This is one heck of a nice knife:)
 
You guys are warming me up to the Mikro Canadian II.

Now for comparison purposes, is the Pro Scalpel stainless like the MCII?

I'm also looking at the PSK, but the MCII and PS look the best.
 
Yes, both are Mike's specially heat treated 12C27. Doesn't hold an edge quite as well as the A2, but it's not like any 12C27 you'll see coming from a European manufacturer. Harder, and better edge holding, and plenty tough.

Seriously, give Mike a call on Tuesday, and tell him what you want - he'll gladly do a small mod like that for cheaper than you might think! You could then have your Pro Scalpel shaped Mikro-C II!



Or if you have one of those Harbor Freight belt sanders, you can just do it yourself! I did it to one of my Mikro-Cs, and it came out well. But then, Mike will teach you how to do things like that if you go to one of his Grind-In events! A lot of fun, great people, and really educational when it comes to grinding knives!
 
quattrokid73 said:
Who is this Mike guy? I am guessing he's the maker at Bark River?

How do I get in contact with him?
Click to expand...

Sorry!

"Mike" is Mike Stewart, the guy who "is" Bark River knives.

If you call them, he'll be the one who answers about half the time!

Best way to make contact is probably through knifeforums.com on the Bark river page. Mike monitors that pretty regularly.

Or google Bark River Knife & Tool, go to their web page (NEVER up to date!), and call their phone number during business hours.
 
I'm going to throw out something to think about. I bought the pro scalpel because I paired it with a gameskeeper. The gameskeeper is a drop point hunter. The pro scalpel with the pointier tip compliments the gameskeeper well. If you pair the micro with a spear point blade, I would get the micro can. Both little blades are great. My proscalpel is now piggy backed onto my RC4 and is a great packing setup. I know alot of people don't like blade coatings because they cause the blade to bind some going threw material. The 1/2 ounce of additional pressure is of no issue to me. I don't feel much at all. I think the knife you decide on should be determined by what you want to pair it with. :D
 
Cody, I'm planning on carrying it alone. What would you suggest then for a standalone mini fixed blade?
 
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