bark river trail buddy vs highland special: general purpose, all 'round woods blade.

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trappedinthecityjh

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Feb 5, 2013
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I've been looking into getting a brkt for a LONG time now, and finally got enough $$ to buy one, and have stable funds after. I am pretty heart-set on the trail buddy, but I can't decide between green of black canvas micarta! It isn't a large factor, but if I'm spending 100+ on a blade, and I can pick my handles, I want to make the best decision for me, even on the little things. Also I'm pretty interested in the highland special (I fear I'm starting an addiction) But for now, and for a couple years, I am just going to get one or the other. I intend to use the knife I purchase as an all 'round outdoors knife, focusing on skinning, whittling (I love to whittle, its been a hobby since I got my first Swiss Arm knife) bushcraft, and camp chores, to be paired with a small hatchet. I'd really appreciate some opinions from people who have used these beautiful blades: advantages, disadvantages, what tasks they excel in and what they don't (individually) etc. given that they are both made of A2. Also pics if you have em would be great.

Hope this discussion can help some other woods-lovers/outdoorsman as well.

and on a side note, THANK YOU SPARKS!!! this site is amazing, I wish you nothing but the best, and God bless you. This place is heaven for knife nuts, or anyone who is looking to get into the outdoors, as well as a fantastic resource for fun, the passing on of knowledge from the experienced to the greenhorns (yours truly :p ), and spreading the love of the outdoors, in a world where almost all of those things seems to be on the way out. If you ask me this world needs a little more outdoors/outdoorsman, and i love that this site brings those people, as well as others together. this site is a blessing to everyone. Thank you truly,

-Josh
 
Also I meant no offense to anyone who is not of faith, or of a different one than myself. I believe that what any man/woman believes is his/her choice. if I offended you, I sincerely apologize. I do not intend to offend anyone, it's just saying best of wishes around my house. especially you sparks.

-thanks again: Josh
 
Knives without guards are fashionable, especially in the bushcraft crowd. Bark River certainly likes them. In many circumstances, such a knife is fine.

In the bush, not so much. There is always the chance of a normal accident; your hand slides down onto the blade. That’s would be bad at home. On a hike or hunting trip you may have a long walk to your car, and a long drive to the emergency room.

But it may not be so easy. Suppose you are in shock, or have lost blood, or taken a knock to you head. Suppose you are hypothermic, and need to start a fire right now. These are circumstances when your knife handling will be clumsy at best. Do you really want to compound your problems when fingers meet edge?

Take a look at the BK knives that protect your hand. Either by the handle shape—the way the Bravo does. Or by an extended bolster—see the Classic Drop Point Hunter.

If your heart is set on the Trail Buddy—you knew the job was dangerous when you took it.
 
Thank you for the insight. The lack of a guard is one of the reasons that I am still undecided on which knife to get, and I like a guard as long as it has a secondary choil on the blade so that I can choke up, and I'm having trouble finding a knife around the 4inch range with that. You have a great point none the less. Have you had any experiences where not having a guard caused you a problem? I have been lucky enough to not have any yet, but I have cut myself at least once with just about every knife I've owned. I would never claim to be an expert, because I know there is a ton more for me to learn about handling blades, especially when it comes to techniques/grips, but that's part of the reason I like the strait/simple handle of the BRKT prof. series, so that I can learn new grips/techniques. I have been handling knives since a young age though, so I know my way around one enough to use one safely, and relatively effectively. I was fortunate enough to have a father who valued the knowledge of how to use knives for what mine are intended for: a tool first, a weapon at last resort, if who/whatever is posing a threat has a weapon. But that's besides the point. Thank you again for your post. All input is appreciated.
 
trappedinthecityjh said:
Thank you for the insight. The lack of a guard is one of the reasons that I am still undecided on which knife to get, and I like a guard as long as it has a secondary choil on the blade so that I can choke up, and I'm having trouble finding a knife around the 4inch range with that. You have a great point none the less. Have you had any experiences where not having a guard caused you a problem? I have been lucky enough to not have any yet, but I have cut myself at least once with just about every knife I've owned. I would never claim to be an expert, because I know there is a ton more for me to learn about handling blades, especially when it comes to techniques/grips, but that's part of the reason I like the strait/simple handle of the BRKT prof. series, so that I can learn new grips/techniques. I have been handling knives since a young age though, so I know my way around one enough to use one safely, and relatively effectively. I was fortunate enough to have a father who valued the knowledge of how to use knives for what mine are intended for: a tool first, a weapon at last resort, if who/whatever is posing a threat has a weapon. But that's besides the point. Thank you again for your post. All input is appreciated.
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In the woods? No. I started carrying knives before the bushcraft knife pattern existed. I never fell for the no-guard fad.

In the kitchen? You bet.
 
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trappedinthecityjh said:
Also, Do you have any suggestions for around the price range 150 and under, around 4in, full tang?
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Check out the Swamp Rat Rodent 4. It fits your specks except the blade is 4 ½”. Good guard, usable choil. I don’t own it, but I’ve never had a problem with a Swamp Rat knife. Great steel, great heat tread. The Rodent 4 runs for $108.95. That’s without a sheath, but you can find an aftermarket scabbard.
 
Checked it out, and its pretty sweet! But I think I am gonna go for the trail buddy, I found a good deal on it (130$ sheath included

I've made up my mind, but would anyone care to talk a little bit about these blades? pictures, reviews, test vids:?

I'd like to get some information out about these knives, because there is so little out there, and they seem to be loved by all the people I've found who've owned them (about 5 people total for both knives) and I have to believe that there are more people out there who have these blades, So if you've got one throw something up! These look like great bade designs, but they may be being overlooked/overshadowed by the big players (bravo 1, fox river, aura, northstar)

But before I get too caried away, shoul I re-post something like this on the reviews forum? This is my first post, and I figured it would be a discussion, but I'm not sure.
 
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