Bark River wood handles?

[moonwilson]

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with wood handles on Bark River knives. Specifically, I'd like to know how durable they are- compared to micarta or G10. I've done some searching around, and it doesn't look like many folks here go with wooden handles on their Barkies. Is this just because people prefer the looks of G10 or micarta? The wood handles are just tooooo pretty.

I finally broke down and ordered a Bravo 1 with Lignum Vitae handles, because I need a beefy knife I can carry around, and my Bravo 2 is just a bit too big. I think Lignum Vitae is a very tough wood, and I know Bark River will hook me up if I do manage to bust the knife up. But has anyone here really "gone gorilla" on their wood-handled Barkies? Has anyone actually broken one?

Thanks!

 

[firebert]

You'd be hard-pressed to damage lignum vitae. It's just about the toughest wood out there. You can easily see how the grain interlocks (herringbone pattern). It's been used for years for bearings when corrosion is an issue (i.e. propeller shafts). You could scratch it, but you aren't gonna break it.

 

[bladefoolish]

Several of my barkies have ebony handles on them. They seem to be holding up just fine. I have a Marbles Ideal with tigerwood handles that was given to me by my father over 40 years ago, and they've held up well also. Personally, I like wood.

 

[sir woodley]

Three of my Barkies are in Bamboo! No problems here. They get used a good bit. My fourth Barkie is in Micarta. I like it but all future Barkies for me will be in either more Bamboo or some kind of wood. (Just like the feel.) I've read and researched alot about BRK&T and don't recall ever hearing of Mike's stabalized wood giving anyone trouble. M

 

[KyleyHarris]

The only real issue you are going to deal with would be shrinkage of a tiny order, depending on your locality and humidity.. Wood has been used for thousands of years without issue.. Its not going to become a dud handle just because Micarta comes out.. all of my wood ones are stabilized, but I use wood on so many other knives without issue. Wood has a nice warm feel to it.

Reality is that anyhandle can/will crack if given the wrong kind of abuse. I believe BRKT stand by their warranty and will fix a handle that fails you. they wouldn't use it if they were going to get returns every week

If I were you, just pick the handle that appeals.. They will all be good under normal conditions.

 

[CarpScot]

I have three wood handled Barkies. Two are stabilized and have held up just fine. The third knife is a CLH in Desert Ironwood Burl that has a pretty nasty crack in it. The knife has seen light use and the crack is probably due to changes in humidity. I have heard nothing but positives about the durability of lignum vitae.