Barkie TUSK Review

[theonew]

Here's a blade I think deserves a little more praise, the Bark River Tusk. I have been looking at them for a few months and just recently picked one up from a member here on the forums. What an awesome little blade:

Overall Length: 7.1"
Blade Length: 2.95"
Blade Steel: A2 @ 59-60rc
Blade Thickness: .170"
Weight: 3.5 ounces


This is my first Wharnecliffe style blade and I love it. First of all for a lightweight knife the blade on this baby is sturdy. The tip tapers sharply to a very fine point and I could imagine it might break under heavy prying pressure, but for hard whittling it seems more than sturdy enough.

The primary bevel on this knife, while a full convex grind, leaves the blade a little thicker behind the edge than on my Aurora, a similarly thick blade, but this doesn't seem to impact slicing ability very much, if at all.

Sharpening a wharnecliffe feels almost sinfully easy. If you are looking for your first knife to try freehand sharpening on, defintely start with a wharnecliffe.

This knife really excels at carving. The size of the blade makes control of the tip easy and natural, and that tip can bite deep into wood. I used it today to make a spoon to eat dinner with and it quickly hollowed out the tip of a 1.5 inch thick maple branch into a functional spoon in minutes, it seemed very efficient at the task. I also used it to baton some 1 - 2 inch branches to make a quick hot fire to boil dinner with and noticed something interesting about the design. As I hit the tip with a small baton it drove the blade forward so that the micarta handle nearly rubbed against the wood as it slid down and through, it really made keeping the knife properly level almost effortless.

This is a great knife to have in the woods as well as for a general EDC. Lightweight, compact, but sturdy as hell. It also makes a great paring knife for the kitchen. Totally Useful Small Knife, I couldn't agree more.

 

[okbohn]

I use the TUSK to cut leather. It is one heck of a working knife.

 

[StretchNM]

I never gave the Tusk a second look....... until now! ((( )))

I like that blade! :thumbup:

 

[sffar]

Thanks for the review theonew. It is an excellent knife! Not too big or too small for most chores, or to put in the pocket. It's stout, easy to sharpen, good looking, is nicely made and doesn't come off like a weapon. It's got real utility and is a pleasure to use.

 

[Stickman]

Good review theonew, I've been looking at these for quite some time now. I have a question though...are these wharnecliff or sheepsfoot in design? I thought the wharnecliff was much pointier. I wanted one for a shop knife and cutting leather, and either design would work well for that I think. Enjoy it

 

[sffar]

I'd say they seem a bit more sheepsfoot than Wharncliffe as the blade's a bit blunt. But, it is a pretty heavy blade, and it's not as blunt as many sheepsfoot blades, so maybe it qualifies as a Wharncliffe! I think BRKT calls it a "utility" knife. Take your pick. My 2 cents.

 

[Fiddleback]

This is one of my favorite barkies. They just go and go. Small and light and easy to carry and a can do attitude knife.

 

[Wandering_About]

Good review, that's exactly why I like wharncliffe blades.