barkriver northstar or fox river?

[saylorbrand]

I am trying to make up my mind on which to choose. I am leaning towards the northstar. I am looking for a new bushcraft knife. I know that they have the same blade length, thickness, price range. But a bit different in blade width, overall length. Most of the use will be cutting,skinning, fire making etc.

 

[kycolonel]

The Northstar would be considered the bushcraft knife out of these two, although the Fox River is also very strong in this department. However, it sounds like you're looking for a general purpose knife including hunting, and in that case I would go with the Fox River all the way. There is very few areas where the FR does not excel IMO; there are plenty of folks who use it for their camp craft and it is an outstanding knife for processing game.

 

[MVF]

In case this helps you decide, the NorthStar has a tapered tang and much better balance (depending on your preference) than the Fox River. The Fox River's full tang makes it very handle heavy- and heavier period. The Fox River would be the better skinner, I pretty much like the NorthStar for most everything else. YMMV

 

[gargoyle3]

I would personally handle both before dropping the cake.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKX2QDmoZAU

 

[gargoyle3]

Usually a purposeful "skinner" wont be used for other tasks, especially wood cutting.

The Fox has a bit more belly for skinning too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBBCA4428pQ&feature=related

 

[remmmm]

Here's the one you want to check out, he compares his 4 different 4" BRKT's:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksoHztoA77g

 

[Foilist]

I would personally handle both before dropping the cake.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKX2QDmoZAU

Yup. The handles may not be to your liking. I had a NS. It was a beautiful and excellent knife, but ultimately I traded it due to its small and uncomfortable (to me) handle.

 

[smcclown05]

In case this helps you decide, the NorthStar has a tapered tang and much better balance (depending on your preference) than the Fox River. The Fox River's full tang makes it very handle heavy- and heavier period. The Fox River would be the better skinner, I pretty much like the NorthStar for most everything else. YMMV

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the tapered tang NS was only made for a run or two. I'm pretty sure they are full tang/full width all the way back now.

I've never handled a Fox River but I love my Northstar :thumbup:

 

[Ben Dover]

Of those two, I'll take the Fox River any day. :thumbup:

 

[trailside22]

Fox River even for bushcraft in my hands. It just feels better.

 

[MVF]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the tapered tang NS was only made for a run or two. I'm pretty sure they are full tang/full width all the way back now.

I've never handled a Fox River but I love my Northstar :thumbup:

Thanks for the correction. I saw in the video that his had the full thickness tang- guess I got lucky!