BRK Mikro Canadian vs. Mikro II

Yosemite Sam

Yosemite Sam

Joined
Dec 17, 2001
Messages
1,055
I'm considering one of these and can't decide which. The original Mikro Canadian has an .150" A2 tool steel blade @ 59-60 RC, while the Mikro Canadian II has a .125" 12C27 blade at 58 RC. Otherwise they're identical -- according to BRK's site; not according to some online vendors I've visited, who list different blade lengths for the two...

Does anyone have one of each and can compare?

I generally prefer high carbon steels, but on the other hand I've got one 12C27 blade (my Laguiole) and like it fine. The A2 blade on the Mikro sounds kind of thick considering it's only 1.75" long. And I've heard A2 rusts/stains if you give it a sweaty look. This knife will likely be riding in a pocket sheath.

People do really seem to like their Barkies. So tell me, which do you like?

-- Sam
 
In reality, they are hard to tell apart except for the thickness of the blade, the Mikro II being a bit thinner.

I carry one of the A2 Mikros as an EDC, and have nothing but good things to say about it. Upkeep is absolutely not a problem: wipe it dry when you're done. Put a bit of mineral oil on the blade if you're in a humid environment.

OTOH, if you're always in a humid environment, go with the II - Mike gets very similar edges out of both A2 and 12C27, both at about the same hardness, both very fine-grained steels. The 12C27 in the Mikro-II will be harder than that of your Languoile.

Stropping for maintaining the edge. And a much bigger knife than the size would indicate! :thumbup:
 
The difference is minimal, almost unnoticeable. The orange one is the Mikro II.

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Bark River make some really nice knives at a reasonable price. I have a Mini Canadian in A2 and love it, while my son has a Mikro Canadian in 12C27 and he loves it. I don't think you woud be disappointed either way.
 
Dang guy's... now I am starting to get the Bark River fever! Its kind of like West Nile but, worse. I been looking at em awhile drooling away.
 
I have a micro slither in A2 and it cuts like a champ. I was told it was a mini canadian when I ordered it but all I miss is the patriotic name, still fits my hand great and the size makes it great for a PSK.
 
I've been cavorting all over these forums lately posting about the Mini Canadian that I should be getting any day now in the mail. I got a brown and tan burl/mosaic pin version from Sage Creek after a long and hard search (they are out of stock everywhere). I plan to try it as an edc. Can anyone recommend a pocket sheath? I've read mixed reviews of the Russel Woodswalker one.
 
Good decision! It's a sweet little knife!

What handle material did you go for?
 
Ah! Very nice!

I tend to go along similar lines, but prefer the sheep horn myself!

Hope the wait isn't too long!:thumbup:
 
Well, it was due to my own error, but I ended up with a Mikro II, not the Mikro. I used the stock numbers I got off of one site when ordering from another. Turns out site #1 probably has their stock numbers switched; BRK's site is no help, since they don't list the part number.

I'm not terribly unhappy. Granted, I wish I got what I thought I was ordering, but the Mikro II is no slouch, and I can't blame anyone but myself. I'm sure it'll work out fine. It's a very nice knife, and I do like 12C27 steel. Already got blood on it, though the knick came from another knife... And it didn't stain! :)

Now if I can just figure out how to stretch the sheath to make the knife fit, ala Arathol's pic above. As delivered the blade just tucks into the top.

I can only imagine how small the Slither must feel. This Mikro II appears "just right".

-- Sam
 
The sheep horn handles I tend to get are much wider than normal handles on the BRKT - I suspect the stag might be as well.

Careful wet molding is what I use to get the sheep horn ot fit in the sheath.

Are you familiar with this technique?
 
Yep, thanks! In fact, it was much easier than I thought. I used some Lexol, a little sweet talk, and some pressure, and she socked right home.

-- Sam
 
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