Competitors for Bark River Mini Fox River

tas237

tas237

Joined
Jun 18, 2013
Messages
196
I'm about to pull the trigger on a Mini Fox River (3V) from Bark River. Before I do so, I wanted to ask the knowledge base here if there are some competitors I should be considering.

Considerations:
2 1/2 - 3" blade (approximately)
High carbon tool steel or similar (no stainless)
Grind: Sabre, Flat, or Convex
Some belly on the blade would be nice for slicing
Fixed blade only (got plenty of good folders)
Budget: $150-175

The use will be EDC fixed & small chore knife for camp work.

Thanks all....
 
Wow, WIDE-OPEN field of "competitors", particularly with that budget. Swamp Rat, Scrapyard, Blind Horse, ESEE, Becker, Kabar, Fallkniven, Anza, Enzo, Survive! Knives, MLL Knives (slightly higher) ...
What have you already looked at? Have you looked on the makers exchange here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/754-For-Sale-Fixed-Blades For that budget, you could easily get a maker here on BF to fashion a blade specifically for you with those specifications!

You just want a short fixed blade of carbon steel with a bit of belly? Handle-material preference? Sheath preference?
 
I'm not really looking for a production blade exactly. More like a semi-custom.

I am talking to some custom makers here & I may still decide to go in that direction. Further, I'm gonna buy a Fiddleback soon.... Just waiting for the perfect one on a perfect Friday.

This one though, I want for a high quality knife with a great warranty because I plan on using it a ton. I understand BRKT has a lifetime warranty, but I've never owned one. I don't have a sheath preference really. Don't need anything more than a belt sheath, kydex or leather.. Handle material is a consideration which is why I'm looking at the Mini Fox. I like Micarta but I'm more attracted to nice woods & burls. Really like the lines on the mini fox and the fact that 3v comes in that price point.
 
Here is one that is already sold, but the maker has more in the works, CPM-3V EDC fixed-blade less than your budget:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1120249-Black-Micarta-PFB?p=12782246#post12782246

And there are many others besides. Production-wise, Guy at Survive! Knives has the GSO-3.5 available in either 3V or CPM-20CV for ~$180. You could also just google "EDC fixed blade" and browse what comes up. If you aren't stuck on 3V, the possibilities really open up!
BRKT charges custom-knife prices. They certainly provide a variety of handle materials and a pretty finish, but a lot of folks dislike the ethics/behavior of the owner and also the implementation of the warranty (it isn't like ESEE or Buck or even Gerber). That said, if you really like the BRKT and can swing it, go for it and see what you think. If you aren't satisfied or find something you prefer later, you shouldn't have much trouble selling it. But take your time, and Good luck!
 
chiral.grolim said:
They certainly provide a variety of handle materials and a pretty finish, but a lot of folks dislike the ethics/behavior of the owner and also the implementation of the warranty (it isn't like ESEE or Buck or even Gerber).
Click to expand...
I've heard differing reports on the warranty. What you're saying though is that it's conditional?

chiral.grolim said:
That said, if you really like the BRKT and can swing it, go for it and see what you think. If you aren't satisfied or find something you prefer later, you shouldn't have much trouble selling it.
Click to expand...
Good point. I do that a lot anyway...keep what I like, sell the rest.
 
tas237 said:
I've heard differing reports on the warranty. What you're saying though is that it's conditional?
Click to expand...

Nono, not conditional, but "repair" is a key point of contention, namely if the edge deforms or blows out a massive chip, they'll not replace the knife but rather grind it down and return it to you. You can browse the forum and elsewhere for instances of this, but in reality it only matters if your knife does suffer such damage. ESEE will send you a new knife without question (though the owners may post images of the blade and insinuate against your character). Buck & Gerber et al. will send you a new knife if they deem the damage due to defective manufacture. Bussekin will replace the knife if it is a current offering or if they have blanks in stock, otherwise they provide "shop credit". A lot of custom makers here will make you a new knife or refund your money. Honestly, with these warranties it is simply a matter of buying from a maker of good repute. Some folks are uber-BRKT, others have had very bad experiences. *shrug*

Since you seem well able to resell what you aren't happy with, I'd recommend buying at least TWO knives from different makers to compare, if you can afford it. Then take pictures and write up a comparison review to post here for all of us to enjoy :cool:[/QUOTE]
 
chiral.grolim said:
Since you seem well able to resell what you aren't happy with, I'd recommend buying at least TWO knives from different makers to compare, if you can afford it. Then take pictures and write up a comparison review to post here for all of us to enjoy :cool:
Click to expand...
An interesting idea. Holiday project perhaps.

Now, I just have to figure out which to compare & how to leave enough $$ to still get my fiddleback on Friday (it'll be a different size/class).
 
Last edited:
Have you ever seen or heard of Roselli knives. Not sure if the spelling is correct. But they are really nice high carbon fixed blade knives with scandi grinds. and birch wood handles. Less expensive than bark river too.They are very popular in the bushcraft community.
 
Last edited:
I've had several mini-FRs and I've used BRKT's CS for a damaged blade (a City Knife, not a mini-FR). I don't have any complaints at all. This was not a warranty issue since I damaged the blade. They did what I asked and repaired the blade of the knife I sent in. I didn't want a replacement, I just wanted that one repaired and sharpened. The mini-FR is a great small FB for outdoor use. I have a couple of Essentials from BRKT that are my everyday FBs so I sold off my last mini-FR.

A good competitor size-wise is Blind Horse's Brumby Lite. It'll be O1 (IIRC) instead of 3V. BHK does a really good job on their knives and this one seems to be really popular. Should also be a bit less $
 
I'll check out the Hess & Roselli knives.

I have a BHK GNS & Lil' Muk. Big fan of BHK here.

Thanks all.
 
I think MLL knives are great. Full custom at a good price point. Highlander from BRKT (just bought one for a retirement present). Fletcher knives are awesome!! The pro6-5 and operator 425 are sweet. Dylan Fletcher works out of the shop as Fiddleback Forge... His designs follow a different design school of thought than FBF but they (FBF and Fletcher knives) share the same build quality.
 
I got the Mini Fox River 3V, a custom job in desert ironwood and D2 from DuckChildress (here on BF), & a Fiddleback Forge Hunter (different size class I know).

Once they all arrive I may do a comparison review between the two smaller knives above and the BHK Lil' Muk.
 
:thumbup: Please do! If you don't mind, could you link the review here when it's ready so that those of us following can find it easily? And if you decide not to bother taing all that much time, care to post some comparison images for us to envy your selection? ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top