I went through this 'ultimate bushcraft knife' metamorphisis last Fall to the early part of this year. I had thought my ultimate 'woods bumming' knife was a Buck 110... and an old KaBar. Then, one day - I just upped and bought an 'Alaskan Guide' S30V variant - then the plain-Jane - Buck Vanguard. Fit my hand beautifully - great for bark removal, splitting, etc. Then I saw that Bayley Grylls used - hmmmm... then the price. Well, I went through a few more older Marbles - a nice Northwoods - an okay Benchmade Activator+... and (Fanfare, please!) - then -
Bark River.
I have a few 'custom knives' - but I believe a BRK&T example is so much like the best custom knives that they simply kill my interest in a custom knife. At my age, time is important... check around to find what you want in a Barkie - from stock. Find a boo-boo? Not sharp enough? Want different scales? send it in... you'll see it soon! Ordering a 'custom' knife may just tie up your money until next tax day.
Hey, the Fox River really is a fine 'bushcraft' knife. For smaller hands, with a tight grip, the North Star (Mine is an '07 LE - no tang/lanyard loop.) is great - centered point for most effective drilling. Bigger hands? The Gameskeeper is a keeper - all A2 convex ground - and no 'patina' yet on any of mine. Tiny hands or want a pocket-sheath-able variant? The Huntsman. I carry mine in a KSF pocket sheath with a flashlight.
Below (L-R) are the BM Activator; BR Huntsman, Fox River, Gameskeeper, North Star, & TUSK. Note: I like the most basic (cheapest) handle material - Micarta!
Of course, if you really want a 'custom' knife... nothing will satisfy that urge - but a custom knife!
Stainz