First EDC Bark River!?

A

arnisb

Joined
Feb 23, 2007
Messages
153
Greetings from Latvia !

I have many folding knives -about 50, but now I wish to acquire my first Bark River knife - a small fixed blade for EDC. I live in big city Riga and this would suit my purpose. Maximum blade length is 3.5 inches (minimal 2.8) and I can afford pay up to $170 USD. I can not examine the goods in reality and will be buying using my intuition.

I have an average hand size - please recommend an appropriate model for my consideration. An attachment with a photo would be appreciated!

Thanks!
Arnis
 
I had a Mini Canadian for several years, and was quite pleased with it for pocket carry. It is very robust, but appropriate for carrying in "civilization."
 
I just got the Bravo Necker with optional handle scales and firesteel, for around $120. -great knife, and after a little stropping it quickly became the sharpest blade I've ever held. Shaves better than my Mach III razor. -Guess it is close to your minimal blade size though.

I'm at work right now so sorry I can't post pics until later...
 
huugh said:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=697991
Click to expand...

Arnisb,

There are a few BRKT haters around on this forum. If you do a quick search you will find a complaint about any manufacturer of knives out there.
The overwhelming feedback about BRKT and their customer service from people who use their knives is very positive. Buy with confidence.

A Mini Canadian, Little Creek, or Mini Northstar would all be knives to consider.
 
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Good god people. Take it to TGTBTU.

I recommend the IMP.

DSC02859.jpg


Andy
 
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Okey: +3 for mini Canadian and Little Creek, +2 mini Northstar
What You think about Lil Canadian?
I don't know this steel- 3V !?
 
kycolonel said:
Arnisb,

There are a few BRKT haters around on this forum. If you do a quick search you will find a complaint about any manufacturer of knives out there.
The overwhelming feedback about BRKT and their customer service from people who use their knives is very positive. Buy with confidence.

A Mini Canadian, Little Creek, or Mini Northstar would all be knives to consider.
Click to expand...

Kycolonel, you are wrong. It is not positive.

Arnsib, I say, do not buy before you read some of the feedback. Then you can make your own judgement on whether you can "buy with confidence" or not.
 
The Lil Canadian is CPM3V, and would also be an excellent choice for EDC in the size range you are seeking. Best of luck in your search. You really can't go wrong with any of the models mentioned.
 
I am very pleased with every Bark River knife I own, and have found the customer service provided by Bark River, and every one of their distributors to be top notch. They are equaled by some, but you would be hard pressed to find better.

There are probably at least a dozen BRKT knives that fit the sizing identified by the OP. Here are a few that could be considered. Some are slightly larger or smaller, but all are close to blade length requested.

Lil Canadian 3.25
Bumble Bee 2.35
Colonial Patch 3.25
Pro Drop Point 2.25
Custom Semi Skinner 3.25
Imp 2.5
Mini Canadian 2.2
Gunny 3.75 (this would be pretty big for EDC in a big city)
Mini Northstar 3.4
Pro Scalpel 2.875
Micro Tusk 2.3
PSK 2.175
Etc, etc, etc

Colonial Patch
BRKT-ColonialPatch-Purpleandteal-8.jpg


Lil Canadian
BRKT-3LilCanadians-2.jpg


Pro Scalpel and Lil Tusk
BRKTProScalpelandTUSK-6.jpg


Fingerling
BRKT-Fingerling-DIBTurquoise-1.jpg


Little Creek
BRKT-LittleCreek-DIB-1.jpg


Gunny
BRKT-4GunnySalute-2.jpg


Woodland Special
BRKT-WoodlandSpecial-DIB-1.jpg


Kevin
 
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arnisb said:
Okey: +3 for mini Canadian and Little Creek, +2 mini Northstar
What You think about Lil Canadian?
I don't know this steel- 3V !?
Click to expand...

I bought Lil Canadian's for myself and both my daughters. We haven't had the opportunity to use them very much so I can't really comment on the CPM 3V as yet. It sharpens up real nice and the little we have used them, it seems to hold an edge well.

Personally, I like the styling of this knife and find it comfortable in the hand.

I would say it is certainly worthy of consideration, and it fits nicely within your sizing specifications.

Kevin
 
I only have seven Bark River Knives. I would say they are affordable, low production, custom knives. I suppose a 'bad' one sneaks through on occasion - but not in my sampling. Mine are perfect - and I buy the least expensive - sometimes closeout priced handles ((Natural canvas Micarta, G10, etc.). The quality of the blades, and my preference is for A-2 steel, is the same regardless of the handle material. Mine are users all.

My Barkie bought for pocket carry is the Huntsman, but it's handle is barely acceptable in size to my medium+ sized hands. I don't believe it is currently available, either. One that seems to be of limited availability that is a bit larger gripped - and a totally different handle - is the T.U.S.K. - with it's 2.9" Wharncliffe/Sheepsfoot-styled blade of A-2 - with thumb notching/jimping on the spine just ahead of the handle. Great for medium-scale plus carving - and utility use.

IMG_0467_edited.jpg


Going from left to right above: Benchmade 201 Activator+; Bark River Fox River; Huntsman; Gameskeeper; LE North Star; and T.U.S.K.. Not shown are my Boone and Journeyman, the latter being another interesting EDC choice.

My first Benchmade was a 551 Griptillian folder, followed some years later by the 201 above. Both came very dull - I was disappointed - but such things happen - and I persevered. I bought nine more Benchmades already this year - and they, like the other two, were mechanically perfect - great construction quality... and they all came sharp! Give Bark River Knives a try - you'll likely be well-pleased.

Merry Christmas!

Stainz
 
+1 on the Little Creek. It is the only knife I have ever considered owning two of!

Woodland Special, or if you can get your hands on a Kephart Companion, would also be good choices...
 
Well so far I own five Barkies. Very happy with all of 'em! Two of my smaller favorites are #1. Mini NorthStar. #2. Mini Canadian. Really, really like my Mini NorthStar! One day soon (I hope) gonna get a Lil' Canadian. Good luck! Join the Bark side!
 
arnisb, have you looked at the offerings by custom makers here? Many meet your financial point, and I would guess that a lot of the custom made knives are at least as good quality, if not better, than Bark River's factory made knives.
 
huugh said:
Kycolonel, you are wrong. It is not positive.
Click to expand...
Actually, you are wrong, Huugh. :rolleyes:

There are a number of people who have critisized BRKT for certain buisness practices. However, few people critisize their products or customer service. I have seen only a very tiny percent of the people here on the forum (including me) who have actually bought BRKT knifes who were not pleased with them.

Getting back to the OP's question, BRKT makes a number of small EDC worth knives. The PSK, Imp, and Mini Canadian are all worth a look.
 
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