Help me pick a PSK

Buffalohump

Buffalohump

Joined
Sep 7, 2006
Messages
6,214
hey guys,

Decided a while back to get a little fixed blade that I can tote with ease.

Narrowed my choices down to two well-known options:

The Gossman PSK
The Bark River PSK

Way I see it the Barkie is more a bit more refined, has a 'proper' handle, more rust resistant steel. It comes with a kydex sheath.

The Gossman is beefier and possibly can do more in pinch, has a more rudimentary handle and more high maintenance steel. Comes with a kydex sheath.

The Gossman, however, costs less than the Barkie. Always a factor : )

What I'd like to hear is user experiences from people who have had one or both of these fine knives to help me decide.

Thanks!
 
I have both, really not anything alike except the common name. The Gossman is heavier and thicker. The Bark is diminutive in comparison. The Bark is s/s, the GM is 01. The Bark weights in at 1.60 oz, the GM is 2.90 oz. excluding sheaths. The Bark may have the edge on handle comfort unless you have Scott set it up with micarta scales, however this may put you over the top in the cost department. You will feel the GM in neck carry, you will never know the Bark is there. If I were to beat on one of these and expect it to hold up, it would be the GM. The Bark would win the tomato slicing contest, the GM would win the baton contest. Pictures always help, so here are a few comparison shots.


 
Well, I couldn't ask for a more comprehensive comparison than that....Muchas gracias!

I want to wear it around my neck so the Barkie is ahead right now...

That could change though :D
 
I'm a fan of both, but I don't own this particular barkie. If you've got no Gossman, get Gossman.
 
Buffahump (I shorten everyone's names here as you probably noticed),

I LOVE my one-of-a-kind Gossman PSK Jr, with micarta handles done by Greg in CT, in the JRE Industries leather sheath.

Here's a pic outside:
PICT0007-2.jpg


Overexposed, but in sheath on my waist:
PSKBelt1.jpg


Here it is between a Large Tiger Knapp and SAK Rucksack:
PICT0005-3.jpg


And a nice, clean pic of it by Kevin Estela:
PSKJR-1.jpg


Also, Brett (bdws1975 on the forum here) put his Gossman PSK through some batoning, wood splitting, and general abuse, and the knife scoffed at the punishment saying, "Is that all ya got?" Here's the vid. You'll probably be convinced to go Gossman after watching this:

[youtube]ZCdOwxknSOw[/youtube]

Gossman is 100% handmade by Scott, who has excellent customer service, stands 100% by his product, and is a big contributor and friend to us here in W&SS. Barkies are production, although I'd say semi-custom because of the quality, and there's a bit of hand finishing involved. Bottom line is, either knife will serve you extremely well. :thumbup:
 
Brian,

Thanks for the in-put.

That version of the PSK is the best I've seen for sure. However, I would have to go with the more pedestrian cord-wrapped version.

I will definitely check that video out :thumbup:

Mark
 
I really love my Barkies....I ditched the kydex that comes with the PSK and picked up a matching leather. just a tid bit info on the LMF steel I used factory cord but removed the plastic snap lock and use a cord lock and draw it tight so after wear on the firesteel it will never actually fall out !
IMG_1464.jpg

IMG_1463.jpg
 
Thanks, mine too ! but my Son has the Northar w/ G10 yellow scale w/matching firesteel & Mikro Canadian black micarta
IMG_1401.jpg

IMG_1351.jpg
 
I wouldn't even hesitate to pick the Gossman over the Barkie, small blades are cute but you have to ask what would you maybe need them to do in a tight spot and when you ask that you realise that some are a little too small to really be of value. I think the Gossman is the minimum size I would trust and I believe Scott must have gone through the same thought process when he designed it as he hit the nail on the head first time !!!
 
i own both... and you can't go wron with either one... both great cuting tools for their size...:thumbup:
IMG_1799.jpg

IMG_1784.jpg
 
I'll add that the Barkie is more of a backup, that's its designed role, and so is the Gossman, but the GM could easily be used as a primary blade, its just that much more knife when you only have one, if that makes any sense. The Barkie is a wonderful and capable knife however, guess that explains why I have both:D
 
the gossman looks great, how big is it? no info on the website
price range? sheath?

thanks!
Maxx
 
hey max:

6 OAL, 1/8" O1 steel, 2.5 inch cutting area, 1 inch wide.

it's the best small knife I've ever h ad the pleasure of owning.

I wouldn't hesitate for a minute to trust my safety with it.

great knife!!!!

Brett
 
sure Brian:

PSK sr is
O1 steel, 1 inch wide, 1/8in thick stock, 8.5 inches with a 4 inch blade.

i got the micarta version and it's hanging around my neck right now.

I plan to do a video on it very soon. I'm also getting ready to send it for a sweet sheath. Probably JRE.

A GREAT KNIFE!!

here's a pic:

psksr001.jpg


Scott makes fantastic knives.

Enjoy,
Brett
 
I don't own the Gossman, but I've heard nothing but great things about his blades. I do have a BRKT PSK. It may be small, but it cuts like a much larger blade. You know what they say, dynamite comes in small packages.:D

DSC00303.jpg


DSC00313.jpg
 
DRMUDD said:
I don't own the Gossman, but I've heard nothing but great things about his blades. I do have a BRKT PSK. It may be small, but it cuts like a much larger blade. You know what they say, dynamite comes in small packages.:D

DSC00303.jpg


DSC00313.jpg
Click to expand...

that is a really nice little blade. Might have to pick one up.

Brett
 
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