help on picking new fixed blade: brkt northstar?

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modalnot

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Aug 26, 2006
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I am looking at purchasing new fixed knife with sharpened blade edge just under 4" to comply with local laws. Usage is as general outdoor knife for New England: hiking,backpacking. I am leaning to brkt northstar (without out size restriction would be looking at aurora), and this would be my first bark river.

From the pics, i like the drop point blade shape and convex grind. From what i have read it seems like this will do more than i need and is easy to keep sharp (and i am no expert :o ). I have medium hands and knives that are comfortable to hold are SAK huntsman, Mora S-1, opinel #8, buck 110fg. The handle on a full size griptillion folder is too thin and tall for comfort.

Does anybody have the northstar and any of the above for comparison ? Any thoughts on difference between Carbon Fiber and G-10 handles ?

Is there anything else that I should be considering that costs less?

thanks.
 
The Northstar is a good knife, after having it awhile it wasn't the knife for me personally, but the quality was great.

You would be hard pressed to beat Charles May for quality and price, I own 2 and have a 3rd ordered.

Holt Collier Special and FireAnt
HoltFireant-1.jpg


His work is flawless and hsi D2 blades hold their edge great.
 
I have (or had) all the above except the Mora. The SAK Huntsman is my EDC.

The BRKT Northstar is one of my favorite fixed blades. Very comfortable, very sharp, easy to keep that way. If you're comfortable with the SAK, you should be fine with the Northstar.

Regarding carbon vs. G10: take your pick. The micartas, G10, fibermascus (including the carbon) are all pretty much the same for feel and durability. Pick the one that looks good to you, and enjoy it. For me, it's the black and green linen.

Charles May also makes a very fine knife.


p.s. Regarding the size restrictions: Mike Stewart will modifiy his BRKT knives to fit New England size restrictions. He has done this for several people. Google Bark River Knives and give him a call. He and the crew are very friendly and helpful!
 
I have the BRKT Fox River, which is quite similar to the Northstar. It has served me quite well. I can recommend BRKT knives without reservation.
 
I have a BRKT Gameskeeper, and really like it. I also have a couple of Charlie May knives, and they are awesome, great fit and finish, really hold an edge, and Charlie May is a class act to deal with.
 
Thsoe Charles May knives look good but I don't have any yet.That said you can't go wrong with Bark River.I own several and like them all.
 
Northstar is a great knife. works well beyond it's size, cuts like mad and it's hellbent for stout. Also extremely light if you get it with Maple Burl handle. (the handle scales really do make a dramatic difference) Can't go wrong with one, IMHO

If you're seriously a bit challenged by the sharpener and not just being modest I'd suggest that you look into some of the Helle knives. The laminated stainless outer core is very, very easy to sharpen, and holds an edge forever. Last fall my buddy used a Helle he'd gotten off of me to clean two moose without ever resharpening it.

Overall, I think that would be my biggest concern with the Northstar is the learning curve required with the convex edge. Scandi edges are incredibly easy to sharpen. My nine year old makes his Helle pop hair in just a few minutes.

Here's some pics of my own Helle's and Bark Rivers:

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/karieann69/detail?.dir=2681&.dnm=8789scd.jpg
 
Just in case it matters to you, the Northstar is more of a spearpoint. I believe the Fox River is the drop point equivalent knife- ypu really can't go wrong with either one. Follow Mike's very simple directions and you will see that sharpening convex is no problem- it's actually easier (for me, anyway) than a V. They come very sharp as well, so if you keep the edge up, you may never have to actually "sharpen" it.
 
I recommend the Northstar--it will fit your hand well. It is very easy to keep sharp. The fit and finish on all the BRKT stuff is outstanding.

You can be as exotic as you want on your handle choice too!
 
The Northstar is a great little knife. Very well made and came extremely sharp! Didn't fit well into my hand. However, that's a personal thing....Would recommend the knife, though.

Can't personally recommend Charles May, but everytime I see one I get the same feeling as when I see a Dozier - I want one.:thumbup: Have 3 Doziers and recommend them highly.
 
thanks for the responses (and corrections :) ) i guess i meant a spear pt.

Ill give bark river a call and see what they suggest for local law complience and scale weights, and even sharpening. Also, Im wondering if a modified aurora might be a better choice than northstar.

I have the laminated mora blade, and while not that much experience, not a big fan so far.
 
I got a North Star with tigerstripe handle, and liked it so much that I got a second one for backup in blue G-10. I use it for general outdoors - backpacking, camping, etc. It has earned a permanent place in my pack. On long trips all you need to bring is a leather strop for sharpening. Very good performance.
 
I've had a Northstar with G10 scales for about a year. It's a great knife if it fits your hand, but I would really recommend trying to handle one before buying. It feels very insecure to me (and I'm very comfortable with guardless Moras, etc.). Just my preference - Barkies are great knives. The similar size knife that I love is the Grohmann #3 in flat grind (I have the stainless, but available in carbon). It's also a spearpoint, but with an upward sweep, rather than downward like the NS, and lighter. Very secure, comfortable handle, available in rosewood, laminated wood, micarta, or horn. I'm not familiar with the NE restrictions, so can't comment there.
 
update: I called Bark River and they can modify a knife to meet local law restrictions either by shortening blade or if i understood properly, using longer scales for more coverage approaching the heel. Forgot to ask about sharpening.

Her [gu]estimatation is that Northstars are expected to be back in production in around 3 months. There will be a price increase as steel is going up.

The lightest scales are, understandibly enough, bamboo.
 
Is the northstar discontinued? I cant find it for sale anywhere. ANybody know where I could find one?
 
If you go to there web site, it is still listed as being in production.
Last i talked to them, they are still planning a new run.
 
If you can't wait, take a look at the Highland Special, Fox River, Montana and mini-Montana guides. All are very similar. You can;t go wrong with a Bark River.
 
modalnot said:
. . . Also, Im wondering if a modified aurora might be a better choice than northstar.

. . .
Click to expand...

From what I understand, the Aurora's design came about as a "largish" alternative to the NS with a more versatile handle to aid better in gripping to shape/carve/craft wood for "bushcraft" chores.
 
What about the Nebula, seems to be a nice bushcraft BRKT offering scandi grind.
 
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