Ok its story time,
So some time ago it a not so distant place I became all sorts of enthralled with the convex edge. I naturally found Bark River Knife and Tool. I found all these options and styles, super steels nice sheaths and thought I had died and landed in the land of knife heaven.
I bought my first, a BRKT Aurora. What a cool blade. Held a great edge, sharpened easily, comfortable, fit and finish was fine. Over use however I kept chipping the edge near the tip, it was always in the same spot. After this happened for the third time I realized the sheath was allowing the blade to hit a grommet. Ahhhh….. things happen and Mike sent off a new sheath, all seams well. This knife is really one of my greats.
In the mean time I found BRKT on Knife forums. I thought, ok knife heaven and this is like the Internet café of knife heaven… all must be well. All these fellows to interact with whom also loved the convex Bark River.
I wanted something a little smaller, something different. I then bought a 3V Little Canadian. It came sharp enough to cut butter. It sharpened up, but through use I decided the knife wasn’t for me, the handle just didn’t like me. We parted ways with little loss. No biggie in all truthfulness it was the design that didn’t mesh with me, the knife itself was perfect.
So meanwhile back on the forums I had heard some things about the A2 Gunny. By this time I had learned while things were a little different over in the café, life was still good. I noticed Mike seemed to be very opinionated about his knifes, how they were to be used, how they were built and made it quite clear he didn’t care what others thought. I did notice there was a very click’ish feeling to things. Mind you, everyone is helpful and otherwise nice. You know the song and dance; most forums have some version of a cheerleading squad.
So I settled on the Gunny. Waited a bit but it finally showed just before a trip as I had planned. Showed up on the dull side of life. A little stropping brought out a real sharp edge. In my eagerness, I had to start cutting something. I had a piece of pine near the fireplace and started letting her rip. Slowly it wouldn’t bite and I found the following:
Ok by this point I was a little fired up. Brand-new knife all sorts of @#$%ed up.
So I jump on to the old forum and let them know what had happened. I noted that I was pissed and disappointed with what had happened. Posted the exact same pictures you see above. Finished packing went to bed.
The next day I jumped back on just to see what had drummed up. As I logged on it felt like three guys threw a hood over my head, clubbed me and dragged what was left to a nearby alley. Seriously what the $&#$% is going on. I had like 14 private messages, I go to the thread and find these condescending messages from the ringleader Mike Stewart himself. How dare I placard photos of an obviously abused knife all over his forum, I was told I had taken the knife to a grinder. Meanwhile I was waiting for my doorbell to and open to find a smoldering pile of poo.
Once Mike had become engaged most of the loyal followers chastised me for not keeping the matter private and for posting pictures. Mike played the victim noting the pictures embarrassed him. The real bizarre part came next; some of the private messages were other members who were coming out against Mike. They were too scared to say anything on the thread. It was like a group of battered wives, “I had that once too.” “Sometimes Mike can be like that, but he’s really a good guy.” “You know this will blow over soon.”
It was off the hook. So less then 24 hours later, the thread was locked, then moved to archives, and then deleted. It never existed.
I was never banned, but might as well have been.
So I ended up returning the knife, I could only get credit towards another Bark River and ended up with the 3V Liten Bror.
I found myself in a weird spot. I really like the two I have, never sold them, but I feel all dirty every time this story comes up. I really like the knives, I have nothing good to say about Mike. These stories I hear about how he can be so viral tend to resonate with me.
So I am at a point where I still love convex edges, I just want to find a new place to give my business.
There it is, take it for what you want.
