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http://outdoorsurvivalmagazine.com/?p=29
Here is a review I did on the Liten Bror by Bark River Knife and Tool. The full review with pictures can be found on the link above.
Bark River Liten Bror Review
4″
It is the average size of a belt knife in most woodsmans trios of tools. This of course comes from no scientific research or statistical analysis. This observation comes from years of working in the outdoors and witnessing what works and what doesnt, what is popular and what isnt and what is necessary and what is purely complimentary. I have long asserted a 4″ belt knife is all I need in the woods. Now a slightly shorter blade has peaked my interest, the Bark River Knife and Tool Liten Bror. Would it hold up to my challenges? Can it perform all the tasks a 4″ blade could? Was it too short to be useful? All these questions would be answered in a real test of field worthiness, a winter camping trip in the Northern Woods of New York.
To start off, here are the Liten Bror Stats.
Steel: CPM 3V @ 58rc
Overall Length: 8.125″ (206.4mm)
Blade Length: 3.775″ (95.88mm)
Blade Thickness: .156″ (3.96mm)
Weight: 5.125 ounces (145.3 grams)
Handle Material: Black Linen Micarta
As a standard, I will relate my experiences to a familiar knife, the Bark River Knife and Tool Fox River. The Fox River was chosen by Marty Simon for the official Wilderness Learning Center Knife years ago for its strength, edge retention, comfort in the hand and overall usefulness in size.
While the Liten Bror isnt A2, it is the popular crucible steel CPM 3V made famous by other makers marketing high speed blades and wild designs. The Liten Bror looks like an average blade of spearpoint design. It does have a different shape than the Fox River (Spear vs. Drop Point) leading to many arguments about which is better. The handle is also very different but the length is approximately the same. Both knives carry lifetime warranties that follow the blade not the original user and both are excellent woodsmans blades. I can compare the two all day but this review is about the new so less focus will be placed on my old trusty companion WLC Fox River School Knife.
When the blade first arrived from BRKT, I was impressed with the size. Originally marketed as a scaled down Aurora blade, the Liten Bror is no small fry. It is a sizeable blade. The modified Scandinavian edge was razor sharp of course and the handles were nicely finished. The sheath is one of the standard Sharpshooter Sheath Systems sheaths with firesteel loop. I played with the knife daily leading up to the trip putting it to simple tests before the backwoods challenge. I used it in the kitchen, opened mail and did all the sorts of tests some people are satisfied with. I dont think a woods knife should be tested at home. The weekend was finally here and I took it to the woods.
During the course of the weekend winter camping trip, I used the Liten Bror for many reality based tests. I prepped fuzz sticks to get my box stove going. I split countless rounds of hardwoods including seasoned maple, beech and hickory. In fact, all the wood burned in my box stove for the weekend was processed by the Liten Bror. After all the battoning. The knife showed little wear. The only flaw, towards the tip a slight bur was noticeable. Perhaps I sent the blade through a section of tree retaining dirt or debris as this has caused blade damage for me in the past before. The 3V held out fine! Despite cold weather, the blade acted fine. Also to be noted, the 3V steel demonstrated remarkable rust resistance.
Temperatures fluctuated from cold to warmer and cold again. Condensation, snow and sweat left little signs on the blade. Even after stirring different liquids like coffee, vitamin C supplements and other beverages of varying ph levels, the blade looked as good as the day it came out of the box. Despite the sub 4″ blade, it handled larger rounds of wood fine and despite the recommendation not to do this, I decided to test tip strength by twisting apart the rounds and prying them into two. Again, no damage noticeable.
Unlike popular Blade magazines, I do want to make one suggestion or piece of constructive criticism. I understand the interest to make a mini-Aurora blade. I like the way this knife handled and can say it would make an excellent choice for someone looking for a smaller blade. However, with the added length of less than a half inch to the blade, I would have no trouble replacing my trusty Fox River. After using many 4″ blades, it is hard to break the habits. It is also hard to untrain or learn another knife of a different length. When snap cutting, I missed a couple times with this blade because I cut small branches with a blade that wasnt there. If you believe the Aurora is too big and the Liten Bror is just a bit small, well Goldy Locks would say the next blade found somewhere in the middle would be just right! Im with her on this one. BRKT, please make a 4″ bladed version of this!
Ill continue to use the Liten Bror and I see it fitting in well with my other blades. It is light, capable and reliable under many conditions. Should you prefer slightly shorter blades, this one might be for you. The shorter blade will challenge you to do more with less and may make you rethink your blade needs. It held up to all I could throw at it and passed my tests. I dont think it will fail at any of yours.
Kevin J. Estela
Here is a review I did on the Liten Bror by Bark River Knife and Tool. The full review with pictures can be found on the link above.
Bark River Liten Bror Review
4″
It is the average size of a belt knife in most woodsmans trios of tools. This of course comes from no scientific research or statistical analysis. This observation comes from years of working in the outdoors and witnessing what works and what doesnt, what is popular and what isnt and what is necessary and what is purely complimentary. I have long asserted a 4″ belt knife is all I need in the woods. Now a slightly shorter blade has peaked my interest, the Bark River Knife and Tool Liten Bror. Would it hold up to my challenges? Can it perform all the tasks a 4″ blade could? Was it too short to be useful? All these questions would be answered in a real test of field worthiness, a winter camping trip in the Northern Woods of New York.
To start off, here are the Liten Bror Stats.
Steel: CPM 3V @ 58rc
Overall Length: 8.125″ (206.4mm)
Blade Length: 3.775″ (95.88mm)
Blade Thickness: .156″ (3.96mm)
Weight: 5.125 ounces (145.3 grams)
Handle Material: Black Linen Micarta
As a standard, I will relate my experiences to a familiar knife, the Bark River Knife and Tool Fox River. The Fox River was chosen by Marty Simon for the official Wilderness Learning Center Knife years ago for its strength, edge retention, comfort in the hand and overall usefulness in size.
While the Liten Bror isnt A2, it is the popular crucible steel CPM 3V made famous by other makers marketing high speed blades and wild designs. The Liten Bror looks like an average blade of spearpoint design. It does have a different shape than the Fox River (Spear vs. Drop Point) leading to many arguments about which is better. The handle is also very different but the length is approximately the same. Both knives carry lifetime warranties that follow the blade not the original user and both are excellent woodsmans blades. I can compare the two all day but this review is about the new so less focus will be placed on my old trusty companion WLC Fox River School Knife.
When the blade first arrived from BRKT, I was impressed with the size. Originally marketed as a scaled down Aurora blade, the Liten Bror is no small fry. It is a sizeable blade. The modified Scandinavian edge was razor sharp of course and the handles were nicely finished. The sheath is one of the standard Sharpshooter Sheath Systems sheaths with firesteel loop. I played with the knife daily leading up to the trip putting it to simple tests before the backwoods challenge. I used it in the kitchen, opened mail and did all the sorts of tests some people are satisfied with. I dont think a woods knife should be tested at home. The weekend was finally here and I took it to the woods.
During the course of the weekend winter camping trip, I used the Liten Bror for many reality based tests. I prepped fuzz sticks to get my box stove going. I split countless rounds of hardwoods including seasoned maple, beech and hickory. In fact, all the wood burned in my box stove for the weekend was processed by the Liten Bror. After all the battoning. The knife showed little wear. The only flaw, towards the tip a slight bur was noticeable. Perhaps I sent the blade through a section of tree retaining dirt or debris as this has caused blade damage for me in the past before. The 3V held out fine! Despite cold weather, the blade acted fine. Also to be noted, the 3V steel demonstrated remarkable rust resistance.
Temperatures fluctuated from cold to warmer and cold again. Condensation, snow and sweat left little signs on the blade. Even after stirring different liquids like coffee, vitamin C supplements and other beverages of varying ph levels, the blade looked as good as the day it came out of the box. Despite the sub 4″ blade, it handled larger rounds of wood fine and despite the recommendation not to do this, I decided to test tip strength by twisting apart the rounds and prying them into two. Again, no damage noticeable.
Unlike popular Blade magazines, I do want to make one suggestion or piece of constructive criticism. I understand the interest to make a mini-Aurora blade. I like the way this knife handled and can say it would make an excellent choice for someone looking for a smaller blade. However, with the added length of less than a half inch to the blade, I would have no trouble replacing my trusty Fox River. After using many 4″ blades, it is hard to break the habits. It is also hard to untrain or learn another knife of a different length. When snap cutting, I missed a couple times with this blade because I cut small branches with a blade that wasnt there. If you believe the Aurora is too big and the Liten Bror is just a bit small, well Goldy Locks would say the next blade found somewhere in the middle would be just right! Im with her on this one. BRKT, please make a 4″ bladed version of this!
Ill continue to use the Liten Bror and I see it fitting in well with my other blades. It is light, capable and reliable under many conditions. Should you prefer slightly shorter blades, this one might be for you. The shorter blade will challenge you to do more with less and may make you rethink your blade needs. It held up to all I could throw at it and passed my tests. I dont think it will fail at any of yours.
Kevin J. Estela
