Look-a-like "fighters" but price is different

bladeprince

bladeprince

Joined
Jun 12, 2006
Messages
956
Which would you choose? Blade length of both is 7". Bark River is about $50 more. Is it worth the cost?

"Barkies" aren't a big topic on this forum so when I found the similarity between these 2 knives, I got curious as to what some of the edged weapons "students" might say. I've studied the art on and off for years as a hobby (and just in case). The Cold Steel R1 (military classic) is one of my favorites (which I own) and I'm thinking of adding the Socom (one can't have too may guns or knives).

Click on image to enlarge:

Cold Steel Military Classic (would get the old model in AUS-8A)
Cold Steel R1.jpg

or

Bark River Socom 7 (1095 steel)
Bark River Socom 7.jpg

Regards
 
I will always take a Barkie over a Cold Steal. (Yes, I DO know how Cold Steel is supposed to be spelled.) Bark River Knives ARE fantastic knives. i happen to LOVE that SOCOM 7.
 
I'd go with that Bark River any day. Never had any problems with their blades, although I've owned only a couple. On the other hand, I've owned a few Cold Steel blades, and most had some kind of issues, mostly lacking fit and finish and especially with their cheaper stuff, ridiculously bad factory edges. Besides, for a large knife, 1095 beats AUS-8A any day, unless you really just got to go stainless.
 
The Bark River is worth the extra fifty IMO, with regards to both the quality of the knife to the quality of the company. I am not a Cold Steel basher BTW, I just think very highly of Bark River overall.
 
if price is not an issue i would go for randall..if its for rough use i would get the cold steel..
 
The Bark River is only $50 more than the Cold Steel????

Go with the Bark River, definitely!
 
A Randall would be excellent, but there is a 5 year wait for an order. And yes, I DO know that they pop up at knife dealers. I know where 2 are at the moment.
 
Depends on environment and your ability to take care of your blade.I think the the BR is a better knife but the carbon steel could be tough to take care of in a rough environment. The CS is an acceptable knife and be lower maintenance but probably be tougher to sharpen. I would probably go with the Barkie myself worth the extra $50 to me
 
I would go with the BR just cause it is carbon steel. As for fit and finish on CS products I have never had issue with that and as for the blade edges being sharp, well I have had none sharper. But I just like carbon steel better than AUS8a. keepem sharp
 
As mentioned in my opening of this thread, I have the CS R1. It's a beautifully finished knife in AUS-8A, takes a razor edge, nicely balanced, and indexing with it is a breeze. On one of the Kelly Worden tapes I have, he thinks it's a fantastic "fighter" and highly recommends it. And for the price, I do too, I suppose (in AUS-8, not the San Mai).

But after seeing the Subcom, I just have to have one. I live in a dry climate (Colorado) so 1095 is no problem and therefore a plus. The handle is smaller on the Subcom and looks more ergonomic. I would like to know if anyone has held one and what they though about the feel.

Yes, the Randall Model 1 would be great but I can buy 3 very nice knives for the price on one Randall. It's out of my price range for now. The A.G Russell site says the Randall is made of 440A !! That can't be correct, is it?

On a side note, I'm patiently wait for the arrival or a new Bark River Sandstorm II with 5" blade. I've never had a knife with a sub-hilt so it should be interesting. I'm guessing it will replace my Al Mar Operator in that size. Here's a pic:

Click on image to enlarge:
BR Sandstorm II 2.jpg

Regards
 
I would much rather have the Bark River, although fighters are one of the few knives I don't mind going with lesser steels- the edge only needs to last the length of the fight, right? And what are the chances of using it anyway?

For $50, I'd still go Bark River- aside from the steel just overall higher quality (from my observations anyway).
 
The sheath is as important as the knife for defencive carry.
I wish all knives had muliple sheath opitions.
IWB/Belt depending on size, ankle and neck.

Cold steel is not bad but it's what you can't see under the handle that should consern you.
I'll give cold steel this.
They come sharp.
 
While I don't think the CS is a bad knife, clearly the Bark River is well worth the extra 50 bucks.
 
bladeprince said:
Yes, the Randall Model 1 would be great but I can buy 3 very nice knives for the price on one Randall. It's out of my price range for now. The A.G Russell site says the Randall is made of 440A !! That can't be correct, is it? :
View attachment 74121 Regards
Click to expand...

It is NOT correct, it was years ago but they switched to much better steel a long time ago. If you will send me a link I will correct it right away.

thanks
 
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