Looking for my first Barkie...

[RetiredGuns]

My Wife is regretting that I've gotten back into knives after 15 or so years of buying nothing. I've accumulated 5 Spydies, Benchmade, Kershaw and SOG in the last few months and now the damn fixed blade fever is kicking in. I already have plenty of large fixed blades and would like a smaller one for EDC and semi-hideaway. After think the Izula was the ticket I started looking at Barkies. I like the blades and ergos a lot. I "think" I have it narrowed down to 4 models as I want the blade under 3" for sure. It will be used for cutting open boxes, tape and other small tasks so it need not be ultra premium steel. I like the functionality of Kydex, but the looks of Leather so have to figure that out too.

- PSK Sandvik/Kydex

- Bumble Bee 52-100/Leather

-Micro Canadian A-2/Leather

- Necker Sandvik/Kydex

While I like the necker, I don't like the prices for the scales and I do want Micarta scales on my knife.

 

[Dag-nabit]

Between myself and my kids we have and use, PSK, Micro Cdn, and Pro Scalpel.

They are all very capable knives, and I find the ergos on all of them good. We use them for the tasks you have mentioned and whittling around the fire, etc.

As for which would be better for your needs, it is pretty tough to say, I think any one of them will work for you. The handle shape perhaps being the deciding factor, do you prefer defined finger sculpting, or straighter handles?

My experience with Bark River is that they are all very high quality knives. Buy the one that catches your eye the most and go from there.

Kevin

 

[RetiredGuns]

The handle shape perhaps being the deciding factor, do you prefer defined finger sculpting, or straighter handles?
Kevin

Thanks, I actually prefer a straighter handle. Does the PSK give sufficient handle length for a good grip?

 

[BigWhiteFord]

The PSK is a really tiny handle. I prefer my Little Creek, which is a three finger (or slightly more) handle, but feels great. Bravo Necker is an awesome knife, perfect size for EDC, but with having to buy the scales separately, then the leather sheath too, you're betting off getting the Little Creek, which is available with some beautiful wood handle choices.

I also EDC my Woodland Special, which has a 3" blade, but a full size handle. It fits in the KSF pocket sheath, and is JUST small enough to ride comfortably in my front pocket of my jeans without feeling uncomfortable. This is a knife that can handle any chore, from cutting string to cleaning game.

Check out the new Rising Wolf as well. It's like a slightly scaled up Little Creek. There's my 2 cents...

Mike

 

[Dag-nabit]

As stated, the PSK is a pretty small knife, with a shorter handle. great for pocket carry.

The pro scalpel has a longer, but slimmer handle. The newest models are just under 3" blade length.

The L'il Canadian is another of our favorites, but without confirming by measuring or checking specs, I'm pretty certain it is more than 3" blade length. (Edit 3.25")

Kevin


Pro Scalpel, And Tusk - The Green handled one is the newer style Pro Scalpel.

L'il Canadians

 

[RetiredGuns]

Hmm, now the tiny knives are giving me second thoughts. I've been carrying a custom Joe Hargis FB in 1095 and while it's a great little knife it is just a tad too small for some tasks. Maybe something with an overall length of 6-7" and a blade of 3" would do. I never knew that Bark River had so many choices! Those knives above are not only handy looking but beautiful to boot!

 

[Fascion]

I'm a big, big fan of the Pro-Scalpel II, but yea, if you prefer fixed blades with more of a straight spine, there are much better choices out there for you.

I've sent you an email to a link to one of the dealers. Not sure if you have checked this particular one out yet, but he has very useful photos of each model in-hand to better give you an idea of their scale. Hope that helps!

 

[RetiredGuns]

Thanks for the link, very helpful. The PSK must be so small that they didn't take a pic of it in hand!

 

[okbohn]

As stated, the PSK is a pretty small knife, with a shorter handle. great for pocket carry.

The pro scalpel has a longer, but slimmer handle. The newest models are just under 3" blade length.

The L'il Canadian is another of our favorites, but without confirming by measuring or checking specs, I'm pretty certain it is more than 3" blade length. (Edit 3.25")

Kevin


Pro Scalpel, And Tusk - The Green handled one is the newer style Pro Scalpel.

L'il Canadians

WOW, those are some pretty pics!

 

[Col. Cornelius]

Another model you might consider is the IMP. It has a small, stout blade of A2 steel and is easy to pocket carry.

I have one (it was my first Barkie) and just love it.

The handles fit my hands better than most knives. For some reason, I even like the handle better than my Fox River. It's just a great knife.

 

[lachy]

Those lil' Canadians look nice!

 

[Stainz]

If you like the straight Wharncliffe type edge, consider the T.U.S.K. - or the smaller version. The Huntsman is really nice, and it's .187" thick A2 blade is stout, for a shorter blade. The Huntsman is the 2nd from left below - the T.U.S.K. is at the far right.

As you can see, I buy the 'user' handled versions - G10 or Micarta. The blades are all the same - and the convex edge is deceptively sharp. My rationale for buying the less expensive handles was verified when I bought a bocote handled Boone - it is too pretty to use! Nice knives!

Stainz

 

[stoffi]

I'm gonna have to say: go with the Necker. It'll cost ya' to get it up to speed, but once you've paid it in full, you'll have a really sweet little blade, which you can always carry with you — and it delivers!

 

[LaBella]

Nice Barkies! WOW

Regards

Ron LaBella

 

[dangreco]

I'd go for the Woodland special , or the new Rising Wolf, absolutely perfect. Pro Scalpel also great.