Narrowing down: Anza or Bark River?

F

Foilist

Joined
Dec 20, 2004
Messages
3,863
This is a more specific follow up to my "Suggest a $50 fixed blade" thread. I'm nearly ready to choose a small $50 or so 3" fixed blade for every day utility and light camping use. I can't decide between the Bark River Mikro Canadian or several of the smaller Anzas. The Mikro is neat, and pleasing to my eye, but is it too small?
 
For me personally, yes, but the Mini-Can is just right!!!!! So far I haven't found a knife that would have been able to displace the mini-Can in my EDC rotation.
 
As a user knife the Anza is by far the better choice I have several of them. If you want to use the knife have something that you can sharpen fast and with almost anything and if you want something strong and reliable then the Anza is the one. You never hear any negative comments about Anza.

I am an Anza fan because of having them and using. I have gotten to know the owner and he has made several custom models for my martial arts students and everyone of them raves about the knife.

To be honest bark river is a nice knife and a lot of people like them. The owner is a great guy but its your knife and that is what counts most.
 
Given those two choices, you can't go wrong with either. The Anzas are less expensive but not as finely finished - simplicity at it's best.

If seriously considering an Anza, you should contact them first about having your knife customized. They can replace the phony laminate handles with real wood or other natural materials. That alone would significantly narrow the "class gap" between Anza and Bark River. Anza can provide a list of available materials and prices. They've always responded very promptly to e-mails and are very easy to work with.

Best Wishes,
-Bob
 
Both are good knives. The Bark River knives are nice knives...but, I'm very happy with my ANZA's.

Here are a couple that Charlie Davis customized for very reasonable $$...

35jmk9f.jpg


33tjpl5.jpg


Bill

P.S.
I almost forgot...my avatar is currently an ANZA. Not afilliated in any way.
 
Hurray for Anza photos! Bark River knife photos can be found anywhere, but photos showing Anza's potential are less common. Here are my Anza knives, both custom designs:

2Anza1-3.jpg


AnzaCustom.jpg


-Bob
 
My vote would be for the Bark River knife, either the mikro- or mini-Canadian. Both are excellent knife, very well made, real workers that cut bigger than they are.

The mikro- is a three finger handle, the Mini- is a four finger handle.

Cheers!
 
Thanks for the opinions. If I go for the Bark River, it will be the Mini Canadian rather than the Mikro. I found one in curly maple for $66.

The Anzas I like are the models F-1, F-2, 109 and 404. I hadn't really considered having one customized, but that's worth looking into.
 
I went ahead and ordered the Bark River Mini Canadian in curly maple. I decided that I just found it more pleasing to the eye than the Anzas, most of which did not have the blade shape I want in the size I want.

I may also get one of those Russell Woodswalker pocket sheaths for it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top