Northwoods Fixed Blade Knives.

[MercyfulfateXX]

Good evening Gents, (and possibly Ladies)



Not sure how much this has been discussed but I was browsing over at KSF and was looking at them. I don't normally get that overly exciting feeling (maybe the jitters) if you will over another new kind of knife (allthough it is a fixed blade) but these Northwoods fixed blades are really nice looking as well as the specs being sweet as well. Anyone bought one yet? The Carbon Fiber bolsters add a nice zing to them.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

I saw one in the what're you carrying thread today. It looked great. Watched both of Derricks' videos, and ApostleP's. Very promising so far.

It's funny because there's been almost no buzz at all for these when any of the Northwoods folders get their own thread right away.

I gave into temptation and ordered a maroon linen micarta version. It's extremely hard to resist the Northwoods stamp, regardless of who they get to make it.

I will update once it arrives, and hope to see more posts on the Iron River as they make their way into more hands on the porch

 

[okbohn]

I'm pretty happy with mine.

 

[Jack Black]

I had a good look at these yesterday, really nice work :thumbup:

 

[okbohn]

People seem to like MY design.

[video=youtube;TEJleGO5HQ4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEJleGO5HQ4[/video]

 

[BladeCommander]

Love that video. Hilarious

 

[MercyfulfateXX]

I saw one in the what're you carrying thread today. It looked great. Watched both of Derricks' videos, and ApostleP's. Very promising so far.

It's funny because there's been almost no buzz at all for these when any of the Northwoods folders get their own thread right away.

I gave into temptation and ordered a maroon linen micarta version. It's extremely hard to resist the Northwoods stamp, regardless of who they get to make it.

I will update once it arrives, and hope to see more posts on the Iron River as they make their way into more hands on the porch

please do, im going to go ahead and get one. they look really nice and well built.

Great idea Mr, Bohn!

 

[Jsega51]

I'm not crazy about the knife but it's good to see that a nicer style sheath was made for these. The standard bark river sheaths for the smaller knives weren't that great.

example:

 

[r redden]

Derrick that knife is cool but that is definitely the nicest video you have ever designed. :thumbup: PS. where's my twenty?

 

[Ryouchijtx]

Not a huge fan of this one to be quite honest.

Northwoods has always struck me as a traditional lineup from original owner Dave Shirley. These fixed blades strike me as just another Bark River knife with a Northwoods stamp on it..
and the same variety of handle materials they usually offer alongside all their offerings. (C-tek, Carbon Fiber, Corn Cob, Kirinite, pink G-10)

From an aesthetic standpoint, having a CF Bolster is a bit odd since majority of the handle variations (wood, stag, burl,) and materials that accompanied the knife just don't flow at all for a traditional company.
A steel or brass bolster would have been nice to see. Also the possibility of a fuller or blood groove would have been nice to break up all the negative blank spacing on the flats.
Or if Bark River had left the 'scaling' on the flats as Derrick does with his "rustic" lineup from GEC alongside a fuller.

The overall profile is very nice with the swell towards the back end but this one left a couple things lacking for me.

 

[Spydesense]

I'd love to see a Lightweight version (thinner blade stock) in the future.

 

[hunterjrg]

I like the Northwoods and want one very badly. I just bought a new Polaris General so my knife fund is kinda gone right now. Somehow I will find a way to get one. Great knife Derrick

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Mine came in today. As mentioned earlier, I went with maroon linen micarta, which happens to match my Presidential, which I included in the shot for scale.

It's a bit large for the Pocono pocket sheath, and I'm glad I called KSF before purchase to ask, and happened to have an unused Alleghany pocket sheath in my drawer.

Initial thoughts... I like it. Feels great in the hand. It's heavy enough you know it's there, but it's not a burden. I love the micarta. Smooth, yet provides a good grip, and the handle contour helps as well. The ergos are amazing! It just melts into the hand, with a comfortable 3 finger grip with the pinky on the butt. Came sharp, but not shaving sharp. A bit on the strop was all it needed.

I do have to agree with Tim above on a couple points... I really wish they hadn't gone with the CF bolster. I get that it's light, but it doesn't have that classic Northwoods look or feel. No bolster or a metal bolster would be better IMO. Not knocking it, just personal preference. Also, I agree with Tim that leaving the heat treat slag on the flats would have been an awesome touch.

For the sheath - It's interesting, and I like having both options for vertical/horizontal carry. The magnet works as intended, and is a cool feature. For the most part though, it'll probably ride in the pocket sheath in my jacket.

Great job overall, Derrick! I'd love to see more Northwoods fixed blades down the line. One maybe a touch smaller, and another with between 4-5" blade length.

 

[Biggie_Robs]

Cool knife, but the CF bolster just isn't for me.

 

[jrawk]

been teetering on the fence only because Maryland isn't the friendliest state for fixed blades. But I do like the design.. reminds me a lot of Diskin hunter.

 

[VictorKilo]

Not a big fan of carbon fiber myself and would prefer nickel silver. That said, I really liked the looks of it and the natural canvas sold me. It's a sort of mini-me to my Salem Straub fixed blade. Fresh, clean natural canvas is great for catching the eye, but once you've hand-slimed it up enough, it takes on an almost woody appearance. Picture time!

-Nick