ordered my first barkie

benchmadebob · Oct 25, 2008

Its a highland special with black canvas micarta i cant wait to play with it. For the guys who have them how are the for bushcraft?

StretchNM · Oct 25, 2008

You are to be commended, Bob, for buying what I consider to be one of the finest semi-production knives out there. I like the Highland Special, with its heavy blade.

Here's mine with impala horn scales in a homemade sheath:

Foilist · Oct 25, 2008

I have a Mini Canadian and a Northstar, both of which are attractive and functional, and will likely last for a lifetime of real use. It's not like I need any more, but doubt that they will be my last Barkies!

benchmadebob · Oct 25, 2008

StretchNM said:
You are to be commended, Bob, for buying what I consider to be one of the finest semi-production knives out there. I like the Highland Special, with its heavy blade.

Here's mine with impala horn scales in a homemade sheath:

Nice

Is that lanyard leather?

bearthedog · Oct 25, 2008

Glade you found a knife you like enough to order one. Don't think it will be your last Barkie, I hear they are addicting. Why do you think I don't have one yet?

-RB

benchmadebob · Oct 25, 2008

bearthedog said:
Glade you found a knife you like enough to order one. Don't think it will be your last Barkie, I hear they are addicting. Why do you think I don't have one yet?

-RB

LOL i watched the dutch tv show and i couldnt stop laughing when the snake shit on him

udtjim · Oct 25, 2008

I was not into Bark River knives but I like the Highland. I have two One with Stag and one Black Micarta. I bought mine from another forum member. I have not used them much yet but I will be headed for hunting camp in about three weeks.

kgd · Oct 25, 2008

I keep thinking that the first barkie I purchase will be a Highland, although that modern Seax sure captured my eye also. I like the thinner stock of the highland.

bearthedog · Oct 25, 2008

I wish that blade was a little longer!

-RB

MIKE MACINTOSH · Oct 25, 2008

bearthedog said:
I wish that blade was a little longer!

-RB

BEAR I think the FoxRiver might be what your looking for,
after the Bravo 1 the Fox River is my favorite barkriver knife:thumbup:

wackafew · Oct 25, 2008

That's a nice Highland. I use to have one until my wife stole it!

JK Knives · Oct 25, 2008

wackafew said:
That's a nice Highland. I use to have one until my wife stole it!

The exact same thing happened to mine!

John

Andrew Colglazier · Oct 25, 2008

I don't have a Highland, but I've been wanting one for a while. Nice knives!

Andy

StretchNM · Oct 25, 2008

benchmadebob said:
Nice Is that lanyard leather?

Bob, the lanyard is indeed leather, 3mm round. I get it at Hobby Lobby in 50" or so lengths for about $1.99.

KGD, perhaps it's perception...or maybe just opinion, but I consider that Highland blade to be, well, too thick. It's a heavy-duty knife for it's size, and has good weight for chopping at a notch or chopping to cut a branch nub from a thicker stick. Maybe it's the way if tapers quickly from full-thickness to tip that makes it seem so thick to me. The Northstar now... the steel is about the same thickness, but it has a long, gentle taper (looking down the spine from heel to tip) toward the tip that makes the blade seem light and suited for delicate tasks.

kgd · Oct 25, 2008

StretchNM said:
KGD, perhaps it's perception...or maybe just opinion, but I consider that Highland blade to be, well, too thick. It's a heavy-duty knife for it's size, and has good weight for chopping at a notch or chopping to cut a branch nub from a thicker stick. Maybe it's the way if tapers quickly from full-thickness to tip that makes it seem so thick to me. The Northstar now... the steel is about the same thickness, but it has a long, gentle taper (looking down the spine from heel to tip) toward the tip that makes the blade seem light and suited for delicate tasks.

Interesting comments Stretch and thanks for the insight. By their specs, the highland is supposed to be thinner but as you mentioned the stock thickness really doesn't have a whole lot to do with the final outcome. Thanks for your comments, they will be thoroughly considered when I get around to my first Barkie purchase.

The only thing delaying me is that there are so many awesome custom makers around these parts. I just want to sample their wares first

mtnfolk mike · Oct 25, 2008

nice score... the highland is a great knife...:thumbup: you're going to love it... it's a perfect all around field/woods blade...

that was the first barkie i bought as well..

i definately see many more in your future...

it's hard to have just 1... they make soo many cool knives in so many different handle scales...

Mike Fitz · Oct 25, 2008

kgd said:
I keep thinking that the first barkie I purchase will be a Highland, although that modern Seax sure captured my eye also. I like the thinner stock of the highland.

Here's a couple pics of the EDC Saex from a little trip in the woods today:

And a little guy hitchhiking on my pack:

kgd · Oct 25, 2008

That's an awesome looking knife. You are a lucky man.

Also really good to see Andy (Fiddleback) visiting you. You should have invited him in and offered him a beer

StretchNM · Oct 25, 2008

Deleted: double post

RescueRiley · Oct 25, 2008

Bob..Great choice... Your going to love it!!.. We expect a full review... as far as it being suited for bushcraft... That's up to you..you got a great blade...but skill is what defines a bushcrafter... Practice, practice, practice.. COmgrads on a great knife.