Recommendation? Smoke Jumper

E

Element

Joined
Dec 14, 2009
Messages
2
Ok, long time non-registered lurker here and I have to say, the fact that this web site comes up as the most useful knife related link on google says a lot about you.

Now, with the pleasantries out of the way down to business!

I've been looking at buying a knife for Christmas. Specifically the Bark River Smoke Jumper but I'm open to other suggestions. I'm looking for a balanced everything knife, something that can go from hiking/camping to a hunting while being small enough to carry around all day. I looked at some others and it seemed that the Bravo 1 is too small and the comparable Ontario RATs are heavier and don't have the bowie shape so they are worse for finer work which falls under general use.

Are there other knives I should be looking at around the same price point and does anyone know if there will be another run of Shadow Jumpers? Otherwise I should jump on the ones that are for sale right now!

Thanks.
 
Take a look at the Fallkniven NL series or any other Fallkniven. They are great and strong and sharp and durable.
 
The Fallkniven A1 is similar to the Smoke Jumper in some ways. You might like their S1, Njord, and Frey models also.

With all the models Bark River makes, I surprised you don't see several you'd want.
 
@nodh
@shunsui
I've heard of them but never really looked at them before. Went to their site, looked around a bit and read some reviews at the same time. The NL series had excellent handling reviews as did the others. Problem was the prices were in SEK, so off to google I went, typed in the numbers and just stared at the monitor for a couple seconds. Of course I must have made a mistake! It shouldn't be $553! :eek: So I went back, double checked it and looked at some online stores selling them. Yep, no mistake there. I'm certain they are excellent knives, buuuuuuuut they're just a bit out of my price range (200-225). Any other suggestions? :D

@cgmblade
Thanks!

@shunsui
Oh there are many I want! But not many I really can ever see myself using. I was looking at others but they were either too big (6.5"+), too small (>5) or had the wrong shape blade I wanted (not that I really know what I'm talking about here, it just seems that a bowie or spear would provide better small work if called upon to do so). I was also looking at the STS-5 prototype since it seemed to be a slightly longer redesigned Bravo-1 which got lots of nice reviews, but it seemed a bit, well, thick. Which is wonderful if you're going to be using it the way USMC FR may be using it, but I don't see myself doing that sort of stuff too often and think it may be extra weight for not much in return. What say you? Is nearly .25" of steel too much to be useful or is it all in the balance?

Sorry for the delay, and thanks for the replies!
 
Element said:
What say you? Is nearly .25" of steel too much to be useful or is it all in the balance?
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I think the Smoke Jumper would be a good pick.

You might also keep an eye on BlackJack Classic Knives, they're made by Bark River these days.
Inventory varies with production though.

http://www.knivesshipfree.com/BlackJack-Classic

As to thickness and size, I think knives are like golf clubs, you need a set. If you go into a kitchen you see those block sets of knives. I get by with just two kitchen knives, a 6" chef's and a 4" paring knife, but serious cooks like more variety. There's some folks here who like to keep one folder and one fixed blade, but I think most forum members have quite a few more blades.
 
Yeah rat will serve you right if price is a big factor. im bringing one to afghanistan so im willing to stand by their products. And the have the best warranty in the business.

Ive neve rheard anything bad about bark river knives. i dont own any but i have two of their custom handled firesteels and they are goregous peices of functional art, if their knives are the same i have no problem reccomended them.

Welcome to BF.
 
jnanson said:
Check out the RAT knives RC-6 I have one great blade for the $$Bark River Smoke Jumper
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If I could only have one knife for the rest of my life, I'd go with the RC-6 hands down. Great knife for just about any task.:thumbup:
 
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