SCAGEL knives made by Bark River

R

Rogue01

Joined
Sep 19, 2010
Messages
63
I'm thinking about adding one of these knives to my collection.

They appear well made, but are very pricey. I'd say for nearly the cost I could pick up a very nicely made Scagel style custom knife from a maker like Mike Malosh.

I'm worried that the higher costs are simply because of the name SCAGEL. I know Bark River makes decent knives, but I don't want to be buying a Buick, badged as a Cadillac and over-priced to match.

What do you guys think?
 
I think the Bark River Scagel is worth the money. I was at Bark River and saw some of these being produced. The craftsmanship and care that I saw these being made with was phenomenal. I would have bought one right then and there, but they weren't for sale. With Bark River and Mike Stewart's reputation I would buy wth confidence.
 
Thanks for the input.

One of the perils of internet buying is you can't see and handle a knife first hand before you buy it.

And it's hard to tell in internet land if a review of a knife is indepenent or biased.

But some of those handles on the Bark River SCAGELS are very attractive.
 
The BRK Scagels are more expensive (as Tony pointed out) because we spared no expense in having them made. They are a HUGE step up in quality over the Bark River stuff. At every turn, we simply said, "what is the best way to do this?"
 
okbohn said:
The BRK Scagels are more expensive (as Tony pointed out) because we spared no expense in having them made. They are a HUGE step up in quality over the Bark River stuff. At every turn, we simply said, "what is the best way to do this?"
Click to expand...

I found this quote from Reid Hyken (Sharpshooter):

"These new Scagels are what he would be making, modern materials and construction used to the style of the originals."

Seems to me your paying the premium for the name "Scagel".

That's not to say these aren't probably decent knives, as Bark River does make quality knifes, but that does beg the question whether Scagel would approve of Bark River's interpretation of his knife "styles".

I'd love to be able to see one of these first hand to determine for myself between the hype and the reality. The Blackjack Model 125 has very close specs to the Scagel medium hunter/bowie, and for the money I would say it's better value.

Unless of course you specifically want a knife with the name "Scagel" etched on the blade.
 
Jmboz said:
I found this quote from Reid Hyken (Sharpshooter):

"These new Scagels are what he would be making, modern materials and construction used to the style of the originals."

Seems to me your paying the premium for the name "Scagel".

That's not to say these aren't probably decent knives, as Bark River does make quality knifes, but that does beg the question whether Scagel would approve of Bark River's interpretation of his knife "styles".

I'd love to be able to see one of these first hand to determine for myself between the hype and the reality. The Blackjack Model 125 has very close specs to the Scagel medium hunter/bowie, and for the money I would say it's better value.

Unless of course you specifically want a knife with the name "Scagel" etched on the blade.
Click to expand...

Blackjack is also made my Bark River, so I imagine the quality is the same. The Blackjack Model 125 is about $140 cheaper than the Scagel Medium Hunter ($195 vs. $338 on KSF), and you aren't kidding; the stats are very similar (I got curious and looked them up):

Model 125 | Medium Hunter
OAL: 9.5", 10.125"
blade length: 5", 5.5"
blade thickness: .215", .217"
blade steel: A2 (both)
handle material: sandbar stag between stacked leather (both)
grind: convex (both)
 
I thought the guys from Blackjack started Bark River after they sold the Blackjack name to SMKW. I didn't think Bark River had anything to do with the new Blackjack knives being produced.
 
FuriousPace said:
I thought the guys from Blackjack started Bark River after they sold the Blackjack name to SMKW. I didn't think Bark River had anything to do with the new Blackjack knives being produced.
Click to expand...

From KSF's website: "Blackjack Classic Knives, proudly made in the USA by Bark River Knife and Tool". I'm not sure who actually owns the Blackjack name; their website is registered by Blue Ridge Knives, but they list both SMKW and Blue Ridge as their retailers.
 
kreole said:
From KSF's website: "Blackjack Classic Knives, proudly made in the USA by Bark River Knife and Tool". I'm not sure who actually owns the Blackjack name; their website is registered by Blue Ridge Knives, but they list both SMKW and Blue Ridge as their retailers.
Click to expand...

Your are right. It looks like there is a difference between Blackjack and Blackjack Classic Knives. I found that Knifeware, Inc. produces the Blackjack knives. The logo for Blackjack knives have the cards to the left on the tang marking and Blackjack Classic knives have the cards to the right on the tang marking. Learn something new everyday.
 
kreole said:
Blackjack is also made my Bark River, so I imagine the quality is the same. The Blackjack Model 125 is about $140 cheaper than the Scagel Medium Hunter ($195 vs. $338 on KSF), and you aren't kidding; the stats are very similar (I got curious and looked them up):

Model 125 | Medium Hunter
OAL: 9.5", 10.125"
blade length: 5", 5.5"
blade thickness: .215", .217"
blade steel: A2 (both)
handle material: sandbar stag between stacked leather (both)
grind: convex (both)
Click to expand...

They are similar in specs. There is a huge difference in the feel and finish on the knives.

As to value, the Blackjack is a winner, hands down.

Blackjack is now owned by Blue Ridge and SMKW together.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top