small fb neck (bark river psk or bm activator)

G

gdtrfb

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Mar 27, 2003
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Can anyone that owns a Bark river PSK and/or bm activator carbon/g10 s30v), provide a brief pro/con list for them? I've seen lots of threads lately for small fB, but I cannot explicitly remember mini reviews of what they were actually used for/good at, etc.

My uses are:

a) just to have when walking the dog or taking the kids for bike rides in open space. The dog walks are often at night with little or no light.

b) some general pocket duty when camping/hiking (fb are illegal where I live, but I'm not worried on the trails, etc.)


c) just to have; got a bit of bday money recently and I don't have a knife in this category

I have folders of various sizes w/ and sans locks and a couple of 3'+ fbs, but I 'm looking for a smaller people friendly tool for cutting snacks, and just to have in emergency situations. I know there are other options, but I don't want to wait forever for a custom/batch option and have a limited budget ~100 bucks.

Thanks
 
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I got both i bought them at the same time but the PSK is by far the better knife IMO it sharpens so easy to hair poppin sharp and has perfect ergos for slicing.
It only fits between three fingers but i find the grip good and ive got large hands.
The activator is slightly bigger and looks better.
 
The psk is definatly the way to go. Easily concealable, wonderfull ergos, wicked convex edge.
 
There's nothing wrong with either bark river psk or bm activator but a Gossman PSK is hard to beat. Scott is making them on a regular basis and at a reasonable price. In my opinion it is one of the best knives you can get for neck carry.
 
i love the bark river PSK it's a great little knife... i got one of the first production runs... all orange... the newer ones seem to have a little more handle to them...

the gossman PSK's kick butt too...:thumbup:
 
The Bark River PSK, is a badass little sharp blade. But you mentioned the late night dog walks and I kinda got the idea that you want it for protection or piece of mind. IMO the Gossman PSK is just as Sharp but gives a bit more blade and handle for that Extra piece of mind. Shoot him an email you can probably get one fairly quick!
 
RescueRiley said:
where are you from that fixed blades are illegal???
Click to expand...

I am guilty of half ..... articulation. A fB in CO needs to be 3.5 or less. Oddly, I have a few friends in various LE positions, and they don't seem to have the same concensus, as it varies by locality. Any concealed fb (in pocket) is a no no according to one of them. One can always say it is a hunting/fishing knife, but a recreational hike isn't either activity.

I guess a new toy seems enticing and I don't have a small fB. I like the idea of pocket or neck carry. Neck for fast when needed especially when hiking with the little ones or dogs. Perhaps, I'll look at Gossman knives too.

thanks for the responses
 
Both would be good choices.

The Bark River PSK has a convex edge and is smaller. OAL 5.25"

The BM Activator has a V-grind and is larger. OAL 6.5"


I do add that you should definitely check out the Gossman PSK. It has a V-grind with convexed secondary bevel. OAL 6" Check out this video of it in action: http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZCdOwxknSOw
 
Out of those mentioned I think I would pick them in this order,

Gossman PSK,
Barkie PSK,
BM Activator,

I have just become the proud owner of a Swamprat SwampWarden and I cannot imagine any small knife being any better than this however !
 
I think the three knives mentioned are all great knives but I would list them in this order:

Gossman PSK
Benchmade Activator
Barkie PSK

I just picked up a Bark River Mikro Canadian and its a pretty sweet knife that I would rank above the BM.

I am a fan for neck carry but I would like you to try carrying it on a slightly longer lanyard and wearing it in the messenger style carry. I think this is a slightly better way to carry the blade as it keeps it out of the way when you move around especially when you bend over.
 
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