Sometimes you just have to try it for yourself.

[BMCGear]

It seems every knife brand these days has some sort of fanboy following as well as hardcore haters. And while the internet and this forum is a GREAT resource for information there is a lot of misinformation. This isn't news to anyone here and I was aware of this before but I let bad opinions and reviews keep me from what is fast becoming my favorite sheath knife.

If you do a Google search you can probably find some bad press on most things. Bark River knives has some. Blades chipping out, the owner losing his cool on a forum, etc. I chose to listen to those because I didn't want to take a chance spending a couple of hundred dollars on a knife I would have trouble with. But then I started seeing users that are well respected here post all of these great knives that haven't had any issues and after trying to find the knife that I've been wanting elsewhere I ordered a Bark River. It's exactly what I wanted. The Bravo 1.5 is a bit thicker than I usually go for but I do love everything else about the knife and it seems to cut well even though it's such a hoss.

Also buying through a reputable dealer who will look the knife over before sending it out helps. Big shout out to Kniveshipfree and DLT Trading!

A Parang that I got in:

Bravo 1.5 which I LOVE!

 

[abcdef]

Good looking blades!

 

[EyeDog]

I think your basic premise is important. Especially at or above the $300 price point. Even more so at the $500-$800 range.

Never did like the look of a Strider -- until I bought one this year. Once in my hands and actually used my mind was changed.

It's like a car...till you test drive it for yourself it's hard to have a good opinion. Even then it'll be mostly subjective.

Nice looking knives. And yes...buying from the dealers around here where you can pick up the phone and talk to someone can make a world of difference.

Mike

 

[EricV]

KSF only stocks good stuff. The way I see it if Derrick is selling it, then chances are its worth taking a look at. That said Barkriver does some odd things with grinds like the Blackjack 125 "dimple" and lots of overly thin edges for example, and the owner has a pretty well documented history of being grumpier than your average bear; they are certainly great knives with lots of options though

 

[EChoil]

Bark Rivers are excellent knives. Only reason I don't own one is handle sizes and some slickness---not right for me. Relax, they're among the best knives out there.

As I recall I picked up a Bark River once and, in running my thumb along the edge, I swear I heard the steel sing. Only time that ever happened and IMO that is an indicator of quality.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

I think part of the reason for the spotty reputation of Bark River (besides shenanigans by the owner that I know nothing about) is that they're much more willing to push the envelope than other manufacturers. They are almost constantly trying new steels, they often seem to experiment with extreme edge and cutting geometry, and those can lead to a few more bad knives slipping out if you don't have the heat treat down, or if you just ground the edge too darn thin.

I applaud them for it, but I'm still a very wary of purchasing a new model or something in a steel they've never used before.

 

[Vicarious Reality]

I am really suspicious about BRK leadership criminal history, but i can not deny that they make the best looking production knives, the alleged heat treat problems are no longer a concern since BRK said they pay extra to test their knives after external HT and my A2 Highlander started working better once i got the factory edge off, like most knives
Hate the crazy patina though, wish they made the Rogue in 3v
Look at this! Find me a better lookin factory knife, i dare you

 

[okbohn]

Full disclosure. I love Bark River knives and I am good friends with Mike Stewart.

Here's my take on all the drama. Drama has two sides.

Here's my take on grumpy knife makers. Most of them are. Most of them get edgy when you start questioning the quality of their knives or the efficacy of their designs.

On knives that break. If you make enough of them and enough people actually use them and some people abuse them, there will be some.

On warranties that take a long time. I deal with a lot of smaller companies. They all take 3-8 weeks to turn stuff around. It is because they are small and have limited staff. The good news is, they take great care of their customers. Custom makers are similar.

On knives in general. It is important to buy the ones that speak to you and you enjoy. Use them. Love them. Don't worry about what everyone else says.

Those are my random thoughts on the subject.