Thinking about a Bark River Mini Northstar

Gramps

Gramps

Joined
Nov 17, 2002
Messages
1,507
What do you folks who own and use the Bark River (BRK&T) Mini Northstar think of them ? ....I'm looking for a smaller fixed blade for day trail hikes. I won't necessarily be doing any heavy bushcraft chores, but I'd like to have a smaller fixed blade that is sturdy yet light weight for fast trail walking. Also something unobtrusive that could do double-duty for around town carry would be nice.

Also....can you get a full grip on these ? I've tried a few Barkies in the past and the handles were a bit too short for me.


SPECS:
Series: Bushcraft
Blade Type: Pointed Spear Point
Blade Thickness: .118"
Tang: Full Length
Total Length: 7.125 Inches
Blade Length: 3.4 Inches
Weight: 2.9 Ounces
Handle Material: American Walnut
Blade-Steel: 12C27 Stainless Steel
Rockwell Hardness: 58 rc





- regards
 
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nice looking knife but I wouldn't pay 140 dollars for a knife made of 12C27 stainless, that's for sure...
 
Bark River builds quality knives for sure. I've been using their Colonial Patch knife in 12C27 for about a month now. Good light duty little knife, and the steel seems well suited to the intended tasks. It's only barely stainless, and is developing a nice patina.
 
JCavSD said:
Bark River builds quality knives for sure. I've been using their Colonial Patch knife in 12C27 for about a month now. Good light duty little knife, and the steel seems well suited to the intended tasks. It's only barely stainless, and is developing a nice patina.
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....thanks JCavSD ! I appreciate the useful information !

-regards
 
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You have less than 4" of handle on the Mini NS, so if have average or larger hands, this one will feel small in your hands as well. The handle on them is quite slim. They have a life time warranty, so any problems with any blade will be taken care of as I understand it. There are some Colonail Patches, 2008 models on closeouts from most dealers you might want to check out.....The handle while similar in length, the slabs are much thicker as well as the handle width is wider..

Specs:

Overall Length:6.75 Inches
Blade Length:3.125 Inches
Blade Steel: 52-100 @ 58rc
Blade Thickness:.125 Inch
Weight:3.875 Ounces

Good Luck with your search
 
Jeep131 said:
You have less than 4" of handle on the Mini NS, so if have average or larger hands, this one will feel small in your hands as well. The handle on them is quite slim. They have a life time warranty, so any problems with any blade will be taken care of as I understand it. There are some Colonail Patches, 2008 models on closeouts from most dealers you might want to check out.....The handle while similar in length, the slabs are much thicker as well as the handle width is wider..

Specs:

Overall Length:6.75 Inches
Blade Length:3.125 Inches
Blade Steel: 52-100 @ 58rc
Blade Thickness:.125 Inch
Weight:3.875 Ounces

Good Luck with your search
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.....thank you Jim. I think the handle might be too small for my big mitts; I appreciate the heads up, sir.

- regards
 
I would highly recommend the Colonial Patch. Kiah build me a kydex sheath with teklok...and it has become my favorite EDC by a long shot. You can have the Colonial Patch in either 52100 or 12C27, depends on where you shop for it. Personally, I don't see the need for 52100 in a knife this size. The 12C27 is also slightly less expensive.
 
JCavSD said:
I would highly recommend the Colonial Patch. Kiah build me a kydex sheath with teklok...and it has become my favorite EDC by a long shot. You can have the Colonial Patch in either 52100 or 12C27, depends on where you shop for it. Personally, I don't see the need for 52100 in a knife this size. The 12C27 is also slightly less expensive.
Click to expand...

I "think" the 12c27 are 2009 models with no lanyard hole, while the 52-100 are 2008 models with lanyard hole, which are on closeouts at DLT for $88.00
I do however agree with Jason, the Colonial Patch would be my choice over the MNS.
 
Okay, not to hijack the thread, but the Colonial Patch with Kiah's kydex sheath is really fantastic.

Kiah-Teklok2.jpg


Kiah-Teklok1.jpg


Kiah-Teklok4.jpg
 
Great shots of the Colonial Patch Jason....thanks. Can you get a nice, full grip on it OK ? That's one of my concerns. I bought a Bark River Escort Boot knife last year and ending up selling it as the handle was just too tiny.

- regards
 
Gramps...the scales are fairly thick, and my hands are mid sized, so I have no issues. The in-hand pic will give you an idea of how far back it comes. I prefer a handle that comes back another 1/2" or so, but this one is so well shaped I have no issues. Really depends on the size of your hands and your preference.
ColonialPatchin-hand.jpg
 
Thanks again Jason !....I appreciate you taking the time to shoot and post those photos. They are really helpful.

The model you are holding is 52-100 or 12C27 ?

- regards
 
Got it from DL Trading Co. so 12C27 I believe. However, sure does take a patina like high carbon. Either way you can't miss.

I was going to get a second one to giver to my brother. Get one and if you don't like it I'll buy it off of you as long as you pay the shipping.
 
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I owned one and gave it away. Two things wrong with it. There was a huge gap between one of the scales and the knife. Enough to stick a business card in between. Also I was pretty disapointed in the steel. I split a finger thick piece of cedar and caused the blade to deform. Have you looked at the RAT/ESEE rc-3?
 
I don't have that model, but I do have a Bravo-1 SS and a Gunny and they are both awesome knives.
 
I have three of them at the moment, its my favorite small knife.

It isn't really made for heavy use; I chipped one doing some cross grain batoning, and rolled another one using the chest lever cut method....however, BRKT fixed them up good as new for the cost of postage. Now that they a bit thicker, no more problems.

The handle feels a bit small while just holding it, but in use it feels great. If you want the fattest handle, go for antique stag bone; its a good bit thicker than micartas.

I think for your use it would be a real contender-try one!
 
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