• The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
    Price is $300 $250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
    Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.

  • Today marks the 24th anniversary of 9/11. I pray that this nation does not forget the loss of lives from this horrible event. Yesterday conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was murdered, and I worry about what is to come. Please love one another and your family in these trying times - Spark

What's the story behind Bark River's Special Hunting Knife sheath?

B

bhutchsn

Joined
May 14, 2014
Messages
12
So I just got one of Bark River's special hunting knives. I know that Milton Rowland designed this thing for Marbles from BRKT's website, but for the life of me, I can't figure out its functionality. What made this sheath, with its big shield shaped cover, so important? My current theory is that it maybe improves retention, as the cover really tightly presses the mouth of the actual sheath against the knife handle. See the link below for pictures.

http://www.barkriverknives.com/index/?s=Special+hunting&x=0&y=0
 
I received one of these sheaths with a Rogue Bowie. This is my take on wearing the Rogue Bowie with this sheath.

At first I did not know what to think of the sheath. I carry this knife and sheath on a 1.75" wide leather cartridge belt along with my Taylor's and Company SAA Smokewagon. The advantage I like about this sheath is I can carry it vertically on my right side or tilt it so it cants almost like a cross draw carry. This is a nice feature when taking a break and sitting on the ground. I like the ability to adjust the carry style quickly depending on the circumstances. Since the blade part of the sheath rides under the belt the knife remains in place in any carry position.

This sheath would not have been what I would have chose but it has proven itselt to be useful. Primarily I carry this set up while camping in remote areas.
 
I've heard this theory, but it was never confirmed by the folks over at Bark River. Maybe the downturned edges of the "Shield" keep the sheath in position when you have it tucked inside your belt?
 
Well, er, hmm. uh. Nope, I got nothing.

Never seen anything quite like that before.
 
I've had a couple of them come in with the Barkies I ordered. My first thought on seeing it was "Yay! KSF sent me some free .22 targets!" :D
 
Don't get it. So the shield thingy is the belt loop?
 
It has a belt loop on the back. The more I use it, the more I think it's a retention thing. You have to squeeze the sheath to get the knife in. I was hoping someone like Mike Stewart would drop in to explain things... Maybe I'll just email them directly.
 
The photo of the sheath as presented could be worn as a left body, right hand cross draw at several angles, including vertical, none of which would be "locked in". Sheath on the outside and loop under your belt. The other option would be right body, left hand cross draw with sheath under your belt and the sheath belt loop over your belt. Lots of options, but angle stability isn't too great.

Paul
 
For those curious, I found an old post on KnifeForums by Mike Stewart from 2012 that confirms that the leather plate was indeed intended to increase retention. It definitely works, but means that you need two hands to sheath the knife.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top