Which Bark River for the outdoors?

Macchina

Macchina

Joined
Apr 7, 2006
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I've become very interested in Bark River knives lately. I really like some of their drop point designs, but can't decide which one to get. From experience, which one works well for general camp chores and woodcraft? I'm also interested in the Fallkniven F1, and if you feel that the F1 is better than Bark River, I'd like to hear why as well.

I really want one in A-2 steel (not 12C27) because of the many benifits of carbon tool steel. I really like the designs of the Fox River and Northstar. Any comments on these designs, especially about their handles (I have medium sized hands).
Thank you.
 
Check out the Rivers Edge.
 
michaelmcgo said:
I've become very interested in Bark River knives lately. I really like some of their drop point designs, but can't decide which one to get. From experience, which one works well for general camp chores and woodcraft? I'm also interested in the Fallkniven F1, and if you feel that the F1 is better than Bark River, I'd like to hear why as well.
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I like the F1, it's a great knife. Some think it's a little too thick, which it is, but it has a good grind...my older one is flat, I thinkt the newer ones have a convex edge to it. Either rubber handles bother you or they don't, that turns a lot of people off, but I have seen some really nice re-handled F1's. It makes a great camp knife and will be fine for woodcraft/bushcraft.

I own several Bark Rivers. I love their convex grinds and selection of handle materials. For a camp/woodcraft knife, I have and would recommend: The Fox River, Northstar, Nebula, Aurora and the Bravo-1 (it's a little too beefy for delicate work though).

You can't go wrong with either the Bark River or Fallkniven...

ROCK6
 
I would get the Bravo-1, Woodland Special, Highland Special, Fox River, or Northstar. You won't go wrong with any of them. :thumbup:

David
 
BRK&T makes such a variety of knives that at least one will satisfy everyone. I like the Bravo 1 because it is stout, has the perfect blade shape and handle that I like.
 
ROCK6 said:
I like the F1, it's a great knife. Some think it's a little too thick, which it is, but it has a good grind...my older one is flat, I thinkt the newer ones have a convex edge to it. Either rubber handles bother you or they don't, that turns a lot of people off, but I have seen some really nice re-handled F1's. It makes a great camp knife and will be fine for woodcraft/bushcraft.
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To that I would like to add that you can always buy a Fällkniven blade blank, without the rubber handle, and make yourself your own F1 with your chosen handle, or get a friendly neighbourhood knifemaker to make your knife a handle. That way, you are not restricted to rubber handles, even if you think the Micarta-handled F1 is too expensive.
 
Were can you get F1 blanks? I'm really interested!

About the BRKT......I've got a Gameskeeper, and I love it for a bushtool!

CZ
 
Although they are very nice knives, I sold my NorthStar and Fox River because the handles were just too short.

Now, I use a F1 and love it. :thumbup:
 
TAH said:
Although they are very nice knives, I sold my NorthStar and Fox River because the handles were just too short.

Now, I use a F1 and love it. :thumbup:
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:eek: You blashphemer!!!:D That is a common issue on some Bark River models, the handles are designed a little different; some thicker and some with shorter handles.

ROCK6
 
My "Go to" Bark River is my green micarta handled Highland. It's the first one I ever owned, cost me $35 and it's earned my love and trust through time and use. Very versatile and easy to carry, with no extra's. It's still my designated hunting knife.

My Northstar (A-2)has it's idiosyncracies It's very, very light, and easy to carry (the maple burl handle really lightens the package) The blade is well shaped for general knock around duty, not much of a skinner. The handle wasn't originally very comfortable, until I ground some of it down and re-shaped it where it was mashing my pinkie finger. Holds an edge, cuts well. The sheath for it sucks- Had to modify it too.

My Teddy (A-2) is only here because I haven't had much luck trading it off. Hate the double guard, and it's either too big or too small for everything I want to do with it. (some folks call that versatility, I think...) The round micarta handle is way too slick for my tastes, and I detest double guards.

I haven't used the lil' Nessie (52100) yet, but it feels great in the hand, has an insanely sharp edge, and looks good. I think it'd be a great general purpose camping knife, and not at all a bad hunting knife. It's a bit thicker and more rugged than most Nessmuk styled knives are supposed to be, but still very reasonable. I'm not a big fan of the brass on it, but that's more of a personal thing, I think. (I tend to shun every part of a fixed blade that's not either handle or blade)

Bravo-1- (A-2) haven't used it, but it appears hell bent for stout, very beautiful, and comfortable in the hand. The edge seems very capable for it's thickness. I'm not a fan of the kydex it comes with though. I'm more of a fan of retention than of quick draw.

My Mountain Man (1095) was a bad idea. I shoulda gotten a Green River and spent the other $70 on beer or something.

My current run away favorite BRKT is the Nebula I've only been using for a week now. Very comfortable handle, fantastic edge geometry, very versatile blade shape. The sheath was even fantastic (a rarity for Bark River) I won't get into the edge quality/retention stuff, because it's 12C27, and therefore not what you want. I can however encourage you to check out the Aurora. which is the same basic knife, but with convex ground A-2.

There's also a Golok, PSK, Settler, Bosnian Skinner, and a Mikro Slither, but these aren't of a style or steel that interests you.

One of these day's I've gotta bite the bullet and try a Fallkniven for myself, It's just hard to spend my hard earned dollars on something that homely, no matter how well they say it works...:o
 
there are a lot of nice barkies out there... check out the northstar, fox river or highland.... :D
 
ROCK6 said:
:eek: You blashphemer!!!:D That is a common issue on some Bark River models, the handles are designed a little different; some thicker and some with shorter handles.

ROCK6
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That's Mr. Blashphemer to you! :p

Seriously, I like Bark River knives. I just need to find one with a little longer handle.
 
Yea, that River's Edge got my attention because its got a good length, and the blade isn't as thick as my Bravo-1. (Which I like also) But really, you gotta have an F1 too. The F1 is just an awesome knife.
 
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