Sidearms & Scatterguns wtb bark river knife, would like opinions

[mlh29]

I am interested in buying a bark river knife. I am not familiar with the brand and am wanting unbiased opinions on this. I am looking at
bravo 1
gunny,
northstar
aurora
gamemaster

etc Basically a large frame hard use knife to last..

Currently have owned or used benchmade, ontario knife, gerber, crkt, and most lower end production knives..
Looking for something better than what I can get at px/ walmart etc..
If you have other knife recommendations in the under 225$ ballpark let me know.

Thanks in advance

 

[padronanniversary]

Re: wtb bark river knife, would like opinions

I have a bravo one that i beat to crap and it keeps ticking. hold an edge pretty well. Used it all from cutting bone in deer to chopping a little wood in a pinch.

 

[Luvman]

Re: wtb bark river knife, would like opinions

I love my Bark Rivers!! They're like timex's they take a licking and keep on ticking!!

I'd suggest paying the premium for 3V tool steel. My Bravo 1 in 3V is my favorite with my bravo 1 in CPM154 SS a close second. the A2 knives are great too!

after learning how to convex sharpen I now convex all my blades.

HTH,
LM

 

[KYpatriot]

Re: wtb bark river knife, would like opinions

Isnt the tool steel hard to sharpen? I understand about the edge lasting longer but I always thought it would be easier to touch up an edge more often than to have to use diamond...or is it not as bad as I am thinking?

 

[Ltdshooter]

Re: wtb bark river knife, would like opinions

I love my Bark River as well and I've not found the tool steel hard to sharpen.

 

[Luvman]

Re: wtb bark river knife, would like opinions

I sharpen everything from cheap kitchen knives to the latest super steels like M390 using ONLY sandpaper and leather strops loaded polishing compound. google convex sharpening. my edges are highly polished and scary sharp!!

I have less than $35 invested in my sharping kit.

 

[spr1]

Re: wtb bark river knife, would like opinions

Are the typical Bravo1 handles slippery?

 

[Hawk45]

Re: wtb bark river knife, would like opinions

I have a Bravo 1 in A2.. it's a beast. I have a Northstar Companion as a small edc fixed blade. All the BRKT knives a super tough and have a no questions asked return/fix policy. You can't go wrong. The right blade will depend on the intended use.. The Gunny is a great middle of the road / do-it-all knife. I'd say the Jack of all trades. The B1 is pretty thick and heavy. The Aurora and Northstar are more bushcrafter blades. Look at the Fox River also.. it leans a bit more towards a hunting blade. Check out a guy on YouTube called "virtuovice". He does some great reviews and comparisons.. massive BRKT collection and he really uses them. Love his commentary too..
Good guy. You can pick up used ones for a good price too, nothing wrong with a good patina'd knife.

http://www.knivesshipfree.com/Bark-River-Knives-465 is a great place to buy.. very good customer service and have many one-offs and customs.

To the slipery handle comment.. the micarta (lower priced models) handled ones have good traction.. a little sanding and they get great/better traction.. you can even put some wax on the handle to get more grip.. but I've not had to do either.

 

[josephberry]

Re: wtb bark river knife, would like opinions

I've had several Barkies. Fantastic knives. Look at the canadian special in 3v. It does it all. The Fox river is also a very good do it all knife.

 

[brt1963]

Re: wtb bark river knife, would like opinions

Bark River makes some great knives.

I've got the Necker 2:

STS-5

and, a Blackjack "HALO Attack" - a Randall copy made by Bark River - 7 1/2" blade of A2 tool steel

or - Bark River does custom handles on Fallkniven blades - like this

from here - pretty good selection of Bark River knives, tooKnives Ship Free

 

[Luvman]

Re: wtb bark river knife, would like opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: spr1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are the typical Bravo1 handles slippery? </div></div>

they're not slippery but they're not rough. they fit my hand well!

 

[dave mastrianna]

Re: wtb bark river knife, would like opinions

I like the Bravo 1. I think the matt handle is the way to go. Mine is a 1st production and never had a issue. Good luck