Bark River Knives
- Thread starter Rammer
- Start date
RePete
New member
I have one that I like allot but I question if they're worth what they charge for them.
I mean, they're kinda like GEC or CSC in that they're not really customs but they're definitely a cut above most production knives yet they're priced as high (and in some cases higher) than full on customs.
For example,,,, I found this used Little Creek on-line for 75.00. It's a sweet little knife but there's no way I would have paid the MSRP.
I've lusted for one of their B&T knives but finding one with anything other than micarta scales for less than 175+ is impossible.
Hard to justify when I only paid 140.00 for my Mike Miller Stag B&T.
I mean, they're kinda like GEC or CSC in that they're not really customs but they're definitely a cut above most production knives yet they're priced as high (and in some cases higher) than full on customs.
For example,,,, I found this used Little Creek on-line for 75.00. It's a sweet little knife but there's no way I would have paid the MSRP.
I've lusted for one of their B&T knives but finding one with anything other than micarta scales for less than 175+ is impossible.
Hard to justify when I only paid 140.00 for my Mike Miller Stag B&T.
2muchgun
New member
Cool little knife Charlie.
I cannot say as I disagree with you. And lets face it, Mike makes a great knife at a more than reasonable price. I consider his knives a bargain given their price/quality. The Miller I recently gave to a friend was ridiculously UNDER priced IMO. By about $100.
On the other hand, if you look at what BRKT offers, I cannot complain.
For $175 you can get a Bird and Trout in cocobolo or desert ironwood. And here is the kicker, in S35V. And the sheath is top notch.
S35V with premium hardwood in a top quality sheath is worth $175 IMO. It is one of THE best steels for hunting knives(and not cheap either).
IMO BRKT makes on helluva durable knife. Just as durable as most full customs I'd say. I also believe they will cut with just about anything out there. And they are solidly backed as well. Even the sheaths are of higher quality than many custom sheaths IMO (Not fancy, just durable. Which is how I like it.) If anything, what you give up to the Miller is a bit in the fit/finish dept., but not to a great degree. Most Barkies are plenty good enough, just not spectacular.
What's more, is I believe BRKT and Mike Stewart have done extensive heat treat research. They seem to get it right and you don't hear of many horror stories like Spyderco, for example, when they put out a knife with a new steel.
As for the Miller vs. BRKT thing, IMO and IMO only, I think in the BRKT you are getting a knife with a better and more costly steel for your money. It gives up nothing in sheer cutting ability/durability to most any custom. It comes with a better sheath (love Mike's knives, but the sheaths not so much). The Miller would get the nod in fit/finish. I would also venture to say the Miller is probably a bit better in hand, but that is just opinion. And stag is still more pricey than wood. And Miller also will, undoubtedly, back up his work.
Again, IMO, it's not that the BRKT isn't worth the $175, it's more like Mike could easily charge more, and get it. Either way, for $175 (or less) you are getting a knife that should last a lifetime.
Just my 2¢......
I cannot say as I disagree with you. And lets face it, Mike makes a great knife at a more than reasonable price. I consider his knives a bargain given their price/quality. The Miller I recently gave to a friend was ridiculously UNDER priced IMO. By about $100.
On the other hand, if you look at what BRKT offers, I cannot complain.
For $175 you can get a Bird and Trout in cocobolo or desert ironwood. And here is the kicker, in S35V. And the sheath is top notch.
S35V with premium hardwood in a top quality sheath is worth $175 IMO. It is one of THE best steels for hunting knives(and not cheap either).
IMO BRKT makes on helluva durable knife. Just as durable as most full customs I'd say. I also believe they will cut with just about anything out there. And they are solidly backed as well. Even the sheaths are of higher quality than many custom sheaths IMO (Not fancy, just durable. Which is how I like it.) If anything, what you give up to the Miller is a bit in the fit/finish dept., but not to a great degree. Most Barkies are plenty good enough, just not spectacular.
What's more, is I believe BRKT and Mike Stewart have done extensive heat treat research. They seem to get it right and you don't hear of many horror stories like Spyderco, for example, when they put out a knife with a new steel.
As for the Miller vs. BRKT thing, IMO and IMO only, I think in the BRKT you are getting a knife with a better and more costly steel for your money. It gives up nothing in sheer cutting ability/durability to most any custom. It comes with a better sheath (love Mike's knives, but the sheaths not so much). The Miller would get the nod in fit/finish. I would also venture to say the Miller is probably a bit better in hand, but that is just opinion. And stag is still more pricey than wood. And Miller also will, undoubtedly, back up his work.
Again, IMO, it's not that the BRKT isn't worth the $175, it's more like Mike could easily charge more, and get it. Either way, for $175 (or less) you are getting a knife that should last a lifetime.
Just my 2¢......
RePete
New member
No arguments here Ken except that I think you and I's opinions on Mike's sheath's might differ a little.
I always suspected that the steel was what pushed their prices up. Their smaller knives may or may not be worth the price but I'll remind you that I paid 70.00 for this knife.
I realize that was a low blow though.
Sorry
I always suspected that the steel was what pushed their prices up. Their smaller knives may or may not be worth the price but I'll remind you that I paid 70.00 for this knife.
I realize that was a low blow though.
Sorry
