Recommendation? Bark river Classic Drop point vs Esee 3HM

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Nov 13, 2013
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Hello

I am looking for a medium size fixed blade

I already have a Esee 4 and a joey Roman neckr and I am now considering either a bark river classic drop point or an Esee 3HM

How do they compare?
 
Planning on any hard use? If so, ESEE 3HM. If you want stainless, the 3 also comes in s35vn with G10 handles.

I agree with N NG VI ...some TKC scales and new sheath is the way to go
 
I like ESEE.....but if you want something a little more handcrafted looking, similar to Bark River, but Way better, and honest... Check out LT. Wright knives.

Made in America, normal, traditional styling. High quality. Not too expensive, like some that are going to be mentioned here.

I have a good half dozen, and will probably get more.
*I'm not affiliated in any way.
I bought All my knives.
 
Cue the "Mean Girls Club" and its usual suspects.


Shit-show Thread in...3...2...1...

Is it 'Mean Girl'ing to try to protect our brethren from unsafe purchasing decisions when they ask for our input?


Bark Rivers look really nice and I wanted to try one for quite awhile, but I wouldn't feel comfortable spending my money on one given the condition their condition is in, and as a result when @NewUserKnifeLikingGuy wants input on a decision between one of those and a company that's been 100% reliable, he's getting the best advice I can personally give.


Which is to spend the money on the company that doesn't have regular issues with steels being misidentified (always to the buyer's detriment, never to their happy surprise) or behaving bizarrely under what we would all consider to be ordinary working conditions for a knife of their type.
 
You can't go wrong with Esee, they make a great knife with a no questions asked lifetime warranty. Personally, I would go with the Bark River, but I'm willing to accept the risks, which a lot of people aren't. They have a reputation of poor quality control, and their owner has had a number of controversies over the years, but so long as you don't get a lemon, they really are superb knives. The three knives I have from them all perform great, better than my two Esee's, but a lot of other people have had to deal with shitty heat treatments or even mislabeled steel in the past. If you want a consistently good knife, go with the Esee.
 
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I’ve had Bark River drop points and an ESEE 3 and used both for deer hunting and camp chores(10 years ago), never had issues with either. I liked the Bark River more just because I prefer the Loveless style knife pattern with a guard.

If that’s the style knife you like, check out the Beretta made, Loveless approved version as well. The wood versions are discontinued but there’s tons of them out there for sale and they’re really nice knives.
 
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Same here, don’t have any Bark Rivers but have a few ESEEs including a 3HM. Really comfortable micarta handle on this model, and hard wearing 1095 blade with a nice belly. Recommended if you are looking at one.
 
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