Help me decide which Bark River

[lik2hunt]

I'm going to get one of these soon, just can't decide which one. Looking for some input. I have a good short bladed skinner already and the Bark River I get will be used for field dressing and some light field skinning of deer and hogs.

1st choice
Bark River Highland Special - 4" drop point of A-2 at 59-61 Rc. with Black Micarta®



2nd choice
Bark River Lite Hunter, Black Canvas, Solid Pins - Overall length: 8.125 Inches Blade Length: 4 Inches Steel: 12C27 @ 58-59 rc



3rd choice
Bark River Fox River Hunter Black Micarta Handles. 8 1/2" overall. 4 1/4" steel blade.



4th choice
Bark River Clip Point Skinner Black Canvas Micarta. 8 1/2" overall. 4" A2 tool steel blade.



5th choice
Bark River Upland Special Black Micarta. 7 3/4" overall. 4" stainless upswept blade.

[Skeezix]

I like your choice of Bark River!  I've got two of 'em myself.  For your stated use of this knife, I believe I'd go for choice #2: the Lite Hunter, although I don't have any personal experience with the 12C27 steel, I've read good things about it.  And BRKT don't use no junk! 

The reason the Lite Hunter would be my first choice is that I really like having a guard there for that added protection when field dressing when your hands are bloody and slick and you're doing internal work or in the dark and are operating by feel.  Also, I like that it has a finer point than #1, which will make it a little easier to use while field dressing, especially for the fine work you have to do around the tail hole, some of the internal areas, and other places.  But it still has enough belly to do light skinning work easily.

My second choice would be #4: the Clip Point Skinner, because of the more secure handle shape.  It also has a finer point, good for field dressing.

I also like that these knives have solid rivets: Less places for blood and other gurry to collect.  Easier cleanup.

[lik2hunt]

I'm kinda leaning toward the Clip Point Skinner actually. Thanks for the reply. From all the info I can gather it looks like Bark River is gonna be an excellent choice of cutlery for hunters. I do also like the Ontario D2 RATs and the Pumas too.
Too many knives.....not enough money. 

[leadslinger]

I have the Lite Hunter and it is a good knife, but I would recommend a Huntsman.  They are small but have a guard and are very agile in the hand.  The blade is very thick for its size and is designed for popping joints while processing.  You can see one here http://www.dlttradingcompany.com/product_info.php?cPath=24_116&products_id=396.

[Lloyd Smale]

I live about 50 miles from them and have quite a few of there knives. My favorite and one thats on my hip everday is the mini canadian.

[WesinND]

I have the Fox River and like it.  It holds an edge forever.  Wes

[James B]

I like NO.l the best.

[lik2hunt]

I still haven't purchased a Bark River yet, but I still like all my choices here. They all look good don' they?! 
The Highland Special is a good alternative to the Fox River and is a quite a bit cheaper too, even if purchased with green micarta handles. I still am leaning toward a Clip Point Skinner as my first choice though and will most likely follow through with the purchase soon as I believe they are being discontinued.

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Have 3 Bark Rivers here---excellent---but the sheaths suck.

I'd stay away from current Puma's---they are a far cry away from what they used to be---they had a Skinner at Cabelas for $100.00 that was just a sorry excuse for a knife. $100 will get you something very nice these days.

[lik2hunt]

Just ordered a Clip Point Skinner w/ Green Micarta handles.