My Bark River Canadian

[kenjs1]

http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr10/kenjs1/kensknife.jpg

Closest pic I could find to it. Supposed to be burled elder if I recall. Ordered for myself for Christmas- my wife provided the wrapping paper and card. :) I was looking for a blade of particualr shape for skinning and this was it. looked at hundreds of knives and bought this on-lnie on faith. Still haven't used it. How did I do?

[Ol` Joe]

I haven`t seen that model yet, but the bark River knives I`ve handled were impressive IMO for a factory offering. The design of yours is based on a time proven pattern and with Bark Rivers quality I think you have a winner.

BTW there is something about stabilized wood scales on a knife that calls to me. I`ve a couple with "spalted maple" and really like them. They can be a little slippery when wet though.

[DancesWithKnives]

The Russell style Canadian knife is certainly a classic and proven design, most commonly from Grohmann. The dropped blade helps keep your knuckles off the animal. Bark River has a lot of fans and their knives are well regarded, so it should work out well for you. I'm assuming (without knowing) that's a tool steel blade (A2?) so it may require a bit more cleaning/care than stainless but unless you are in a marine environment, it shouldn't be hard to maintain.

Have fun with it!

DWK

[MOGC]

Very pretty! I've heard pro and con on the willow leaf shape for field dressing and skinning. Some love the shape, others seem to have trouble with it. Let us know how it works for you.