Escanaba Trip 3.0: Tour of Bark River Knives by Mike Stewart

[@jerrymorris1527]

Truly one of the very best American Companies!! To all that say quality is not made in America...I beg to differ!! Thx Mike for giving us an inside look!!

[@TheSscarydave]

It has been such an honor to have a true American legend with such a Cinderella story show and talk so opening about his business.I never thought I would ever be able to witness such a detailed process of the knife making trade.Thanks for a very special tour.

[@mcdermottpeter]

Over the years, I've seen Mike Stewart in the forums, and he always seemed a bit grumpy to me. Watching this, I kind of understand. When you put that much love and effort into what you do, and you have people who know nothing challenging you -- well, I'd be a bit grumpy as well. Fantastic video. Thanks.

[@droflah76]

I can't get enough of this Bark River footage!!! Thanks Rob

[@lee33htzdiscotech]

Hi Rob, Awesome second part in the BRK "story" great to see the process as it really is... No script No B.S. just cool people enjoying their work and building excellent blades. Thank you for another great video. Also a big thank you to Mike and all at BRK! Right then now off to the KSF web site for my next BRK! Grace and Peace, Lee.

[@Heirphoto]

If only more employers would take the time to say "I'm blessed with a fantastic crew". Many are, and either fail to see it or fail to convey it to their employees. Well done!

[@greymanzink6118]

After watching this video, I'm sold on Bark River.Everyone was just havin a good ole time doing their jobs. I want a knife made by people that care about their products. Time to get over to KSF and place an order.

[@spikekrossa]

What a great set of video's!!!!!, I have a whole new respect for Barkriver knives. Thanks!!!!

[@patbiggin644]

Im a custom maker and spent a week with Mike, his family and bark river crew, They taught me how to grind better and faster. Awesome company, no lies, tricks or putting on a show with those guys. What they say is what they do and they know a ton! Skittle is insane at the grinder and can show you how to fix any screw up you might make.

[@chipoftheundead]

I'm so pleased to have bought some of my best knives from here. There is a special quality to them. Such integrity in the work really manifests itself in the product. My BRKT knives will always be my favourites and they will also be family heirlooms.

[@Will-Xaru]

I was introduced to Bark River thanks to virtuovice, this is what quality is all about, I always imagined this would be what the Bark River company would look like! It shows that they take pride in their work and they offer their knives at a really fair price when you consider what you're getting, and there's just such a huge range and variety of knives, the company always goes the extra mile for you even if it they have to go out of pocket to do it.

[@MichaelSparks]

This is the best Bark River Video I've ever seen. Thank You!

[@willywinket]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos. This is one of the most entertaining and informative I've ever seen on KZbin!

[@aznelite325]

That was a fantastic watch, thanks Rob for bringing us along!

[@Андрей-д7ы5ы]

Bark River You are the best! Hello from Russia!

[@derrikferguson3219]

Fantastic. Thanks so much for the tour.

[@korling99]

this is why I love Bark River Knives

[@MrF4tty]

Loved seeing all the workers grinding the handles and blades.

[@Pencil-b4m]

Mike Stewart is a classy guy that makes some of the best knives in the world.

[@FlameofUdun9]

I was in the UP of Michigan last week so I went over to escanaba to visit their shop, thought they might sell some bravos up front. I walked in without any notice. Mike walked up to the front right away and apologized that they couldn’t sell any to me. Then offered me the exact same tour. He was very nice, very enthusiastic. Even took time to bring me into his office and talk about the knife community with me. Awesome shop, people who work their have a true passion for what they do. And I’ve never received hospitality like that anywhere. Went and got me a bravo 1.5 a few hours later.

[@RonHicks]

Wow, a blessed company with people living and working a blessed life. Jesus is really awesome :)

[@Folma7]

Now THAT was a great video about a great operation. I enjoyed every second of it. It made me appreciate my Bravo 1 even more.

[@Henk_Hakvoort]

Rob, thank you for this great triptych. I have enjoyed it very much. Thank you SIR!

[@rdlaw8868]

Great series of videos Rob. Was thinking of ordering a BRK from Knives Ship Free, then I ran across your videos. Now I am ordering my knife. These videos sold me a knife. Thanks man. Mike would be a great person to work with.

[@gf4him]

An education turning me from a skeptic into an admirer of Bark River. As a skeptic, I'd assumed they mega mass produced with the forced goal of a golden "bottom line." I'm no longer a skeptic but now a respecter. Gettin alot of Aretha Franklin from me!

[@Halfmoon67]

Amazing video! Thanks for the tour!

[@pstaehlin]

EXCELLECT VIDEO! Thank you very much for sharing.

[@EDKG]

Very interesting tour Rob. Enjoyed all 3 of your videos, many thanks for sharing!

[@Traderjoe]

I really like Bark River, and I know Mike has a rough reputation on the forums, and he came across much different in this than I expected him and I like this version better. I am kind of glad that this factory is the way it is too. I bet that Waco would love to check this factory out too, especially with his collection.

[@mikeschmidtuh5202]

Is this the same Mike Stuart of Pacific Cutlery, Black Jack and Catoctin fame?

[@heathenhymnal]

It may seem like a small detail but the fact that they make sure (by doing it themselves) that every dealer is supplied with high quality product photos is a HUGE help to dealers and a brilliant way to make sure their product is being presently professionally. Someone at BRK is a genius. As the graphic designer for a brewery for many years I can't tell you how many times I found our product listed somewhere with god awful photos that made it look like crap OR how many countless e-mails we received asking for product photos until I just started doing them myself and having them ready.

[@mjodr]

+heathenhymnal I agree. Half of selling something is taking a nice professional photograph or video with proper lighting, etc.

[@patriciadeklerk9783]

Hè mr Rob, In the Netherlands, by a shop. called knives and tools they sell this week bark rivers. this video making for me a good choice buy a bark river. thanks for the good input. greetings from the Netherlands ( lex )

[@davidlarue2492]

I love your sense of humor mr. bixby. Mike: “notice this is not mine, it’s a green micarda handle.” Rob: “it can be mine.” That was classic!! So funny.

[@9999plato]

I got my first Barkie today! A gift from my Wife, an early Fathers day present. A UP Bravo. It's first task, breaking down, deboning a pork shoulder. Yes, I use hunting knives in the kitchen. A knife is a knife.

[@usmc2511]

Thanks Rob, this video put Bark River knives on my radar.

[@jean-christophelaurent7558]

Very good tour. Thx guys.

[@717sport]

This is a good video . Thanks Mike.

[@jergensenC6]

I really enjoyed this series of videos. Mike Stewart seems like a really cool guy. I could listen to him forever. If only he made folders : ) Thanks Rob.

[@SimpleAdventuresLLMSX]

by far the best knife company. can't wait to Vista Derrick and his store..

[@luhoop]

Thanks rob I have spend all day looking at bark river knives to buy. I guess Derrick can thank you for the ones I'm going to buy from him..

[@zachary3428]

Such a great American company, with great people. I'll be a bark river customer for life. I hope to go to a grind in one day.

[@knifeISknife]

thank for the beautiful Documentation. Bark River Knives are awesome knives. thank for this video. Best Regards dirk

[@tacratt6091]

Seems like a really good man, and the kind I would spend my money with!

[@TraditionalBlackPowder]

That was a great video. To see how a well know knife company creates their product is very interesting,

[@BarryDutton]

Amazing behind the scenes look at a super small business. Thanks for that. The Word of the Lord is sharp, but these knives follow a close second LOL. Solid video by you, good job.

[@MontageReflex]

Wow. Incredible. A perfect video to watch as I make my lanyard for my Bravo 1

[@derrikferguson3219]

The fact that they restore the logo if needed upon sharpening - that’s awesome.

[@jonathanross4196]

Amazing! Makes me want to buy all Bark River knives.

[@garyo4456]

Watched another KZbin video takin in the Benchmade factory and their were many areas that were proprietary and private...”No Cameras Allowed!!” Funny, I just posted on Craigslist a Steep Country knife...hoping it’s sold to fund a Bark River acquisition!! I appreciate forthright sharing and the committed concern Bark River makes to deliver and stand behind their knives for life! 👍

[@davethebarber62920]

A Bark River folder! I am officially excited! I hope he wasn't just blowing smoke!

[@TheApostleP]

+David Childers Unless smoke has brass liners and a blade, I think I held one in my hand ;)

[@davethebarber62920]

TheApostleP I am sure you're sworn to secrecy till they come out, but I am really curious what kind of folder they went with. Like a traditional slipjoint or a lockback or something like a mini bravo that folds.

[@TheApostleP]

David Childers You're right ;)

[@everydayjonny4105]

+TheApostleP I'm glad you were there....hoping you were able to urge some left hand friendliness or confirm that it was coming

[@CharlesMartellus]

Great video series Rob

[@RamBowMike]

Bark River knives are the best of the best!

[@budaflash]

Great vid series! I own 1 Bark River and now I want more. Interestingly enough I damanged the tip on my Fox River doing some bonehead stuff and I reground by hand to get the tip back. I didn't realize I could have sent the knife back haha.

[@pyromaniac1491]

Mike seems like a cool dude. I’d love to work there. I love sharpening knives! Putting convex in all my moves soon as I buy them is a MUST DO! Bark river already done! Period!

[@mfreeman313]

Very interesting discussion of photographing the knives. Photography's one of the things I do and I recently had to shoot some knives for a magazine piece. I didn't have time to do a complicated lighting setup, so I did exactly what they do: Expose so the knife is the brightest thing but not overexposed, and then pull the exposure up generally so you can see the other stuff OK.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

What an awesome factory tour video. Sounds like a fantastic place to live as well. The atmosphere & attitude of that little factory is exactly why I am so dead-set against buying cheap Chinese goods, and I admit, I get fightin' mad every time I hear some libtard say "We've had our turn at the top, it's now some other country's turn to be in the lead"............It's disgusting and WRONG. If only people would tighten up their belts & sacrifice a little to demand MADE IN USA.........it would lead to more great job opportunities just like what we see here in this video. People need to stop "wishing" the economy back, while they spend their money at Walmart. Too many Americans have lost that willingness to sacrifice a little now, in order to gain reward later in the big picture.

[@asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas-x4k]

After seeing these guys at work, I went ahead and bought a little Bark River EPK. Just to get my feet wet before I get a full size Bark River one day :)

[@TheMadComputerScientist1787]

I'd love to work there.

[@jay-rus4437]

Everything becomes just “another job” when you do it everyday. Some things are still better than others, but if one wants to ruin their hobby...start doing it for money

[@justincase4382]

Justin Russell boooo

[@tyronejones912]

God. Mike is such a good guy

[@dickerson89]

Awesome video! Now that you have officially made me want one of his knives.. on to knivesshipfree to decide which one!

[@RedFatCat78]

awesome vid! thanks...

[@rpnp2]

this was a pretty cool video series you put up. I have owned several Bark River knives in the past and never knew much about the company besides the product they produced. I am definitely interested in this folder Mike rumored about.

[@nate1920]

“This is the sixth time cutting paper.” “Well, they’re probably dull by now!”

[@VicariousReality7]

Nah A2 will actually give you about 200 cuts through rope, i dunno about paper, ask Cedric Ada, he does actual testing here

[@valkry007]

Cool vid, love my BR Bravo LT.

[@TheLankyWoodsman]

Awesome video!

[@housevollmer9106]

21:00 work sharp box!?!? Suspect!!!

[@cosmiccharlie8294]

And seven years later BR is doing great and going strong!

[@grahams6390]

Great series...now I definitely have to pick up a Bark River from KSF...now my only problem is which one...have it narrowed down to about 6...need to really ponder my "philosophy of use"...too many choices.

[@robertphillips3833]

Great tour Mike! Who are the 10 clowns who gave this a thumbs down? Losers You can’t beat a Bark River knife for Quality, and fit & finish. I dare you to even try !

[@brainache555]

Very nice company and people!

[@shubbagin49]

the only reason I have not looked too far into buying a Bark River was I do not know how to service a convex grind, is it something to do with a pliable backing to the sharpening medium Rob? I have heard that a convex edge is probably the best edge for a decent sized knife. Apart from all that, I do not need another fixed bladed tool but these knives are obviously made with old fashioned craftmanship and Mike obviously knows his stuff and staff. A great video Rob, I can see me putting one of these darlings on my best knives to have list. I already knew from other sources that Bark River knives are way up there when it comes to woodland blades. Most impressed,. Off to Derricks website to have an ogle(again). With a Scottish name like Stewart he must come from good stock. L.O.L.

[@Player_Review]

Bark River, the best knife manufacturer in the world.

[@justincase4382]

Wouldn’t go that far but definitely up there

[@DenisHauser]

Great doku! Thx! :)

[@lumspond]

Great videos Rob. I have the Bravo 1. Awesomeness. Did he say "folders".......

[@TheApostleP]

He didn't say anything 😈😈😈

[@nathenwallis9234]

+TheApostleP I can't wait to see the bark river folders!, lol

[@jefftaylor4707]

Great video,and what a cracking work ethic,well done to you all.Dont know if you guys sell in the UK,but I'll be looking out for you. Regards from a fellow craftsman.

[@bluegrasssurvival9423]

Hey Apostle, is Peter's Heat Treating the company that Bark River uses for all of their heat treatment?

[@DannoCrutch]

great video!

[@Lars1540]

Wow! Awesome tour! Thanks Rob & Mike! That was very cool! I like the bit about the oil. But I am curious; why 5w30? Is there something special about that weight oil?

[@eugeneBai]

Amazing vid, Rob! I like Bark River knifes, and after this video I totaly want to buy one. But ,Rob, HOW make sharpening for convex at home???

[@sawdust6968]

great company,great knives,thanks for sharing GOD bless(

[@a.gunguy1054]

real people making real tools.

[@bushmillsrare]

thank you very interesting

[@daryooshfatemi]

A legendary man who deserves his great fame. The true opposite of Kardashians 🔪✨

[@roflbcopter]

wish they showed a kitchen knife, after looking at their product line i would love a chefs knife from them, it'll probably be my first purchase out of college because a good knife is key for food prep

[@hillbillyknifenut83]

I am honestly asking my self ... Why have I not bought a Bark River blade ?! I've been so obsessed with the latest folders , an yeah I have a couple fixed blades , Ka-bar and Buck , but no Bark River ... Now I definitely want one !!! What would you recommend my first Bark River be Rob ?

[@zionsotrah3630]

i uderstand why fix blade are awsome

[@SCQT]

time to make that trip from Traverse City Sure love the product

[@buffi944]

the sewing machine looks great

[@highplains7777]

I owe Mike for his handle finishing secret. I've been using Tru-Oil on my meager projects, which looks great but takes several days to cure.

[@patrickgermond2750]

No wonder my forest knife wasn't that sharp. You guys cut 50 sheets of paper🤦‍♂️🥇😂

[@Pencil-b4m]

RIP Derrick!

[@tacratt6091]

Ohhh please make a folder!!

[@korling99]

maybe folders, woohooo!

[@tubeularvids]

i would love to work for this guy. seems like a great boss and plus id get to be around awesome knives all day.id love to see what you think of adventure sworn blades.

[@tubeularvids]

+Corey Fitch what do you know? you work for him?

[@tubeularvids]

+Corey Fitch I will bud. I was just excited to see the factory. I'll tell you one thing tho the air quality probably ain't too good In that place.

[@tubeularvids]

+Corey Fitch they really should have dust collectors at every grinding station and even In the leather dept. you shouldn't have too destroy you're lungs to make a living. I wonder if the air passes OSHA regulations?

[@matthewturner7691]

6x the QC! That's why I had no problem paying for the Bravo 1 LT CPM 3V in milspec camo. It truely looks and feels like $1000 knife.

[@honza2171]

i think i need a bravo edc now

[@johnpoc6594]

Hey Apostle what do you think about all the comments around forums and youtube about BRK messing up their steel?

[@TheApostleP]

I think it started with a gross misapplication of a dedicated custom high performance slicer, and escalated / degenerated into an emotional argument based on strong opinions and hurt feelings. BRK was a bit too dismissive in their replies, but I'm confident they do in fact know what they're doing. At this point I've sharpened and used many of their knives in modern super steels, and I find their heat treatment to be intact and well done.

[@johnpoc6594]

Thanks for the quick reply!

[@SUPERSTUD6000]

i wish i worked there

[@wagonman01]

Hi! The W in 5W30 stands for Winter, as it's a rating for the capability of motor oil at low temperatures. Not sure why people are knocking the use of motor oil... I just clean my knife before use. Common sense. :)

[@mjodr]

I have a concern. The final protecting oil is motor oil. That isn't food safe AFAIK. Plenty of people use their knives for food prep. Maybe nobody knew until now, but I would be afraid of some customer backlash on that.

[@TheApostleP]

Honestly Matt, that subject is absolutely wearing me out. People who are hyper-concerned about their knife blade lube being good grade either make me laugh or annoy me, depending on the mood I'm in. If you're concerned about ingesting any trace amounts of 5W30 after your neurosis has led you to clean it 8 times before cutting up your apple, perhaps you really shouldn't carry sharp objects in the first place. They could cut you... And you could bleed to death. Sorry... Had to rant a bit.

[@mjodr]

I've ingested enough motor oil from working on my vehicles that I know it's not going to do anything. It's customers who know it's not food safe and are very vocal that I worry about.

[@highplains7777]

Only a fool uses a food utensil before washing it.

[@TheDarthvader123]

Everything you buy to prep food, you have to wash. Many people have touched it, with their hands.

[@justincase4382]

TheDarthvader123 omg too much common sense there man. I didn’t even know this was a thing until now. All sorts of things come with things in shipping that should be washed off. Who buys silverware or cups and doesn’t wash them before using them? Prolly a jackass

[@coloradoelk5184]

Virtuovice sent me here