North Star review - one mans opinion.

[Martyn]

One mans opinion is all this is ...and here it is...

I approached this review with some trepidation. It's one of the hardest I've written for several reasons which will become apparent and I found myself stopping and starting several times before I got my teeth into it so to speak. I asked myself "what is wanted from such a review?" and found it not that easy to answer. I also realised just how subjective review writing is and I was concious of the impact of such a subjective work. I was also concious of the need for objectivity, but that in itself is subjective - ahh a minefield. Anyway, here is my map through this particular minefield - you must be the judge of my chosen route.

The North Star.



The North Star by Bark River Knife and Tool, was a much anticipated knife. I dont think I've ever witnessed this kind of frenzy over a pre-production blade before. I'm not sure why that is, perhaps it all started with a review of the prototype on Outdoors-Magazine.com which described the knife as "the latest field and woodcraft knife from Bark River Knife and Tools", which, of itself is enough to ignite a fire under the bushcraft community in the UK. The review shows us pictures of the North Star splitting logs, whittling and so on, and indeed it does look to be a very competant woodcraft tool - and so it began. The discussions regarding the forthcomming North Star raged on the forums and it's reputation as the ideal bushcrafters knife grew, even before a single production unit hit the shelves. By the time the North Star (NS from now on) went into production, it had developed a massive reputation and a huge pre-order list. Mike Stewart, the CEO of Bark River Knife & Tool did a superlative job of keeping the eager customers up to date with the production process, with photo's of the knife under construction, and an unusual level of honesty, regarding a less than ideal sheath. The original sheath prototype was contracted out and, to be brutal, was about as pretty as bulldog chewing a bee. Mike was the first to admit this and has promised replacement sheaths to owners of the first production run - you get a card with the knife stating this.

So, what's the knife like and importantly, how does the knife live up to the hype?

Well the NS arrived unblemished and my first impressions on opening the box were "wow" it's a LOT smaller and lighter than I had envisioned. Perhaps the original review, with pictures of the knife chewing it's way through logs in the wilderness, had left me with the impression that this knife was a substantial tool, I dont know. On reading over the review again, I note that Sharpshooter (the author) comments on the diminutive size of the prototype and says he looks forward to the full size prototype. Then as an addendum writes

"Since I wrote this article the North Star project has progressed. As well as the knife performed, Mike Stewart and I agreed that it would be even better were it somewhat bigger. The result of the discussion is about a 12% increase in overall size."

I'm not sure how big the original prototype was that featured in the review, but it must have been tiny. So does size really matter (said the Bishop to the actress) - read on.


I decided to try and block the hype from my mind and view the knife as a standalone product - as if i'd never heard of a North Star and just recieved it in the post. The knife is small as already noted, with a slight overall camber from tip to heel. The blade is of a spearpoint type, fully convex ground. The grind is exceptionally well executed, viewing the plunge cuts from the edge side of the knife, it's easy to spot that they line up perfectly, the center line of the edge is true and the overall grind very symmetrical. Well done BRK&T - good so far. The blade is quite thin, with the primary bevel starting at the spine and tapering in a gentle, convex curve all the way to the quite thin edge. There is no secondary edge bevel, making the NS a true, convex grind. There was a good level of sharpness from the factory, not a "push cutter" but shaving sharp. The point seemed a little rounded to me, perhaps a side effect of the final buffing. The hadle is short, 3 and a half fingers for most hands I would think, with a narrow neck flaring out to a deeper and wider but-end. The finish of the but-end is sharply squared. I ordered a version with beautiful curly birch slabs and black liners, which came mounted onto a symmetrically tapered tang. I noted the liners were not of perfectly symmetrical thickness, one side being slightly thicker than the other - I'm not sure why this should be, I would have thought the black stock of the liners would be a uniform thickness, clearly not. The handle slabs have also been ground slightly thinner on one side than the other - so on close inspection, the handle slabs look slightly asymmetrical. The effect is most noticable at the thinner, neck end of the handle. These are small discrepancies and not ones that worry me unduly. The knife is essentially a handmade product and you will always get idiosyncracies with such handmade knives - most would argue they are proof of the handmade origins and add character - I would agree so long as the idiosyncracies dont adversely affect performance - which they dont in my blade. The overall impression is of a very well executed blade and tang with a good, but not perfect execution of the handle slabs. The price was very reasonable and the micarta versions are positively cheap. A great value for money knife, with a superb grind from a reputable and respected maker.

However....

The review doesnt end there, because we have yet to discuss form and function. How does the knife perform, how does it handle and is it a good woodsmans or bushcrafters knife?

On picking the knife up, it immediately jumps into a "thumb on top of spine" grip. The thin neck and slight downward camber over the whole knife, accentuates this effect and the knife is very comfortable in this position. It's a grip that is good for a lot of common tasks, string cutting, pakage opening, butchering, some light duty whittling ...and though not a common task I hope, ...martial combat. It's small size, classy appearance and thumb on top preference, makes it a nice utility knife. I can see myself carrying it for a walk in the woods. I'm having a leather sheath made for it, rather than go for the one Mike is offering as a replacement, and when done, it'll be a classy little woodsmans carry.

But (and this is where a sensible reviewer would run for the hills), this is not a bushcraft knife, or even close in my opinion.

Now that is a pretty contentious and critical statement, given the intended purpose of the knife ...it flies in the face of the hype and cannot go without justification and detailed explanation. In order to discuss why it doesnt work as a bushcrafter, I think we need to first define bushcraft. In fact, I think a possible trans-atlantic confusion over this definition, may be, in part at least, responsible for this.

Bushcraft in the modern sense, is a hobby ...an art ...a way of life that practitioners choose to follow, for pleasure, satisfaction and relaxation. In the traditional sense, it's the persuit of the knowledge and skills required, to not simply survive, but thrive in a variety of remote and entirely natural habitats, with the bare minimum of tools and equipment. It's not survivalism, that is about overcomming short-term, possibly life threatening hardships, with a view to an expedient return to civilization. Bushcrafters choose to remove themselves from civilization, not to masochistically endure hardships, but to develop the skills and knowledge needed to make such self reliance a fullfilling and relatively comfortable way of life. As a hobby, it is relatively specific. There are specific core skills, which can be roughly categorised under shelter building, fire making and food procurement. This self imposed, minimalist exile from society takes a long time to master (if ever), but as with many interests, it is the journey there that is as much a part of the enjoyment. It's the learning and practicing of these skills which keep the practitioners rooted to the hobby. To be more specific, fire-drill making, fire-bow making, fire-plough making, spoon carving, pot or cup carving, making fishing hooks, pot hangers, complex traps and triggers, making cordage, various shelters, bows and arrows ...are just a sample of the skills a bushcrafter seeks to master.

We live in a world governed by maths, physics and mechancics - there are certain truths. There are tools that make some jobs easy, there are tools that make some jobs even easier - this assumes that most of us live in this physical world and have an anatomy that is governed by similar mechanics. To a large extent, though not always, you should get the same labour saving or work efficiency qualities from any given tool, as I get. Though we are not the same, we are sufficiently similar, that tools work in the same way for most of us.

So, if we look at the specific skills of a bushcrafter and marry that to the "average" person, we should be able to design a tool that works well for most of us. It is this premise, that enables me to evaluate this knife in the context of bushcraft skills, and pass on my experiences in a way that most of you should find the same. Wood is the primary resource of a bushcrafter, so any tool designed for the job "MUST" be a good woodworking tool first and foremost. If you look at the following image, you will see a series of "holds" that represent common cuts in bushcraft or woodcarving generally. Any knife suitable for the persuit of bushcraft, should be comfortable and funtional - even excell through this series of holds.



This is where we come to the nub of it. The NS sits very well in the hand with a "thumb on top of the spine" type (combat?) grip, but that's not used that often in bushcraft or woodwork and is considered a weaker grip. More common is the hammer grip for power cutting (where the NS would have benefited from a fatter neck), but almost as often used, is reverse grips and this is where the NS fails significantly. There is a little too much camber in the whole knife for it to be truly comfy in a reverse hold, the neck of the handle is too thin and doesnt allow a good hold. The index finger needs to have a good grasp of the neck in order to manipulate the blade in these carving cuts, so the neck needs to be fat enough to support this. The handle is too angular at the but-end, with bits that dig into your palm, the corners of the scales and the lanyard hole particularly. These areas would chaff if the knife was used in this orientation for anything other than very light work. The handle is far too short overall. Basically, the knife loves to be held in one grip (thumb on top of spine) but protests at alternate grips and wriggles to right itself.



Almost any knife can be pressed into service for almost any task, but a designed for the job tool, should excell at that task. I feel it's a great shame the North Star was hyped as a bushcraft tool, as in this respect and under the definitions above, it fails to excell. The shame is that as a general duty, calssy little carry along, it's a lovely knife. It stands well on it's own merits. It doesnt need definition as any particular kind of knife to justify itself. But if you buy it as a bushcrafter, you may be dissapointed with what you get.

In reality, most of us are not hard core bushcrafters, more a case of general campers that dabble with some of the skills. For many of us, that's all we will ever be. If you are one of these people, the North Star should service you well. The problem arises, that once someone has decided to "follow the way", they want the best and most suitable tool for the job. Even though thier reality may never push the tool into it's working power-band, most hobbyist bushcrafters still want thier tool to be up to it, should they ever get that far. That's fair enough - you pay your money and take your choice.

In summary, I think the north Star is a great knife, it's a superb carry for a day trip to the woods, a pilots survival knife or numerous other applications. It's great if your camping is of a less bushcrafty nature, it's classy, neat and small, the grind is beautifully executed and it's priced exceptionally competatively. I'm delighted with my purchase. As far as I'm concerned, it's a keeper. However, it's a shame that the knife was hyped as a woodcraft or bushcrafters tool, because it compells evaluation as such - where it frankly doesnt come out too well. I sincerely hope Mike and Bark River continue to produce the North Star exactly as is, because it stands perfectly well on it's own merits and doesnt need the bushcraft tag to sell.

I'm concious of the effect that these comments might have on Bark River, and can only apologise to Mike, who has been a staunch supporter of this site. I reiterate, my criticisms of the North star are not of the knife itself, but of a mis-match between the design and marketing, which forces an evaluation under a light that is perhaps unfair to the knife. I can only say that this is just one mans opinion, nothing more. I can also say I have deliberated hard over my choice of words, and believe these comments to be as objective and honest as i can possibly make them. Some of you will agree, some of you wont.

Time to put my flame suit on and run for the hills.
Regards,
Martyn.

[Dave Barker]

I think that the review is well written and balanced Martyn.


I think the review on the outdoor magazine site was the thing that tipped it and sent people into a frenzy, the size of the knife has ben mentioned here nce or twice by members with big hands saying it was too small.

The knif itself looks great, and I am sure it will excel in other tasks if not for bushcraft.

As For Mike, as ou say he has been open and upfront from day one with regard to any problems that cropped up. i don't think that comments you made are anti mike or his company, but more a fair summaton of marketing and hype shown ( BY ONE MAN ALBEIT) to be not what was expected.

I think it was ok..... now any place in then there hills for me?

[boaty]

Time to put my flame suit on and run for the hills.
Regards,
Martyn.

Top marks for an excellent, thoughtful review! As always, your integrity and honesty are clearly apparent

I think that you'll get as many people agreeing with your view (e.g. Gary sold his on almost as soon as he received it) as disagreeing

I also think that you'll find that there's a strong correlation between people's hand-size and their response to your review!

[Basemetal]

A very useful read Martin -I'm still waiting for my NS delivery and have been wondering about the size. Mentally I have now filed the "NS" in the size bracket I had put the E.L.K. in. My expectations have now been managed to the point wher I think I'll be able to open the package without a shock.
:bandit:

[Colin KC]

Thanks Martyn,

You've obviously thought long & hard over this review, it shows, & comes out as an honest evaluation of the product against the expectation that I had of the NS.

I, as you know have a custom, which certainly is a keeper but will be ordering a micarta version inna near future, for exactly the reasons that you have put forward here, I am not a bushcrafter (by any stretch) but would happily use this knife in my everyday camping duties (SWMBO occasionally forces me into a tent ) & I feel it would perform admirably at such tasks as chopping veg, slicing meat, flipping burgers etc etc.


All in all, a great thanks to you Boss for an honest evaluation & a big:35: to Mike for producing a good all round little knife

[Gary]

Very well put Martin.

I totally agree about the marketing aspect and the size, and as pointed out above, these were the main reasons I sold mine on so soon after arrival.

The knife its is of excellent quality without a doubt and would serve many people very well but for myself being purely 'into' bushcraft I agree it was not right for that field of endeavour.

Now as I said to ODS if Mike wants a bushcraft knife .................. drop me a line!! :rotfl:

[Hellz]

Excellent write up Martyn.

I'd not really been overly concerned about the NS (although I felt left out of all the excitement and anticipation ) as I don't 'Bushcraft...' I do however like to spend time in the woods and as you point out the NS looks like a great little woodland knife, and now I want one...

Cheers :p

Hellz

[Martyn]

Excellent write up Martyn.

I'd not really been overly concerned about the NS (although I felt left out of all the excitement and anticipation ) as I don't 'Bushcraft...' I do however like to spend time in the woods and as you point out the NS looks like a great little woodland knife, and now I want one...

Cheers :p

Hellz

Exactly mate - that's where it shines..

[leon-1]

I do not own a Northstar, so I could not possibly comment on the knife itself, but the review I can.

The review was balanced and informative (knife size and how comfortable the grip is when used in diffferent styles), it was far from negative, it pointed out solid fact which is good from my point of view.

The review would not stop me buying a Northstar, I think that if anything the honesty that was shown in it does niether you or Mike any damage and I think Mike would probably appreciate that you don't pull any punches (honesty is the best policy).

[Martyn]

The review would not stop me buying a Northstar, I think that if anything the honesty that was shown in it does niether you or Mike any damage and I think Mike would probably appreciate that you don't pull any punches (honesty is the best policy).

Thanks.

I told Mike about the review a couple of days ago and gave him the gist of the criticims. He appreciated the efforts I was going to, to be direct, honest and, balanced ...and was totally supportive.

[familne]

A fair and informative review. I think you're safe to come out of the hills now!

[ANDYLASER]

Superb review Martyn. For once having smallish hands is a bonus. I, like many others was a little surprised at the size (or lack of) of the North Star upon opening the box. However as soon as I picked up the knife, I knew it was a good choice. For me, it is one of the best fitting knives I own and is supremely comfortable to hold.
Being more of a "weekend woodlander", than a bushcrafter, I forsee no problems with this knife for my intended use for it. Kudos to you Martyn for standing up and saying "I have a problem with this knife". As you say, it is your opinion and you are most certainly entitled to it, as is everybody else with theirs. At the end of the day though, it is a bl**dy good knife and one that I am happy to carry.

[Chux]

Being less than honest (in reviews or otherwise) rarely does anyone any favours in the long term.

Good review Martyn, and hearty slap on the back for not pulling punches

[Tantalus]

Nice review Martyn

No need to don the asbestos suit honest

Maybe i have small hands, and maybe being ambidextrous helps

If anything is uncomfortable one way round in one hand i just switch hands without even thinking really

Handle fits me like a glove, I am delighted with the way it feels

The way the handle flares slightly toward the base makes it feel all the more secure to me. My pinkie ends up just before the end of the wood, giving you an idea of my hand size. Others, with bigger hands, presumably the pinkie would go off the end of the handle.

Tapered tang gives the knife a blanced feel which has been mentioned by others

Also the thickness of the blade spine, at around 4 mm is beefy to say the least

Perhaps you may be right in suggesting it is better suited as a lighter alternative to some of the heavier bushcraft tools

Coupled with a suitable baton I feel it would cope with almost all of the heavier camp duties short of tree felling.

Personally, I ordered a Mikro to go with the NS and feel that the 2 together will provide the tools to tackle anything I put my mind to

Tant

[bushwacker]

Superb review Martyn. For once having smallish hands is a bonus. I, like many others was a little surprised at the size (or lack of) of the North Star upon opening the box. However as soon as I picked up the knife, I knew it was a good choice. For me, it is one of the best fitting knives I own and is supremely comfortable to hold.
Being more of a "weekend woodlander", than a bushcrafter, I forsee no problems with this knife for my intended use for it. Kudos to you Martyn for standing up and saying "I have a problem with this knife". As you say, it is your opinion and you are most certainly entitled to it, as is everybody else with theirs. At the end of the day though, it is a bl**dy good knife and one that I am happy to carry.

That sums it up for me too! A great knife of superb quality amd does all I want of it(if i split logs I use an axe or saw)I also have small hands.Review was objective and accurate and now Mike can design a knife for the UK with the addition of the positive feedback from your appraisal