BRK Magnum Fox River.

[Mack The Knife]

I have had the complete ESEE line-up plus some duplicates (ESEE-4s and Izula-IIs) and only one of them (my current Izula-II) had a slight fit and finish issue with the handle scales. On the other hand, I have handled seven Bark Rivers and all of them have had some slight fit and/or finish issues. Nothing major and nothing that one cannot rectify easily but they are there. Since there is more manual work involved with BRK knives and since BRK are over booked with orders, the quality control isn't as stringent as I believe it should be. That's a shame because the designs are by and large very good.

It isn't just the steel that drives the cost up. I doubt there is a substantial difference between A-2 and 1095. Unlike other grinds, the convex grind still has to be done manually on a belt grinder and that is probably why the BRKs cost more.

Better you check the 5 and 6 that Slingshot has prior to making another purchase. Of the two, I would take the 6 any day of the week as it is far more versatile.

If you ever decide on a Khukuri, spend a little more and get the one from Himalayan Imports. After Uncle Bill passed away I lost touch with HI but his wife still maintains the company's ethos and product quality. She also sells blemished but unused Khukuris on the HI forum at drastically reduced prices.

There's a lot of subtle and not so subtle marketing that is going on in the knife world. Caveat emptor!

Why not make your next knife something that you can actually carry with you and use regularly. I would heartily recommend the BRK Mini Fox River. It has the same dimensions as the Izula-II but comes with a convex ground blade you will learn to appreciate. http://indiansforguns.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=17934

[Moin.]

Thanks Mack. The Mini Fox River's nice little bug*3r and I can guage the size looking at the comparison pic with the Izula II. Compared to the Izula though, the Mini Fox seems less pocketable with the Micarta Scales and the gorgeous leather sheath, can only be worn on the belt then.

Also seems a tad expensive, considering the size, but then WTF, good things in life are expensive. I'm learning to appreciate the usefulness of carrying and using a small sturdy fixed blade like the Izula and was considering the Becker B24 Eskabar in D2 when it will be out next year, the Mini Fox's a nice alternative.

Will check out the Barkies and the Eseee's with Slingshot, he's amassed quite a number of new knives that I have to check out...

And yes I tried getting in touch with HI a few months back, they say they don't ship to India considering the custom hassles. I'll try and dig out that email. I had my heart set on this WWII MK3 Khuk from HI.

Regards
Moin.

[Mack The Knife]

The Mini Fox River is pocketable but if you are worried about the leather getting scuffed then don't card any hard object in that pocket. It will be safer from scuff marks in your pocket with a handkerchief for company than it would be on your belt.

The Izula is a very good knife and I would have no hesitation carrying one should I need to sell the Mini Fox River. The MFR is better but not twice as better if price were to be used to determine functionality and quality of these two knives.

Have a relative or friend bring back a HI Khukuri.

[winnie_the_pooh]

Moin, there are still places where you can hunt an elephant or a bison.

Mack,I find that my needs are served by an old Victorinox and so,perhaps, these look a bit expensive.I am sure if I were headed to places where these can be put to use,I would consider them...but like Moin said,if you are passionate about something,there is no law that says that you need to have a use for it to buy it.

BTW,it took me some time to figure out what SAK stood for.

[Mack The Knife]

Knives come and go but the SAK Swiss Champ always stays.