View Full Version : The North Star!
Sharpshooter
28-07-2004, 06:39
I sat home this morning waiting for the "Big Brown Truck" to pull up, it was a lot like being a kid on Christmas Morning.
I knew that Mike had sent the First North Star yesterday; so every truck than went by sounded like THE TRUCK. It finally showed up, just in time for me to leave for work, but first I had to open it and share my thoughts with Mike.
I picture is worth a thousand words, but holding the knife that I was seeking so many months ago in my hand is priceless. It's everything I hoped it would be and more.
Enough rambling....
The North Star
http://forums.outdoors-magazine.com/upload/images/Sharpshooter_North%20Star.jpg
Mike, this is one very special knife; it just feels RIGHT.
The details are incredible; check out the tapered tang and grooves on the spine...
http://forums.outdoors-magazine.com/upload/images/Sharpshooter_Tang.jpg
Thanks Mike, you really made MY Knife of the Year.
I'll get it into the woods sometime in the next few days, lots more pics and a full performance report as soon as possible.
Order 'em up now, this will be one hot knife.
Reid
Looks good - who makes it?
Nooooooooooooooooooooo!!
I can't see any pics!! :banghead: :aargh4:
I can't wait for the field report, I'm hoping this is "THE" knife too. :wink:
jamesdevine
28-07-2004, 08:41
It's the long awaited Bark River North Start Gary.
Wow I had seen the blank over on outdoor mag but the final one really looks the business.
James
MartiniDave
28-07-2004, 08:44
Tasty knife!!
My wife just said I can have one, just as soon as I've worn out all the others I've got! Aw shucks!
Looks like a winner for Mike over at Bark River.
Dave
bushwacker bob
29-07-2004, 00:46
the final product looks even better than I expected. Those mosaic pins are a sweet addition.I want one. :lol:
Just a quick note to sharpshooter and whoever. Pics posted on JM's site dont appear to show up for many people. I cant see a damned thing. Must be something to do with the permissions he has set or something.
I can get the link to the pic by quoting the original message and copying it from there, but that doesnt even work for me.
http://forums.outdoors-magazine.com/upload/images/Sharpshooter_North Star.jpg
It seems to get filtered through a CGI script which kills my access.
RovingArcher
29-07-2004, 04:25
:super: congratulations, sweet looking blade. How about some specs and uh, err, setback. :wink:
Martyn if I shut down my firewall I can see them, but otherwise can't work around it! :(
Martyn if I shut down my firewall I can see them, but otherwise can't work around it! :(
Bingo Raz, thanks. :biggthump
:nono: We’re thinking of a dealer section, when we do this post will be more appropriate.
Tony
I've had mine on order since around February of this year.
Please note also that according to Joe at ODS import tariffs are going to escalate in the near future.
As an aside, any ideas why this is so? I deal a lot with imports and as far as I'm aware there are no changes in Customs and Excise regulations that would cause this. :?:
As an aside, any ideas why this is so? I deal a lot with imports and as far as I'm aware there are no changes in Customs and Excise regulations that would cause this. :?:
http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4841
I'm trying to get a fix on this issue but not having any luck with it looking through the TARIC codes for imports. http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/dds/en/tarhome.htm
According to this the rates for blades (hand held, fixed or otherwise) remains at 8.5%. I know that
Here is the duty on fixed blades into the UK from the US:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/dds/cgi-bin/tarduty?ProdLine=80&Type=0&Action=1&Lang=EN&SimDate=20040730&YesNo=1&Indent=-1&Flag=1&Test=tarduty&Periodic=0&Download=0&Taric=8211920000&Country=US%2F0400&Day=30&Month=07&Year=2004
I'll have a word with UKCE in the morning ... it wouldn't be the first time that they've told people nonesence ... to me, this doesn't seem accurate.
Adi's right I import stuff from the states and if anything I think they're slackening off - charges seem to have dropped a little.
Maybe a little misunderstanding or something! :?:
Also, I have enquired on BB but BCUK memebrs might also like to know what the sheath looks like so any chance of a picture or two?
Martyn if I shut down my firewall I can see them, but otherwise can't work around it! :(
I've solved the problem with pictures not showing up Raz. The culprit was Zone Alarm, I had the ad blocking set to "high" which was killing all attatched and embeded images. I switched ad blocking to medium security and everything is fine now.
Any news on this confusion over duty increases on knives and torches?
According to this the rates for blades (hand held, fixed or otherwise) remains at 8.5%. I know that
Here is the duty on fixed blades into the UK from the US:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/dds/cgi-bin/tarduty?ProdLine=80&Type=0&Action=1&Lang=EN&SimDate=20040730&YesNo=1&Indent=-1&Flag=1&Test=tarduty&Periodic=0&Download=0&Taric=8211920000&Country=US%2F0400&Day=30&Month=07&Year=2004
According to that link Adi...
Import: Third country duty (US): 8.5 % + 9
....that's 17.5% total! That's what Joe said it was standing at currently.
Back to the thread - I have ordered one of these knives ( I know I am a confirmed flat grind lover and I know I love my Mora) so we shall see how good it really is. Once I've had it a while I'll do a review, personally I have high hopes but we shall see.
Interesting the sheath (no pictures available) I'm told comes with a fire steel loop and a pocket which is designed to hold a Magnesium block but which I think will be ideal for a couple of wet fire blocks or a small whet stone. :super:
Maybe a new era in knife craft approaches and for £68 it wont be such an expensive one! :shock:
BUT WE SHALL SEE - WATCH THIS SPACE!
a pocket which is designed to hold a Magnesium block but which I think will be ideal for a couple of wet fire blocks or a small whet stone. :super:
Falkniven DC3 is about the same size as a Mg block firestarter.
BorderReiver
31-07-2004, 22:12
Tasty knife!!
My wife just said I can have one, just as soon as I've worn out all the others I've got! Aw shucks!
Dave
Not just me then. :roll:
I really NEED one in blue blaze G10.
bushwacker bob
01-08-2004, 00:42
So how much is a North star? JOE?
So how much is a North star? JOE?
Carefull BB, the Boss'll be locking the thread down. ;)
But, standard model, with black canvas micarta and hollow pins will set you back $105.00 Plus £5GBP for shipping (special delivery) from Joe at ODS (10% discount for upfront payment - that's $89.50 or £49.02 plus shipping). It should be noted there are a huge number of handle and pin options which can take the knife upto around $140 (or higher) - depending on what you choose - But, with a 10% discount, that's $126 which is still only £68.9532 GBP. For a high end, exotic hardwood handled knife, that is blimmin cheap!
bushwacker bob
01-08-2004, 23:31
:yikes:
So how much is a North star? JOE?
How much is a North Star ? Have a look here :biggthump
http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4845
There is quite a choice of handle materials.
Jon.
Can somebody let me know where I can order a Northstar from, I have been looking for a new Bushcraft blade for a while now,
Thanks
Stephen.
Can somebody let me know where I can order a Northstar from, I have been looking for a new Bushcraft blade for a while now,
Thanks
Stephen.
Joe at Outdoor Supplies UK is the Uk distributer.
On British Blades forum he has two threads running.
The first is a list of handle options and prices.
http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4845
As I posted previously
The second thread is a list of who has ordered what, so that Joe (and Mike at Bark River Knife and Tool company) can keep track of all the orders.
http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4895&page=1&pp=15
Need any more info ? email Joe he is very good at replying quickly.
Hope this helps. :-)
Jon
What are the grooves on the spine for? :?:
Mike Stewart
04-08-2004, 04:09
Tony,
The grooves on the spine throw a heck of a good shower of sparks from any Ferro unit. The sheath holds either the Swedish Fire Steel and some Maya Wood or a Doan's Mag starter and a Sharpening rod.
No picture of the sheath yet but I will have one soon.
Mike......
Ya, I agree there, I used to have a brussletto Bamsen when I was in the army and I filed similar grooves onto its back and it was a real flame thrower with the sparks. :super:
TheViking
03-09-2004, 17:41
Hi...
I will be honest with you: I don't like it. What's so special about this blade?
Hi...
I will be honest with you: I don't like it. What's so special about this blade?
Dunno yet, nobody's got one.
Lemoneyewash
03-09-2004, 21:42
Hi...
I will be honest with you: I don't like it. What's so special about this blade?
As Martyn says nobody's got one in the UK yet but before I ordered mine I had a look around the U.S. forums and BRKT and Mike Stewart have an excellent reputation and quite a fan club. People who obviously know a hell of a lot more than I do about blades don't seem to have a bad word against them. Mike is also a very nice chap, approachable, open, knowledgable and a keen collector himself. A true blade enthusiast.
I've got to ask Viking, if you've read all the information and looked at the pictures what don't you like about it exactly? I know Mike would like to know.
Tantalus
03-09-2004, 21:59
viking i think price and mikes reputation are two points on the plus side
i also like the look of it
and lastly the one that really attracted me was the fact that i could order a mini and or mikro canadian with matching pins and handles making a very good looking set
what dont you like about it?
you got me all curious too, hope ya dont mind me asking
Tant
RovingArcher
04-09-2004, 02:17
I have not used one of Mikes blades yet, but sure do like the looks of them. I'm probably going to pick up a mini Canadian and was thinking of a slightly larger drop point like the Woodsman, but looking at the photo of this blade and the price being so right on it, I'm thinking maybe wifey will order one up for Christmas.
TheViking
04-09-2004, 15:48
Hi...
The reason that I don't like it is the handle shape and blade design. And to judge from the pictures, I can't see a bevel and that's not my style. :wink:
If you like it, it's fair enough, but I don't. :-) :wink: :biggthump I believe there's always more than one point of view on a thing... :wink:
Cheers
Andy i don't think people were questioning your right not to like the North Star. I think they were looking for more detailed information of what you don't like about the blade and handle shape. it is only from customer comments that companies can learn what you the user actually wants. i have not yet ordered a North Star. i am waiting to see how the first batch turns out etc.
Also i have ordered far too many knives lately and Val has started to prowl BCUK.
TheViking
04-09-2004, 16:15
Oh sure...
It's the lanyard attachment on the handle, the design in general and the thing that I can't see the bevel, and it's a full tang. :wink:
It's the lanyard attachment on the handle,
Mike will happily remove this and put in a "normal" lanyard hole - there's actually a hole in the blank ready to do this.
I can't see the bevel
It's fully convex so you wouldn't.
For the other 2 points, fair enough mate. As you say, each to their own!
:-)
Mike Stewart
04-09-2004, 18:07
Hey Gents,
I do know that it is impossible to make something that everyone will like. I absolutely respect everyones opinion and am not offended if anyone doesn't like the North Star or , in fact , any of my offereings. I have my own tastes in various types of knives , axes and cutting tools and I know that you all respect me for my choices too.
We would be in really BIG toruble if everyone in the world wanted a North Star. We can only make 70 to 100 per day. I would be much older and much grayer trying to fill that demand.
Right now we have more orders than we have blades. I'm going to have to make another run sooner than expected.
Cheers,
Mike..........
Tantalus
04-09-2004, 18:41
We would be in really BIG toruble if everyone in the world wanted a North Star. We can only make 70 to 100 per day. I would be much older and much grayer trying to fill that demand.
wow 70 - 100 a day , i'm speechless
i was really just curious to hear the reasons why someone didnt like it, thinking maybe i had missed something
and you are quite right it is all a matter of personal preference - which is a good thing as i see it
Tant
I think Mike is a great maker and I really like the look of some of his knives. However I agree with andy and don't like the handle design purely because that's not the design I go for/prefer. :biggthump
Lemoneyewash
04-09-2004, 20:21
...they were looking for more detailed information of what you don't like about the blade and handle shape.
Eggzackerlee!!! :biggthump
Mike Stewart
04-09-2004, 20:59
I personally, like folks with strong opinions. I'm one of them.
The world of knife , axe ,and tool ,users (and Collectors) is very deverse. I am glad it is. It would be SO boring if we all liked the same stuff.
I'll give you some examples of things I don't like.
I don't like coated blades.---Black, Blue , Silver , Gold ,etc, Moly ,Boron, Oxide ,etc. Just don't like them. Can't be convinced to have one.
I don't like knives or pistols with really big handles. They offer less contorl for a guy with a size 9 glove.
I don't like knives that seem out of proportion. Blade vs. handle. For me to buy it ,there must be a sense of visual and physical balance.
I probably could think of a lot more but I'm sure you get my drift. We all have our personal taste ,and most important, our feel for what we expect the tool at hand to do in the field. Those expectations will very greatly from person to person.
Thanks,
Mike........
bushwacker bob
05-09-2004, 01:13
Incidentally Andy,The full tang has an advantage over a stick tang.I cant crack nuts with a skandi handle. the weighted handle makes the knife more versatile in use and, in an emergency, makes a hammer, albeit a poor one.The softness of a birch handle makes even cracking nuts difficult. Also to reiterate what Mike said,Part of the pleasure of knife ownership is enjoying the aestetics of a well designed, efficient and often 'beautiful' tool.
I know that Mora knives for example are sharp, reliable and easy to sharpen, Based on hundreds of years of design improvement in skandinavia but they arn't my cup of tea. Some of the features from their design are used on my knives but I wouldnt want to use one when I have prettier knives that would do the job just as well. (I'm gonna die death by a 1000 pukkos for that :o): )
I have also had the handle on a stick tang split but have never lost a scale from a full tang :nana:
TheViking
05-09-2004, 09:56
Incidentally Andy,The full tang has an advantage over a stick tang.
IYO... ;)
My leuku has a brass cap as a pommel, which can crack nuts easily. Partly because of the weight on the knife itself. I think a knife is more beautiful with a stick tang. IMO. :biggthump
IYO... ;)
My leuku has a brass cap as a pommel, which can crack nuts easily. Partly because of the weight on the knife itself. I think a knife is more beautiful with a stick tang. IMO. :biggthump
If you do any reading about it andy you will realise that under testing a full tang is a stronger arrangement than a shorter one. Although if it is well made I don't see any reason why you can't use a shorter tanged knife. :biggthump
Just in case scott, a stick tang is no shorter, but possibly longer than a full tang. It basically just a width thing. A full tang is much wider than a stick tang, usually as wide as the handle itself. I think Andy likes the way you get one piece of wood with the stick tang. With full its divided.
You probably knew that but just in case :biggthump
Jake
RovingArcher
05-09-2004, 20:49
If I'm not mistaken, Mike makes a hidden tang blade with one piece handle. Great looking blade. I think it's the Fieldman, but not sure.
Your right, it was one of the knives i was considering.
bushwacker bob
06-09-2004, 00:14
I'm not trying to criticise your choice of knife Andy :nana: ,but trying to fathom your dislike of the NS.It was designed as a concept to rival what has become the benchmark of the industry.ie the AlanWood/RayMears woodlore knife.It was designed in colaboration between highly experienced bushcrafters and knife makers and users both here and on british blades and much discussion went into the design process for an ideal bushcraft knife and the majority opted for a full tang,as do the swedish army with the F1. The North Star is like you say is a pretty knife in MY opinion,but thats not the reason it is so highly anticipated.Its because it is a knife that represents a concensus of opinion from many people that have many years of bushcrafting experience.A good woodsman IMHO should be able to meet all their cutting needs from their knife,most could thrive in the woods with just a knife and when travelling light,most dont carry a kuk,axe or large knife.You may love your leuku but you will notice its a bit of a pig for fine carving or skinning small game,where a pukko would be more appropriate. The north star is designed for the Bushcrafter that uses one knife.
As you get a bit more experience under your Hoochie you will realise a good knife is like a good woman,you need to try a few before you settle on a really good one. You may find what you consider good now,may change over time.
Either way its much better if they look more like Kiera Knightly rather than Nora Batty :o):
:lol:
I think Bushwacker Bobs got a good point. But if we take into consideration the amount of thought that has gone into the Lapp knives then they really are in a different league. Hunters, woodsmen, bushcrafters have been using swedish knifes for generations. Both the Northstar and Lapp knives are great, just a difference in opinion. (I happen to prefer the Northstar BTW :biggthump)
Cheers,
Jake