View Full Version : Myyyyy Northstar
Well, the long awaited NS arrived this morning, i was asleep but someone must have been in as i found it on the table :D.
Feels very, very nice in the hand and the tapered tang is stunning. And sharp!!! You could have a shave with this thing.
The sheath is making my hands greasy though, but i know that it is temporary.
Will attempt to get some pictures up tonight, i'll get over to my Dads house and use his digital camera, but neither of us have a very technical knack so don't get your hopes up!
Mine is Antique ivory micarta. I think i made a very good choice there!
http://66.147.225.206/images/ODS/knives/bark_river/North_Star/IvoryMicarta_rivet.jpg
Hope that picture works. Mine is less grained than that one, probably more like
http://66.147.225.206/images//ODS/knives/bark_river/North_Star/IvoryMicarta_mosaic.jpg
Call it something in between.
Who else got one???
:o):
WOW! I got the pictures up :shock:
Maybe i'll be able to take some of my own as well!
Who else got one???
:o):
I did, but it got stolen by a Ferocious Beast :yikes:
http://boaty.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/at-last.jpg
My Northstar and Mini Canadian arrived this morning, first impressions are these are SUPERB knives, the Northstar feels good in the hand, cuts Newsprint in very thin strips and shaved the hair off my arm out of the box.
The Mini Canadian is a neat little blade and also shaving sharp, Thanks to Joe at ODS for excellent service and Thanks to Mike at BRKT for two beauties.
Stephen.
bushwacker bob
12-10-2004, 13:27
I got mine today.WAHOO. I can still do cartwheels!!!
I heard the other half talking to my son,explaining my elation she just said;
"Mowgli has his tooth" :o):
I know the feeling! I it such a superb knife, one to rival many. An i also think my handle material is by far the best choice :nana:. So smoooooooooth.
I know the feeling! I it such a superb knife, one to rival many. An i also think my handle material is by far the best choice :nana:. So smoooooooooth.
Antique Ivory is nice but I always think of it as a blank canvas waiting for some scrimshaw. :-)
:roll: no way!
By far a superior handle material! Subtle, sofisticated, bright enough to find on a forest floor.......all the qualities you need.
:wink:
how is it jake.. i have been you "whittlin'" all day.. me fingers hurt nuw but its great!
Its great. It's raining and i'm in the middle of the city so i can't! But will hopefully get out this weekend (he says :roll:)
Yeha but Jake, you could have something like this on one side:
http://www.knifeforums.com/ubbthreads/files//466793-Lion%20Pair.JPG
and your name and address on the other.
:-P
RovingArcher
12-10-2004, 16:58
Jake, congratulations on your new blade, it is a real beauty. That is exactly the knife I will order when I can. I plan on adding Ivory grips to my .45 to match. :wink:
I also gave thought to having an Inuit friend add some scrimshaw to the handles, but getting Mike Stewarts imput would definitely be in order before doing so.
You mentioned that the handle is smooth with the micarta. Is it a good griping handle? Or, is the smoothness going to be prone to letting the hand slip while using the knife?
Check out my Northstars (on the left)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/P1010010a.jpg
YEAH!!!
Bring on the wood...... :super:
Lennart
Nice William Henry folder Ducky, I'm jealous. :biggthump
dave750gixer
12-10-2004, 18:49
Mmmmmm
My blaze orange G10 and desert ironwood handled pair of North Stars arrived today. No need to put up a pic though as someone else seems to have bought the same :super:
hi ducky are those the sheaths that come with the north star or have you made new one's just wondered as the production ones look naff to me :wave:
two is taking things a bit far isn't it?
rapidboy
12-10-2004, 22:11
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/P1010010a.jpg
Im really looking forward to mine ,are those the temporary sheath's?
They look fine and so much better than the original ones.
What's wrong with your woodlore ? ,it's much too clean and new looking :o):
rb
BIG-TARGET
12-10-2004, 22:53
Have you seen their new E.L.K.'s (http://www.knifeforums.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=484002&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1) that are coming off the production line yet??????
Me thinks some of us won't be paying bills this month, and/or plundering the church coffers!!!! :naughty: :angel:
BIG-TARGET
12-10-2004, 22:54
two is taking things a bit far isn't it?
Never hurts to keep a spare on your BOB. :wink:
bushwacker bob
12-10-2004, 22:57
Those are the temporary Sheaths. Just as well as I wrecklessly pushed the knife a little too hard and split the stitching :yikes: . Mine is shaving sharp straight from the box.
Stew...Why would i need my name and adress, i've already invested in enough safety precautions...... :shock: :-P
RovingArcher it is like the WS micarta. It's smooth but does feel grippy, even when wet, so no worries there!
When do the real sheaths come out?
Cheers.
BIG-TARGET
12-10-2004, 23:16
Those are the temporary Sheaths. Just as well as I wrecklessly pushed the knife a little too hard and split the stitching :yikes: . Mine is shaving sharp straight from the box.
If you have access to a leatherworker with leather rivets reinforce the split area. :wave:
Yes, the sheaths are the temporary ones but indeed much nicer than the 'snow shoes'.
Yes, my woodlore needs to be battered a bit more, but I still have my Frost Mora Triflex to wear out (which is not an easy task).
The William Henry folder is a WH Yucatan limited edition with Silver and Gold decoration (it's my posh knife).
Cheers,
Lennart
Those are the temporary Sheaths. Just as well as I wrecklessly pushed the knife a little too hard and split the stitching :yikes: . Mine is shaving sharp straight from the box.
i did that too.. dont think i was being particularly reckless though.
Squidders
13-10-2004, 14:00
Ok, I know i'm going to get beaten for this but... Am I the only one that thinks the northstar is really ugly? :?:
I don't think I could own one.
TheViking
13-10-2004, 14:02
Ok, I know i'm going to get beaten for this but... Am I the only one that thinks the northstar is really ugly? :?:
I don't think I could own one.
I don't think it's ugly but I just don't like the shape. :wink: The handle looks a little too square and I don't like the convex bevel. :roll:
So I guess you could say you're not the only one. :-)
jamesdevine
13-10-2004, 14:21
I think it's the Spear point if thats the right term it throughs it off. It looks in the photos be very elongated. But that could just be the photo.
My Thoughts
James
i was serprised at how didferent they are from the photos in fact.. the are, IMO, much smaller than the photos make them look!
Tantalus
13-10-2004, 14:31
i think the northstar was designed to be first and foremost a tough user knife
beauty as always is in the eye of the behoder
but i would rather be stuck somewhere in the woods holding a northstar than a SAK
and it is about £120 prettier than one of RMs woodlores :lol:
(just my opinions, please do not be offended)
Tant
I wouldn't say they were ugly but they're not the best lookers around.
The bit I'm dubious about is the lanyard loop on the back. I'm wondering how many people will be asking Mike to grind it off for them.
I think it's the Spear point if thats the right term it throughs it off. It looks in the photos be very elongated. But that could just be the photo.
My Thoughts
James
Then you may like this model:
http://forums.outdoors-magazine.com/upload/images/Mike%20Stewart_fox-mini-mikrob-g.jpg
the new Fox River which should start appearing in about 2 weeks time. It features a Drop Point Hunter blade, fatter handles, Heavier in weight, and a broader blade which are the noticable differences right off the top. Also the tang is not tapered like that of the north star.
You can order them with or without the lanyard attachment. Without you can get them with a lanyard hole in the handle.
The Spearpoint is used more for bushcraft use and was widely requested, but the Fox River may appeal to others that don't like the spearpoint.
cheers,
Joe
As Tant says, beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
To me, it's not a spear point since that should have mirror symmetry (i.e. the top curves down the same amount as the bottom), but that's just an irrelevant observation!!!
Yes, they do seem smaller in the, err, flesh but are an ideal size for me - it's as if my hand was used as the template for the handle!
And I find that the convex gind makes the knife very agile and controllable in wood - I was able to cut the curves in the piece of scrap pine below free-hand using just slicing cuts. The flat grind on my scandis like to cut in the direction you started them off at. Of course that's no bad thing, just different!
http://boaty.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/curves.jpg
("Can you tell what it is yet?")
tenbears10
13-10-2004, 15:04
("Can you tell what it is yet?")
I think your wife better watch out Boaty :wink:
Bill
:rolmao:
Ummmmm...a paddle?
I think the knives are stunning. They fit perfectly, the look perfect, the feel prefect, and a perfect price. I think this is one of the things that disprove Plato's realm of the forms. Its a perfect form!
I still find the sheath a bit oily, the oil seems to get everywhere.
Sooooo........
...how long before you lose your North Star :nana:
TheViking
13-10-2004, 16:10
http://boaty.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/curves.jpg
("Can you tell what it is yet?")
A thing to take and put pizzas in the oven with. :?: :rolmao:
That would be a pizza paddle andy ;)
Lurch, after my investments in the latest tracking gear, the question should be "how long before you find it?"
:wink:
TheViking
13-10-2004, 16:18
That would be a pizza paddle andy ;)
Whoops, yeah. :roll: :wink: Sometimes or allways the thing under my skull fails to work. :nana:
BIG-TARGET
16-10-2004, 14:05
That would be a pizza paddle andy ;)
Lurch, after my investments in the latest tracking gear, the question should be "how long before you find it?"
:wink:
I'm more partial to Hotwings and mexican food :biggthump
Hi my Orange NS in on the way I expect it with nervous.
Enjoy
Your gonna love it, don't worry.
bushwacker bob
21-10-2004, 22:57
I wouldn't say they were ugly but they're not the best lookers around.
MINE IS (THE BEST LOOKER AROUND):lol: :lol:
RovingArcher
26-10-2004, 03:59
:rolmao:
Ummmmm...a paddle?
I think the knives are stunning. They fit perfectly, the look perfect, the feel prefect, and a perfect price. I think this is one of the things that disprove Plato's realm of the forms. Its a perfect form!
I still find the sheath a bit oily, the oil seems to get everywhere.
Jake, my understanding is that there is too much tallow in the leather, which is causing the greasy/oily problem. I was given the choice between the original sheath with pouch and the temporary replacement, which was what came with the knife I ordered and I happily took the original. Did you get the card off so they can send you the new sheath when it's ready?
I received mine today and couldn't agree more with your assessment of the knife. I usually like a hefty handle to hold onto, but this knife fits my hand like they were made for each other. I think it's the design of the handle that does it and not the size. It's balance is good as well and it's fit and finish are second to none. Not a blemish on mine. Did a bit of work with it and it handles very well. I'm very happy with the purchase.
Thanks Mike for making such a beautiful and functional knife. I'm very happy with the North Star and the service from Black Squirrel was top notch.
I haven't sent it yet, i was thinking that i would pm Joe my adress instead of posting a card.....Still, the knife is still awesome, even with the oily sheath!
ScanDgrind
26-10-2004, 13:39
I think the North Star is a gorgeous knife, I have one very similar to Jake's... Antique Ivory Micarta, Mosaic pins, Red liners. It arrived razor sharp.
I have one problem with it though. I need the next size up. I can only get three fingers on it :cry: it's just too small for my great bunch o'banannas.
Life is soooo unfair sometimes.
Tony
BIG-TARGET
26-10-2004, 14:13
well, if you don't mind ordering across"the big pond" here are some places that do have the Northstar.
http://mcknightcutlery.com/ (personal favorite) :biggthump
http://www.blacksquirrelonline.com/tek9.asp
http://www.bluestarknives.com/
http://www.knifeworks.com/
http://www.agrussell.com/
Myyyyyy VERDICT!
I spent the last day in a place on a hill side just outside Llangattock near Crickhowell (Wales), and i took both Bison and NS. Both performed excellently, equally i suppose! But the NS is an awesome knife, all round, every task it performed! I was meant to but a disposeable camera in Crickhowell, but i forgot :roll:, i was planning on doind a picture thingy with them and then scan the pics onto my pc. By Bison didn't get as much use cos it was a wee bit tight in the sheath, and i have a broken thumb :roll:, suprising how much you use thumbs!
Great weekend!
RovingArcher
29-10-2004, 23:10
I agree, the NS is an awesome performer. Took mine out this morning and did some chopping, peeling, whittling, feathering, gouging, drilling, slicing, dicing, etc., :shock: :super: I forgot my camera as well.
I added an ugly paracord lanyard strap to the handle, because I kinda figured and as it happened, I was right that it would come in handy with the chopping part of the testing and in fact, kept the knife snug in my hand through other chores as well. Moving the hand to the rear of the handle, I looped the LS around my ring finger, which kept my hand from moving forward while chopping and gave me a more weight forward balance, which adds to the blades ability for that particular chore. It didn't take me long to become comfortable with handling the knife.
http://img9.exs.cx/img9/7462/northstar001.th.jpg (http://img9.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img9&image=northstar001.jpg) http://img83.exs.cx/img83/1856/northstar001b.th.jpg (http://img83.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img83&image=northstar001b.jpg)
RA, I can honestly say that this is probably one of the ugliest sheaths that I have ever seen, it maybe functional, but there is no requirement for it to look that bad. I hope that this is the temporary sheath because that is a monster and for the money you pay I would expect more :?:
Yes I agree, it hit every branch on the way down.
Yes I agree, it hit every branch on the way down.
Yep and then went back for more of the same :rolmao: :rolmao:
RovingArcher
30-10-2004, 03:25
RA, I can honestly say that this is probably one of the ugliest sheaths that I have ever seen, it maybe functional, but there is no requirement for it to look that bad. I hope that this is the temporary sheath because that is a monster and for the money you pay I would expect more :?:
I couldn't agree more, it is an ugly sheath, no doubt about it, but it is functional and that is a serious plus in my book. I agree, it could have been done up better, maybe the new sheath will be a bit more purdy.
It is the original sheath that came with the knife, but wasn't what Mike ordered or wasn't up to the quality that he expected. Either way, it is why the replacement sheath was used on later production knives.
Yeah, money is money and it's usually tight in our neck of the woods, but a sheath isn't what I paid for. I'm happy that the knife is as good as it is and the ugly sheath will house it until I get the other to replace it. If it's ugly too, I'll eventually replace it too. :wink:
I'd prefer a horizontal sheath and will eventually have a custom made up for the knife anyways.
It is the original sheath that came with the knife, but wasn't what Mike ordered or wasn't up to the quality that he expected. Either way, it is why the replacement sheath was used on later production knives.
Yeah, money is money and it's usually tight in our neck of the woods, but a sheath isn't what I paid for. I'm happy that the knife is as good as it is and the ugly sheath will house it until I get the other to replace it. If it's ugly too, I'll eventually replace it too. :wink:
Well that's a fair statement, I look forward to seeing the Northstar in its new home when it arrives and from what I understand the new sheaths shouldn't be too far off as I believe it is also to be used with the Fox River when they are released :biggthump
You guys are too harsh, i don't think the sheath is all that bad......
:wink:
TheViking
30-10-2004, 11:29
The only 'wrong' thing with it is perhaps that it's round in the bottom. The most important I guess, is that it's funtional as Rovingarcher says. :pack:
Now I don't dare to post a pic of my Grandy, when that's done. :roll: :shock: The sheath for that is going to be much more ugly. :yikes:
bushwacker bob
30-10-2004, 11:32
Dont you mean that the function of it is fine as you still have a knife in it!! :o):
Llangattock,Jake, is one of my stamping grounds I'll keep my eyes open for a northstar with ivory micarta next time I go :rolmao:
Cheers Bushwacker! Nice to know i have back-up! I was staying on the "Hillside" in a place called Dan-y-coed.
outdoorgirl
02-11-2004, 16:40
OK, since I got my mitts on it today, here's mine:
http://www.ogre.demon.co.uk/5knives-a.jpg
From the left:
Buck skinner (had it for years - great skinning knife)
Buck Vanguard (nice skinner/jointer)
J-Line Puukko (my fave knife to carry so far)
New North Star! - Black & Brown Elder burl, mosaic pins
New WS Micarta Woodlore
I've not tried either the North Star or the WS Woodlore yet - but I'm off on a course this weekend so will take them both and see how they do!
I'll try to get more pics up after the course.
Your gonna love them both! Nice collection btw.
Tantalus
02-11-2004, 18:29
just out of curiosity
why is the puukko your fave?
i love your collection, all using and used knives, thats what its all about :super:
the NS burl looks a beaut, i am still waiting for mine to arrive
Tant
thanks odg been waiting to see a northstar and ws side by side to see how big it was in comparison now i just cant wait for the fox river to get here :wave:
rapidboy
02-11-2004, 20:32
Mine arrived today and im sorry to say i got of to a bad start with it.
I slipped it onto my belt and after about an hour i realised my finger was bleeding ,on closer inspection i discovered the blade tip had cut through the stich's and was protruding about a quarter of an inch out of the bottom of the sheath ,just enough to slice across my trigger finger !
I like the shape of this sheath much more than the picture of the proper sheath but this one is of little use with the knife tip exposed !!
The finish is not perfect and the red spacer has epoxy between it and the tang which kind off spoils the effect and looks very amateurish.
The lanyard loop is also a little rough round the edges and the finish could be better.
As others have mentioned the grip feels a little small ,i have quite small hands and it still feels small.
The blade is great ,it did not arrive amazingly sharp but i give it a quick strop and it improved greatly.
I like the blade shape and grind and the thumb grip is pretty good ,however the shape of the handle is all wrong for me and i find it very restrictive
I made a few feather sticks ,battoned a log and a few other bit's and pieces of whittling then sliced some vegetables and it performed these tasks well but it's no Woodlore.
All in all pretty disappointing after all this time and all the anticipation ,i will give it a full workout at the weekend and hope it grows on me but i wont be carrying it until i get a proper sheath........ :roll:
rb
outdoorgirl
02-11-2004, 21:47
I too sliced the temp. sheath in the first couple of uses, with the tip poking through about .25 - .5 inches. Had to be very careful of just how far I was shoving it into the sheath, and would certainly not wear this before getting a better sheath for it.
It arrived extremely sharp, and I had no issues with that aspect of the knife.
There is a slight gap between the tang and the black spacer on one side, and the foremost mosaic pin feels a little rough on both sides of the handle, one side in particular feeling more rough.
I like the light feel of the NS against the rather too heavy feel of the WS, but that could just be cos I'm a girl... :)
Still, the proof of the pudding, as they say, so I'll try both out this weekend and reserve judgement until then.
As for the Puukko being my current fave knife, it's because of it's lightness and versatility. I often forget I'm wearing it on my belt (a problem when you walk into Tescos), and I can use it for every task when I'm out in the woods.
I find the wide blades of the other two knives I've used regularly to be too much for me when performing tasks like feather sticks or carving spoons.
I'm looking forward to trying out both knives and finding their best performance for my own skills and abilities.
Sorry to hear that RB, looks like it wasn't the best of starts, as you said!
I haven't experienced any problems with the knife cutting through the sheath, and it is just about perfect fit. It may well grow on you, but if the level of workmanship is below what you would call acceptable, Mike may well take it back and repair/replace. Mike's famous for his service!
rapidboy
02-11-2004, 22:19
if the level of workmanship is below what you would call acceptable, Mike may well take it back and repair/replace. Mike's famous for his service!
It was a cheaper knife than say my WS Woodlore so i guess i cant expect the finish to be as good (my Woodlore was first class although i believe some of the first ones where not ?)
There was a lot of hype about this knife and a long wait ,to eventually get the knife and it not be fantastic is a little disappointing but you pay your money and take your chance.
I do think that the sheath supplied (even a temporary one) should provide adequate protection.
Im not saying it's not a good knife but i don't think it's a great knife.
If i lost my WS Woodlore tomorrow id order another ,if i lost my North Star i can think of several other knives id replace it with.
I hope the new sheaths come soon and i will give it a chance to prove itself but i really don't think it will become my EDC.
rb
dono if i mentioned mine came through the bottom of the sheath in the first ten mins to.. that was a little dissapointing as i like it more than the "big sheath" but i think i will try and fix it up... im really pleased with the knife though!
BIG-TARGET
02-11-2004, 23:30
Mine arrived today and im sorry to say i got of to a bad start with it.
I slipped it onto my belt and after about an hour i realised my finger was bleeding ,on closer inspection i discovered the blade tip had cut through the stich's and was protruding about a quarter of an inch out of the bottom of the sheath ,just enough to slice across my trigger finger !
I like the shape of this sheath much more than the picture of the proper sheath but this one is of little use with the knife tip exposed !!
The finish is not perfect and the red spacer has epoxy between it and the tang which kind off spoils the effect and looks very amateurish.
The lanyard loop is also a little rough round the edges and the finish could be better.
As others have mentioned the grip feels a little small ,i have quite small hands and it still feels small.
The blade is great ,it did not arrive amazingly sharp but i give it a quick strop and it improved greatly.
I like the blade shape and grind and the thumb grip is pretty good ,however the shape of the handle is all wrong for me and i find it very restrictive
I made a few feather sticks ,battoned a log and a few other bit's and pieces of whittling then sliced some vegetables and it performed these tasks well but it's no Woodlore.
All in all pretty disappointing after all this time and all the anticipation ,i will give it a full workout at the weekend and hope it grows on me but i wont be carrying it until i get a proper sheath........ :roll:
rb
Perhaps Kydex should be in order!! :wink:
RB, from what I understand Mike Stewart has a new sheath up his sleeve, the only unfortunate thing is that it will be a seperate purchase by the sound of it, this is what mike had to say about it on BB (http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showpost.php?p=84913&postcount=37)
RovingArcher
03-11-2004, 05:56
Optional? If that is the case, I'm glad I went with the sheath that I did. But, I'll wait and see what happens. Mike's reputation says he will do right with the crummy sheaths, so we shall see.
There are two sheaths coming up. A free replacement, and an optional one. With lots of fancy features.
rapidboy
03-11-2004, 21:53
Just one would do me ,one that works that is :roll:
im going to epoxy mine today.. i will let you know how the repairs hold up!
Tantalus
04-11-2004, 14:10
a leather hole punch and a couple of copper jeans rivets be of any use?
Tant
Im suprised its happened. I couldn't see how i'd go through mine :?:
well this is how it happens..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/tomwhite101/DSCF0084.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/tomwhite101/DSCF0083.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/tomwhite101/DSCF0082.jpg
sorry they are really big i dont have time to crop them right now.. anyhow you can see how it comes through beside that bit of leather which it in the middle of the stitched part supposed to stop this happening!
i should also make it clear that i really could not be happier with the knife its self, its is excellent! and the service from Mike and Joe was/is second to none!
it should also be pointed out that this is a TEMPORARY sheath and is not the one supposed to sold with the north star!
in short BRK&T ODS and The North Star are great, and i would certainly recommend them and have already ordered a second knife from them!
Oh, i thought you might have a different one from me. Don't worry mate, not too long to wait before the replacements start coming in!
yuh, the "big" sheath :naughty: , i wonder what this third sheath they have in the pipe line is like!
Very hi-tec. Lots of little features, sounds very cool.
yeh.. also wondering how much it will cost!
They haven't said yet. Couln't be all that much, and it does sound very cool.
RovingArcher
04-11-2004, 18:09
I would like to see it. Vertical and horizontal carry (they read my mind on that one), probably will be round bottom so it is ambidextrous as well. Removable firesteel pouch, kydex liner all sounds a bit like the Blackhawk sheath that I bought for my USAF PSK. Either way, sounds very interesting.
I wonder if the knives cutting through has anything to do with the tallow soaked leather. Any of you that own it care to give an opinion as to why it's happening?
I'll be removing the arm coming off of the original sheath that I have. Will make it much less ugly and not much less functional. :wink:
probably will be round bottom so it is ambidextrous as well.
I don't think it is ambidextrous from some enquiries that were made. I think it will come in both left and right handed versions though.
rapidboy
04-11-2004, 18:53
Have you spoken to mike?
No ,i undid the stitching myself and i think glueing the leather before it's restitched should work.
Im sure Mike is under enough presure getting the new ones out ,i dont like the look of the other sheath so i hope this one can be made good.
I just think the knives where rushed out and QC is down as a result.
The knife is not as well finished as i like or as i expected but it does it's job.
rb
RovingArcher
04-11-2004, 18:53
Thank you for the info Stew.
rapidboy
04-11-2004, 21:14
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/tomwhite101/DSCF0083.jpg
That's just how mine went but it was on my belt at the time and i didn't realise until it had already "bit me" !!
How's the finish on yours tomtom ?
I think mine is a little rough ,but i am fussy even about a working knife.
rb
It's not perfect on mine, but well within what i call acceptable.
rapidboy
04-11-2004, 21:44
These pic's are rushed and not great but .....
The spacer is messy with excess epoxy underneath it in some places.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/407_0726crop_1.jpg
Rough edges around the lanyard slot.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/407_0718_1.jpg
Off centre hole in rivot.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/407_0724_1.jpg
These are minor imperfections but i dont expect them on a "quality" knife.
It feesl as though it was rushed out and a little more care and attention to details would have made it really good.
I also don't expect the sheath to fail the first time i carry the knife (even if it is a temporary one).
I think i paid around £60.00 for it and i just think there are better finished knives available for that sort of money.
I used it again tonight and it's a fine blade for kitchen duties but i find the handle way to small for anything more ,pity as its a good blade.
Is there a larger version ?
rb
bushwacker bob
04-11-2004, 22:04
thats dissapointing for you RB :cry:
Mine has thuja wood and mosaic pins and is flawless,with the exeption of the finish on the inside of the lanyard hole which is similar to yours.I have smallish hands but find it pretty much a perfect fit.It doesent 'chop' down trees,but its not designed to,It does batton well and so far does everything I want it to and well :wink:
I think the problem with the sheath is the white machine stitching is not at a high enough tention.I unpicked and re-stitched the whole sheath when mine went thro'.With Tight (black) saddle stitching in place I deliberately tried to over sheath it and it wouldn't go through but settled on the weldt. :biggthump
rapidboy
04-11-2004, 22:14
I unpicked and re-stitched the whole sheath when mine went thro'.With Tight (black) saddle stitching in place I deliberately tried to over sheath it and it wouldn't go through but settled on the weldt. :biggthump
That's what i intend to do ,i was going to have a bash tonight but i can't find the :***: needle.
I was going to glue mine first though.
I had thought about ading a fire steel holder but i can't find any leather either !!
rb
BIG-TARGET
04-11-2004, 23:32
talk about"getting the point across" :yikes:
How's the finish on yours tomtom ?
I think mine is a little rough ,but i am fussy even about a working knife.
rb
put it this what there "nits i could Pick" if i wished too.. it is not what i would the handle finish as on yours not 100% perfect.. and the lanyard hole is a little rough like yours, however this was not an expencive knife as they go, and these are not things that worrie me in the slightest!.. to my eye the blade and cutting edge are perfect and over all i am most pleased (and will be even more so when i have a useable sheath, which i feel confident i will have soon!) :wink:
My hands are smallish and fit the handle well in all grips except the chest-lever where the hook on the handle digs into my palm
The blade shape and edge are excellent though - and its acquiring a lovely polished finish from my leather belt and flitz stropping (not a Starkers to be seen :rolmao: )
RovingArcher
05-11-2004, 12:10
I have a question, what is a chest-lever grip? The reason I ask is that I've done about everything I can with the blade and I thought I had gripped it in every way that I possibly can for wood working and I havn't felt it digging into my hand at all. Is there something I'm not doing that I should be doing? :wink:
Finish on mine isn't flawless, but it isn't worth a nitpick either. I was able to compare my knife to another ivory micarta and they were the same, but they were different at the same time. What minute (flaws?) were on each knife made them different from each other, so are they flaws or are they character, giving them an individuality? :o): I guess it's all in how we prefer to view it. :wink:
The blade is fantastic, the edge cuts like a demon and the point drills like a bit. I have bataned the knife by striking the spine and I have driven it point first into a dry oak log. I feel it's worthy of a bit more than kitchen duty, but of course the wife says it's perfect for kitchen duty. :lol:
I removed the firesteel loop from my sheath with the NS and without any push/pull cut, it slid through the leather like it was warm butter. I've a feeling that the NS will require a liner of sorts in it's sheath (I prefer rawhide) to prevent cutting through it. Which, in of itself, is a testimony of sorts to the knife.
I don't know what you all are considering a smallish hand for handle fit. I wear a size large glove, which by today's standards might be small and the handle fits my hand very well. Perhaps how some view the fit of the knife to their hand is based on what they are used to? :?: A friend with smaller hands than myself was afraid to use the knife hard like it's meant to be used. I asked him why and his response was that the handle felt small in his hand and after quizzing him a little more, it turned out that he didn't like the fact that it didn't have a guard and he was almost afraid that he would cut himself. To his credit, he doesn't use this sort of knife much. He's used to a blade with a much larger handle and a small guard. I shared with him how to use the loop of the lanyard strap and he quickly lost that unsure feeling. Not that this is what anyone here is experiencing. It was just an observation with my friend Dave and thought it worth sharing.
Knives are like bows, guns, a favorite walking staff or anything else. We each have our likes and dislikes and no matter how good something is, if we don't like how it feels in our hand, or how it shoots, etc., we aren't going to like it.
Rapidboy, have you contacted Mike so that he can take care of the nitpicks for you and continue his excellent record of customer service?
I have a question, what is a chest-lever grip?
Best I can do is find this link to spoon carving techniques (http://www.pinewoodforge.com/spoon_carving_techniques.html) on the Pinewood Forge website - about 2/3 of the way down - it's called the scissor cut on there
Imageine you're holding your knife with the thumb on the flat of the blade, edge pointing towards your knuckles
This uses the big muscle groups in the shoulders to effect the cut so is very powerful (these muscules get used a lot when sculling, so my cuts are veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery powerful :rolmao: )
rapidboy
05-11-2004, 18:45
Rapidboy, have you contacted Mike so that he can take care of the nitpicks for you and continue his excellent record of customer service?
No i have not contacted Mike ,the "minor imperfections" seem to be common enough then i guess mine is no different from the others.
I will be selling mine on when the new sheath arrives as i don't really see it has anything to offer more than my existing knives and they are finished to a higher standard.
I have looked at some close up pics of the higer spec knives ,perhaps they are finished better ,mine is the basic model.
rb
RovingArcher
05-11-2004, 19:21
Best I can do is find this link to spoon carving techniques (http://www.pinewoodforge.com/spoon_carving_techniques.html) on the Pinewood Forge website - about 2/3 of the way down - it's called the scissor cut on there
Imageine you're holding your knife with the thumb on the flat of the blade, edge pointing towards your knuckles
This uses the big muscle groups in the shoulders to effect the cut so is very powerful (these muscules get used a lot when sculling, so my cuts are veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery powerful :rolmao: )
Thanks for the site and info. :You_Rock_
rapidboy
09-11-2004, 18:45
I was really disapointed with my North Star and so i contacted Mike directly and detailed my experience with the knife.
He responded very quickly and has assured me he will sort it out.
Seems like a very genuine guy.
"It does sound like you got a pretty rough knife.
PM me your address. I have just the solution.
As to the sheath. It was only something to ship the knife in until the proper sheaths are ready. That sheath was actually designed for the Highland. the proper sheaths will be another two weeks. I don't think that the knife you recieved is typical of our knives.
Mike............ "
rapidboy
i assure you the service you get from mike is geniunly top class.