I have several Bark River knives, and have yet to be disappointed. The knives come razor sharp, are available in more handle materials than any manufacturer out there, and customer service is first rate.

Some of the "negative" things being said about the knives may be more directed to the owner Mike Stewart. Mike used to run both Marbles and BlackJack knives. So you may want to make sure the negative things you read aren't about "sour grapes" over B.S. history.

Another thing a lot of people find troublesome with the Bark River knives is that they are Convex sharpened. The way all knives used to be made until machines started making knives instead of people. Because the knives are convex, they are all hand sharpened. This leaves minor differences from one knife to another. As for the knives holding up in real use, they are outstanding. I personally prefer my knives convex sharpened because it is MUCH easier to keep them sharp.

Bark River is constantly coming out with new products, and keeping way ahead of the curve on knives. No, they aren't "tactical" like Strider, and may not use all the "new steels" like most other manufacturers. A2 works and works well. Mike Stewart has a special process for heat treating the knives and he knows A2 and how to work with it.

I know this probably sounds like a "commercial" for Bark River. It isn't really meant to be. I have no vested interest in the knives other than as a user and a very happy one at that. If you want a very good every day user that won't let you down, you will be hard pressed to find a better knife without buying a custom.