Bark River Knives: Grasso Bolo III 

Jeremy The Libertarian it seems that they have moved away from the cheaper price point and tend to only use the more expensive steels now. I know about 7 years ago when I first started to look at and get into their knives, they were making a lot of knives in 1095 and A2. I haven’t seen a 1095 Bark River recently and less and less of their knives are in A2. I don’t mind A2, but I have also been enjoying the three blades that I have in 3V. I did have one of their “custom” knives blade in A2 roll on me so that was a disappointment. I am kind of mixed on this blade. There isn’t enough swell at the end of the handle for chopping in my opinion, and I often feel like the blade is slipping out of my hand some. And for the weight you are also in ax territory, which might be a preferable tool depending on your location. I like this kind of knife for shelter building and fire prep, but not for heavy duty chopping or wood splitting.

@@ZachBie wrap it in some hockey tape to stop the slip. Not the kind of tape for the handle.the kind you wrap the bottom of the stick with to grab the puck. I prefer good old fashioned 440C over A2. Especially for thick blades like that. It doesn't roll much and very little chip. I have a few knives from the 90's made from it and I've been very suprised as a few are almost 30 years old and still in heavy use. Alot of times it's less to do with the steel, and more to do with the Tempuring, Annealing process. If it chips,take the handle off and anneal in an oven. If it rolls, heat it up to non magnetic and quench in a proper medium at the proper temp. Then anneal. Always anneal after Tempuring.

@@ZachBie I've got one of Ryan Johnson blades from RMJ forge. He made it when he first started his company. It's O1steel. 11 inch over all,super thick camp knife. He made the sheath too. I bought it about 17 years ago. Willing to trade for that bolo? It's a one of a kind.

I got it during the winter from Knivesshipfree.com they have an impressive stock of Bark River knives. Bark River tends to do runs of knives, so they make a certain amount and then that is it until another run is scheduled. Their production schedule can be found with a google search. Though I have found that this blade is a little too heavy for serious use, I rather have an ax in the woods than this truth be told.

Nicko Persilion Never thought about it. Thanks

Yes. I still have it. No, it is not currently available for sale.

@@ZachBie very sad

Most of the time I baton with my knife to remove limbs.even chop small trees. It saves the edge.. but for the real hard woods I carry an boys axe. In S. Florida Everglades where I live. I take my 440C knives with me that I annealed myself. And my Ontario knife Company 24' machete or my Tramontina 18'. Depends on my load.