Anybody have a Bark River Aurora?


wirerat99

wirerat99

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Probably a dumb question I am sure there are quite a few floating around out there. If you couldn't tell by the amount of knife questions I have had recently I am in the process of buying some new gear and would love some advice. I really like a knife on the smaller side, but I have really big bearpaw hands. I tried an izula, too small and uncomfortable for me. Tried a bk2, to big and thick and I didn't like the end shape of the blade, I wished it came to a point more like a french trade type knife. So normally I end up carrying a Mora and I really like the Mora. If I could carry a Mora and a saw or ax I probably would never get another knife. But I am looking for something that would make a passable one tool option, but not be to unwieldy for normal carry and use as a second knife. I thought the becker was a little heavy and when I had all my other gear it seemed like an irritation to carry. So I have narrowed it down to a few. The Bark River Aurora or the Fox River. I really like the Bravo Necker 2, but worry it might be a touch small. Maybe the new BK16 or even an Esee 4. Any input of advice would be great. I am looking for a 4-5 inch blade, no thicker than 3/16 at the max. Comfortable handle for a big hand and my prefered carry (though not a big deal) is horizontal crossdraw mounted on my right side. Thanks for any input or suggestions and if anyone has a Fox River or Aurora please chime in with what you think of the knife. Thanks again
Joe
 
I have an Aurora, it's a very capable tool. I also have paws the size of a yeti...it's one of the only knives that is flat-out comfortable for me. I've bought and sold quite a few BRKT's in the last few years, looking for the one that worked best for me. The Aurora is my favorite. IT should be out in CPM 3V soon if you want to wait, but the A2 version is plenty tough and easy to sharpen. I may get another in 3V when they come out...
 
There's no way I can tell you how the Aurora would feel in your hand, but...

I have about average size hands for an adult male and I wouldn't say the Aurora fills my hand. It's comfortable and well balanced. It is a very capable knife.
 
I almost bought an aurora, but changed my mind and bought a Blind horse Maverick Colt. I dont have any complaints as of yet, and use it as an EDC. Its not too big and not too small. They have a larger version, the Maverick scout. Good luck
 
ive heard the bark river gameskeeper is made with an extra large handle compared to most of their knives. for the bear paws out there ;)
 
BRK&T Aurora

The BRK&T Aurora is my favorite all around camp knife. I have acquired 4 of them in my collection of Barkies.

If you have ever had a Bark River Bravo 1 in your hand and liked it, you'll love the Aurora. Mine are A2 steel. Aurora will be out soon in a run of CPM 3V steel.

That should be a super bushcraft knife. The Aurora is the second best selling knife next to the Bravo 1 in the BRK&T line.

My regards, Tom
 

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The aurora is a good blade with a decent sized handle which BRK&T seems to have trouble with. I like mine, but its not the favorite of my collection. I really thought I wanted something of a spear-point and 1" blade height formulation, but I think I like my blades on the 1.25" blade height a bit more. Really its just an aesthetic. I think if I would go for another barky it would be the Bravo-1 which also has a good sized handle. I'd go with one that didn't have the thumb ramp.

Barky's have a really aggressive convex grind. The specs on their spine are very deceiving. Basically you get a very aggressive cutter but a blade that is a bit more delicate and prone to chipping during chopping. On a 4-5" knife it isn't a problem, but some of their big choppers seem to suffer as a result. Basically, what I'm saying is that if you are one of the guys who likes to punish their knives on purpose you might want to stay away from a barky. Since you already use a mora, this probably isn't a problem and there is no doubt that the aurora is a heck of a lot tougher than a more is.

They are good knives and the aurora is one of their better models for bushcrafting.
 
Bark River handles seem to run on the small thin side----look for one with spacers/liners. I have black liners on a brkt Northstar cpm-3v camel bone --and it makes a big comfortable difference (and it's still on the thin side).


nstar.jpg
 
I think the BRK&T Gunny is the best bushcraft blade they make. I was prepared to have them remove the ramp on mine, which they do for free, but it surprisingly it doesn't get in the way, even when gripping up on the blade. I just wasn't a fan of the short blade on the aurora.
 
Thanks for the feedback. I think unless I am mistaken than the aurora blade is an inch longer than the gunny. As far as thickness goes, I had a BK2 and was just not a fan of the thick, heavy feeling blade. I found it hard to do small task with, but that could simply be lack of time spent with the knife. I have been reading the warranty info and the Bark River knives seem pretty well backed. I would buy another Esee just for the warranty, but I just wasn't in love with the blade shape. As of yet I am still undecided, but not for much longer:D
Joe
 
I've got big hands and, though I no longer own any, I've used a lot of Barkies over the years. I think the Aurora has the most comfortable handle of them all.
 
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