Huh. My question is, why is it so important to Bark River that their product be sold publicly. From what I gather, the project amounted to a very very large custom order: special design for specific customer, pre-paid. Provided the knives were paid for (which apparently they were), why should Bark River care whether or not they were then resold to the public market? That seems to be the basis of Bark River's side of the dispute, that they were not being adequately represented.

Oh well. Without seeing the contract that they both signed and which is the legal basis for everything that followed, discussion is pointless.

Another thing that puzzles me is why there is so much animosity between BladeForums and KnifeForums. Both these vast communities are interested in the same thing, yet they barely speak of eachother. They are "the Other forum". It seems rather childish.

Interesting indeed!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Bladeforums was created in response to a HUGE dispute on Knifeforums. The original animosity has never gone away even though the players have changed. I'm not sure many remember the original reason for the split, but it's become an us vs. them thing. Kinda sad.

Where there is money, there is conflict. I try not to get involved in such disputes. The whole RAT Cutlery/Ontario thing, the latest Bark River thing, the new Ranger/Ontario thing, and the ever popular Cold Steel bashing all bore me. If a manufacturer gives me good service and a good product at a fair price, that is all I care to know. There was a big stink about Strider a while back. Seems Cold Steel and them were in a dispute. Then there is the rare but occasional defective Busse-made knife, that gets some customers all bent out of shape, even though Busse always makes it right. People are free to buy from whomever they please and the market will determine who survives. I try to deal with honorable, reputable dealers and stay away from their internal conflicts or their conflicts with others. I don't know all the details of the deal between Mike Stewart and the other fellow, and frankly it is none of my business. Bark River, like Bussse, has a good reputation for customer service, and both companies have been honorable and decent with me in all my dealings. Their products are well made right here in the USA and unless I have some good reason not to, I will do business with them and others.

Talking about Pizza, I live across the street from Papa John's, very tasty. When I lived in Sacto, I always went to Round Table, also very tasty, and I miss it.

I just read that dispute over on BF about Mike Stewart. Funny thing is, I do not like the looks of the Bark River blades, took a look at them a few times, no interest what so ever. Maybe something sub-consciously, makes me stay away, lol

Vic, I agree, but I also can't help it. I want to believe that Mike Stewart is a good guy because I really like their knives, but I won't send someone my hard earned money if they are acting unethically; I don't know the wholes story yet, so I haven't really passed judgment.

Anyone know the story behind Mike Stewart when he use to own Blackjack and what happened with the employees? One story says that he "screwed" over some employees and the other story says that Mike was a hero. "NOW...here's where the drama starts. Since the success of the company was apparent, some of the investors collaborated with each other to steal money from the company. A couple of the investors had some "inside" people to help do their dirty work. The money was quickly channeled out of Blackjack and the working capital was being drastically exhausted." Whole link here: http://blackjack.0catch.com/pages/effingham_fyi.htm

I have enough to keep track of in my own life. I don't need the drama and have absolutely no interest in keeping up with gossip or business disputes of others that have nothing at all to do with my life. I don't give a darn about celebrity's lives, either. I just try to mind my own business.

Vic - I hear ya'! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> What do you think about that Bravo II ? Looks good to me - I would like to know the specs! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Also, do you have anything coming from Blade West? I have hope for a Chopweiler. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

FWIW - Mike has always taken care of me with any issue I've had with my BRKT blades. I hope the situation works out to everyone's satisfaction.

Hey PK, you must have missed my post earlier due to all the death chatting, but here is.



Looks like the S7 will have some competition when they both come out. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Hey guys, haven't been on much latley