Bark River STS Blades by Nutnfancy04:33

Like all things Bark River, these US produced knives exude quality. Three sizes were tested and reviewed in TNP: the STS-4, STS-5, and STS-8. The hard cored mountain testing was fielded by the largest, “Special Tactical Series” 8. The bigger STS knives feature thick 154CM steel blades, a rarity in a fixed blade knife. Woodscraft performance is shown and integrated into the POU discussion. The STS-8 acquitted itself as a stainless steel big woods blade on outings. Carbon steel knives will be tougher but they are high maintenance in wet environments and even with care they can rust. Bark River states the STS-5 was designed with input from military sources as a killing blade. It’s heavy but tough with excellent penetration capes. The STS-4 could be an excellent and tough EDC blade. All feature the convex ground, razor sharp Bark River edge. The 8 and 5 have an excellent Kydex sheath that is lighweight and simple (preferred). The STS-4 has a well made leather sheath. Ergos are shown and discussed; expected a handle sanding job on the micarta to get rid of sharp edges that are annoying. Value is moderate as each knife cost us in excess of $220. Attribute a lot of that cost to the expensive 154CM steel in this thickness. Despite some rock nicks in the 8, durability should be flawless and these knives possess that BR heirloom specialness. Limited in production Nutnfancy Likability Scale STS-8 after handle mod: 8 out of 10, STS-5: 6 out of 10, STS 4: 6.5 out of 10