US Knife Maker Bark River Knives Closes Down

Community Discussion Shoot the Breeze
1

Sad to see an American company go down, but profits over pride ruined Bark River.

Michigan Knifemaker Closes Shop After Admitting to Using Chinese Steel and Labeling It USA-Made

Bark River Knives, a well-known knifemaker based in Escanaba, Michigan, has shuttered its business in the wake of revelations regarding the steel used in some of its blades. The fixed-blade knife manufacturer has now admitted to using Chinese steel in several of its models, even though the knives were labeled and marketed as CPM 154 steel and made in the USA.

2

I hate to lose an American company, but rebranding Chinese steel as American is a Hell of a way to lose the trust of your customer base.

1 Like
3

Heard rumors of sketchy business practices for a while. I had always hoped they weren’t true. It’s a real bummer because BRK made some excellent knives!