First Impressions of Bark River Skelton Occipital Natural
The Bark River Skelton Occipital Natural is a fascinating fixed blade knife that immediately piques the interest of any knife enthusiast. Made by Bark River, known for their exceptional craftsmanship and high-quality materials, this knife promises a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. This model, with its compact size and unique handle design, stands out in a market saturated with more conventional offerings.
I was looking for a lightweight, easily concealable fixed blade for everyday carry and occasional outdoor tasks. The Skelton Occipital caught my eye because of its small profile and the promise of a secure grip, even without full scales. I wanted a knife that could handle fine tasks like food prep and whittling, as well as more demanding jobs like cutting cordage and light wood processing.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was its minimalist design. The natural canvas Micarta handle provides a comfortable, almost organic feel, while the satin-finished blade exudes quality. The knife feels remarkably well-balanced for its size, lending confidence in its intended use.
Compared to my Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter and my ESEE Izula II, the Bark River Skelton Occipital Natural feels smaller and lighter. I chose it over the others because its compact size makes it ideal for discreet carry, and the full tang construction gives me confidence in its durability. My initial reaction was one of excitement, tempered by a bit of skepticism about how comfortable the skeltonized handle would be during prolonged use.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bark River Skelton Occipital Natural to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Bark River Skelton Occipital Natural was on a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I used it primarily for food preparation, feathering sticks for fire starting, and cutting rope for setting up my shelter. The knife performed admirably in these tasks, demonstrating a keen edge and surprising control.
The CPM-154 blade sliced cleanly through tomatoes and onions, and the fine tip was perfect for detailed work on kindling. Despite a light rain, the canvas Micarta handle provided a secure grip. The only minor issue was some slight discomfort in my hand after extended carving, attributable to the skeletonized handle lacking the full contour of a traditional scale.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Bark River Skelton Occipital Natural has proven to be a reliable and capable tool. I’ve carried it daily, using it for everything from opening packages to more demanding tasks during home improvement projects. The blade has retained its edge well, requiring only occasional stropping to maintain sharpness.
There are minimal signs of wear and tear. The canvas Micarta has darkened slightly with use, adding to its character, and the blade remains free of rust or corrosion. Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe down after use and occasional application of oil to the blade. It has certainly outperformed my expectations for a knife of its size and design.
Breaking Down the Features of Bark River Skelton Occipital Natural
Specifications
- Overall Length: 6.5 inches (16.51cm) – This compact size makes it ideal for concealed carry and easy handling.
- Blade Length: 3.13 inches (7.95cm) – The blade length offers a balance of utility and portability.
- Blade Material: CPM-154 Stainless Steel – This steel is known for its excellent edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
- Handle Material: Natural Canvas Micarta – Micarta provides a durable and grippy surface, even when wet.
- Construction: Full Tang – The full tang construction ensures strength and stability for demanding tasks.
- Weight: 0.54 lb – Its light weight makes it comfortable for everyday carry.
- Additional Features: Lanyard Hole, Magnets (Caution: Do not wear with pacemaker) – The lanyard hole provides an additional carry option, while the magnets are a unique (but potentially risky) feature.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the knife’s performance and user experience. The choice of CPM-154 steel ensures a long-lasting edge, while the Micarta handle provides a secure grip. The full tang construction is critical for durability, and the overall size and weight make it a practical choice for everyday carry.
Performance & Functionality
The Bark River Skelton Occipital Natural excels in a variety of tasks. Its sharp blade and comfortable handle make it well-suited for slicing, cutting, and detailed work. The knife is accurate and reliable, consistently performing as expected.
One strength is its compact size, making it easy to carry and maneuver. A potential weakness is that the skeletonized handle may not be as comfortable as a full-scale handle for extended, heavy-duty tasks. Overall, the knife meets and slightly exceeds my expectations, offering excellent performance in a small package.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Bark River Skelton Occipital Natural is both minimalist and functional. The natural canvas Micarta handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, and the satin-finished blade gives the knife a clean, modern look. The full tang construction ensures durability and balance.
There is a slight learning curve associated with the skeletonized handle. Users may need some time to adjust to the feel, especially if accustomed to knives with more substantial scales. However, once accustomed, the handle provides excellent control and dexterity.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bark River Skelton Occipital Natural is built to last. The CPM-154 blade is resistant to rust and corrosion, and the full tang construction provides exceptional strength. The Micarta handle is also highly durable and can withstand years of use.
Maintenance is relatively simple. Regular cleaning and oiling of the blade will help to prevent corrosion and maintain its edge. The Micarta handle can be cleaned with soap and water as needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bark River Skelton Occipital Natural comes with a brown leather belt sheath. The sheath is well-made and provides a secure and convenient way to carry the knife. Beyond the sheath, there aren’t many factory customization options available for this particular model.
However, because of its fairly standard construction, aftermarket lanyards can be easily added. Given the knife’s unique handle design, custom Micarta or G10 scales could potentially be fabricated by skilled artisans to improve the ergonomics for individual users.
Pros and Cons of Bark River Skelton Occipital Natural
Pros
- Extremely sharp CPM-154 blade offers excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance.
- Compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for everyday carry (EDC).
- Full tang construction ensures exceptional strength and durability.
- Natural canvas Micarta handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, even when wet.
- Beautifully crafted leather sheath for safe and convenient carry.
Cons
- Skeletonized handle may not be as comfortable as a full-scale handle during extended use.
- Magnets in handle present a potential health hazard for individuals with pacemakers.
Who Should Buy Bark River Skelton Occipital Natural?
The Bark River Skelton Occipital Natural is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, everyday carry users, and anyone who appreciates a well-made, compact fixed blade knife. Survivalists, hikers, and campers will find it a useful tool for a variety of tasks. Its smaller size also makes it a good option for those seeking a discreet self-defense tool (check local laws).
Those who primarily need a knife for heavy-duty tasks or who have sensitivities to magnets should skip this product. People with larger hands may also find the skeletonized handle less comfortable than a full-scale handle.
A must-have accessory is a quality sharpening stone or strop to maintain the blade’s edge. As previously mentioned, custom handle scales could also greatly enhance the comfort and ergonomics for individual users.
Conclusion on Bark River Skelton Occipital Natural
The Bark River Skelton Occipital Natural is a well-designed and exceptionally crafted knife that offers a compelling combination of performance, portability, and durability. Its CPM-154 blade and full tang construction ensure that it can handle a variety of tasks, while its compact size and natural canvas Micarta handle make it a comfortable and practical choice for everyday carry. The inclusion of magnets in the handle presents a niche perk for some and a hard pass for others.
The price of $218.89 is justified by the quality of materials and craftsmanship. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality, compact fixed blade knife.
Consider adding the Bark River Skelton Occipital Natural to your collection – you won’t be disappointed!