JX5 VENGEFUL 1 REAL STORY **Long** Worth it I WAS one of those "small forrest axe / hatchet is always 10x better then any "chopper"knife.Kind of guys. As a career US Marine 0317and outdoorsman I have used it all. This all changed when (semi recently) I learned about Bark River. BRK big knives /choppers are better then a small forrest axe / hatchet,period (Friends and I actually tested 8 small forrest axes from home deeps to the big names over seas.You know who. In EVERY case the Bark Rivers did better, period.) I owned or used the BRK Parang,Senegal ( I had one, got stolen,actually confiscated grrrrrr)Dakkar,Moro Barong and Bravo III. ** I will post a fast youtube shortly ( day or so) about the JX5 Vengeful 1. Should be up 7/15/ 2017 or 7/16. Called "JX5 VENGEFUL 1 IS AMAZING" Back to the review: Some / most "big choppers" are not so big,not so heavy and just wrong design to chop at a high level.Made of low tech cheap rust bucket 1095. The shape and curves are just wrong.(straight usually) As for the JX5 : it is just right.Really right.Big enough (long and heavy) to be big enough,but not so big, it is goofey. I have used other big choppers that seemed less user friendly.Some that chopped ok but as just a knife turned out not great. The JX5 bites DEEEEEP. This is due to BRK perfect ,SHARP ,convex edge.Much deeper then the hatchets by a huge margin. The handle is just perfect,period.Close,mid or way back for chop city.No hot spots. (I did get mine custom a bit.Simply a bigger trigger finger choil,deeper.. Will show this on video) Steel is properly treated CPM 3V super steel.For those that may not know, BRK tripple HT and tripple cryo treats each blade.Always at perfect rockwell for knife design. Fit / Finish : is a work of art Will say more on video, but briefly as this is so long: over 3 days I did early summer clean up.Cut down sapps and pruned trees,Cut up fallen branches and large sticks. Roughly 10 hours Knife was flawless. Sharp after all that. Stropped for less then 60 sec, shaving sharp again. My favorite Big knife /chopper / and small axe / hatchet replacement,EVER As a knife for camp / bushcraft stuff it is also amazing due to design. Again more on video in 1-2 days Is this knife worth 250-300+ bucks? Y E S is it worth pissing off the wife or saving up for it ? YES TY Chris Tanner PM101. A+++ Job...again. JX4 CPM 154 Bushbat also TY DLT, Jason. Knife was a great price. Order processed in mins ! Showed up in 2 days ! TY Mike (owner) of BRK and his entire team.These folks are master crafts people and frankly, artists.Your work level sets the bar to the top.Your pride SHOWS. Know that not just collectors use your tools. In the field ,my life depends on my gear (including knives) and I use only Bark River. As always this knife is backed up 100% NO B.S. You break /damage/dull it,they fix it FREE.No phone tag or forms to fill out.(Jackie can we fix this? "YES WE CAN !" ) Want your knife modified? Handle / blade,anything..FREE Nobody else does these things Semper Fi Gunny P.S. My 10 hours use was actually fun. Hard to describe. may sound odd.I looked for more and more to chop and process. Works so well it feels like you're holding some kinda magic short sword !
ordered my new jx5 vengeful 1. looks like a great knife I was hoping you would come out with a knife like this. Thanks for designing this beautiful knife
Chris between my twin brother, myself and our best friend. We bought (5) JX5's. A great chopper, Chris, you really hit the nail on the head with this design.
Probably your best knife design to date in my opinion. Looking forward to the sheath design. May pick one up for myself as a "happy fathers day to me gift".
G'day Chris, So glad I got a pre-order on the V1 with Jason. That's bloody amazing! A big blade that can do all that. Yes, Bark River edges are outstanding. I've got a B1 & B2 but, youknow, the new V1 will solve a couple of my walking stick making issues. Like that hardwood log you split, I have to deal with dry, fallen hardwoods and after seeing you on your first attempt with the V1, I just know I'll have a better tool in my box for the larger pieces of hardwood I sometimes have to start out with. Can't wait to get my V1 out in the bush! Yes, I thought it would be much more expensive; that's one huge hunk o' 3V! I'll let you know how it goes... I'm confident I've got a new primary big blade coming my way! Thanks, mate! Cheers, BH
Dang dude! Home run with that. AND...under $300 with that big chunk of CPM 3v ...WOW! And thanks for teaching me what a "fuller" is, and what it can be good for.
Just ordered mine in red ctek and hollow pins! My first one of your knife designs, looks like it's amazingly capable can't wait for mine! I really enjoy your videos and shed!
PREPAREDMIND101 I received my JX5 and did my own test today. The JX5 really surprised me how well it performs everything from chopping to feather sticks really exceeded my expectations. Can't wait to see your future knife designs!
I snagged a new Final Run JX5 on ebay and can’t wait to take it out choppin’. I paid a premium for it but don’t regret the purchase, it’s a lifelong grail chopper.
Exactly as expected. Built to last by master craftsmen who take pride in their work and know the meaning of the term "sharp". Excellent design. Few people also realize that if you had a saddle grade 10 to 12 ounce leather sheath made for it seperately, which it richly deserves IMHO, by someone who knows leather, it's going to cost close to $100 Depending on who does it. Time you put properly treated hardware and a belt retention feature, drop leg, whatever? SHEESH man...if you cannot see quality and value vs asking price in this...IDK. great job Chris! I hope you make more than 200, I'd like to have one someday.
Hi Chris/All, I fell in love the first video I saw with the vengeful bway! I ordered one for Bulgaria yesterday and this is my most expensive knife I ever bought (half of my salary in BG) ! This means a lot for me as I am collecting knives all my life but i feel this knife is so special! I am looking forward to receive the package and do my own review for JX-5 Vengeful 1! This will be the first knife that arrives in Bulgaria from the model!
It might take a semi-truck to get the JX5 to the campsite! (Weight is the primary issue!) However, you hit the bullseye with the JX6 ... (I ordered three of the JX6 knives)
Hi chris ive been looking for a big chopper that i can use for everday tasks and thanks to you i found it i just ordered one and im waiting for it to arrive. I love your videos keep it up
I just bought a Bark River Cub and luckily was able to keep that purchase secret from the wife. She always asks me how many knives I need, and I always say "at least one more." Problem is, now I want a JX5 and I'm wondering if I should push my luck.
The best knife I have ever seen all the time I see knives that have a nice design but the steel type and thickness is not good but the cpm is very good steel and the knife thickness is fascinating a real masterpiece I hope we can see another knife like it
Still claiming the 2:30pm-3:00pm EDT Tuesday Afternoon for the Sell Out Time Slot. So, have you picked the Kydexer for the JX-5 or are you shooting for a "Compare and Contrast" between a couple of them?
I want Chris Tanner to design a wood handle Tomahawk someday with Bark River. Wonder what it would end up looking like ? I sure do. But rest assured it would chop like a beast. And hopefully be able to process meat too...
@preparedmind101...I'm going crazy right now cause my JX5 arrived at my house over a week ago and I still haven't been able to open the box cause I'm on the other side of the country stuck in this stupid truck!!! Even though I have yet to use it, I know my JX5 is gonna be the best and most used knife in my collection! One more week until I get home...uuuugh!
Hey Chris, congrats on another design in production. Looks like it may be promising. I always have liked some of your ideas and have a Jessmuk on order. This is of course armchair advice, since I have never held the tool, but based on what I can see, I would consider, for the next iteration, taking the grind up higher, and perhaps thinning the stock slightly as well. It looks like you are having a little trouble getting the knife to bite, and track true, for flattening/feathersticking, because of the large grind angle (and perhaps the thick stock as well) - the shoulder of the grind is sometimes getting in the way. I know it's a chopper, but sometimes an edge that sinks more easily and is less of a wedge can actually, imo, be helpful for that, depending of course on a lot of factors. That's not to say it doesn't perform now, because clearly it seems that it does, but in this case I think that type of change may be of benefit to get the most out of the tool. And I agree that $250 for that much 3V made by Bark River is a good deal. Best wishes.
+All the tea in China I like to be fair with my First Impressions videos. Meaning I'm not going to practice with my own knife and not everyone else's. Consider that any percieved minor trouble seen in the video is just me getting used to it. Yeah, I designed it, but I have to get used to so of them. That being said, it felt very natural to me. I haven't had that Bark River convex edge in a large knife before. It's like combining finesse with brute force. The grind/thickness matches Jess-X. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. A lot of people didn't catch that I was not exerting much force at all. I wanted to see what the tool itself would do. I generally seeing Jess-X WAY harder than that. And chopping on that downed tree... That's like chopping on a rubber mat. Give me a little more time and I'll show everyone what it can REALLY do. I rushed that to get a video up before they went on sale, and even rushing and less than an hour total time in hand, I'd say it did great. You really gotta feel it in the hand. Exact same thing I told everyone with Jess-X, and it took a year before it caught on.
I hear you. I'm glad you made the video though, rushed or not. That's what a real first impressions video is. I could be wrong (like I said, I would have to use it for myself); those were just my first impressions based on what I could see. Glad to hear it felt good to you. Clearly it can get a lot done, and seems effective, I was just thinking about maximizing the efficiency. Give it some more time, use it a lot, and get back to us. Speaking of large Bark River's, I have a Golok on order I'm excited to play with, and I would love to see some vids of that, the Senegal, Parang, and other large Bark River bushcraft knives (they have a discontinued bolo model as well), especially now that this and the Grizzly are out - I have a feeling they will rank as chopping/large knife hall of famers. I'm pretty sold on the convex edge - for woodworking, I only use convex or scandi, as everything else takes a lot more effort for the same amount of work. Speaking of edges, you said this and the Jess-X are the same, but isn't that flat ground (saber)? The convex edge would be a little fatter, which is something to keep in mind, ito of the initial comments. Also the handle geometry, which is obviously quite different. Touching on cost again, while I'm not sure exactly why, the JX-2 in 3V actually costs more.
+All the tea in China I would never call the Grizzly a chopper. Jess-X and The V1 have the same grind/height. But Bark Rivers have convexed EDGES. Jessmuk is LTWK. Cost isn't just price of material. Bark River is a MUUUUUCH larger company. They buy a LOOOOOT more steel. So they can probably get it at a better price, for one. Knife Making is a formula. A single man operation for instance, is going to have a much higher cost in production and time, and the knives have to be priced accordingly.
+Sam Rosado Key thing is, in this video I didn't have to swing hard at all to get the desired effect. But yes, you can go nuts with Jess-X due to the hook and the TPE handles.
I live in the hood and gangsters don't call the police. Full tang fixed blades are perfect weapons because the spine can break bones too. I forgot to mention I hit him with the spine not the blade
Beautiful perfect large blade and chopper! I want one so bad...now I just have to convince the gf to buy me one for Christmas. My prob is, she already thinks I have too many knives. Anyway, mad respect, Brotha...that's one killer blade!
Chris, as a thought; have another chopper-off of the Vengeful & Jess-X. They appear to be equal chip throwers. It took time for Jess-X's look to grow on me, but she does CHOP !!! Are the fullers ground/machined in the JX5 or forged ? I recall from some metallurgical classes that fuller-like indents were intended to pre-stress the metal to a greater strength in a region. I haven't found the exact reference in the metal books yet, but its like the forging of metal & hammering it over & over to build strength. If anyone has the reference Please forward it/comment. Another super chopper with additional abilities !!
I have been pondering the axe versus knife debate for a while. I have a Grandsfors Bruk Small Forest Axe and it can pretty much do anything this knife can do.... Pretty much... I still think that if you want to go into the field with just one tool to do your cutting, chopping, bushcraft type stuff, you can't beat a knife like this.
Love everything about this but wish the grind was a bit higher towards the tip. Just in my head, if the grind were higher around the sweet spot, it could perform better. May have to get one of my own to make sure! ;-)
You need to design a kukri. One with a micarta handle and a bow drill divot. And a solid pomel. And good hard steel or steel that holds the edge at least. (some softer stainless are softer but resist edge wear.)
I think a chopping montage while "Vengeful One" by Disturbed played in the background would have been quite fitting for this video. Of course, copyright and all that jazz. I'm not sure how that stuff works.
Just ordered mine, Chris... I am super excited. Any suggestion on how to make a danger for the sheath just to give werilding it a little more flexibility
JX5's are now available at DLT and KSF! Only 100 per site! (Both Links Below) JX5 Vengeful-1 at Knivesshipfree: www.knivesshipfree.com/bark-river-knives-jx5-vengeful-1-cpm-3v/ JX5 Vengeful-1 at DLT Trading: www.dlttrading.com/bark-river-jx5-vengeful
hmm this or the bravo 3 , i have a Junglas , bk20 , bk29 ,bk9 , bk21 ,sp10, sp50 and a dozen more choppers . be honest does this chop better than all these proven designs?
I'll put my money on the JX5. I got a video coming out tomorrow on the TOPS El Chete. It works SO well it actually had me worried. So after that video I got the JX5 out and hit the exact same things and it did just as well. Question is, how comfortable is it to do finer tasks with those knives, like feathersticking? JX5 isn't a one trick pony.
When you can watch a prepared mind 101 review sans the shed you know you're loyal subscriber😀. Although it would be hard to watch a flashlight review without the shed😋.
An opinion on axe v. big knife. All the positives that make axes better choppers than big knives can also be negatives to many or most people. Axes are awkward due to how top heavy and forward weighted they are and their edges are not as intuitive to use on non-chopping tasks. These add up to the main draw back to all axes* , they require more time to learn how to use safely and effectively and get familiar with. This time investment might not be feasible or possible for the people who go into the woods once a month or two weeks a year, which is most outdoor sports people. Big knives are weighted like most other tools and everyone uses knives of some type all the time which makes them just more familiar in the hand. Also there is just not that many good choices for axes in the same WEIGHT class as most big knives, being either very poor quality (marbles) ,have synthetic handles (fiskars), terrible edge geometry (condor), poor steel ( most) or are very expensive ( even then only 2 readily available, the h.b. jonaker and g.b. hand hatchet). Plus at 1.5 pounds total weight your not going to cut down huge trees or split 8" logs either and you can't baton wood handled axes without risk of damage ( eye distortion). These are all legit reasons big knives have a place in outdoor cutlery. And they are just plain fun ( I know outdoors hobbies aren't about fun anymore, they're about SURVIVAL! but I'm ignoring that memo). * Yes a full tang axe (like the buck compadre type, not the estwing type)are less awkward and have knife like edges and can be seen as a good balance between the two or as useless depending on your point of view (I like them). My credentials: none, but I've lived in the backcountry for 15 years and own and regularly use 9 axes, 8 heavy machetes, 5 big knives, 1 chainsaw and it's big knives I enjoy the most.
Big knives are cooler, more fun to use, more versatile, and when designed right like this one is, can really do everything WELL. I'm always gonna have a smaller knife for more delicate tasks on me, whether it be a neck knife, a small belt knife, or a pocket knife, but a nice balanced knife like this is going to be better to use for even just chopping, and in general. I agree with you 100%. Most people don't go chopping down trees when they go camping...... this knife chops just fine for anything I would do at least.
![กี่หมื่นฟ้า | Your Sky Series EP.1 [1/4]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vLGjxFL6U_I/mqdefault.jpg)
JX5 VENGEFUL 1 REAL STORY
**Long** Worth it
I WAS one of those "small forrest axe / hatchet is always 10x better then any "chopper"knife.Kind of guys.
As a career US Marine 0317and outdoorsman I have used it all.
This all changed when (semi recently) I learned about Bark River.
BRK big knives /choppers are better then a small forrest axe / hatchet,period
(Friends and I actually tested 8 small forrest axes from home deeps to the big names over seas.You know who. In EVERY case the Bark Rivers did better, period.)
I owned or used the BRK Parang,Senegal ( I had one, got stolen,actually confiscated grrrrrr)Dakkar,Moro Barong and Bravo III.
** I will post a fast youtube shortly ( day or so) about the JX5 Vengeful 1.
Should be up 7/15/ 2017 or 7/16. Called "JX5 VENGEFUL 1 IS AMAZING"
Back to the review:
Some / most "big choppers" are not so big,not so heavy and just wrong design to chop at a high level.Made of low tech cheap rust bucket 1095.
The shape and curves are just wrong.(straight usually)
As for the JX5 : it is just right.Really right.Big enough (long and heavy) to be big enough,but not so big, it is goofey.
I have used other big choppers that seemed less user friendly.Some that chopped ok but as just a knife turned out not great.
The JX5 bites DEEEEEP. This is due to BRK perfect ,SHARP ,convex edge.Much deeper then the hatchets by a huge margin.
The handle is just perfect,period.Close,mid or way back for chop city.No hot spots. (I did get mine custom a bit.Simply a bigger trigger finger choil,deeper.. Will show this on video)
Steel is properly treated CPM 3V super steel.For those that may not know, BRK tripple HT and tripple cryo treats each blade.Always at perfect rockwell for knife design.
Fit / Finish : is a work of art
Will say more on video, but briefly as this is so long:
over 3 days I did early summer clean up.Cut down sapps and pruned trees,Cut up fallen branches and large sticks. Roughly 10 hours
Knife was flawless. Sharp after all that.
Stropped for less then 60 sec, shaving sharp again.
My favorite Big knife /chopper / and small axe / hatchet replacement,EVER
As a knife for camp / bushcraft stuff it is also amazing due to design.
Again more on video in 1-2 days
Is this knife worth 250-300+ bucks? Y E S
is it worth pissing off the wife or saving up for it ? YES
TY Chris Tanner PM101. A+++ Job...again. JX4 CPM 154 Bushbat also
TY DLT, Jason. Knife was a great price. Order processed in mins ! Showed up in 2 days !
TY Mike (owner) of BRK and his entire team.These folks are master crafts people and frankly, artists.Your work level sets the bar to the top.Your pride SHOWS. Know that not just collectors use your tools. In the field ,my life depends on my gear (including knives) and I use only Bark River. As always this knife is backed up 100% NO B.S.
You break /damage/dull it,they fix it FREE.No phone tag or forms to fill out.(Jackie can we fix this? "YES WE CAN !" )
Want your knife modified? Handle / blade,anything..FREE
Nobody else does these things
Semper Fi
Gunny
P.S. My 10 hours use was actually fun. Hard to describe. may sound odd.I looked for more and more to chop and process.
Works so well it feels like you're holding some kinda magic short sword !
Nearly 7 hours of use on mine.
Still sharp.
Favorite "big chopper" / knife ....ever.
A+++
perfect
Just got mine today! Yay! Final Run it says on it so I’m glad I got it before it became part of Bark River history
Good work Mr.Tanner
Chris is a stand up guy!! OH!
Awesome man! Mines in the mail
Twain Conley won’t be disappointed
ordered my new jx5 vengeful 1. looks like a great knife I was hoping you would come out with a knife like this. Thanks for designing this beautiful knife
Chris between my twin brother, myself and our best friend. We bought (5) JX5's. A great chopper, Chris, you really hit the nail on the head with this design.
Let Tac play with it. Let's watch him go bananas with this thing
+accordwagon89 He will.
PREPAREDMIND101 😫🤗 c ant wait to get both one of these and a jess x! sucks that I still need to save up a bit :\ great work as usual btw!
Only a liberal would make such an assumption
Tac "ahh yeah"
Probably your best knife design to date in my opinion. Looking forward to the sheath design. May pick one up for myself as a "happy fathers day to me gift".
Yep it's a beast. Does really good with the finer stuff, too. Think you came up with a winner Chris. Saving my pennies for this knife.
G'day Chris, So glad I got a pre-order on the V1 with Jason. That's bloody amazing! A big blade that can do all that. Yes, Bark River edges are outstanding. I've got a B1 & B2 but, youknow, the new V1 will solve a couple of my walking stick making issues. Like that hardwood log you split, I have to deal with dry, fallen hardwoods and after seeing you on your first attempt with the V1, I just know I'll have a better tool in my box for the larger pieces of hardwood I sometimes have to start out with.
Can't wait to get my V1 out in the bush! Yes, I thought it would be much more expensive; that's one huge hunk o' 3V!
I'll let you know how it goes... I'm confident I've got a new primary big blade coming my way! Thanks, mate! Cheers, BH
I’m getting one of these off of a friend this weekend…. CANT WAIT!
Final run is out! Amazing blade 🤙
Got mine coming...
Mine is in the mail! Chris is a stand up guy!!!
Right on! Got mine a couple of days ago, really awesome blade.
Hats off to the Midas of knife design. The Jessmuk C is still my favorite, it's like a pocket survival knife. I love it .
The agility of the blade in fine carving and crafting is really impressive.
Dang dude! Home run with that. AND...under $300 with that big chunk of CPM 3v ...WOW! And thanks for teaching me what a "fuller" is, and what it can be good for.
Just ordered mine in red ctek and hollow pins! My first one of your knife designs, looks like it's amazingly capable can't wait for mine! I really enjoy your videos and shed!
+Live Free Or Die I saw that one. Looked sweet.
PREPAREDMIND101 I received my JX5 and did my own test today. The JX5 really surprised me how well it performs everything from chopping to feather sticks really exceeded my expectations. Can't wait to see your future knife designs!
CPM-3V has been my favorite steel since I first bought the Zero Tolerance ZT 0100. Going to get a JX5 eventually.
I snagged a new Final Run JX5 on ebay and can’t wait to take it out choppin’. I paid a premium for it but don’t regret the purchase, it’s a lifelong grail chopper.
Great job Chris... this looks like a real winner.
TheFrankMichelle - LOL, what a lame comment. Actually I prefer Jaguar... and Bark River knives.
Just ordered one, one of the last they have at DLT trading. Definitely one of my favorite bigger blades. Another good review.
Exactly as expected. Built to last by master craftsmen who take pride in their work and know the meaning of the term "sharp". Excellent design. Few people also realize that if you had a saddle grade 10 to 12 ounce leather sheath made for it seperately, which it richly deserves IMHO, by someone who knows leather, it's going to cost close to $100 Depending on who does it. Time you put properly treated hardware and a belt retention feature, drop leg, whatever? SHEESH man...if you cannot see quality and value vs asking price in this...IDK. great job Chris! I hope you make more than 200, I'd like to have one someday.
Hi Chris/All,
I fell in love the first video I saw with the vengeful bway!
I ordered one for Bulgaria yesterday and this is my most expensive knife I ever bought (half of my salary in BG) ! This means a lot for me as I am collecting knives all my life but i feel this knife is so special!
I am looking forward to receive the package and do my own review for JX-5 Vengeful 1! This will be the first knife that arrives in Bulgaria from the model!
+hekar4eto Thanks. You won't be disappointed. Nobody has.
Another home run. Good job Chris! I would love one in CTAC!
It might take a semi-truck to get the JX5 to the campsite! (Weight is the primary issue!)
However, you hit the bullseye with the JX6 ... (I ordered three of the JX6 knives)
Hi chris ive been looking for a big chopper that i can use for everday tasks and thanks to you i found it i just ordered one and im waiting for it to arrive. I love your videos keep it up
Love Bark River and its a cool looking knife. I just dont ever think if I bought this knife it would be more then a paperweight.
Really want to add this to my Jessica collection but I'm going to have to wait until I see some side by side tests with Jess X
I ordered mine.... can't wait to play with it
Reminds me of a slightly tweaked Grizzly. Very popular blade should sell well. Good job!
I just bought a Bark River Cub and luckily was able to keep that purchase secret from the wife. She always asks me how many knives I need, and I always say "at least one more." Problem is, now I want a JX5 and I'm wondering if I should push my luck.
The best knife I have ever seen
all the time I see knives that have a nice design but the steel type and thickness is not good but the cpm is very good steel and the knife thickness is fascinating
a real masterpiece
I hope we can see another knife like it
Still claiming the 2:30pm-3:00pm EDT Tuesday Afternoon for the Sell Out Time Slot. So, have you picked the Kydexer for the JX-5 or are you shooting for a "Compare and Contrast" between a couple of them?
You knew this was coming Chris.......heads up death match between Jess X and the Vengeful 1! Go!
+Steven Szabo That's like throwing your kids in the octogon and making them go at it.
Awesome, right?
I want Chris Tanner to design a wood handle Tomahawk someday with Bark River. Wonder what it would end up looking like ? I sure do. But rest assured it would chop like a beast. And hopefully be able to process meat too...
Darn you Chris Tanner! Now I have another need!
can't wait to get mine next week.
Chris, I love your design work. Well thought out...
+Reid Cruickshank Thank you.
@preparedmind101...I'm going crazy right now cause my JX5 arrived at my house over a week ago and I still haven't been able to open the box cause I'm on the other side of the country stuck in this stupid truck!!! Even though I have yet to use it, I know my JX5 is gonna be the best and most used knife in my collection! One more week until I get home...uuuugh!
I'm gonna have fun with this one
+Tactical Just waiting on a sheath.
Tactical looking forward to watching that!
Ahh Yeah.
You're the man to test this blade Tac!
Hey Chris, congrats on another design in production. Looks like it may be promising. I always have liked some of your ideas and have a Jessmuk on order. This is of course armchair advice, since I have never held the tool, but based on what I can see, I would consider, for the next iteration, taking the grind up higher, and perhaps thinning the stock slightly as well. It looks like you are having a little trouble getting the knife to bite, and track true, for flattening/feathersticking, because of the large grind angle (and perhaps the thick stock as well) - the shoulder of the grind is sometimes getting in the way. I know it's a chopper, but sometimes an edge that sinks more easily and is less of a wedge can actually, imo, be helpful for that, depending of course on a lot of factors. That's not to say it doesn't perform now, because clearly it seems that it does, but in this case I think that type of change may be of benefit to get the most out of the tool. And I agree that $250 for that much 3V made by Bark River is a good deal. Best wishes.
+All the tea in China I like to be fair with my First Impressions videos. Meaning I'm not going to practice with my own knife and not everyone else's.
Consider that any percieved minor trouble seen in the video is just me getting used to it. Yeah, I designed it, but I have to get used to so of them. That being said, it felt very natural to me. I haven't had that Bark River convex edge in a large knife before. It's like combining finesse with brute force.
The grind/thickness matches Jess-X. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
A lot of people didn't catch that I was not exerting much force at all. I wanted to see what the tool itself would do. I generally seeing Jess-X WAY harder than that. And chopping on that downed tree... That's like chopping on a rubber mat.
Give me a little more time and I'll show everyone what it can REALLY do. I rushed that to get a video up before they went on sale, and even rushing and less than an hour total time in hand, I'd say it did great. You really gotta feel it in the hand. Exact same thing I told everyone with Jess-X, and it took a year before it caught on.
I hear you. I'm glad you made the video though, rushed or not. That's what a real first impressions video is. I could be wrong (like I said, I would have to use it for myself); those were just my first impressions based on what I could see. Glad to hear it felt good to you. Clearly it can get a lot done, and seems effective, I was just thinking about maximizing the efficiency. Give it some more time, use it a lot, and get back to us. Speaking of large Bark River's, I have a Golok on order I'm excited to play with, and I would love to see some vids of that, the Senegal, Parang, and other large Bark River bushcraft knives (they have a discontinued bolo model as well), especially now that this and the Grizzly are out - I have a feeling they will rank as chopping/large knife hall of famers. I'm pretty sold on the convex edge - for woodworking, I only use convex or scandi, as everything else takes a lot more effort for the same amount of work. Speaking of edges, you said this and the Jess-X are the same, but isn't that flat ground (saber)? The convex edge would be a little fatter, which is something to keep in mind, ito of the initial comments. Also the handle geometry, which is obviously quite different. Touching on cost again, while I'm not sure exactly why, the JX-2 in 3V actually costs more.
+All the tea in China I would never call the Grizzly a chopper.
Jess-X and The V1 have the same grind/height. But Bark Rivers have convexed EDGES.
Jessmuk is LTWK. Cost isn't just price of material. Bark River is a MUUUUUCH larger company. They buy a LOOOOOT more steel. So they can probably get it at a better price, for one. Knife Making is a formula. A single man operation for instance, is going to have a much higher cost in production and time, and the knives have to be priced accordingly.
I don't know about you guys, but does it seem that Jess-X hits a little harder?
+Sam Rosado Key thing is, in this video I didn't have to swing hard at all to get the desired effect. But yes, you can go nuts with Jess-X due to the hook and the TPE handles.
Sam Rosado, Jess-x is also heavier by %25 I think.
Sweet Bowie design. I like.
Dang Chris, now i gotta get one.
This is a great knife. I put it through someone's shoulder about a week ago.
+Phillip Torres Huh??
I live in the hood and gangsters don't call the police. Full tang fixed blades are perfect weapons because the spine can break bones too. I forgot to mention I hit him with the spine not the blade
Beautiful build Chis and worth the money, I cant afford it but if I could, Dang I would.
Looks like another great design. very nice.
wow going to save up for the next run, great price point ....love my bravo 1 in 3v and a2
Beautiful perfect large blade and chopper! I want one so bad...now I just have to convince the gf to buy me one for Christmas. My prob is, she already thinks I have too many knives. Anyway, mad respect, Brotha...that's one killer blade!
Never seen a ferro rod throw THAT many sparks that easy b4, what brand is that?
Chris, as a thought; have another chopper-off of the Vengeful & Jess-X. They appear to be equal chip throwers. It took time for Jess-X's look to grow on me, but she does CHOP !!! Are the fullers ground/machined in the JX5 or forged ? I recall from some metallurgical classes that fuller-like indents were intended to pre-stress the metal to a greater strength in a region. I haven't found the exact reference in the metal books yet, but its like the forging of metal & hammering it over & over to build strength. If anyone has the reference Please forward it/comment. Another super chopper with additional abilities !!
+Wally Ceiphert They are machined.
Thanks Chris !! Happy Chopping !!!
Ok, now I'm ready for that handle on the Jess x blade profile. That is a"Chawppa" though!
I have been pondering the axe versus knife debate for a while. I have a Grandsfors Bruk Small Forest Axe and it can pretty much do anything this knife can do.... Pretty much... I still think that if you want to go into the field with just one tool to do your cutting, chopping, bushcraft type stuff, you can't beat a knife like this.
Love everything about this but wish the grind was a bit higher towards the tip. Just in my head, if the grind were higher around the sweet spot, it could perform better. May have to get one of my own to make sure! ;-)
You need to design a kukri. One with a micarta handle and a bow drill divot. And a solid pomel. And good hard steel or steel that holds the edge at least. (some softer stainless are softer but resist edge wear.)
Can't wait to see the sheath
I just bought 'Bark River Knives: JX5 Vengeful 1 - CPM 3V - Black G-10' on KnivesShipFree! Bwhahahah another addition to the collection
Another the beast chopper from Bark River!
I think a chopping montage while "Vengeful One" by Disturbed played in the background would have been quite fitting for this video. Of course, copyright and all that jazz. I'm not sure how that stuff works.
with the hammock in the background.... did the mosquito net come with that hammock or did you buy it separate?
looks pretty good chris
What a fantastic knife !! Love this so much
How do you think this compares to the Bravo 3 or any of the other big BRKT blades?
God I want that blade so bad lol. Happy father's day
jx5 is a beast! awesome video!!
Holy Moly, nice big Klopper! ;)
Awesome chopper!
Looks good & works well. Got me interested in this Chopper.
Regards
Just got one. Great knife chris.
Perfection imho.
That's a pretty good hunk of steel good shopper
Just ordered mine, Chris... I am super excited. Any suggestion on how to make a danger for the sheath just to give werilding it a little more flexibility
+Steven Johnson If you don't want to get kydex... Get one of those steel wire keychains and run it through the two holes in the back. Add beltloop.
PREPAREDMIND101 they have a Pyrex sheath for this beast somewhere or do I need to go somewhere like custom kydex and have one made?
i need to get myself one of those
JX5's are now available at DLT and KSF! Only 100 per site! (Both Links Below)
JX5 Vengeful-1 at Knivesshipfree:
www.knivesshipfree.com/bark-river-knives-jx5-vengeful-1-cpm-3v/
JX5 Vengeful-1 at DLT Trading:
www.dlttrading.com/bark-river-jx5-vengeful
IDK Chris, im still feeling a little hollow about the last Jess model.
Ordered
NIce job Chris thats sick bro!
Looks great! 👍👊
kinda reminds me of the Condor gulak backpack machete... I wonder if they have the same grind?
very nice knife bro great job cheers
very nice. Be a great overlanding blade, kukri alternative
Yes, but the Jess-X is more of the Kukri alternative.
Hi Cris!
I just order The Knife!!! Thanks ^^
Hello from France
Good video! Keep it up!
Nice chopper! How does that handle feel?
+Survival Mindset Great.
looks like the sweet spot isvkinda kukri just befor the thick sweep am i right ?
that thing is a beast!!
hmm this or the bravo 3 , i have a Junglas , bk20 , bk29 ,bk9 , bk21 ,sp10, sp50 and a dozen more choppers . be honest does this chop better than all these proven designs?
I'll put my money on the JX5. I got a video coming out tomorrow on the TOPS El Chete. It works SO well it actually had me worried. So after that video I got the JX5 out and hit the exact same things and it did just as well. Question is, how comfortable is it to do finer tasks with those knives, like feathersticking? JX5 isn't a one trick pony.
Knife looks like a winner. Who accompanied you on this trip?
+Baconator Ben from Living Survival
Thanks Chris!
this is a cool knife. i am an axe guy though. like the small jess knives :).
When you can watch a prepared mind 101 review sans the shed you know you're loyal subscriber😀. Although it would be hard to watch a flashlight review without the shed😋.
+Ron Hicks People haven't seen "The Shed Mk II" yet....
An opinion on axe v. big knife. All the positives that make axes better choppers than big knives can also be negatives to many or most people. Axes are awkward due to how top heavy and forward weighted they are and their edges are not as intuitive to use on
non-chopping tasks. These add up to the main draw back to all axes* , they require more time to learn how to use safely and effectively and get familiar with. This time investment might not be feasible or possible for the people who go into the woods once a month or two weeks a year, which is most outdoor sports people. Big knives are weighted like most other tools and everyone uses knives of some type all the time which makes them just more familiar in the hand. Also there is just not that many good choices for axes in the same WEIGHT class as most big knives, being either very poor quality (marbles) ,have synthetic handles (fiskars), terrible edge geometry (condor), poor steel ( most) or are very expensive ( even then only 2 readily available, the h.b. jonaker and g.b. hand hatchet). Plus at 1.5 pounds total weight your not going to cut down huge trees or split 8" logs either and you can't baton wood handled axes without risk of damage ( eye distortion). These are all legit reasons big knives have a place in outdoor cutlery. And they are just plain fun ( I know outdoors hobbies aren't about fun anymore, they're about SURVIVAL! but I'm ignoring that memo). * Yes a full tang axe (like the buck compadre type, not the estwing type)are less awkward and have knife like edges and can be seen as a good balance between the two or as useless depending on your point of view (I like them). My credentials: none, but I've lived in the backcountry for 15 years and own and regularly use 9 axes, 8 heavy machetes, 5 big knives, 1 chainsaw and it's big knives I enjoy the most.
Amen
Big knives are cooler, more fun to use, more versatile, and when designed right like this one is, can really do everything WELL. I'm always gonna have a smaller knife for more delicate tasks on me, whether it be a neck knife, a small belt knife, or a pocket knife, but a nice balanced knife like this is going to be better to use for even just chopping, and in general. I agree with you 100%. Most people don't go chopping down trees when they go camping...... this knife chops just fine for anything I would do at least.
Love Ben's channel too
This one vs. El Chete !
Any thoughts?
When you going to do the Q&A?
I really like that knife!
Make a 1095 version! We need a bk9 killer
Hey Chris is the PM101 Logo embossed on the blade(like Jessmuk) or printed?
+Marcus Cullins laser etched
Cant wait to add to my series. that blade has a wicked bite. loving your designs Chris
thats badass, i want one !!!
cant wait!
At 20:10 Chris is beating the shit out of those termites!!! They like, WHAT DAFUQ.... LMAO!!!
So does it really outperform the Jessica X?
If I owned a pirate ship I would use that knife as my edc. I love this knife. Strong steel goes a long way. Thanks. Tony.
+Tony Patey I think I'd go with the Zombie Tools Cutlass.
Absolute grail knife!
Love the sword!