Hunting Knives: reliability and durability in the wild

PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED KNIFE, RETRIEVED FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Type: previously purchased knife, from a private collection
* Condition: "First Production Run" edition, like new, never used, never removed from the packaging, and never placed in the sheath
* Available on the market: Out of production
* Sharpening: Factory
* Marks on blade: None
* Marks on handle: None
* Box: Present
* Sheath: Present, also includes a second new leather sheath
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: Present
* Checked and Certified by our internal laboratory

The Bark River Ultra Lite Field Knife is a versatile knife designed to excel in bushcraft activities but capable of handling many other functions. Its clip/harpoon blade is made of CPM 3V steel, offering excellent resistance and holds its edge well, making it ideal for processing game and food preparation. However, it is important to protect it from moisture and acids, as it is not completely stainless; regular maintenance, such as cleaning and applying oil, is recommended to preserve its quality.

The handle is made from a wonderful desert ironwood burl, a precious wood that has a unique and variable appearance. Each handle is different, reflecting the value of the natural product. The entire design of the knife makes it an excellent tool for both practical use and for those seeking a distinctive item.

Intended use: Hiking / Utility / Bushcraft

Country of production: USA
Blade: full tang made of CPM-3V carbon steel at 61HRC
Handle: desert ironwood burl
Blade length: 115mm.
Blade thickness: 3.2mm.
Total length: 213mm.
Weight: 125g.
Sheath: leather
Notes: knife from a private collection, like new, never removed from its packaging and never placed in the sheath - Out of production and no longer available on the market, differs from the standard production by the use of burl wood for the handle - "First Production Run" engraved on the blade

PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED KNIFE, WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Type: Knife previously purchased, from a private collection
* Condition: Like new, never used, never removed from its packaging, and never inserted in the sheath
* Availability: Out of production
* Sharpening: Factory edge
* Blade marks: None
* Handle marks: None
* Box: Present
* Sheath: Present, with an additional new leather sheath
* Manuals, Certificates, and Warranties: Present
* Inspected and Certified by our internal laboratory

The Bark River Aurora II is designed as the ultimate bushcraft knife, a result of extensive testing conducted by experts in North America and Europe. This outdoor knife, perfected through feedback received, is notable for its balance and versatility. The blade, made of CPM 3V steel, is renowned for its exceptional strength and its ability to retain an excellent edge over time. However, it is important to watch for moisture and acids, as CPM 3V is not completely stainless. Cleaning the knife after use and occasionally applying oil is recommended to ensure its longevity.

The Aurora II, significantly larger than the standard model, features a pointed tip ideal for detailed tasks and a spine suited for use with a fire starter. These characteristics make it an indispensable tool for outdoor activities.

The handle is made of desert ironwood, a hardwood appreciated for its color and unique pattern, giving the knife a luxurious look and improving grip. Each piece is handmade by Bark River, meaning that every knife is unique and may have slight variations compared to the images.

Intended Use: Hiking / Utility / Bushcraft

Country of Manufacture: USA
Blade: Full tang in CPM-3V carbon steel at 61 HRC
Handle: Desert ironwood
Blade Length: 140mm.
Blade Thickness: 3.85mm.
Total Length: 264mm.
Weight: 195g.
Sheath: Leather, with an additional leather sheath
Notes: Knife from a private collection, like new, never removed from its packaging and never inserted in the sheath, provided with an additional sheath, out of production and no longer available on the market

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Withdrawn from a private individual, previously purchased
* Conditions: in like-new condition
* Available on the market: No longer available
* Sharpening: Factory
* Marks on blade: None
* Marks on handle: None
* Box: /
* Sheath: hand-made leather in good condition
* Manuals, Certificates and Guarantees: No
* Checked and Certified by our internal laboratory

Intended use: collection/sports

Type of production: Handcrafted
Blade production: Cambodia
Blade: mirror-finish DNH7 carbon steel
Blade treatment: brut de forge
Handle: wood and horn
Blade length: approx. 120mm.
Blade thickness: approx. 5.5mm.
Total length: approx. 250mm.
Balance: -
Weight: approx. 228g.
Lock: 1.5cm set back
Sheath: Handcrafted leather
Notes: -

Citadel Knives and Swords is a sword and knife manufacturer based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Despite the country's reputation as an exotic and remote location, the company is easily accessible, located close to the city's international airport. The workshop is modest but houses an impressive range of high-quality Japanese swords and knives.

Founded by Dominique Eluere in the 1990s, Citadel has combined the expertise of French and local craftsmen to produce blades that rival the best in the world. Eluere began by training Cambodian blacksmiths to make French table knives, later evolving into the production of Japanese swords.

The quality of Citadel swords is world renowned, thanks to the use of traditional Japanese techniques and a meticulous manufacturing process. Each katana is heat treated, creating a blade with varying hardness along the edge and spine, a hallmark of true katanas. The hilt is fully encased in high-quality stingray leather, a rarity compared to common panels.

Attention to detail extends to every element, with every component custom-made for each blade. This includes the tsuba (sword guard) and habaki (blade collar), both of which are hand-crafted and fitted, ensuring perfect fit and functionality.

In addition to katanas, Citadel also produces European swords and knives, maintaining the same philosophy of quality and functionality. Production is artisanal, with particular attention to polishing and finishing, often done by hand with sandpaper and whetstones.

Citadel is proud of its Cambodian roots, with local workers looking up to Eluere as a father figure and deeply involved in maintaining the company's high standards.

In short, Citadel Knives and Swords represents a perfect fusion of tradition, craftsmanship and innovation, offering products that are truly functional works of art. These tools, while expensive, represent an investment in quality and craftsmanship that is hard to match.

Intended use: collectible/sporting

Type of production: Handcrafted
Blade Production: Cambodia
Blade: DNH7 carbon steel selective hardening 40/60HRC
Blade Finish: mirror polished
Handle: water buffalo horn
Blade length: about 80mm.
Blade thickness: about 3mm.
Length closed: about 113m.
Total length: about 190mm.
Thickness when closed: about 17mm.
Balance: -
Weight: about 58g.
Closure: -
Clip: -
Sheath: leather pouch
Packaging: -
Notes: each knife is handmade and differs minimally in size, weights and aesthetics