Before investing in a costly knife from a company on the Internet, check these things.

I did not expect anything from the knife company, but I was reviewing customer service, the return policy and how difficult it would be to return something. (You're welcome, loyal readers!)

I bought a model from Bark River Fox River, and drove one for the first time when I opened the UPS box. Initially, I was captivated by the workmanship, the quality of the steel and the design of the blade. I took the Fox River for a few months, with the intention of dressing a deer in the field in the fall. But I did not kill one, and I never had the opportunity to use the knife to hunt. However, I cut sticks, cut meat, did kitchen chores and was 97 percent satisfied with my purchase.

The lack of satisfaction was strictly personal. My wife could use the Fox River in total comfort, but I have big hands, and the handle was too small. And I did not like the extended Tang.

The guarantee said "complete satisfaction", so I called the Bark River factory in Escanaba, Michigan. Desiree, a nice lady with a Midwestern accent, answered the phone. I explained the situation, I said I was not completely satisfied and I was wondering if I could change or get a discount on another knife. Desiree transferred me to another line. I let it ring about eight times and then I hung up. In a matter of minutes, Desiree called me and transferred me directly to Mike Stuart, president of the company.

I explained how I had used the knife with force, but I did not like how the handle fit. Mike asked about my knife needs, and then offered to switch directly for a more popular Handmade Damascus Steel Brass Bolster knife from Aurora, Bark River with a longer handle.

To summarize, the Aurora arrived by mail soon after. I like very much.

Buying something from the Internet can become a nightmare. When you buy something as personal and important as a Handmade Damascus Steel Brass Bolster or survival knife, you cannot afford to compromise. Before investing, here are some suggestions:

Start with a ruler, a knife you know and a reputable cutlery company. Then think about this.

What do you want? For what possible tasks could the knife be used? A thin fish filleting knife with a flexible blade is very different from a sturdy drop point hunter to eviscerate deer. Have a general idea of ​​what will be required of the knife.

Check the handle and blade in the catalog, then compare those measurements with a knife that you can physically manipulate. Go to a sporting goods store and look at a pocket knife with measures similar to the one you are considering. If a mango feels too short or too long on a knife, it probably feels the same on another. In the same way, this will be an opportunity to see if you like a certain length of the blade.

Thickness of the sheet: once again, check the thickness measurements with a knife you know. My Cold Steel SRK is an excellent survival knife, but its thick and resistant blade makes it a not so good knife to cut. Forget about filleting fish with it. On the contrary, I would not like to depend on my steak knife for Handmade Damascus Steel Brass Bolstering.

Check the design: I can appreciate the historical significance of a Bowie knife, but I cannot imagine any use I might have for one. Unless you are adventurous with your knives and money, stay with something you are familiar with.

Learn about steel: a beautiful Damascus steel blade may have no advantage and could be useless to kill large game. Check the different types of steel blades, and understand which will be the best for your blade. This Mora cleared this trout limit and was shaving at the end of the job. The soft, non-slip handle was safe to use, even when it was covered in slime, scales and fish guts.

This Mora cleared this trout limit and was shaving at the end of the job. The soft, non-slip handle was safe to use, even when it was covered in slime, scales and fish guts.

Handle the materials: decide where you will use the knife and choose accordingly. If you're doing a slippery and slippery fish cleaning or a big butcher's game, it's a good idea to use a soft anti-slip smooch handle. Whatever material you get, make sure the handle fits your hand.

Color: I have many knife handles of different colors. I prefer the striking orange color hunter in hunting and Handmade Damascus Steel Brass Bolster knives. You will not want to drop a black knife in the mud in the dark, a light-handled knife in a blizzard or a camo-colored knife in the leaves. On the other hand, a handle rich in dark walnut or curly maple looks good with a traditional knife design.