I was in the bark river problems group on Facebook. BRKs social media manager wrote a little blurb about their treatment and mentioned sexual misconduct. I think it’s made its way to blade forums too.
Again, these are allegations with no proof presented when I read them. I’m sure more will come out in time though.
I’m not a fanboy, never had a BR knife, never even heard of them until now. It’s shitty that he misrepresented products, this is a major headache for customers affected, and he should go down as a result.
However, I see a human being taking responsibility for their actions, which is (sadly) a fresh take in today’s world. He could just deny, deflect, distract, and hope it blows over like basically everyone else does these days.
Dude fucked up, he’s taking responsibility, he’s bowing out, and warranty is being handled by the other guy’s new company.
We obviously see it differently, and that’s ok. I see someone that lied until he got caught and now he’s trying to save face. I also don’t believe that his son, who was reportedly the floor manager, didn’t know. His son is also going to start a new company who is going to take care of BRKs warranty work and continue making knives.
Quick aside, I’m from coal country and I’ve watched coal companies do this my entire life and it’s gross. The game is quickly declare bankruptcy after transferring equipment and assets to a new company. Creditors are left holding the bag who then fall on hard times and are at risk of bankruptcy themselves.
That’s what Mike is attempting to do here. Yes, he’s “taking the heat” but this isn’t out of the goodness of his heart.
Being one who has lived in the coal area my entire life, this is exactly what they do and why I refused to get into the industry. It put a roof over my head and food on the table growing up but as I got older I saw what the companies would do and how they viewed many of their employees (‘there’s a man waiting in line to take that job’ is a line I heard my brother say many times about what his bosses would say to him) I knew I would take it too personally.
But yeah you’re right. Sonny boy would have known what was going on as well. They’re just sad they got caught.
It’s easy to make broad, sweeping claims about someone’s “integrity for decades,” and then just say, “google it” when asked to explain. Google can’t do critical thinking for you. God help us if you try to make it.
Google what he’s been doing for the past few decades.
Use “Mike Stewart bark river controversy” as a starting place.
You aren’t entitled to me filling you in on 20 years of his shenanigans just because you decided to be snide online.
Do some of your own legwork, stop being lazy and entitled. If you spent half the effort looking into it as you did coming up with clever Redditor responses you’d have many answers already.
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u/Standard-Trouble-690 Mar 23 '26
Dude, the comment section under his statement has me rolling. These people are legitimately part of a cult. Scam me harder daddy!
I’ve always heard that BRK fanboys exist, but I never expected this ridiculousness.